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Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday launched a stinging attack on Pakistan for unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms fire along the international border even during the holy month of Ramzan, a day after the Pakistani Rangers called and 'pleaded' to stop firing.

He said that this was the most 'napaak' activity that Pakistan could indulge in during the holy month.&nbsp;

The minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said that by firing from across the border Pakistan had proved to the world that it had no faith in Ramzan, Islam and Holy Quran.&nbsp;

The unprovoked mortar shelling started in the morning, with Pakistani Rangers firing 80 my and 120 my mortars on civilian areas. In view of the firing, there was panic in the area with people staying indoors.

Significantly, on Sunday, a security forces spokesperson said: “Rangers had called up Jammu BSF formation and beseeched to stop firing.” He added that “for last three days, the precision fire of BSF troopers on Pak firing locations inflicted heavy loss to them”.

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Those who are indulging in firing from across the border have proved to the entire world that they have the least of faith in Ramzan, Islam & Holy Quran. This is the country which calls itself Pakistan & is indulging in most ‘Napaak’ activity during Ramzan: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh <a href="https://t.co/9XqCoiOJQ0">pic.twitter.com/9XqCoiOJQ0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998470485997371392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ceasefire violations and attempts to infiltrate the International Border by Pakistan have significantly increased in the fasting month of Ramzan.

Last week, Pakistan Rangers heavily shelled villages and Border out Posts in Jammu, killing two BSF jawans and four civilians, while injuring 12 others.&nbsp;

The minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said that by firing from across the border Pakistan had proved to the world that it had no faith in Ramzan, Islam and Holy Quran.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday launched a stinging attack on Pakistan for unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms fire along the international border even during the holy month of Ramzan, a day after the Pakistani Rangers called and 'pleaded' to stop firing. He said that this was the most 'napaak' activity that Pakistan could indulge in during the holy month. The minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said that by firing from across the border Pakistan had proved to the world that it had no faith in Ramzan, Islam and Holy Quran. The unprovoked mortar shelling started in the morning, with Pakistani Rangers firing 80 my and 120 my mortars on civilian areas. In view of the firing, there was panic in the area with people staying indoors. Significantly, on Sunday, a security forces spokesperson said: “Rangers had called up Jammu BSF formation and beseeched to stop firing.” He added that “for last three days, the precision fire of BSF troopers on Pak firing locations inflicted heavy loss to them”. Those who are indulging in firing from across the border have proved to the entire world that they have the least of faith in Ramzan, Islam & Holy Quran. This is the country which calls itself Pakistan & is indulging in most ‘Napaak’ activity during Ramzan: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh pic.twitter.com/9XqCoiOJQ0 — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 × The ceasefire violations and attempts to infiltrate the International Border by Pakistan have significantly increased in the fasting month of Ramzan. Last week, Pakistan Rangers heavily shelled villages and Border out Posts in Jammu, killing two BSF jawans and four civilians, while injuring 12 others.

They have least faith in Ramzan & Holy Quran: Jitendra Singh on ceasefire violation by Pakistan

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar has quashed the claims that surfaced after the release&nbsp;of an audio clip showing BJP leader bribing a Congress MLA for votes.&nbsp;

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In a Facebook post on May 19, the MLA denied receiving any bribery call from the BJP. He also confirmed that the voice in the video was not of his&nbsp;wife.

Calling the video clip a fake, he condemned the act and said that the clip was&nbsp;forged for "political reasons".&nbsp;

His post on Facebook read,&nbsp;"It was late in the House that the tape was released by the BJP today that I had conducted with my wife in the news channels. 
It's not the voice of my wife and my wife has never called her phone. It is my disdain for anyone to duplicate false tapes for political reasons. 
This audio tape fake ... I condemn this. 
People in my constituency have allowed me to serve again. Thanks for them. 
My public work will continue".

The video was released by the Congress on the day of the floor test in Karnataka.

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Meanwhile, another Congress MLA BC Patil has said that he was offered Minister post by top BJP leaders such as Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu and Murlidhar Rao.

He said, " They (BJP) offered me Minister&nbsp;post and all, its a fact. I don't know about Hebber&nbsp;(Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar), I can talk about myself."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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They (BJP) offered me Minister post & all, it's a fact. I don't know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu & Muralidhar Rao spoke to me: BC Patil, Cong MLA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/pJoFIr0d3X">pic.twitter.com/pJoFIr0d3X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998463928291086336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar said it was not his wife's voice on the purported audio clip of the BJP offering her a bribe. BC Patil however said the BJP had tried to bribe him

Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar has quashed the claims that surfaced after the release of an audio clip showing BJP leader bribing a Congress MLA for votes. × In a Facebook post on May 19, the MLA denied receiving any bribery call from the BJP. He also confirmed that the voice in the video was not of his wife. Calling the video clip a fake, he condemned the act and said that the clip was forged for "political reasons". His post on Facebook read, "It was late in the House that the tape was released by the BJP today that I had conducted with my wife in the news channels. It's not the voice of my wife and my wife has never called her phone. It is my disdain for anyone to duplicate false tapes for political reasons. This audio tape fake ... I condemn this. People in my constituency have allowed me to serve again. Thanks for them. My public work will continue". The video was released by the Congress on the day of the floor test in Karnataka. × Meanwhile, another Congress MLA BC Patil has said that he was offered Minister post by top BJP leaders such as Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu and Murlidhar Rao. He said, " They (BJP) offered me Minister post and all, its a fact. I don't know about Hebber (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar), I can talk about myself." They (BJP) offered me Minister post & all, it's a fact. I don't know about Hebbar (Congress MLA Shivaram Hebbar who reportedly claimed that Congress lied about bribe tape), I can talk about myself. Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu & Muralidhar Rao spoke to me: BC Patil, Cong MLA #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/pJoFIr0d3X — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 ×

Karnataka Cong MLA says BJP bribe offer 'fake', another says it happened

In a bid to enter the United States, an Indian man travelled over 10,000 km through 11 countries across central America in a month in 2016.

The man identified as Harpreet Singh first went to Brazil and from there he travelled several places to reach Mexico. He worked and stayed in the US illegally for months before he was caught and deported.

The man who hails from Kapurthala, Punjab, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on Saturday, on a United Airlines flight UA82 as a deportee, said an immigration department officer on condition of anonymity.

Police officials said that Singh had confessed that he had sneaked into the US illegally as he wanted US citizenship.

On 20th August 2016, Harpreet Singh took a flight from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to Brazil on a valid passport.

From Bolivia, Singh arrived in Lima, Peru. From there, he reached Costa Rica passing through Ecuador, Columbia and Panama. Then, he entered Honduras and went to Guatemala and finally arrived in Mexico, the officer said.

The final leg of Singh's journey began in Mexico, from where he illegally took a boat into the US.

After reaching the US, Singh managed to work for 15 months at a departmental store in Louisiana before he was apprehended and deported for illegally staying in the US.

Several cases of cheating and forgery have been registered against him in India.

The final leg of Singh's journey began in Mexico, from where he illegally took a boat into the US.

In a bid to enter the United States, an Indian man travelled over 10,000 km through 11 countries across central America in a month in 2016. The man identified as Harpreet Singh first went to Brazil and from there he travelled several places to reach Mexico. He worked and stayed in the US illegally for months before he was caught and deported. The man who hails from Kapurthala, Punjab, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on Saturday, on a United Airlines flight UA82 as a deportee, said an immigration department officer on condition of anonymity. Police officials said that Singh had confessed that he had sneaked into the US illegally as he wanted US citizenship. On 20th August 2016, Harpreet Singh took a flight from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to Brazil on a valid passport. From Bolivia, Singh arrived in Lima, Peru. From there, he reached Costa Rica passing through Ecuador, Columbia and Panama. Then, he entered Honduras and went to Guatemala and finally arrived in Mexico, the officer said. The final leg of Singh's journey began in Mexico, from where he illegally took a boat into the US. After reaching the US, Singh managed to work for 15 months at a departmental store in Louisiana before he was apprehended and deported for illegally staying in the US. Several cases of cheating and forgery have been registered against him in India.

Punjab man travels 10,000 kilometres, crossed 11 countries to enter US; now deported

Kerala has been put on high alert after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode over the last two weeks due to a rare and deadly virus called "Nipah".

The National Virology Institute, Pune, stated that the fever has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current toll is nine.&nbsp;

"The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja as saying&nbsp;on Sunday.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has today ordered the constitution of a high-level tea, of doctors to take the situation under control in Kerala. The order was given by the minister after he reviewed the situation.

As per ANI, the&nbsp;team constituted under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already reached Kerala. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is constantly in touch with the Kerala Health department.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, NiV infection is linked to encephalitis, characterised by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. A person infected with Nipah virus could end ujp in a&nbsp;coma within 24-48 hours.

There is no vaccine at the moment for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care, the WHO says on its website.

The Director of Health Service in Kerala, Dr RL Sarita, took the decision to form the task force after the meeting with top health department officials. "A single window system has been put in place to monitor emergency treatment to meet any eventuality," PTI quoted her as saying.

