Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government.

The tribunal headed by Chairperson Bench AK Goel stated that the petition, which was moved on Monday, is not maintainable.

Bansal had claimed the country's top environmental pollution control boards like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have unequivocally said that odd-even policy, which was implemented in 2016, has failed to curb air pollution in the city-state.

"During the odd-even implementation period, the ambient air quality was found to be more deteriorated when the said restriction was not in force," the petition claimed.

"The recent decision of the Delhi government to implement the odd-even policy solely on the basis of the study done by foreign researchers having no credentials and willful ignorance of findings of top-level institutes like CPCB and DPCC is not only unpleasant but also downsize the reputation of such institutes," it said.

On September 13, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the car rationing or odd-even scheme will be implemented in the city from November 4 to 15.

He said that studies have shown that the scheme helps to reduce air pollution.

While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem.

"Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," he had said.

During the 12-day period, vehicles will ply alternately on odd and even dates as per their registration numbers.&nbsp;

Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government.

Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government. The tribunal headed by Chairperson Bench AK Goel stated that the petition, which was moved on Monday, is not maintainable. Bansal had claimed the country's top environmental pollution control boards like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have unequivocally said that odd-even policy, which was implemented in 2016, has failed to curb air pollution in the city-state. "During the odd-even implementation period, the ambient air quality was found to be more deteriorated when the said restriction was not in force," the petition claimed. "The recent decision of the Delhi government to implement the odd-even policy solely on the basis of the study done by foreign researchers having no credentials and willful ignorance of findings of top-level institutes like CPCB and DPCC is not only unpleasant but also downsize the reputation of such institutes," it said. On September 13, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the car rationing or odd-even scheme will be implemented in the city from November 4 to 15. He said that studies have shown that the scheme helps to reduce air pollution. While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem. "Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," he had said. During the 12-day period, vehicles will ply alternately on odd and even dates as per their registration numbers.

Petitioner withdraws plea challenging Delhi government's odd-even scheme

Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday received light rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning in some places, in the morning.

According to Skymet, Delhi-NCR witnessed rain showers due to the low-pressure area persisting in the central parts of the country.

At present, the weather system is over north Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining southwest Uttar Pradesh.

The maximum and the minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 35 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius with relative humidity oscillating between 85 per cent to 91 per cent.

According to the weather forecasting agency, Delhi-NCR will receive moderate rainfall on Monday (Sept 16) and Tuesday (Sept 17) due to certain weather activities.

It should be noted that due to the rain the quality of air in Delhi has improved to 'satisfactory'&nbsp;level with Air Quality Index docking at 56.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 49 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura road it was 54.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

The Air Quality Index near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 44, 76 and 70, respectively, according to SAFAR.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday received light rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning in some places, in the morning.

Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday received light rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning in some places, in the morning. According to Skymet, Delhi-NCR witnessed rain showers due to the low-pressure area persisting in the central parts of the country. At present, the weather system is over north Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining southwest Uttar Pradesh. The maximum and the minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 35 degree Celsius and 27 degree Celsius with relative humidity oscillating between 85 per cent to 91 per cent. According to the weather forecasting agency, Delhi-NCR will receive moderate rainfall on Monday (Sept 16) and Tuesday (Sept 17) due to certain weather activities. It should be noted that due to the rain the quality of air in Delhi has improved to 'satisfactory' level with Air Quality Index docking at 56. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 49 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura road it was 54. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. The Air Quality Index near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 44, 76 and 70, respectively, according to SAFAR.

Delhi receives light showers, AQI improves to 'satisfactory'

Railway passengers from the city boarded the Delhi-Allahabad Duronto Express train for the final time as the train departed from Allahabad on its last run on Thursday night.

Passengers boarding the train expressed hope that the replacement of Duronto will also provide them with good service.

"Duronto was a good train. It is unfortunate for people in Allahabad that this train is being discontinued. However, if the Humsafar express train runs daily then it would be good. Now, it operates only on four days," Aftab Ahmad, a passenger told ANI.

Reportedly, the railway has decided to replace Duronto Express with another express train. Duronto Express covered the distance between Delhi and Allahabad in 7 hours and 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Railway passengers from the city boarded the Delhi-Allahabad Duronto Express train for the final time as the train departed from Allahabad on its last run on Thursday night.

Railway passengers from the city boarded the Delhi-Allahabad Duronto Express train for the final time as the train departed from Allahabad on its last run on Thursday night. Passengers boarding the train expressed hope that the replacement of Duronto will also provide them with good service. "Duronto was a good train. It is unfortunate for people in Allahabad that this train is being discontinued. However, if the Humsafar express train runs daily then it would be good. Now, it operates only on four days," Aftab Ahmad, a passenger told ANI. Reportedly, the railway has decided to replace Duronto Express with another express train. Duronto Express covered the distance between Delhi and Allahabad in 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Duronto train service discontinued on Delhi-Allahabad route

From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions.&nbsp;

According to Skymet, scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms are likely to batter Delhi-NCR between September 13 to September 15.

Notably, Delhi and its nearby regions have not received any significant rainfall activity after August 17.

"These rains would be localised and would not last for long. These rainfall activities would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory.&nbsp;

However, in Mumbai, heavy rains are predicted for the next two days. This will also help the devotees of Lord Ganesha to perform Visarjan without any hindrance on September 12.&nbsp;

The weather experts also predicted that the region in and around Mumbai are likely to receive significant rain and thundershower activity around September 14 or 15, wherein moderate showers with one or two intense spells may appear over the city.

From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions.

From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions. According to Skymet, scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms are likely to batter Delhi-NCR between September 13 to September 15. Notably, Delhi and its nearby regions have not received any significant rainfall activity after August 17. "These rains would be localised and would not last for long. These rainfall activities would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory. However, in Mumbai, heavy rains are predicted for the next two days. This will also help the devotees of Lord Ganesha to perform Visarjan without any hindrance on September 12. The weather experts also predicted that the region in and around Mumbai are likely to receive significant rain and thundershower activity around September 14 or 15, wherein moderate showers with one or two intense spells may appear over the city.

Delhi likely to witness rain showers, thunderstorm between September 13 to 15

The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on AAP government in Delhi for its decision to give free metro rides to women in the national capital, asserting that it would make Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) an "unprofitable venture".

"Why you (Delhi government) are trying to give a free ride to women in metro trains? If you give a free ride to women, the DMRC will become an unprofitable venture," said a bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta.

In June earlier this year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had proposed free ride for women on all DTC buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains. He had said that the proposal will be implemented within two to three months based on the feedback and suggestions from the public.

The Delhi Cabinet is yet to give its assent to the scheme.

The bench told the state government to properly use public money and refrain from giving free sops to people.

The apex court`s observation came on a petition filed by advocate M C Mehta with respect to the expansion of the fourth phase of the metro project in the state.