Those who died due to the Nipah&nbsp;virus include a 50-year-old woman and her male relatives, aged 23 and 25. While the two male relatives died on May 5 and May 18 respectively, the woman died at a private hospital in the district on Saturday.

Dr Sarita told reporters that the deaths occurred due to a "rare virus" and that the health department has taken all preventive measures. "We need to ascertain which type of virus caused the deaths. Many viruses are zoonotic types and some can be transmitted through bats," she said.

She also said that the health department has issued directions to all District Medical Officers to maintain vigil and forward any information in case people with similar symptoms approach them for treatment.

"We have started special medical camps at Changarothu in Kozhikode to avoid further spread of the disease", she added.

A single-window system has also put in place in the district to coordinate and monitor emergency treatment facilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Nipah virus is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. There is no vaccine at the moment, for humans or animals

Kerala has been put on high alert after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode over the last two weeks due to a rare and deadly virus called "Nipah". The National Virology Institute, Pune, stated that the fever has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current toll is nine. "The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja as saying on Sunday. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has today ordered the constitution of a high-level tea, of doctors to take the situation under control in Kerala. The order was given by the minister after he reviewed the situation. As per ANI, the team constituted under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already reached Kerala. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is constantly in touch with the Kerala Health department. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, NiV infection is linked to encephalitis, characterised by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. A person infected with Nipah virus could end ujp in a coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine at the moment for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care, the WHO says on its website. The Director of Health Service in Kerala, Dr RL Sarita, took the decision to form the task force after the meeting with top health department officials. "A single window system has been put in place to monitor emergency treatment to meet any eventuality," PTI quoted her as saying. Those who died due to the Nipah virus include a 50-year-old woman and her male relatives, aged 23 and 25. While the two male relatives died on May 5 and May 18 respectively, the woman died at a private hospital in the district on Saturday. Dr Sarita told reporters that the deaths occurred due to a "rare virus" and that the health department has taken all preventive measures. "We need to ascertain which type of virus caused the deaths. Many viruses are zoonotic types and some can be transmitted through bats," she said. She also said that the health department has issued directions to all District Medical Officers to maintain vigil and forward any information in case people with similar symptoms approach them for treatment. "We have started special medical camps at Changarothu in Kozhikode to avoid further spread of the disease", she added. A single-window system has also put in place in the district to coordinate and monitor emergency treatment facilities. (With inputs from PTI)

Kerala put on high alert after rare Nipah virus kills 9

Senior Congress leader form Karnataka DK Shivakumar said that the Congress party and Janata Dal (Secular) had to sort out their differences to pave way for a secular government in the state.

Admitting that the two parties were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that they came together "in the interest of the nation and party".

He said,"In politics, I have been fighting against the Gowdas since 1985. In the last parliamentary election and assembly election against them, I won against his son, I won against his daughter-in-law. A lot of politics have been played. Lots of cases were also registered. But in the interests of the nation and party, we need a secular government in Karnataka".

He further said he had to "swallow all the bitterness" to implement Rahul Gandhi's decision of establishing a secular government in the state. &nbsp;

He said, "Rahul Gandhi has taken a decision that there should be a secular government in Karnataka. That is what the entire country needs and that is why we have taken this stand (alliance with JD-S). I had to swallow all this bitterness since this is my duty".

Answering a question on if he was happy on forming an alliance with the JD(S), Shivakumar said, "Sometimes, individuality doesn't count here. Individuality is not important. Whatever collective or major decisions are taken, one man may like or the other man may not like. I also gave consent for the formation of this government."

He also hinted on having a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

He said, "this was the beginning of the formation of a grand alliance and this was to be achieved by the secular parties coming together".

Talking about the structure of the cabinet he said it will be discussed in the All India Congress Committee.

Asked whether the Congress-JD(S) government would complete five years, he further said, "Time will answer. I don't want to answer it right now. We have various issues, options before us, I can't tell right now."

While JD(S)'s also Kumaraswamy denied on the reports that stated that two parties were undergoing conflict. Calling the reports as "bogus and fake news" he said the claims were not true.

Another Congress leader Ramalina Reddy also said that the reports that surfaced stating a rift between the two parties were not true.

He said, "We are 100% happy, give and take policy is there, even in Bengaluru's Municipal Corporation alliance is functioning smoothly for 3 years. Ofcourse some people in both parties will have to sacrifice, as all cant become ministers".

(With inputs from ANI)

Admitting that the Congress-JD(S) were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that the two came together 'in the interest of the nation and party'

Senior Congress leader form Karnataka DK Shivakumar said that the Congress party and Janata Dal (Secular) had to sort out their differences to pave way for a secular government in the state. Admitting that the two parties were in conflict before the assembly elections in Karnataka, he said that they came together "in the interest of the nation and party". He said,"In politics, I have been fighting against the Gowdas since 1985. In the last parliamentary election and assembly election against them, I won against his son, I won against his daughter-in-law. A lot of politics have been played. Lots of cases were also registered. But in the interests of the nation and party, we need a secular government in Karnataka". He further said he had to "swallow all the bitterness" to implement Rahul Gandhi's decision of establishing a secular government in the state. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has taken a decision that there should be a secular government in Karnataka. That is what the entire country needs and that is why we have taken this stand (alliance with JD-S). I had to swallow all this bitterness since this is my duty". Answering a question on if he was happy on forming an alliance with the JD(S), Shivakumar said, "Sometimes, individuality doesn't count here. Individuality is not important. Whatever collective or major decisions are taken, one man may like or the other man may not like. I also gave consent for the formation of this government." He also hinted on having a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He said, "this was the beginning of the formation of a grand alliance and this was to be achieved by the secular parties coming together". Talking about the structure of the cabinet he said it will be discussed in the All India Congress Committee. Asked whether the Congress-JD(S) government would complete five years, he further said, "Time will answer. I don't want to answer it right now. We have various issues, options before us, I can't tell right now." While JD(S)'s also Kumaraswamy denied on the reports that stated that two parties were undergoing conflict. Calling the reports as "bogus and fake news" he said the claims were not true. Another Congress leader Ramalina Reddy also said that the reports that surfaced stating a rift between the two parties were not true. He said, "We are 100% happy, give and take policy is there, even in Bengaluru's Municipal Corporation alliance is functioning smoothly for 3 years. Ofcourse some people in both parties will have to sacrifice, as all cant become ministers". (With inputs from ANI)

Swallowed all bitterness for secular government in Karnataka: Congress MLA DK Shivakumar

India today successfully test-fired the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range along the Odisha coast to validate some new features.

The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher stationed at Launchpad 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near here at 10.40 am, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said.

The trial was conducted to validate its "life extension" technologies developed for the first time in India by DRDO and team BraHmos, said an official of the ITR.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO scientists and team BrahMos for the successful launch of BraHmos missile with new technology today.

"Smt @nsitharaman congratulates Team Brahmos & @DRDO_India for successful flight test carried out at 1040 hrs on 21 May 2018 from ITR, Balasore to validate BRAHMOS missile life extension technologies developed for the first time in India," her office said in a Twitter post.

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Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> congratulates Team Brahmos & <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a> for successful flight test carried out at 1040 hrs on 21 May 2018 from ITR, Balasore to validate BRAHMOS missile life extension technologies developed for the first time in India. 1/2
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/998441681543352321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The successful test will result in huge savings of replacement cost of missiles held in the inventory of the Indian Armed Forces, it said.

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The successful test will result in huge savings of replacement cost of missiles held in the inventory of Indian Armed Forces. 2/2
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The two-stage missile - first being solid and the second one, a ramjet liquid propellant - has already been introduced in the Army and Navy, while the Air Force version had witnessed the successful trial, the DRDO scientists said.

BrahMos variants can be launched from land, air, sea and underwater. India successfully launched the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet for the first time against a target in the Bay of Bengal in November 2017, they said.

The missiles land and naval variants are already in service. At least two Su-30 squadrons with 20 planes each are planned to be equipped with the air-launch variant BrahMos missile, 500 kg lighter than land/naval variants.

India has already extended the range of the three-tonne missile from its earlier 290 km to 400 km and successfully test-fired the variant in March 2017.

Increasing the missile's range from 400 km to further 800 km is now possible after India's induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016, they said.

Prior to that, India was bound by restrictions that limited the range of the missile, which is an Indo-Russian joint venture product, to less than 300 km.

Currently, the Army is equipped with three regiments of Block 111 version of Brahmos missile. Induction of the first version of BrahMos missile system in Indian Navy began with INS Rajput in 2005. It is now fully operational with two regiments of the Army, said the scientists.

After two successful test trials of BrahMos missile from INS Kolkata in June 2014 and February 2015, the test firing from INS Kochi on September 30, 2015, had validated the newly commissioned ship's systems.

The air launch version and the submarine launch version of the missile system are in progress.

So far, the Army has placed orders for the BrahMos missile which are to be deployed by three regiments. Two of them are already operational.