Taking cognizance of the petition, the court directed the Central and Delhi government to work out modalities and release Rs 2,447.19 crore of land cost for Phase IV metro within a week. It also asked the Centre to bear 50 per cent of the cost of the land for this purpose.

On March 8 earlier this year, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved three of the six corridors proposed under Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro.

The Phase-IV project consists of six corridors -- Aerocity to Tughlakabad, Inderlok to Indraprastha, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, Mukundpur to Maujpur, Janakpuri West to R K Ashram and Rithala to Bawana and Narela, with a total length of 103.93 kilometres.

After the completion of Phase-IV, the total length of Delhi`s mass rapid transit system in the Delhi-NCR region would be approximately 453.58 kilometres.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on AAP government in Delhi for its decision to give free metro rides to women in the national capital, asserting that it would make Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) an "unprofitable venture".

The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on AAP government in Delhi for its decision to give free metro rides to women in the national capital, asserting that it would make Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) an "unprofitable venture". "Why you (Delhi government) are trying to give a free ride to women in metro trains? If you give a free ride to women, the DMRC will become an unprofitable venture," said a bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta. In June earlier this year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had proposed free ride for women on all DTC buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains. He had said that the proposal will be implemented within two to three months based on the feedback and suggestions from the public. The Delhi Cabinet is yet to give its assent to the scheme. The bench told the state government to properly use public money and refrain from giving free sops to people. The apex court`s observation came on a petition filed by advocate M C Mehta with respect to the expansion of the fourth phase of the metro project in the state. Taking cognizance of the petition, the court directed the Central and Delhi government to work out modalities and release Rs 2,447.19 crore of land cost for Phase IV metro within a week. It also asked the Centre to bear 50 per cent of the cost of the land for this purpose. On March 8 earlier this year, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved three of the six corridors proposed under Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro. The Phase-IV project consists of six corridors -- Aerocity to Tughlakabad, Inderlok to Indraprastha, Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, Mukundpur to Maujpur, Janakpuri West to R K Ashram and Rithala to Bawana and Narela, with a total length of 103.93 kilometres. After the completion of Phase-IV, the total length of Delhi`s mass rapid transit system in the Delhi-NCR region would be approximately 453.58 kilometres.

Supreme Court slams Delhi government over its decision to provide free rides to women in metro

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zero-bill-for-up-to-200-units-of-electricity-announces-delhi-cm-kejriwal-239900">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Tuesday announced complete waiver of late-payment charges on water bill in the national capital till November 30, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"We are announcing a scheme to waive arrears to clean up Delhi Jal Board's books," Delhi CM announced, adding, some of these arrears are due to consumers but some are also due to incorrect billing.

Kejriwal also urged Delhiites to install water metres.&nbsp;

"This is an open invite to the people of Delhi to join the mainstream and install water meters. Only those consumers who have installed meters before 30 November will get the benefit of this scheme," he said.

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: This is an open invite to the people of Delhi to join the mainstream&amp; install water meters. Only those consumers who have installed meters before 30 November will get the benefit of this scheme <a href="https://t.co/EgbzUQiVOC">https://t.co/EgbzUQiVOC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1166250222810349568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this month Kejriwal had announced that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus rides for women will be&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;from October 29.

“On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give a gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said.&nbsp;&nbsp;This facility will be available in both AC and non-AC buses.

On August 1, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/free-rides-for-women-in-dtc-buses-from-october-29-says-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-243124">AAP government announced</a> free electricity to those consuming up to 200 units a month.

The decision came into force with immediate effect, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference.

"Those who consume up to 200 units in a month will have to give zero electricity bill, while those who consume between 201-400 unit will approximately get 50 per cent subsidy," said Kejriwal.

The announcements come ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections due next year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced complete waiver of late-payment charges on water bill in the national capital till November 30, news agency ANI reported.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced complete waiver of late-payment charges on water bill in the national capital till November 30, news agency ANI reported. "We are announcing a scheme to waive arrears to clean up Delhi Jal Board's books," Delhi CM announced, adding, some of these arrears are due to consumers but some are also due to incorrect billing. Kejriwal also urged Delhiites to install water metres. "This is an open invite to the people of Delhi to join the mainstream and install water meters. Only those consumers who have installed meters before 30 November will get the benefit of this scheme," he said. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: This is an open invite to the people of Delhi to join the mainstream& install water meters. Only those consumers who have installed meters before 30 November will get the benefit of this scheme https://t.co/EgbzUQiVOC — ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2019 × Earlier this month Kejriwal had announced that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus rides for women will be free of charge from October 29. “On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give a gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said. This facility will be available in both AC and non-AC buses. On August 1, the AAP government announced free electricity to those consuming up to 200 units a month. The decision came into force with immediate effect, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference. "Those who consume up to 200 units in a month will have to give zero electricity bill, while those who consume between 201-400 unit will approximately get 50 per cent subsidy," said Kejriwal. The announcements come ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections due next year. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi chief minister Kejriwal announces 100% waiver of late-payment charges on water bill

A major fire broke out on the second floor of the PC block of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitleys-health-condition-is-stable-aiims-doctors-inform-vice-president-241914">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</a> (AIIMS) here on Saturday.

A total of 34 fire tenders reached the spot and firefighting operations are currently on. No casualty has been reported so far.

The PC Block is a non-patient block consisting of research labs, doctors rooms etc, however, it is interconnected to the Emergency Wing of the hospital.

A short circuit is being suspected as the cause for the blaze.

According to the sources, the Emergency Lab has been closed down due to the fire.

Areas which are affected by the fire include Emergency Lab, B block of the area, Ward AB1, and Superspeciality OPD Area of the institute.

Doctors on duty said that patients are being shifted to safer places from the Emergency department. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-admitted-to-aiims-241865">Former Finance Minister and BJP veteran Arun Jaitley</a> is presently admitted at the hospital.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday arrived at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to inquire about Jaitley's health condition.

The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital after he complained of weakness and palpitation on August 9.

Besides, former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Satish Upadhyay and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also paid a visit to the former finance minister.

The hospital has not yet issued any bulletin on the Jaitley's health. On August 10, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on visiting him, was informed by the doctors that he is responding to the treatment and is stable.&nbsp;

A major fire broke out on the second floor of the PC block of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Saturday. A total of 34 fire tenders reached the spot and firefighting operations are currently on.