The last land-based trial was conducted from the same base on March 11, 2017, successfully.&nbsp;

The trial was conducted to validate its "life extension" technologies developed for the first time in India by DRDO and team BraHmos

India today successfully test-fired the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range along the Odisha coast to validate some new features. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher stationed at Launchpad 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near here at 10.40 am, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said. The trial was conducted to validate its "life extension" technologies developed for the first time in India by DRDO and team BraHmos, said an official of the ITR. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO scientists and team BrahMos for the successful launch of BraHmos missile with new technology today. "Smt @nsitharaman congratulates Team Brahmos & @DRDO_India for successful flight test carried out at 1040 hrs on 21 May 2018 from ITR, Balasore to validate BRAHMOS missile life extension technologies developed for the first time in India," her office said in a Twitter post. Smt @nsitharaman congratulates Team Brahmos & @DRDO_India for successful flight test carried out at 1040 hrs on 21 May 2018 from ITR, Balasore to validate BRAHMOS missile life extension technologies developed for the first time in India. 1/2 — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) May 21, 2018 × The successful test will result in huge savings of replacement cost of missiles held in the inventory of the Indian Armed Forces, it said. The successful test will result in huge savings of replacement cost of missiles held in the inventory of Indian Armed Forces. 2/2 — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) May 21, 2018 × The two-stage missile - first being solid and the second one, a ramjet liquid propellant - has already been introduced in the Army and Navy, while the Air Force version had witnessed the successful trial, the DRDO scientists said. BrahMos variants can be launched from land, air, sea and underwater. India successfully launched the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet for the first time against a target in the Bay of Bengal in November 2017, they said. The missiles land and naval variants are already in service. At least two Su-30 squadrons with 20 planes each are planned to be equipped with the air-launch variant BrahMos missile, 500 kg lighter than land/naval variants. India has already extended the range of the three-tonne missile from its earlier 290 km to 400 km and successfully test-fired the variant in March 2017. Increasing the missile's range from 400 km to further 800 km is now possible after India's induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016, they said. Prior to that, India was bound by restrictions that limited the range of the missile, which is an Indo-Russian joint venture product, to less than 300 km. Currently, the Army is equipped with three regiments of Block 111 version of Brahmos missile. Induction of the first version of BrahMos missile system in Indian Navy began with INS Rajput in 2005. It is now fully operational with two regiments of the Army, said the scientists. After two successful test trials of BrahMos missile from INS Kolkata in June 2014 and February 2015, the test firing from INS Kochi on September 30, 2015, had validated the newly commissioned ship's systems. The air launch version and the submarine launch version of the missile system are in progress. So far, the Army has placed orders for the BrahMos missile which are to be deployed by three regiments. Two of them are already operational. The last land-based trial was conducted from the same base on March 11, 2017, successfully.

India successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise

A massive fire broke out on the Vizag-Delhi A/C superfast Andhra Pradesh Express on Monday afternoon near Gwalior.&nbsp;

The fire spread to four coaches of the train near Birlanagar station in Gwalior.&nbsp;

Several fire tenders immediately rushed to the stop to douse the fire. All passengers are safe.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire is unknown.&nbsp;

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Fire broke out in 4 coaches of Andhra Pradesh Express near Birlanagar station in Gwalior. Fire under control now. All passengers safe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> (Earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/QjZIrGaqOR">pic.twitter.com/QjZIrGaqOR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998467684823056384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The cause of the fire is unknown. Further details are awaited

A massive fire broke out on the Vizag-Delhi A/C superfast Andhra Pradesh Express on Monday afternoon near Gwalior. The fire spread to four coaches of the train near Birlanagar station in Gwalior. Several fire tenders immediately rushed to the stop to douse the fire. All passengers are safe. The cause of the fire is unknown. Further details are awaited. #UPDATE Fire broke out in 4 coaches of Andhra Pradesh Express near Birlanagar station in Gwalior. Fire under control now. All passengers safe #MadhyaPradesh (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/QjZIrGaqOR — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 ×

Fire breaks out in 4 coaches of Andhra Pradesh Express near Gwalior

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet.&nbsp;

News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post.&nbsp;

There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them.&nbsp;

The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus".

"I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added.

BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government.

The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats.

While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports.

He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added.

After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21.

But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature).

However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue.

Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them.

Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place."

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus".

"It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He is expected to take his floor test on Thursday

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state. News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet. News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post. There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them. The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable. On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus". "I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added. BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government. The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats. While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports. He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. "Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added. After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21. But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature). However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue. Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them. Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place." On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus". "It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. (With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi

he West Bengal Forest Department in India releases footage of three four-day-old tiger cubs, one of which is white, who were given birth by the Royal Bengal Tiger Shila at an open enclosure in the Bengal Safari park on the outskirts of Siliguri. The cubs and mother are kept in observation.

Newly bred Bengal tiger cubs in observation

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has informed that Team Tarini&nbsp;will safely return to Goa on Monday evening. "The six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening," he noted.

Lanba called the event a "staggering achievement at many levels".

"India's maritime narrative adds one more glorious chapter to its illustrious legacy as the six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening. It is a staggering achievement at many levels - for the Indian Navy that conceived and steered the initiative, for Indian women who just broke one more glass ceiling, for those involved with the odyssey for daring to dream big, for the global and Indian sailing fraternity which has new entrants to its Hall of Fame," Lanba added.&nbsp;

"But, above all this is a stupendous achievement for every Indian. There are some days when we are all one. Today, India is Team Tarini. We are all sailors. And the Indian Flag and Naval Ensign flutters high and proud," he said.

INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel that showcases the 'Make in India' initiative on the International forum. The expedition, titled 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', is in consonance with the national policy to empower women to attain their full potential.

The all-women crew of INSV Tarini will return&nbsp;to the state on Monday evening after a historic circumnavigation of the globe for over eight months.

The six women officers trained under Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to solo-circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010.

The expedition was sailed in six legs, with stopovers at the Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Mauritius.

"It covered 21,600 nautical miles in the Indian-built sailing vessel INSV Tarini that visited five countries and crossed the Equator twice, sailed across four continents and three oceans, and passed south of the three Great Capes - Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope," a Navy spokesperson said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Over eight months after they set sail from Goa, the six Navy women on the INSV Tarini will return to the state Monday evening. The Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has informed that Team Tarini will safely return to Goa on Monday evening. "The six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening," he noted. Lanba called the event a "staggering achievement at many levels". "India's maritime narrative adds one more glorious chapter to its illustrious legacy as the six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening. It is a staggering achievement at many levels - for the Indian Navy that conceived and steered the initiative, for Indian women who just broke one more glass ceiling, for those involved with the odyssey for daring to dream big, for the global and Indian sailing fraternity which has new entrants to its Hall of Fame," Lanba added. "But, above all this is a stupendous achievement for every Indian. There are some days when we are all one. Today, India is Team Tarini. We are all sailors. And the Indian Flag and Naval Ensign flutters high and proud," he said. INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel that showcases the 'Make in India' initiative on the International forum. The expedition, titled 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', is in consonance with the national policy to empower women to attain their full potential. The all-women crew of INSV Tarini will return to the state on Monday evening after a historic circumnavigation of the globe for over eight months. The six women officers trained under Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to solo-circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. The expedition was sailed in six legs, with stopovers at the Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Mauritius. "It covered 21,600 nautical miles in the Indian-built sailing vessel INSV Tarini that visited five countries and crossed the Equator twice, sailed across four continents and three oceans, and passed south of the three Great Capes - Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope," a Navy spokesperson said. (With inputs from PTI)

'India is Team Tarini,' says Navy chief as women's team returns today after circling globe

DK Shivakumar is a politician from the state of Karnataka.

The senior Congress leader, who had predicted BS Yeddyurappa’s resignation before the crucial floor test is being seen as the man responsible for keeping the flock of 78 Congress MLAs, 37 JD(S) MLAs and two independent candidates together and outwitting the BJP strategy in the aftermath of the polls.&nbsp;

He did not go home for four days before the trust vote on Saturday and was reportedly carrying a suitcase full of clothes. When Siddaramaiah joked about his clothes, DK Shivakumar said that he hadn’t got the time to go home.&nbsp;

DK Shivakumar set aside his differences with fellow Vokkaliga HD Deve Gowda and his son H D Kumaraswamy so that the latter could become the chief minister.

He has previously handled crucial situations for the Congress in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Gujarat in 2017, he was given the task of "protecting" 43 Gujarat MLAs ahead of a Rajya Sabha election crucial for the Congress. In Maharashtra, "I did it when Vilasrao Deshmukh was in Maharashtra and there was a crisis," DK Shivakumar was quoted as saying by a media outlet.

&nbsp;A member of the Legislative Assembly from Kanakapura constituency, DK Shivakumar served as an energy minister in the previous government. In 1999, he was one of the youngest ministers in Karnataka cabinet.