A major fire broke out on the second floor of the PC block of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Saturday. A total of 34 fire tenders reached the spot and firefighting operations are currently on. No casualty has been reported so far. The PC Block is a non-patient block consisting of research labs, doctors rooms etc, however, it is interconnected to the Emergency Wing of the hospital. A short circuit is being suspected as the cause for the blaze. According to the sources, the Emergency Lab has been closed down due to the fire. Areas which are affected by the fire include Emergency Lab, B block of the area, Ward AB1, and Superspeciality OPD Area of the institute. Doctors on duty said that patients are being shifted to safer places from the Emergency department. More details are awaited. Former Finance Minister and BJP veteran Arun Jaitley is presently admitted at the hospital. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday arrived at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to inquire about Jaitley's health condition. The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital after he complained of weakness and palpitation on August 9. Besides, former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Satish Upadhyay and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also paid a visit to the former finance minister. The hospital has not yet issued any bulletin on the Jaitley's health. On August 10, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on visiting him, was informed by the doctors that he is responding to the treatment and is stable.

Delhi: Massive fire breaks out at AIIMS, over 30 fire tenders at spot

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus rides for women will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kejriwal-announces-free-travel-for-women-in-delhi-metro-dtc-buses-223816">free of charge</a> from October 29.

“On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said.&nbsp;&nbsp;This facility will be available in both AC and non-AC buses. 
 
The chief minister said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/theres-nothing-uplifting-about-free-metro-and-bus-rides-for-women-its-a-poll-gimmick-224098">women's security</a> is the priority for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.&nbsp;

In June, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government was contemplating to make Delhi Metro trains and DTC bus rides free for women&nbsp;in order to provide safe travel experience to them.&nbsp;He had also announced that a total of 2.80 lakh CCTV cameras will be installed across the cities by December 2019.

The Delhi government had later launched a campaign seeking public opinion on the proposal. However, the central government had said it did not receive any proposal for a free ride for women in Delhi metro, a joint venture of the Centre and the city government. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus rides for women will be free of charge from October 29. “On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus rides for women will be free of charge from October 29. “On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said. This facility will be available in both AC and non-AC buses. The chief minister said women's security is the priority for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. In June, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government was contemplating to make Delhi Metro trains and DTC bus rides free for women in order to provide safe travel experience to them. He had also announced that a total of 2.80 lakh CCTV cameras will be installed across the cities by December 2019. The Delhi government had later launched a campaign seeking public opinion on the proposal. However, the central government had said it did not receive any proposal for a free ride for women in Delhi metro, a joint venture of the Centre and the city government. (With inputs from agencies)

Free rides for women in DTC buses from October 29, says chief minister Arvind Kejriwal

Samjhauta Express, the cross-border train that runs between India and Pakistan, reached Delhi this morning. &nbsp;

The train runs from Delhi to Attari on the Indian side and from Lahore to Wagah on the Pakistan side. After Pakistan's announcement of its suspension on Thursday, this was the last such train service between the two nations until further notice. &nbsp;

The train was running late by over four hours and reached the Old Delhi Railway Station this morning at around 8 am&nbsp;instead of its scheduled time of 3.30am.&nbsp;It was carrying over 100 passengers, 76 Indian and 41 Pakistani nationals.

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Delhi: Samjhauta Express train, carrying 76 Indian and 41 Pakistani nationals, has reached Delhi. It had departed from the Attari Railway Station at around 1:30 am today <a href="https://t.co/YVVhV5BIgB">pic.twitter.com/YVVhV5BIgB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1159661062226100224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government on Thursday announced that it will be suspending Samjhauta Express -the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan - ''forever''.

In a tweet, Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-shuts-down-samjhauta-express-forever-241514">Pakistan to shutdown Samjhauta Express</a>". He said the service will be closed "forever"

Pakistan's decision comes in a series of retaliatory moves over Centre decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The neighbouring South Asian nation has also suspended trade with India.&nbsp;

The Samjhauta Express train service was started under the Simla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. The 'Friendship Express' was in July, 1976.

 
&nbsp;

Samjhauta Express, the cross-border train that runs between India and Pakistan, reached Delhi this morning. The train runs from Delhi to Attari on the Indian side and from Lahore to Wagah on the Pakistan side.

Samjhauta Express, the cross-border train that runs between India and Pakistan, reached Delhi this morning. The train runs from Delhi to Attari on the Indian side and from Lahore to Wagah on the Pakistan side. After Pakistan's announcement of its suspension on Thursday, this was the last such train service between the two nations until further notice. The train was running late by over four hours and reached the Old Delhi Railway Station this morning at around 8 am instead of its scheduled time of 3.30am. It was carrying over 100 passengers, 76 Indian and 41 Pakistani nationals. Delhi: Samjhauta Express train, carrying 76 Indian and 41 Pakistani nationals, has reached Delhi. It had departed from the Attari Railway Station at around 1:30 am today pic.twitter.com/YVVhV5BIgB — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019 × Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government on Thursday announced that it will be suspending Samjhauta Express -the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan - ''forever''. In a tweet, Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said, "Pakistan to shutdown Samjhauta Express". He said the service will be closed "forever" Pakistan's decision comes in a series of retaliatory moves over Centre decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The neighbouring South Asian nation has also suspended trade with India. The Samjhauta Express train service was started under the Simla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. The 'Friendship Express' was in July, 1976.

Samjhauta Express arrives in Delhi after Pakistan announces suspension

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah on Friday appointed election in-charges for the party for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana.&nbsp;

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has been appointed as election in-charge for Delhi Assembly polls. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai have been named as joint in-charges.

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BJP President &amp; Home Minister Amit Shah appoints Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as Election In-charge, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri &amp; Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai as Election Co-Incharge, for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. <a href="https://t.co/i596kWbYvD">pic.twitter.com/i596kWbYvD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1159711685176942593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav is election in-charge for state polls in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya and former Karnataka MLA Laxman Savadi have been named as joint in-charges for Maharashtra Assembly polls.

For Jharkhand, Shah named BJP national general secretary Om Prakash Mathur as the election in-charge. Bihar minister Nand Kishore Yadav will be the joint in-charge.

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BJP President &amp; Home Minister Amit Shah appoints BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav as Election In-charge, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya &amp; former Karnataka MLA Laxman Savadi as Election Co-Incharges, for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Polls. <a href="https://t.co/D74Sn9oM46">pic.twitter.com/D74Sn9oM46</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1159715518464581635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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For Haryana, minister Narendra Singh Tomar is the party election in-charge. Uttar Pradesh minister Bhupendra Singh is the joint in-charge

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah on Friday appointed election in-charges for the party for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah on Friday appointed election in-charges for the party for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has been appointed as election in-charge for Delhi Assembly polls. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai have been named as joint in-charges. BJP President & Home Minister Amit Shah appoints Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as Election In-charge, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri & Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai as Election Co-Incharge, for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. pic.twitter.com/i596kWbYvD — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019 × BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav is election in-charge for state polls in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya and former Karnataka MLA Laxman Savadi have been named as joint in-charges for Maharashtra Assembly polls. For Jharkhand, Shah named BJP national general secretary Om Prakash Mathur as the election in-charge. Bihar minister Nand Kishore Yadav will be the joint in-charge. BJP President & Home Minister Amit Shah appoints BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav as Election In-charge, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya & former Karnataka MLA Laxman Savadi as Election Co-Incharges, for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Polls. pic.twitter.com/D74Sn9oM46 — ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019 × For Haryana, minister Narendra Singh Tomar is the party election in-charge. Uttar Pradesh minister Bhupendra Singh is the joint in-charge

BJP preps for upcoming Assembly polls; names in-charges for Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra 

Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Delhi and NCR on Tuesday morning causing inconvenience to commuters.

According to Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi received 12.6 mm rainfall till 8.30 am.

The Palam Observatory received 38.5 mm rainfall. Humidity was recorded at 97 per cent.

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Delhi: Rain lashes the national capital; visuals from Baba Kharak Singh Marg area. <a href="https://t.co/QywSPhRdXL">pic.twitter.com/QywSPhRdXL</a>
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Roads such as Fatehpuri T-point on S P Mukherjee Marg, Rajdhani Park, Kashmiri Gate, Mehrauli-Badarpur T-point and Pramod Mahajan Marg were waterlogged.

The Delhi traffic police also tweeted out some information for the commuters.&nbsp;

''I/P flyover has been temporarily closed for commuters due to overflow of sewer water in the area,'' Delhi traffic police tweeted.

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Traffic is affected from Khyber Pass towards Model Town due to water logging near Mall Road.
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''Traffic is affected from Khyber Pass towards Model Town due to waterlogging near Mall Road. Traffic is affected from GPO to Nigam Bodh Ghat due to waterlogging near Kela Ghat,'' Traffic police further tweeted.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy sky with moderate rainfall and scattered thundershowers throughout the day.

Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Delhi and NCR on Tuesday morning causing inconvenience to commuters. According to Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi received 12.

Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Delhi and NCR on Tuesday morning causing inconvenience to commuters. According to Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi received 12.6 mm rainfall till 8.30 am. The Palam Observatory received 38.5 mm rainfall. Humidity was recorded at 97 per cent. Delhi: Rain lashes the national capital; visuals from Baba Kharak Singh Marg area. pic.twitter.com/QywSPhRdXL — ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019 × Roads such as Fatehpuri T-point on S P Mukherjee Marg, Rajdhani Park, Kashmiri Gate, Mehrauli-Badarpur T-point and Pramod Mahajan Marg were waterlogged. The Delhi traffic police also tweeted out some information for the commuters. ''I/P flyover has been temporarily closed for commuters due to overflow of sewer water in the area,'' Delhi traffic police tweeted. Traffic Alert Traffic is affected from Khyber Pass towards Model Town due to water logging near Mall Road. — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) August 6, 2019 × ''Traffic is affected from Khyber Pass towards Model Town due to waterlogging near Mall Road. Traffic is affected from GPO to Nigam Bodh Ghat due to waterlogging near Kela Ghat,'' Traffic police further tweeted. The India Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy sky with moderate rainfall and scattered thundershowers throughout the day.

Heavy rain lashes several parts of Delhi and NCR, traffic severely affected

A gang of African nationals which used to cheat people through social media platforms was busted by the Bindapur Police in Delhi on Wednesday.

The police said that the ten-member gang allegedly used to cheat people through social media platforms.&nbsp;

They used to disguise as foreigners stuck at Airport and used to request people to lend them money so that they can pay off the Custom officials on the Airport.

The Police seized 48 mobile phones, 21 sim cards, six laptops, six dongles and a diary which has the detail of all the transactions.

An FIR has been registered in the Bindapur Police station.

Further investigation is underway.

A gang of African nationals which used to cheat people through social media platforms was busted by the Bindapur Police in Delhi on Wednesday. The police said that the ten-member gang allegedly used to cheat people through social media platforms.

A gang of African nationals which used to cheat people through social media platforms was busted by the Bindapur Police in Delhi on Wednesday. The police said that the ten-member gang allegedly used to cheat people through social media platforms. They used to disguise as foreigners stuck at Airport and used to request people to lend them money so that they can pay off the Custom officials on the Airport. The Police seized 48 mobile phones, 21 sim cards, six laptops, six dongles and a diary which has the detail of all the transactions. An FIR has been registered in the Bindapur Police station. Further investigation is underway.

Delhi: African gang of online cheaters busted by police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-summons-arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-234089">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Monday said that the decision to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act is not a correct move as it will end the independence of Central and State Information Commissions.

"Decision to amend the RTI Act is a bad move. It will end the independence of Central &amp; States Information Commissions, which will be bad for RTI," Kejriwal tweeted.&nbsp;

Earlier, the government on July 19 introduced the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to give the central government power to fix the tenure and salaries of information commissioners.

Opposition parties staged a walkout protesting against its introduction. During the voting on the introduction of the amended Bill, 224 members voted in favour while nine in against.

Several opposition members stated that the amendments will dilute the provisions of the original Bill.

However, Speaker Om Birla said that objections should be about the introduction of the Bill and its merits can be discussed during the discussion.

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, rejected allegations of the Opposition and said that nobody can accuse the government of weakening the architecture concerning the Right to Information."A portal for the purpose was created during our government," he said.&nbsp;

Singh accused the erstwhile UPA government of bringing the law in a hurry and leaving loopholes and said that the bill would allow the government to frame rules.

Singh said that the government is open to suggestions from opposition members when the Bill is discussed.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the decision to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act is not a correct move as it will end the independence of Central and State Information Commissions.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the decision to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act is not a correct move as it will end the independence of Central and State Information Commissions. "Decision to amend the RTI Act is a bad move. It will end the independence of Central & States Information Commissions, which will be bad for RTI," Kejriwal tweeted. Earlier, the government on July 19 introduced the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to give the central government power to fix the tenure and salaries of information commissioners. Opposition parties staged a walkout protesting against its introduction. During the voting on the introduction of the amended Bill, 224 members voted in favour while nine in against. Several opposition members stated that the amendments will dilute the provisions of the original Bill. However, Speaker Om Birla said that objections should be about the introduction of the Bill and its merits can be discussed during the discussion. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, rejected allegations of the Opposition and said that nobody can accuse the government of weakening the architecture concerning the Right to Information."A portal for the purpose was created during our government," he said. Singh accused the erstwhile UPA government of bringing the law in a hurry and leaving loopholes and said that the bill would allow the government to frame rules. Singh said that the government is open to suggestions from opposition members when the Bill is discussed.

Decision to amend RTI Act is a bad move: Arvind Kejriwal

India bids farewell to Sheila Dikshit, thousands mourn her loss

Life came to a standstill around Tughlakabad-Prahladpur area of the national capital after incessant rains flooded roads in the vicinity on Thursday causing major inconvenience to the commuters.

The heavy downpour also caused water-logging around the underpass Railway Bridge in the said area of South Delhi causing massive traffic snarls.