In the last three decades, he has become the go-to person, the master strategist in the Congress.&nbsp;

Asked about him becoming the deputy&nbsp;chief minister, DK Shivakumar told DNA, "My leaders will do justice."

The senior Congress leader is being seen as the man responsible for keeping the flock of 78 Congress MLAs and two independent candidates together and outwitting the BJP strategy

DK Shivakumar is a politician from the state of Karnataka. The senior Congress leader, who had predicted BS Yeddyurappa’s resignation before the crucial floor test is being seen as the man responsible for keeping the flock of 78 Congress MLAs, 37 JD(S) MLAs and two independent candidates together and outwitting the BJP strategy in the aftermath of the polls. He did not go home for four days before the trust vote on Saturday and was reportedly carrying a suitcase full of clothes. When Siddaramaiah joked about his clothes, DK Shivakumar said that he hadn’t got the time to go home. DK Shivakumar set aside his differences with fellow Vokkaliga HD Deve Gowda and his son H D Kumaraswamy so that the latter could become the chief minister. He has previously handled crucial situations for the Congress in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Gujarat in 2017, he was given the task of "protecting" 43 Gujarat MLAs ahead of a Rajya Sabha election crucial for the Congress. In Maharashtra, "I did it when Vilasrao Deshmukh was in Maharashtra and there was a crisis," DK Shivakumar was quoted as saying by a media outlet. A member of the Legislative Assembly from Kanakapura constituency, DK Shivakumar served as an energy minister in the previous government. In 1999, he was one of the youngest ministers in Karnataka cabinet. In the last three decades, he has become the go-to person, the master strategist in the Congress. Asked about him becoming the deputy chief minister, DK Shivakumar told DNA, "My leaders will do justice."

Meet DK Shivakumar: Congress' go-to man in the Karnataka assembly elections

In one of its first case, a 30-year-old Mumbai jeweller Birju Kishore Salla has become the first man to be put on a 'national no-fly list'.

The jeweller who usually travels in business class is said to be a repeat defaulter in airlines.&nbsp;

He was detained on October 30, 2017, for allegedly planting a note in the toilet of Mumbai-Delhi Jet Airways flight forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Following this, the airline has banned him from boarding their plane for five years.

A media report quoted a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) saying that this was the first case where an Indian plane had put someone on the no-fly list.

He added that the step was taken by Jet Airways after following due procedure.&nbsp;

He also said that it was the responsibility of the airline to inform other planes.

A media report stated that Salla had earlier carried a cockroach in a plane and blamed the airline.

He was detained on October 30, 2017, for allegedly planting a note in the toilet of Mumbai-Delhi Jet Airways flight forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Ahmedabad

In one of its first case, a 30-year-old Mumbai jeweller Birju Kishore Salla has become the first man to be put on a 'national no-fly list'. The jeweller who usually travels in business class is said to be a repeat defaulter in airlines. He was detained on October 30, 2017, for allegedly planting a note in the toilet of Mumbai-Delhi Jet Airways flight forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Ahmedabad. Following this, the airline has banned him from boarding their plane for five years. A media report quoted a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) saying that this was the first case where an Indian plane had put someone on the no-fly list. He added that the step was taken by Jet Airways after following due procedure. He also said that it was the responsibility of the airline to inform other planes. A media report stated that Salla had earlier carried a cockroach in a plane and blamed the airline.

Mumbai man becomes first to be put on 'no-fly list'

A man in Madhya Pradesh was allegedly beaten to death by villagers for killing cattle on Friday.

The incident happened in Satna district when people from Amar village beat the man to death and also injured a driver. They were allegedly beaten up by the attackers armed with sticks.

The man died at the district hospital in Satna a few hours after the alleged assault.

The police said that they had found a slaughtered bull and meat of two other bulls packed in sacks from the spot.

The police have taken into custody at least 4 suspects in the case and a probe is underway.

Early morning on Friday, two people from Amgar village saw a group of people with the cattle. However, when they reached the spot, four of the group members had fled while two from the same group — Riaz and Shakeel — who were with the cattle, were severely beaten up by the villagers.

Later, when the police reached the spot in the early hours of Friday, they found a man dead and the driver, lying in a critical state.

Madhya Pradesh amended its rules against cow slaughter in 2012 and raised the maximum punishment from three years’ imprisonment to seven years.

The police have taken into custody at least 5 suspects in the case and a probe is underway

A man in Madhya Pradesh was allegedly beaten to death by villagers for killing cattle on Friday. The incident happened in Satna district when people from Amar village beat the man to death and also injured a driver. They were allegedly beaten up by the attackers armed with sticks. The man died at the district hospital in Satna a few hours after the alleged assault. The police said that they had found a slaughtered bull and meat of two other bulls packed in sacks from the spot. The police have taken into custody at least 4 suspects in the case and a probe is underway. Early morning on Friday, two people from Amgar village saw a group of people with the cattle. However, when they reached the spot, four of the group members had fled while two from the same group — Riaz and Shakeel — who were with the cattle, were severely beaten up by the villagers. Later, when the police reached the spot in the early hours of Friday, they found a man dead and the driver, lying in a critical state. Madhya Pradesh amended its rules against cow slaughter in 2012 and raised the maximum punishment from three years’ imprisonment to seven years.

Man beaten to death in Madhya Pradesh over suspicion of cow slaughter

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister a "victory of democracy".

Chandrababu Naidu said that as a chief minister and someone who believed in democracy, he welcomed the development and that the whole country would be happy about what had transpired.

"This is a victory of democracy. As a chief minister and as someone who believes in democracy, I am welcoming this. Everyone in the country will be happy about this development," Naidu said.

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah of trying to "deride the democracy" in Karnataka. He also questioned the message the Prime Minister and the BJP President have given to the nation and the youth.

Chandrababu Naidu further accused the BJP of bribing voters with Rs 10,000 for each vote and of bringing back tainted leader Janardhan Reddy to the forefront.

"Prime Minister told he will be honest, will bring back black money from Swiss Bank and abroad. But, BJP bribed upto Rs10,000 for each vote in the Karnataka elections. BJP brought back Janardhan Reddy who looted the mineral wealth in the country to the forefront and did politics, gave them seats," Naidu added.

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused the BJP of "misusing the institution of Governor" in Karnataka.

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will now take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on May 23 after he was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala to form the government in the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of trying to 'deride the democracy' in Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister a "victory of democracy". Chandrababu Naidu said that as a chief minister and someone who believed in democracy, he welcomed the development and that the whole country would be happy about what had transpired. "This is a victory of democracy. As a chief minister and as someone who believes in democracy, I am welcoming this. Everyone in the country will be happy about this development," Naidu said. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah of trying to "deride the democracy" in Karnataka. He also questioned the message the Prime Minister and the BJP President have given to the nation and the youth. Chandrababu Naidu further accused the BJP of bribing voters with Rs 10,000 for each vote and of bringing back tainted leader Janardhan Reddy to the forefront. "Prime Minister told he will be honest, will bring back black money from Swiss Bank and abroad. But, BJP bribed upto Rs10,000 for each vote in the Karnataka elections. BJP brought back Janardhan Reddy who looted the mineral wealth in the country to the forefront and did politics, gave them seats," Naidu added. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused the BJP of "misusing the institution of Governor" in Karnataka. JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will now take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on May 23 after he was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala to form the government in the state. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly on Saturday. (With inputs from ANI)

Victory of democracy: Chandrababu Naidu on BJP's Karnataka setback

Following the political drama in Karnataka, the Congress party on Saturday slammed the BJP government, stating that if they had any shame then they should resign from Goa and also from other states from where they had "stolen the majority".

"Just like what happened in Karnataka, if BJP government has any shame then they should forthwith resign from Goa and also from the other states from where they have stolen the majority," Goa Congress spokesperson Yatish Naik said at a press conference in Panaji.

The Congress's statement comes hours after former Member of Indian Parliament (MP) Sanjay Nirupam drew a parallel between Governor Vala and the loyalty of dogs.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI that the party did not support such statements and that unlike PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had regard even for their worst enemies.

"The Karnataka Governor murdered democracy. However, the Congress will not support any such statements. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have regard even for their worst enemies, unlike Prime Minister Modi. Any statement made on him (Governor Vala) personally won't be accepted," Randeep Surjewala said.

On Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa announced his resignation as chief minister of Karnataka ahead of the floor test that was scheduled for him to prove majority at the state assembly.

Soon after, Sanjay Nirupam said, "Vajubhai Vala ji has established a new record of loyalty in this country. Perhaps, every man in this country will now name their dogs as Vajubhai Vala, because nobody can be more loyal than this."

"Today, democracy has won in the country. The people, who on the basis of their money and their ego, wanted to rule the world have lost today. This day will be remembered as the day when (Prime Minister) Modi and (Amit) Shah lost," he added. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

On Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa announced his resignation as chief minister of Karnataka ahead of the floor test that was scheduled for him to prove majority at the state assembly

Following the political drama in Karnataka, the Congress party on Saturday slammed the BJP government, stating that if they had any shame then they should resign from Goa and also from other states from where they had "stolen the majority". "Just like what happened in Karnataka, if BJP government has any shame then they should forthwith resign from Goa and also from the other states from where they have stolen the majority," Goa Congress spokesperson Yatish Naik said at a press conference in Panaji. The Congress's statement comes hours after former Member of Indian Parliament (MP) Sanjay Nirupam drew a parallel between Governor Vala and the loyalty of dogs. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI that the party did not support such statements and that unlike PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had regard even for their worst enemies. "The Karnataka Governor murdered democracy. However, the Congress will not support any such statements. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have regard even for their worst enemies, unlike Prime Minister Modi. Any statement made on him (Governor Vala) personally won't be accepted," Randeep Surjewala said. On Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa announced his resignation as chief minister of Karnataka ahead of the floor test that was scheduled for him to prove majority at the state assembly. Soon after, Sanjay Nirupam said, "Vajubhai Vala ji has established a new record of loyalty in this country. Perhaps, every man in this country will now name their dogs as Vajubhai Vala, because nobody can be more loyal than this." "Today, democracy has won in the country. The people, who on the basis of their money and their ego, wanted to rule the world have lost today. This day will be remembered as the day when (Prime Minister) Modi and (Amit) Shah lost," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP should resign from Goa, other states where they have 'stolen majority': Goa Congress

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Tripura has announced a new recruitment policy that will ensure reservations for female candidates in government jobs.

Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the new recruitment policy had been brought in for ensuring fairness and transparency in government recruitment. He also declared that his government has annulled the earlier employment rules framed by the previous Left Front government.&nbsp;

"We have cancelled the existing recruitment policy and for better transparency and fairness in government recruitment, the Cabinet has accepted new recruitment policy. This essentially is for being fair and transparent. There should not be any partisan and the deserving candidates should get the job and be part of the administration. It was there in our vision document and so this government for fairness in recruitment has accepted new policy," the Education and Law Minister said during a press conference at the secretariat.

Ratan Lal Nath, who was accompanied by the Agriculture and Transport Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said the previous government had been partial and ignored quality of candidates during recruitment. The minister said that a written examination would be conducted for recruiting employees of the group "C"&nbsp;and group "D"&nbsp;posts.

"The earlier government while recruiting employees has done partiality and ignored quality candidates. From now on, a written examination would be done for recruiting employees for the group "C" and group "D" posts," said the Education and Law Minister.

Another important decision taken by the Cabinet was to reserve 10 per cent of the posts in the police for women.

"There shall be ten per cent reservation for women in the police force at all levels under Home department. Till date in this state, there was no reservation for women in the recruitment of police but the present government has taken this decision to reserve ten percent for women in all posts of the police force," Mr Nath said.

The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who also holds the home portfolio. The minister said that a separate institution would be constituted for recruiting government employees for the group "C" and group "D" posts and the existing Tripura Public Service Commission would be further strengthened for selecting the best candidates for the required government posts.

The BJP government on Saturday also decided to enhance the salaries and allowances of the judicial officers with effect from January 2016.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the new recruitment policy had been brought in for ensuring fairness and transparency in government recruitment

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Tripura has announced a new recruitment policy that will ensure reservations for female candidates in government jobs. Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the new recruitment policy had been brought in for ensuring fairness and transparency in government recruitment. He also declared that his government has annulled the earlier employment rules framed by the previous Left Front government. "We have cancelled the existing recruitment policy and for better transparency and fairness in government recruitment, the Cabinet has accepted new recruitment policy. This essentially is for being fair and transparent. There should not be any partisan and the deserving candidates should get the job and be part of the administration. It was there in our vision document and so this government for fairness in recruitment has accepted new policy," the Education and Law Minister said during a press conference at the secretariat. Ratan Lal Nath, who was accompanied by the Agriculture and Transport Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said the previous government had been partial and ignored quality of candidates during recruitment. The minister said that a written examination would be conducted for recruiting employees of the group "C" and group "D" posts. "The earlier government while recruiting employees has done partiality and ignored quality candidates. From now on, a written examination would be done for recruiting employees for the group "C" and group "D" posts," said the Education and Law Minister. Another important decision taken by the Cabinet was to reserve 10 per cent of the posts in the police for women. "There shall be ten per cent reservation for women in the police force at all levels under Home department. Till date in this state, there was no reservation for women in the recruitment of police but the present government has taken this decision to reserve ten percent for women in all posts of the police force," Mr Nath said. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who also holds the home portfolio. The minister said that a separate institution would be constituted for recruiting government employees for the group "C" and group "D" posts and the existing Tripura Public Service Commission would be further strengthened for selecting the best candidates for the required government posts. The BJP government on Saturday also decided to enhance the salaries and allowances of the judicial officers with effect from January 2016. (With inputs from ANI)

Tripura announces reservations for women in government jobs

The JD(S)-Congress win&nbsp;in Karnataka is encouraging the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday.&nbsp;

A number of regional leaders — including Mamata Banerjee,&nbsp;N Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, MK Stalin, and Tejashwi Yadav — have spoken out in support of the JD(S)-Congress win.&nbsp;

"Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;

"Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events," tweeted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.&nbsp;

"BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;

HD Kumaraswamy's swearing in on May 23 is expected to be a show of strength of this possible federal front&nbsp;with the Congress and the JD(S) inviting a number of leaders. All of the leaders mentioned above are expected to attend.&nbsp;

"I just spoke with Kumaraswamy Ji and congratulated him. He invited me for the oath taking ceremony," tweeted Mamata.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi too hinted at the formation of an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019.&nbsp;

"I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so," Rahul said to the media after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as chief minister of Karnataka.&nbsp;

Sunday's news reports however added that the developments in Karnataka have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of this possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/997789228347133952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now ? 
 
India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/997800430250942464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaranatakaFloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaranatakaFloorTest</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997790392081960960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए.
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/997805429060071424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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कर्नाटक विधानसभेतील बहुमतात असलेल्या सदस्यांचे अभिनंदन! प्रचंड दबाव-प्रलोभने असतानाही त्याला बळी न पडता आपल्या पक्षांच्या भूमिकेशी ते ठाम राहिले.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaFloorTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaFloorTest</a>
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Resignation of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/997817333866348545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The systematic abuse of Governor's office and wanton misuse of Speaker's powers by the BJP in other states, including TamilNadu, stand exposed from recent events in Karnataka. Hope this setback helps the BJP realise its mistake of propping up an illegitimate govt in TamilNadu.
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The BJP won 104 seats in the recent Karnataka elections. The Congress won 78, the JD(S) 37, and its pre-poll ally the BSP 1.&nbsp;

The Karnataka assembly has a total of 224 seats, but voting to two seats was postponed. 112 seats then were needed for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP was short by 8 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) together were able to make the numbers.&nbsp;

The Congress' Rahul Gandhi had attacked the JD(S) on the campaign trail, calling it the "B-team of the BJP" but the Congress quickly offered the JD(S) an alliance and the chief ministership once the election results were out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
 
&nbsp;

The developments in Karnataka however have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of a possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it

The JD(S)-Congress win in Karnataka is encouraging the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday. A number of regional leaders — including Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, MK Stalin, and Tejashwi Yadav — have spoken out in support of the JD(S)-Congress win. "Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events," tweeted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. "BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. HD Kumaraswamy's swearing in on May 23 is expected to be a show of strength of this possible federal front with the Congress and the JD(S) inviting a number of leaders. All of the leaders mentioned above are expected to attend. "I just spoke with Kumaraswamy Ji and congratulated him. He invited me for the oath taking ceremony," tweeted Mamata. Congress President Rahul Gandhi too hinted at the formation of an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019. "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so," Rahul said to the media after BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as chief minister of Karnataka. Sunday's news reports however added that the developments in Karnataka have made the Congress realise that it cannot be the leader of this possible federal front to take on the BJP in 2019, but only a part of it. Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 19, 2018 × BJP’s attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now ? India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 19, 2018 × Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar! #KaranatakaFloorTest — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 19, 2018 × आज का दिन भारतीय राजनीति में धनबल की जगह जनमत की जीत का दिन है. सबको खरीद लेने का दावा करने वालों को आज ये सबक मिल गया है कि अभी भी भारत की राजनीति में ऐसे लोग बाकी हैं, जो उनकी तरह राजनीति को कारोबार नहीं मानते हैं. नैतिक रूप से तो केंद्र की सरकार को भी इस्तीफ़ा दे देना चाहिए. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 19, 2018 × कर्नाटक विधानसभेतील बहुमतात असलेल्या सदस्यांचे अभिनंदन! प्रचंड दबाव-प्रलोभने असतानाही त्याला बळी न पडता आपल्या पक्षांच्या भूमिकेशी ते ठाम राहिले.#KarnatakaFloorTest — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 19, 2018 × Resignation of BS Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's CM is a true victory for democracy. Entire nation is happy with the current turn of events. As a Chief Minister and a firm believer of democracy, I am expressing my happiness. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 19, 2018 × The systematic abuse of Governor's office and wanton misuse of Speaker's powers by the BJP in other states, including TamilNadu, stand exposed from recent events in Karnataka. Hope this setback helps the BJP realise its mistake of propping up an illegitimate govt in TamilNadu. — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 19, 2018 × The BJP won 104 seats in the recent Karnataka elections. The Congress won 78, the JD(S) 37, and its pre-poll ally the BSP 1. The Karnataka assembly has a total of 224 seats, but voting to two seats was postponed. 112 seats then were needed for a simple majority. The BJP was short by 8 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) together were able to make the numbers. The Congress' Rahul Gandhi had attacked the JD(S) on the campaign trail, calling it the "B-team of the BJP" but the Congress quickly offered the JD(S) an alliance and the chief ministership once the election results were out.

Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP

After a long time, Congress has a reason to smile. The number tally of the Karnataka assembly elections had put a question mark on the party's existence, but after today's development, Congress will be able to make a political turnaround.

B S Yeddyurappa's resignation just before the trust vote on the floor of Karnataka Assembly has sent a loud and clear message that Congress can fight back and defeat Modi-Shah combine. Today's development is redux of the same nail-biting suspense which was witnessed during Ahmad Patel’s election to Rajya Sabha last year. 
&nbsp; 
After Manipur, Goa and Meghalaya, Congress came under intense criticism for not been able to form the government. Congress emerged as the single largest party in both Manipur and Goa but delayed decision-making resulted in BJP forming the government in both states. This time around Congress had sent senior leadership to Bengaluru in case they fell short of numbers. 
&nbsp; 
Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack. He said, "This how BJP respects our national anthem.”

He said that both BJP and RSS are trying to subvert government institutions throughout the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also in the line of fire. "Not only Narendra Modi promotes corruption but he is corruption," said Rahul.

In his short victory speech, Rahul said that BJP’s stand on corruption has been exposed and Congress will not allow it to subvert democratic institutions. 
&nbsp; 
What added to BJP’s misery were three sting operations done by Congress MLAs who actively recorded the conversations where BJP leaders were asking Congress MLAs to cross the fence.

The BJP continues to be the largest party and stability in the state will entirely depend on the ability of JD(S) to keep its stock together. Congress, on the other hand, will also have to be careful lest BJP gains sympathy making it electorally difficult for them in coming Lok Sabha elections.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack.

After a long time, Congress has a reason to smile. The number tally of the Karnataka assembly elections had put a question mark on the party's existence, but after today's development, Congress will be able to make a political turnaround. B S Yeddyurappa's resignation just before the trust vote on the floor of Karnataka Assembly has sent a loud and clear message that Congress can fight back and defeat Modi-Shah combine. Today's development is redux of the same nail-biting suspense which was witnessed during Ahmad Patel’s election to Rajya Sabha last year. After Manipur, Goa and Meghalaya, Congress came under intense criticism for not been able to form the government. Congress emerged as the single largest party in both Manipur and Goa but delayed decision-making resulted in BJP forming the government in both states. This time around Congress had sent senior leadership to Bengaluru in case they fell short of numbers. Congress president Rahul Gandhi used this opportunity to launch a blistering attack on the BJP. That Yeddyurappa walked out of the Assembly while the national anthem was being played was the start of Rahul's attack. He said, "This how BJP respects our national anthem.” He said that both BJP and RSS are trying to subvert government institutions throughout the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also in the line of fire. "Not only Narendra Modi promotes corruption but he is corruption," said Rahul. In his short victory speech, Rahul said that BJP’s stand on corruption has been exposed and Congress will not allow it to subvert democratic institutions. What added to BJP’s misery were three sting operations done by Congress MLAs who actively recorded the conversations where BJP leaders were asking Congress MLAs to cross the fence. The BJP continues to be the largest party and stability in the state will entirely depend on the ability of JD(S) to keep its stock together. Congress, on the other hand, will also have to be careful lest BJP gains sympathy making it electorally difficult for them in coming Lok Sabha elections. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Karnataka floor test twist gives Congress a reason to smile

During an event in Ballia on Sunday, Om Prakash Rajbhar dared people not to attend any other party's rally, else he would curse them to the extent that they suffer from jaundice. Last month, the leader faced public ire for saying Rajputs and Yadavs consumed more liquor than others.&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

Addressing the function, Rajbhar said, “Jab tak meri team rally ka sandesh lekar aapke pass nahi jaayegi, tab tak kisi aur party ki rally me agar koi gaya toh usko OP Rajbhar ka shraap lagega, peeliya ho jaayega, theek tabhi hoga jab OP Rajbhar ki dawai loge. (Until my team approach you with the message of rally, and meanwhile if somebody attends the rally of any other party then he/she will have to face my curse. He will suffer from jaundice and it will be only cured when OP Rajbhar provides medicine.)” &nbsp 
&nbsp

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> UP Minister OP Rajbhar at an event in Ballia says 'Jab tak meri team rally ka sandesh lekar aapke pass nahi jaayegi, tab tak kisi aur Party ki rally agar koi gaya toh usko OP Rajbhar ka shraap lagega, peeliya ho jaayega, theek tabhi hoga jab OP Rajbhar ki dawai loge.' <a href="https://t.co/xHQ6IwNepN">pic.twitter.com/xHQ6IwNepN</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/998170165538848768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Last week, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Rajbhar dared the BJP to sack him and snap the alliance between the two parties, a day after he had been reprimanded for “maligning the Uttar Pradesh government” by the state BJP president.

During an event in Ballia on Sunday, Om Prakash Rajbhar dared people not to attend any other party's rally, else he would curse them to the extent that they suffer from jaundice. Last month, the leader faced public ire for saying Rajputs and Yadavs consumed more liquor than others. Addressing the function, Rajbhar said, “Jab tak meri team rally ka sandesh lekar aapke pass nahi jaayegi, tab tak kisi aur party ki rally me agar koi gaya toh usko OP Rajbhar ka shraap lagega, peeliya ho jaayega, theek tabhi hoga jab OP Rajbhar ki dawai loge. (Until my team approach you with the message of rally, and meanwhile if somebody attends the rally of any other party then he/she will have to face my curse. He will suffer from jaundice and it will be only cured when OP Rajbhar provides medicine.)” #WATCH UP Minister OP Rajbhar at an event in Ballia says 'Jab tak meri team rally ka sandesh lekar aapke pass nahi jaayegi, tab tak kisi aur Party ki rally agar koi gaya toh usko OP Rajbhar ka shraap lagega, peeliya ho jaayega, theek tabhi hoga jab OP Rajbhar ki dawai loge.' pic.twitter.com/xHQ6IwNepN — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 20, 2018 ×

UP minister OP Rajbhar curses crowd with 'jaundice' remark

After Russia, China and US, India has decided to include Artificial Intelligence in its defence forces with an aim to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, ANi reported.

News agency ANI quoting Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), Ministry of Defence stated that a task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran to finalise the specifics and framework of the project.

"Artificial Intelligence is going to influence everything in the future, our common lives also including it also going to affect the future warfare. Most of the major countries in the world are taking steps to ensure that their defence systems are fully empowered by the use of Artificial Intelligence. In India, we have also taken steps in this direction," Kumar was quoted as saying.

The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups.

"This multi-stakeholder group is looking at what are the kinds of requirements," Kumar said.

He further said that India has a fairly strong IT industry base which will become the biggest strength in terms of developing Artificial Intelligence capabilities.

"We need to work on a partnership model between industries and defence forces which should be different from a buyer-seller proposition," he added.

Artificial Intelligence, which along with robotics, internet and machine learning has been billed as the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, is a system of computers or machines that have the ability to mirror human intelligence. This means they can learn, reason and do the self-correction on its own.

The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups.

After Russia, China and US, India has decided to include Artificial Intelligence in its defence forces with an aim to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces, ANi reported. News agency ANI quoting Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), Ministry of Defence stated that a task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran to finalise the specifics and framework of the project. "Artificial Intelligence is going to influence everything in the future, our common lives also including it also going to affect the future warfare. Most of the major countries in the world are taking steps to ensure that their defence systems are fully empowered by the use of Artificial Intelligence. In India, we have also taken steps in this direction," Kumar was quoted as saying. The project to equip defence forces with Artificial Intelligence, includes the representation from all defence forces or Defence Research and Development (DRDO) labs, government, BEL, experts, professionals and startups. "This multi-stakeholder group is looking at what are the kinds of requirements," Kumar said. He further said that India has a fairly strong IT industry base which will become the biggest strength in terms of developing Artificial Intelligence capabilities. "We need to work on a partnership model between industries and defence forces which should be different from a buyer-seller proposition," he added. Artificial Intelligence, which along with robotics, internet and machine learning has been billed as the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, is a system of computers or machines that have the ability to mirror human intelligence. This means they can learn, reason and do the self-correction on its own.

India aiming at equipping defence forces with Artificial Intelligence

China has begun large-scale mining operations on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh where a huge trove of gold, silver and other precious minerals valued at about $60 billion has been found, a media report said on Sunday.