Commuters were stuck for hours in a traffic jam due to deluged roads and underpasses."Every time heavy rain lashes the national capital, residents here have to bear the brunt as the pedestrians have to wade through knee-deep water in order to cross the road," a resident told ANI.

"My office is just ten minutes away from my place, but today it took me at least one hour to reach till this underpass area, due to severe waterlogged roads and traffic jam. The responsible authorities should immediately do something in this direction as it is majorly affecting the commuters," Ashish, a commuter told ANI.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continuous rainfall for the city for the next two days with the possibility of minimum and maximum temperatures settling at 24 degree Celsius and 33 degree Celsius respectively.

Traffic snarls were also seen in major areas such as RK Puram, DND Flyover and Mehrauli road, Dhaula Kuan and Najafgarh road among others.

Several commuters took to social media sites to vent their anger about the prevailing situation, including lashing out at cab drivers who were making the most of the situation by inflating their rates.

Rainfall is predicted to continue as the monsoon trough is passing via the National Capital territory.

According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the Monsoon trough will start shifting northwards after 48 hours, thus leading to an increase in the rainfall activities over northern parts of Punjab, Haryana and Northwest Uttar Pradesh.

According to weathermen, this, however, will lead to a reduction in the Monsoon rains over Delhi and NCR area. The isolated localised spell of rain may occur due to the presence of high humidity in the atmosphere.

Moreover, the convective clouds may develop, thus giving on and off short spells of rain.&nbsp;

Life came to a standstill around Tughlakabad-Prahladpur area of the national capital after incessant rains flooded roads in the vicinity on Thursday causing major inconvenience to the commuters.

Life came to a standstill around Tughlakabad-Prahladpur area of the national capital after incessant rains flooded roads in the vicinity on Thursday causing major inconvenience to the commuters. The heavy downpour also caused water-logging around the underpass Railway Bridge in the said area of South Delhi causing massive traffic snarls. Commuters were stuck for hours in a traffic jam due to deluged roads and underpasses."Every time heavy rain lashes the national capital, residents here have to bear the brunt as the pedestrians have to wade through knee-deep water in order to cross the road," a resident told ANI. "My office is just ten minutes away from my place, but today it took me at least one hour to reach till this underpass area, due to severe waterlogged roads and traffic jam. The responsible authorities should immediately do something in this direction as it is majorly affecting the commuters," Ashish, a commuter told ANI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continuous rainfall for the city for the next two days with the possibility of minimum and maximum temperatures settling at 24 degree Celsius and 33 degree Celsius respectively. Traffic snarls were also seen in major areas such as RK Puram, DND Flyover and Mehrauli road, Dhaula Kuan and Najafgarh road among others. Several commuters took to social media sites to vent their anger about the prevailing situation, including lashing out at cab drivers who were making the most of the situation by inflating their rates. Rainfall is predicted to continue as the monsoon trough is passing via the National Capital territory. According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the Monsoon trough will start shifting northwards after 48 hours, thus leading to an increase in the rainfall activities over northern parts of Punjab, Haryana and Northwest Uttar Pradesh. According to weathermen, this, however, will lead to a reduction in the Monsoon rains over Delhi and NCR area. The isolated localised spell of rain may occur due to the presence of high humidity in the atmosphere. Moreover, the convective clouds may develop, thus giving on and off short spells of rain.

Delhi rains: Water logging paralyses life in national capital

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-sentences-three-jaish-e-mohammed-activists-for-terror-funding-223365">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.&nbsp;

In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone.

On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan.&nbsp;

He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad. In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone. On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan. He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Delhi Police Special Cell arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed  terrorist from Srinagar

Normal life in several districts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652">West Bengal</a> remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days.

According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far.

The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places.

&nbsp;Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250">Indian Meteorological Department</a> has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.

Normal life in several districts of West Bengal remains disrupted due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. According to the Irrigation and Waterways Department, Jalpaiguri has received 154.60 mm of rainfall, Coochbehar 197.40 mm and Siliguri 97 mm, so far. The continuous downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the Torsa river, forcing people to migrate to other places. Local administration is making efforts to bring back normalcy by pumping out water from the blocked roads. The schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in some places have been shut by the local authorities due to waterlogging. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days in parts of West Bengal.

Incessant rainfall hits normal life in parts of West Bengal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/vistaras-big-expansion-plan-to-buy-19-boeing-airbus-aircraft-for-rs-21000-crore-150734">Indian full-service airline Vistara</a> said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singapore-dj-withdraws-from-tedx-talk-over-gay-censorship-232983">Singapore</a> as its first destination.

The carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, will launch one daily flight from Delhi and one from Mumbai to the city-state, a popular destination for Indian travelers.

The loss-making Vistara airline has said the launch of international flights, which will give it a greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability.

The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April.

Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals, which proved a setback at a time when the domestic market was highly competitive.

The Jet collapse, which has also pushed up domestic prices, led Vistara to add 6 Boeing Co 737s to its previously all-Airbus SE A320 fleet to fill a supply gap. Vistara said it would use the 737s on flights to Singapore.

"We're excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said in a statement.

The airline has ordered 6 long-range Boeing 787s, which will arrive from next year, giving it the ability to launch flights to more distant destinations.

Cash-strapped Air India, which the government hopes to sell, is the only Indian airline operating widebody planes since Jet stopped flying, but foreign carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to add services.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights.

AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia.

Indian full-service airline Vistara said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with Singapore as its first destination.

Indian full-service airline Vistara said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with Singapore as its first destination. The carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, will launch one daily flight from Delhi and one from Mumbai to the city-state, a popular destination for Indian travelers. The loss-making Vistara airline has said the launch of international flights, which will give it a greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability. The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April. Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals, which proved a setback at a time when the domestic market was highly competitive. The Jet collapse, which has also pushed up domestic prices, led Vistara to add 6 Boeing Co 737s to its previously all-Airbus SE A320 fleet to fill a supply gap. Vistara said it would use the 737s on flights to Singapore. "We're excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said in a statement. The airline has ordered 6 long-range Boeing 787s, which will arrive from next year, giving it the ability to launch flights to more distant destinations. Cash-strapped Air India, which the government hopes to sell, is the only Indian airline operating widebody planes since Jet stopped flying, but foreign carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to add services. Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights. AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia.

Vistara to launch first international flights in August

Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

The minimum and maximum temperatures in the national capital will hover around 27 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, respectively, with the skies remaining cloudy.

Rainfall in the region will bring respite to locals, who have been reeling under severe heat wave conditions in the past few days, with temperatures in Delhi and surrounding regions constantly above 40 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into remaining parts of Haryana, Punjab and some more parts of Rajasthan during next 24 hours.

"The seasonal trough across the northern plains is very likely to remain active during the coming 3-4 days. Widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy falls at isolated places are likely over the southern districts of Uttar Pradesh and northern districts of Madhya Pradesh on 9 and 10 July," it added.

Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and west central Arabian Sea and Karnataka coasts, the forecaster said while advising fishermen not to venture into the sea in these areas.

Heavy rainfall has also been predicted at isolated places over West Bengal, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. The minimum and maximum temperatures in the national capital will hover around 27 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, respectively, with the skies remaining cloudy.

Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. The minimum and maximum temperatures in the national capital will hover around 27 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, respectively, with the skies remaining cloudy. Rainfall in the region will bring respite to locals, who have been reeling under severe heat wave conditions in the past few days, with temperatures in Delhi and surrounding regions constantly above 40 degrees Celsius. The IMD said conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into remaining parts of Haryana, Punjab and some more parts of Rajasthan during next 24 hours. "The seasonal trough across the northern plains is very likely to remain active during the coming 3-4 days. Widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy falls at isolated places are likely over the southern districts of Uttar Pradesh and northern districts of Madhya Pradesh on 9 and 10 July," it added. Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and west central Arabian Sea and Karnataka coasts, the forecaster said while advising fishermen not to venture into the sea in these areas. Heavy rainfall has also been predicted at isolated places over West Bengal, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

Delhi, Haryana likely to receive heavy rainfall today

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

"We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said.

On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital.

On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident.

"Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

 
&nbsp;

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor.

The Delhi government on Saturday announced compensation for the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped recently.Speaking to media, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor. "We will give Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family of the 6-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Dwarka. I met doctors. She is stable now and out of danger. We will also provide an advocate to the family," he said. On July 2, the six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Dwarka area of the national capital. On Friday, Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal met the victim at the hospital and expressed dismay on the brutality of the incident. "Met 6 year old rape survivor in Hospital. Shell shocked! Each inch of her body has marks of brutality... Last year I kept hunger strike for 10 days for death to child rapists but yet to be implemented even in Delhi. The system is responsible for this rape!" she had tweeted. The police have arrested the accused with the help of CCTV footage.

Delhi government to give Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of 6-year-old rape survivor

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-defers-hearing-on-naming-lok-sabha-opposition-leader-230569">Delhi High Court </a>on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-ak-sikri-raises-concern-on-rights-of-mentally-ill-persons-heres-what-sc-judge-says-188435">Mental Health Care Act, 2017</a>.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Harishankar issued a notice to respondents based on the petition filed by social activist and advocate Amit Sahani.&nbsp;

The court asked the respondents to file their replies within four weeks and posted the matter for hearing on September 11. In his plea, Sahani sought the court`s direction to constitute the State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards for district or group of the district as mandated by the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

"Section 33 and Section 45 of the Act mandates for the establishment for the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental health Authority respectively within 9 months from the date on which the Act receives the assent of the Hon`ble President of India," the plea said.&nbsp;

Citing a WHO study, the plea said one in five Indians may suffer from depression in their lifetime and submitted that most people who experience mental health problems can recover fully if they get appropriate treatment.

"Due to the social stigma attached to mental ill-health, people with mental health problems can experience discrimination in all aspects of their lives. Many people`s problems are made worse by the stigma and discrimination they experience - not only from society but also from families, friends, and employers," the plea read.

"The Act asserts that no person or authority shall classify an individual as a person with mental illness unless indirectly about the treatment of the illness," it added.&nbsp;

The Act has decriminalized attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of the government and police on a plea seeking its direction for the constitution of government bodies at district or group of districts level to enforce the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Harishankar issued a notice to respondents based on the petition filed by social activist and advocate Amit Sahani. The court asked the respondents to file their replies within four weeks and posted the matter for hearing on September 11. In his plea, Sahani sought the court`s direction to constitute the State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards for district or group of the district as mandated by the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. "Section 33 and Section 45 of the Act mandates for the establishment for the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental health Authority respectively within 9 months from the date on which the Act receives the assent of the Hon`ble President of India," the plea said. Citing a WHO study, the plea said one in five Indians may suffer from depression in their lifetime and submitted that most people who experience mental health problems can recover fully if they get appropriate treatment. "Due to the social stigma attached to mental ill-health, people with mental health problems can experience discrimination in all aspects of their lives. Many people`s problems are made worse by the stigma and discrimination they experience - not only from society but also from families, friends, and employers," the plea read. "The Act asserts that no person or authority shall classify an individual as a person with mental illness unless indirectly about the treatment of the illness," it added. The Act has decriminalized attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.

Delhi High Court seeks state government, police's response on mental health plea

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday announced that summer holidays would be extended till July 8 for Delhi schools for students up to class 8, in view of the rising temperatures.

The schools which were supposed to re-open from July 1 will now be functional from July 8.

"Due to weather conditions prevailing in Delhi, summer holidays have been extended by a week for the students up to class 8. Schools for the children up to class 8 will re-open on July 8. The schools for the remaining classes will be open as per the old schedule," he tweeted.

The decision from the Delhi government came after temperature reached as high as 48-degree Celsius a few weeks ago.

This season, for more than two weeks, hot dry winds (loo) had swept the regions, compounding the woes of commuters.

Earlier today, the India Meteorological Department stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin that the heat wave condition is likely to prevail over Delhi with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 32 degree Celsius and 43 degree Celsius, respectively. The relative humidity will be around 28 per cent.

 
&nbsp;

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday announced that summer holidays would be extended till July 8 for Delhi schools for students up to class 8, in view of the rising temperatures.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday announced that summer holidays would be extended till July 8 for Delhi schools for students up to class 8, in view of the rising temperatures. The schools which were supposed to re-open from July 1 will now be functional from July 8. "Due to weather conditions prevailing in Delhi, summer holidays have been extended by a week for the students up to class 8. Schools for the children up to class 8 will re-open on July 8. The schools for the remaining classes will be open as per the old schedule," he tweeted. The decision from the Delhi government came after temperature reached as high as 48-degree Celsius a few weeks ago. This season, for more than two weeks, hot dry winds (loo) had swept the regions, compounding the woes of commuters. Earlier today, the India Meteorological Department stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin that the heat wave condition is likely to prevail over Delhi with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 32 degree Celsius and 43 degree Celsius, respectively. The relative humidity will be around 28 per cent.

Delhi schools' summer holidays extended by week for students up to class 8

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect."

According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019."

For the second time in a row, the Congress party drew a blank in the national capital in recently concluded parliamentary elections. BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city.

Dikshit unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha poll against BJP's Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari from the North-East Delhi seat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Mohan Markam as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-appoints-legislator-mohan-markam-as-head-of-congresss-chhattisgarh-unit-231211">president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee</a>.

The two-time Kondagaon MLA will replace Baghel as party's head in the state.

"Congress president has appointed Mohan Markam as the new president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing PCC president Bhupesh Baghel," said an AICC release signed by party general secretary KC Venugopal.

The decision came after drubbing in general elections in which the Congress party could only win two seats when there was his government in the state.