The mine project is being undertaken in Lhunze county under Chinese control adjacent to the Indian border, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet.

Projecting the mining operations as part of China's move to take over Arunachal Pradesh, the report said "people familiar with the project say the mines are part of an ambitious plan by Beijing to reclaim South Tibet".

"China's moves to lay claim to the region's natural resources while rapidly building up infrastructure could turn it into 'another South China Sea' they said," it said.

The Post report, with inputs from local officials, Chinese geologists as well as strategic experts, comes less than a month after the first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping that was aimed at cooling tensions to avert incidents like the Doklam military standoff last year.

The 73-day standoff marked a new low in bilateral ties.

Lhunze was in the news last October, just about two months after Doklam, when Xi in a rare gesture replied to correspondence from a herding family in Lhunze County underscoring Beijing's claim to the area.

The family is based in Yumai, China's smallest town in terms of population located close to Arunachal Pradesh.

Xi thanked the father and his two daughters for their loyalty and contributions to China, and also urged the people of Lhunze to "set down roots" to develop the area for the national interest.

The Post report said although mining has been going on in the world's highest mountain range for thousands of years, the challenge of accessing the remote terrain and concerns about environmental damage had until now limited the extent of the activities.

But the unprecedented heavy investment by the Chinese government to build roads and other infrastructure in the area has made travel easy.

Most of the precious minerals which include rare earths used to make hi-tech products are hidden under Lhunze county, the report said.

By the end of last year, the scale of mining activity in Lhunze had surpassed that of all other areas in Tibet, it said.

People have poured into the area so fast that even local government officials could not provide a precise count for the current population, it said.

"Enormous, deep tunnels have been dug into the mountains along the military confrontation line, allowing thousands of tonnes of ore to be loaded and transported out by trucks daily, along roads built through every village," it said.

Extensive power lines and communication networks have been established, while construction is under way on an airport that can handle passenger jets, it said.

With more mines being dug in Lhunze and surroundings, a county official told the Post that more than 80 per cent of the county government's tax income came from mining.

The mines would also lead to a situation akin to "another South China Sea" arising out of the world's highest mountain range, it said.

Zheng Youye, a professor at the China University of Geosciences in Beijing and the lead scientist for a Beijing-funded northern Himalayan minerals survey, confirmed to the Post that a series of discoveries in recent years put the potential value of ores under Lhunze and the nearby area at 370 billion yuan ($58 billion).

"This is just a preliminary estimate. More surveys are under way," he said.

There could be more big discoveries as Chinese researchers learn more about the area. With strong financial backing from the government, they have already amassed extensive data on the region.

According to Zheng, the new-found ores could tip the balance of power between China and India in the Himalayas.

He said Chinese troops withdrew in the 1962 war from the areas in Arunachal Pradesh as they had no people to hold the territory.

The new mining activities would lead to a rapid and significant increase in the Chinese population in the Himalayas, Zheng said, which would provide stable, long-term support for any diplomatic or military operations aimed at gradually driving Indian forces out of territory claimed by China.

"This is similar to what has happened in the South China Sea" where Beijing has asserted its claim to much of the contested waters by building artificial islands and increasing its naval activity, he said.

Hao Xiaoguang, a researcher with the Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, Hubei who specialises in India-China issues said Beijing was likely to take the same approach to the Himalayas as in the South China Sea.

As China's economic, geopolitical and military strength continues to increase, "it is only a matter of time before South Tibet returns to Chinese control," Hao claimed.&nbsp;

"What China (has) achieved today in the South China Sea was almost unthinkable a decade ago. I am optimistic (about) what will happen in the Himalayas in the coming years because President Xi has made it clear that 'not a single inch of our land will be or can be ceded from China', which definitely includes South Tibet," he said.&nbsp;

But Hao said the Lhunze mining boom would not be expanded to other areas due to environmental reasons. In Lhunze, some of the newcomers are still acclimatising. The area is already teeming with people from different parts of China.

Weng Qingzhen, who owns a Sichuan restaurant in the county, said she moved there less than two months ago after friends and relatives told her about the mining boom.

Reports say that the mining operations are part of China's ambitious plan to take over Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims to be part of South Tibet.

China has begun large-scale mining operations on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh where a huge trove of gold, silver and other precious minerals valued at about $60 billion has been found, a media report said on Sunday. The mine project is being undertaken in Lhunze county under Chinese control adjacent to the Indian border, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. Projecting the mining operations as part of China's move to take over Arunachal Pradesh, the report said "people familiar with the project say the mines are part of an ambitious plan by Beijing to reclaim South Tibet". "China's moves to lay claim to the region's natural resources while rapidly building up infrastructure could turn it into 'another South China Sea' they said," it said. The Post report, with inputs from local officials, Chinese geologists as well as strategic experts, comes less than a month after the first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping that was aimed at cooling tensions to avert incidents like the Doklam military standoff last year. The 73-day standoff marked a new low in bilateral ties. Lhunze was in the news last October, just about two months after Doklam, when Xi in a rare gesture replied to correspondence from a herding family in Lhunze County underscoring Beijing's claim to the area. The family is based in Yumai, China's smallest town in terms of population located close to Arunachal Pradesh. Xi thanked the father and his two daughters for their loyalty and contributions to China, and also urged the people of Lhunze to "set down roots" to develop the area for the national interest. The Post report said although mining has been going on in the world's highest mountain range for thousands of years, the challenge of accessing the remote terrain and concerns about environmental damage had until now limited the extent of the activities. But the unprecedented heavy investment by the Chinese government to build roads and other infrastructure in the area has made travel easy. Most of the precious minerals which include rare earths used to make hi-tech products are hidden under Lhunze county, the report said. By the end of last year, the scale of mining activity in Lhunze had surpassed that of all other areas in Tibet, it said. People have poured into the area so fast that even local government officials could not provide a precise count for the current population, it said. "Enormous, deep tunnels have been dug into the mountains along the military confrontation line, allowing thousands of tonnes of ore to be loaded and transported out by trucks daily, along roads built through every village," it said. Extensive power lines and communication networks have been established, while construction is under way on an airport that can handle passenger jets, it said. With more mines being dug in Lhunze and surroundings, a county official told the Post that more than 80 per cent of the county government's tax income came from mining. The mines would also lead to a situation akin to "another South China Sea" arising out of the world's highest mountain range, it said. Zheng Youye, a professor at the China University of Geosciences in Beijing and the lead scientist for a Beijing-funded northern Himalayan minerals survey, confirmed to the Post that a series of discoveries in recent years put the potential value of ores under Lhunze and the nearby area at 370 billion yuan ($58 billion). "This is just a preliminary estimate. More surveys are under way," he said. There could be more big discoveries as Chinese researchers learn more about the area. With strong financial backing from the government, they have already amassed extensive data on the region. According to Zheng, the new-found ores could tip the balance of power between China and India in the Himalayas. He said Chinese troops withdrew in the 1962 war from the areas in Arunachal Pradesh as they had no people to hold the territory. The new mining activities would lead to a rapid and significant increase in the Chinese population in the Himalayas, Zheng said, which would provide stable, long-term support for any diplomatic or military operations aimed at gradually driving Indian forces out of territory claimed by China. "This is similar to what has happened in the South China Sea" where Beijing has asserted its claim to much of the contested waters by building artificial islands and increasing its naval activity, he said. Hao Xiaoguang, a researcher with the Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, Hubei who specialises in India-China issues said Beijing was likely to take the same approach to the Himalayas as in the South China Sea. As China's economic, geopolitical and military strength continues to increase, "it is only a matter of time before South Tibet returns to Chinese control," Hao claimed. "What China (has) achieved today in the South China Sea was almost unthinkable a decade ago. I am optimistic (about) what will happen in the Himalayas in the coming years because President Xi has made it clear that 'not a single inch of our land will be or can be ceded from China', which definitely includes South Tibet," he said. But Hao said the Lhunze mining boom would not be expanded to other areas due to environmental reasons. In Lhunze, some of the newcomers are still acclimatising. The area is already teeming with people from different parts of China. Weng Qingzhen, who owns a Sichuan restaurant in the county, said she moved there less than two months ago after friends and relatives told her about the mining boom.

China's appetite for Himalayan gold could be the next flash point with India

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience.

"It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said.

Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra&nbsp;Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-monday-138283">HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23</a>&nbsp;

He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity.

"You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)."

Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS.

He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics"&nbsp;against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding.

The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said.

"I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire).

It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached.

"If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note.

To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people."

Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said.

"In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.&nbsp;

To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, Yeddyurappa said he asked opposition MLAs for a vote of conscience

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience. "It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said. Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said. Also read: HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23 He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi". Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity. "You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)." Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS. He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics" against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding. The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said. "I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire). It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached. "If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note. To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people." Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said. "In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.

Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who is all set to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister, on Sunday dismissed reports about his party working out a power sharing formula of heading the government for 30 months each, with its coalition partner the Congress.