BJP won nine Lok Sabha seats out of 11 constituencies.

Under the leadership of Baghel, Congress dislodged three-time Chief Minister Raman Singh`s government in the Assembly polls in December by winning 68 out of the 90 seats.&nbsp;

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect." According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has dissolved all 280 block Congress committees in the national capital "with immediate effect." According to a press release, Dikshit took this decision "keeping in line with the report submitted by the five-member fact-finding committee constituted for the Lok Sabha elections 2019." For the second time in a row, the Congress party drew a blank in the national capital in recently concluded parliamentary elections. BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city. Dikshit unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha poll against BJP's Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari from the North-East Delhi seat. Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Mohan Markam as the president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee. The two-time Kondagaon MLA will replace Baghel as party's head in the state. "Congress president has appointed Mohan Markam as the new president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing PCC president Bhupesh Baghel," said an AICC release signed by party general secretary KC Venugopal. The decision came after drubbing in general elections in which the Congress party could only win two seats when there was his government in the state. BJP won nine Lok Sabha seats out of 11 constituencies. Under the leadership of Baghel, Congress dislodged three-time Chief Minister Raman Singh`s government in the Assembly polls in December by winning 68 out of the 90 seats.

Sheila Dikshit dissolves all 280 Block Congress committees in Delhi

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bs-vi-emission-norms-will-be-implemented-across-india-next-year-javadekar-231198">Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar</a>, during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, said air pollution in the national capital started aggravating since 2007, but it was only in 2014 that action to curb it was undertaken.

Listing out steps taken by his government to tackle air pollution in Delhi, he said reducing vehicular pollution was one of the important objectives while combating the problem.

The government built two peripheral roads in the last four years so that heavy vehicles do not enter the national capital, he said.

The minister said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant was also shut down and steps have been taken to bring down instances of stubble burning.

"In the last three years, PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels have come down by 15 and 16 per cent respectively. The 'good', 'moderate' and 'satisfactory' days of air quality too have gone up from 106 in 2016, 152 in 2017 and 159 in 2018," he said.

Rise in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels leads to respiratory diseases.

He said stubble burning instances in the neighbouring states of Delhi too have come down by 15 per cent and the government is working to reduce the instances.

Efforts are being taken to convert the stubble waste to energy and the Centre is also coordinating with five states to deal with this issue, Javadekar added.&nbsp;

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday.

There has been a nearly 15 per cent decline in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 levels in Delhi in the last three years and the number of days with good air quality are also on the rise, the government said Friday. Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar, during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, said air pollution in the national capital started aggravating since 2007, but it was only in 2014 that action to curb it was undertaken. Listing out steps taken by his government to tackle air pollution in Delhi, he said reducing vehicular pollution was one of the important objectives while combating the problem. The government built two peripheral roads in the last four years so that heavy vehicles do not enter the national capital, he said. The minister said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant was also shut down and steps have been taken to bring down instances of stubble burning. "In the last three years, PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels have come down by 15 and 16 per cent respectively. The 'good', 'moderate' and 'satisfactory' days of air quality too have gone up from 106 in 2016, 152 in 2017 and 159 in 2018," he said. Rise in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels leads to respiratory diseases. He said stubble burning instances in the neighbouring states of Delhi too have come down by 15 per cent and the government is working to reduce the instances. Efforts are being taken to convert the stubble waste to energy and the Centre is also coordinating with five states to deal with this issue, Javadekar added.

Number of days with good air quality on rise in Delhi: Government

A junior resident doctor at the emergency ward of the AIIMS Trauma Centre was allegedly verbally abused and manhandled by the attendants of a patient late on Sunday night, following which his colleagues at the premier institute have gone on a strike withdrawing all nonessential services till Tuesday morning.

The AIIMS Resident Doctor's Association (RDA) said services at outpatient departments (OPDs) and routine operation theatre, and ward visits have been withdrawn from Monday noon till 6am on Tuesday, but emergency services such as ICU, casualty and labour room services are available.

This comes against the backdrop of the medical fraternity holding protests all over the country in solidarity with the junior doctors in West Bengal who are on a strike since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured allegedly by relatives of a patient who died at NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The incident took place around 11.30pm Sunday in the emergency ward of the AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre when a patient with a foot injury reached there for treatment, president of AIIMS Resident Doctor's Association (RDA) Dr Amarinder Singh Malhi said.

"The patient arrived with his attendants. The doctor on duty was attending to a high-risk patient at that time when the attendants asked him to attend their patient on priority basis.

"The doctor asked them to wait for a while saying he attending a high-risk patient who required immediate medical care. He told them that he will definitely attend the patient. But the attendants started verbally abusing the doctor and even manhandled him," Dr Singh claimed.

"The medico at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre was allegedly assaulted for giving preferential care to a critical patient," the RDA said in a statement and demanded enactment of a comprehensive central law for checking violence on doctors and healthcare staff at hospitals.

Police said a case has been registered after the AIIMS doctors filed a complained.

According to a senior police official, two persons have been detained for allegedly misbehaving and abusing the doctor while the third accused is absconding.

However, after the incident, resident doctors of the AIIMS in Delhi, which earlier had decided not to join a nationwide strike keeping in view patient care announced the withdrawal of all non-essential services from Monday noon till Tuesday 6 am.

Doctors of the AIIMS also held a protest march in the campus between 8am and 9am.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A junior resident doctor at the emergency ward of the AIIMS Trauma Centre was allegedly verbally abused and manhandled by the attendants of a patient late on Sunday night, following which his colleagues at the premier institute have gone on a strike withdrawing all nonessential services till Tuesday morning.

A junior resident doctor at the emergency ward of the AIIMS Trauma Centre was allegedly verbally abused and manhandled by the attendants of a patient late on Sunday night, following which his colleagues at the premier institute have gone on a strike withdrawing all nonessential services till Tuesday morning. The AIIMS Resident Doctor's Association (RDA) said services at outpatient departments (OPDs) and routine operation theatre, and ward visits have been withdrawn from Monday noon till 6am on Tuesday, but emergency services such as ICU, casualty and labour room services are available. This comes against the backdrop of the medical fraternity holding protests all over the country in solidarity with the junior doctors in West Bengal who are on a strike since Tuesday after two of their colleagues were attacked and seriously injured allegedly by relatives of a patient who died at NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident took place around 11.30pm Sunday in the emergency ward of the AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre when a patient with a foot injury reached there for treatment, president of AIIMS Resident Doctor's Association (RDA) Dr Amarinder Singh Malhi said. "The patient arrived with his attendants. The doctor on duty was attending to a high-risk patient at that time when the attendants asked him to attend their patient on priority basis. "The doctor asked them to wait for a while saying he attending a high-risk patient who required immediate medical care. He told them that he will definitely attend the patient. But the attendants started verbally abusing the doctor and even manhandled him," Dr Singh claimed. "The medico at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre was allegedly assaulted for giving preferential care to a critical patient," the RDA said in a statement and demanded enactment of a comprehensive central law for checking violence on doctors and healthcare staff at hospitals. Police said a case has been registered after the AIIMS doctors filed a complained. According to a senior police official, two persons have been detained for allegedly misbehaving and abusing the doctor while the third accused is absconding. However, after the incident, resident doctors of the AIIMS in Delhi, which earlier had decided not to join a nationwide strike keeping in view patient care announced the withdrawal of all non-essential services from Monday noon till Tuesday 6 am. Doctors of the AIIMS also held a protest march in the campus between 8am and 9am.