"No such talks have taken place," he told reporters here when asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each being worked out with the Congress, with whom JDS has stitched up a post-poll alliance after the May 12 assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate.

There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP.

Kumaraswamy had headed the BJP-JD(S) coalition government for 20 months from January 2006, under a power sharing agreement of leading the coalition for 20 months each.

The JD(S) had then reneged on its commitment to share the power for the remaining 20 months with the BJP and refused to hand over the mantle to B S Yeddyurappa, causing the collapse of the government.

In the following elections in 2008, BJP had stormed to power on its own with Yedyurappa as Chief Minister of the first ever saffron party government in the South.

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy described it as "bogus".

"It is bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Wining Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar over allegations of electoral malpractice,election to the Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

In the assembly elections, BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, but fell short of a majority.

Yeddyurappa had formed the government, but not being able to make up for the shortfall, he lost the numbers gained and resigned as chief minister without facing the trust vote in the assembly on Saturday.

The Congress JD(S) combine with a claimed strength of 117 with the support of others has been invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, giving Kumaraswamy a 15 day window to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

Kumaraswamy met the party legislators who are still camped at a hotel in the city to insulate them from alleged poaching attempt by the BJP.

He said he has left the choice to the legislators to decide on staying in the hotel.

The JD(S) leader will meet UPA chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi tomorrow to discuss the modalities of government formation and invite them for the swearing in ceremony on May 23.

Kumaraswamy later left for Tamil Nadu for a temple visit.

There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who is all set to take over as Karnataka Chief Minister, on Sunday dismissed reports about his party working out a power sharing formula of heading the government for 30 months each, with its coalition partner the Congress. "No such talks have taken place," he told reporters here when asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each being worked out with the Congress, with whom JDS has stitched up a post-poll alliance after the May 12 assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate. There were reports in a section of the media about both parties heading the government for 30 months each on rotation, similar to the 20:20 months power sharing agreement in 2006 with the BJP. Kumaraswamy had headed the BJP-JD(S) coalition government for 20 months from January 2006, under a power sharing agreement of leading the coalition for 20 months each. The JD(S) had then reneged on its commitment to share the power for the remaining 20 months with the BJP and refused to hand over the mantle to B S Yeddyurappa, causing the collapse of the government. In the following elections in 2008, BJP had stormed to power on its own with Yedyurappa as Chief Minister of the first ever saffron party government in the South. On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy described it as "bogus". "It is bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Wining Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar over allegations of electoral malpractice,election to the Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. In the assembly elections, BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, but fell short of a majority. Yeddyurappa had formed the government, but not being able to make up for the shortfall, he lost the numbers gained and resigned as chief minister without facing the trust vote in the assembly on Saturday. The Congress JD(S) combine with a claimed strength of 117 with the support of others has been invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government, giving Kumaraswamy a 15 day window to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly. Kumaraswamy met the party legislators who are still camped at a hotel in the city to insulate them from alleged poaching attempt by the BJP. He said he has left the choice to the legislators to decide on staying in the hotel. The JD(S) leader will meet UPA chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi tomorrow to discuss the modalities of government formation and invite them for the swearing in ceremony on May 23. Kumaraswamy later left for Tamil Nadu for a temple visit.

Kumaraswamy dismisses reports of JD(S) working out power Sharing formula

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Sunday attacked the Centre and said that frequent hike in prices of petroleum products was because the BJP-led government at the Centre was allegedly colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits.

The price of petrol and diesel had reached a record high in the country, PTI quoted Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as saying.&nbsp

The price of petrol in the state capital was Rs 80 per litre and diesel Rs 73 per litre, he added.

The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel.

When the UDF was in power, it kept a check on the price of petroleum products by doing away with the additional tax, he added.&nbsp

The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel.

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Sunday attacked the Centre and said that frequent hike in prices of petroleum products was because the BJP-led government at the Centre was allegedly colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits. The price of petrol and diesel had reached a record high in the country, PTI quoted Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as saying. The price of petrol in the state capital was Rs 80 per litre and diesel Rs 73 per litre, he added. The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel. When the UDF was in power, it kept a check on the price of petroleum products by doing away with the additional tax, he added.

Centre colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits: UDF

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-true-i-had-spoken-to-a-few-of-them-yeddyurappa-admits-he-asked-opposition-mlas-to-cross-vote-138302">It is true I had spoken to a few of them: Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote</a>

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">federal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306"> front against BJP</a>

The JD(S)-Congress win&nbspin Karnataka has encouraged the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-returns-to-white-house-after-successful-surgery-trump-wishes-her-by-misspelling-her-name-138320">Trump welcomes Melania home after kidney procedure, misspells her name</a>

United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ill-never-change-chelseas-conte-says-after-winning-fa-cup-138308">'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup</a>

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303">When time stands still: Priyanka Chopra writes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303">heartfelt</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/priyanka-chopras-heartfelt-note-for-friend-meghan-markle-138303"> note to friend Meghan Markle</a>

Priyanka Chopra, who was one of the guests invited for the&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/royal-wedding-live-updates-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-wed-at-windsor-castle-today-138144">royal wedding</a>&nbspyesterday said that she teared up after seeing the ceremony and has left a heartfelt note to the close friend and bride Meghan Markle.

It is true I had spoken to a few of them: Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of federal front against BJP The JD(S)-Congress win&nbspin Karnataka has encouraged the formation of a "federal front" against the BJP, news reports said Sunday. Trump welcomes Melania home after kidney procedure, misspells her name United States First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday returned to the White House after a successful kidney procedure, the office announced in a statement. 'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked. When time stands still: Priyanka Chopra writes heartfelt note to friend Meghan Markle Priyanka Chopra, who was one of the guests invited for the royal wedding&nbspyesterday said that she teared up after seeing the ceremony and has left a heartfelt note to the close friend and bride Meghan Markle.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan will raise the issue of India’s alleged violation of the Indus Waters Treaty with the World Bank, a media report said today, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry told media that a four-member delegation led by Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali is in Washington to hold talks with the president of World Bank, Radio Pakistan reported. He said that the issue of construction of the Kishanganga Dam will be discussed in the meeting.

Prime Minister Modi yesterday inaugurated the Kishanganga hydroelectric power plant, amid protests from Pakistan which claims that the project on a river flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.&nbsp

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday voiced concern over the inauguration of the hydroelectric project, saying inauguration without resolution of the dispute between the two countries will tantamount to violation of the Indus Waters 1960 that regulates the use of waters in the shared rivers.

Islamabad had been raising objections over the design of the hydel project, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between the two countries. But, India says the project design was well within parameters of the treaty.&nbsp

The project, located at Bandipore in North Kashmir, envisages diversion of water of Kishan Ganga river to underground powerhouse through a 23.25-km-long headrace tunnel to generate 1713 million units per annum.

The Kishanganga project was started in 2007 but on May 17, 2010, Pakistan moved for international arbitration against India under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.&nbsp

The Hague-based International Court of Arbitration allowed India in 2013 to go ahead with construction of the project in North Kashmir and upheld India’s right under the bilateral Indus Waters Treaty to divert waters from the Kishanganga for power generation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The international court, however, decided that India shall release a minimum flow of nine cubic metres per second into the Kishanganga river (known as Neelam in Pakistan) at all times to maintain environmental flows. Pakistan is building a 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project downstream.

Prime Minister Modi yesterday inaugurated the Kishanganga hydroelectric power plant, amid protests from Pakistan which claims that the project on a river flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

Pakistan will raise the issue of India’s alleged violation of the Indus Waters Treaty with the World Bank, a media report said today, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry told media that a four-member delegation led by Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali is in Washington to hold talks with the president of World Bank, Radio Pakistan reported. He said that the issue of construction of the Kishanganga Dam will be discussed in the meeting. Prime Minister Modi yesterday inaugurated the Kishanganga hydroelectric power plant, amid protests from Pakistan which claims that the project on a river flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies. Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday voiced concern over the inauguration of the hydroelectric project, saying inauguration without resolution of the dispute between the two countries will tantamount to violation of the Indus Waters 1960 that regulates the use of waters in the shared rivers. Islamabad had been raising objections over the design of the hydel project, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between the two countries. But, India says the project design was well within parameters of the treaty. The project, located at Bandipore in North Kashmir, envisages diversion of water of Kishan Ganga river to underground powerhouse through a 23.25-km-long headrace tunnel to generate 1713 million units per annum. The Kishanganga project was started in 2007 but on May 17, 2010, Pakistan moved for international arbitration against India under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Hague-based International Court of Arbitration allowed India in 2013 to go ahead with construction of the project in North Kashmir and upheld India’s right under the bilateral Indus Waters Treaty to divert waters from the Kishanganga for power generation in Jammu and Kashmir. The international court, however, decided that India shall release a minimum flow of nine cubic metres per second into the Kishanganga river (known as Neelam in Pakistan) at all times to maintain environmental flows. Pakistan is building a 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project downstream.

Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan delegation in US to raise ‘violation’ issue with World Bank

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