Resident doctor manhandled at AIIMS trauma centre, colleagues go on strike

A large number of individuals and entities, including independent directors, top management personnel, rating agencies and auditors formerly associated with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ilfs-payment-default-crisis-enforcement-directorate-conducts-raid-on-former-directors-in-mumbai-220587">crisis-hit IL&amp;FS</a> may soon face action by capital market regulator Sebi for their role in the alleged fraud at the group.

Sebi has been conducting an in-depth investigation into the role of several entities and individuals, including for suspected violation of disclosure and corporate governance norms, and many of them would soon face stringent penal action for hurting the interest of minority shareholders and the overall capital markets with their fraudulent actions, senior officials said.

Officials said the regulator is also looking into the role of some listed borrowers, who were allegedly given multiple fresh loans despite their earlier defaults.

The Sebi probe had begun soon after the crisis came to light at IL&amp;FS group last year, following huge defaults by various entities which together had a debt burden of over Rs 90,000 crore.

The government had to supersede its board and appoint a new one, which is now working to clear the mess and also recover the losses caused by fraudulent acts of the previous management.

&nbsp;The matter is being probed by multiple agencies, including the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which has also found connivance of the previous top management with auditors and independent directors.

Several entities of IL&amp;FS (Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services) group have been found to have indulged in multiple circuitous transactions involving several illegalities, including fast disbursals to some borrowers despite their bad track record in servicing existing loans and also delayed recoveries.

Investigations have also found that several entities from the IL&amp;FS group continued to enjoy high ratings from various rating agencies, including due to window-dressing of the books of the companies and ever-greening of their loans.

As per the probe, a number of borrowers, including listed firms, were not servicing their debt obligation timely.

While the top management at IL&amp;FS was aware of the potential problem accounts which were getting stressed, they continued to provide them with fresh loans to serve their principal and interest of the defaulters, rather than classifying them as NPAs.

This process was repeated multiple times with the earlier loan facility getting closed and a new facility being created which was again funded, on their default, through another cycle of funding through the same or another group company.

Such manner of debt servicing led to ballooning up of the outstanding liabilities against a group, which were funded from the borrowings from the market.

Ultimately, the final loan facility was declared NPA or written off, or left still outstanding in several cases, resulting in delayed recognition of NPAs, ballooning of debt and ultimate higher loss to the lender and its stakeholders.

It was also found that the top management took hospitality from the defaulter borrowers, while some auditors and rating agency officials were also found to be taking favours, officials said.

In its first charge sheet concerning the group's NBFC arm IL&amp;FS Financial Services Ltd (IFIN), the SFIO has charged its erstwhile top management members of forming a "coterie" with its auditors and independent directors to defraud the company while running the business as their "personal fiefdom". 
In addition to prosecution of former executive and independent directors of IFIN, among others, and attachment of their properties, the SFIO is also seeking interim attachment of all moveable and immovable assets of the auditors including their lockers, bank accounts and jointly-held properties, officials said. 
The SFIO is also collecting details about all borrowings by IFIN from banks and through market instruments, as also about the role of banks and their officials and of credit rating agencies.

In its charge sheet filed before a special court, the SFIO has accused 30 entities/individuals of various violations and offences, including financial fraud. Some of the accused persons are already in judicial custody.

Former top-management members of IFIN have been charged with committing fraud with intent to injure the interest of the company, its shareholders and creditors, resulting in wrongful loss to the company.

Listing names of Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP and BSR and Associates LLP in the charge sheet, the SFIO said, "The statutory auditors failed to discharge their duties diligently and did not use professional scepticism to ensure true and fair disclosure of the state of affairs of the company".

"They, in fact, colluded with officials of the companies in order to conceal their fraudulent activities," the SFIO said while citing documentary and digital evidence as also relevant portions from its investigation report about statements recorded during the course of the probe.

The 'coterie' identified by SFIO included Ravi Parthasarthy, Hari Sankaran, Arun Saha, Ramesh Bawa, Vibhav Kapoor and K Ramchand, who were in the top management of various IL&amp;FS firms.&nbsp;

A large number of individuals and entities, including independent directors, top management personnel, rating agencies and auditors formerly associated with crisis-hit IL&FS may soon face action by capital market regulator Sebi for their role in the alleged fraud at the group.

A large number of individuals and entities, including independent directors, top management personnel, rating agencies and auditors formerly associated with crisis-hit IL&FS may soon face action by capital market regulator Sebi for their role in the alleged fraud at the group. Sebi has been conducting an in-depth investigation into the role of several entities and individuals, including for suspected violation of disclosure and corporate governance norms, and many of them would soon face stringent penal action for hurting the interest of minority shareholders and the overall capital markets with their fraudulent actions, senior officials said. Officials said the regulator is also looking into the role of some listed borrowers, who were allegedly given multiple fresh loans despite their earlier defaults. The Sebi probe had begun soon after the crisis came to light at IL&FS group last year, following huge defaults by various entities which together had a debt burden of over Rs 90,000 crore. The government had to supersede its board and appoint a new one, which is now working to clear the mess and also recover the losses caused by fraudulent acts of the previous management. The matter is being probed by multiple agencies, including the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which has also found connivance of the previous top management with auditors and independent directors. Several entities of IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services) group have been found to have indulged in multiple circuitous transactions involving several illegalities, including fast disbursals to some borrowers despite their bad track record in servicing existing loans and also delayed recoveries. Investigations have also found that several entities from the IL&FS group continued to enjoy high ratings from various rating agencies, including due to window-dressing of the books of the companies and ever-greening of their loans. As per the probe, a number of borrowers, including listed firms, were not servicing their debt obligation timely. While the top management at IL&FS was aware of the potential problem accounts which were getting stressed, they continued to provide them with fresh loans to serve their principal and interest of the defaulters, rather than classifying them as NPAs. This process was repeated multiple times with the earlier loan facility getting closed and a new facility being created which was again funded, on their default, through another cycle of funding through the same or another group company. Such manner of debt servicing led to ballooning up of the outstanding liabilities against a group, which were funded from the borrowings from the market. Ultimately, the final loan facility was declared NPA or written off, or left still outstanding in several cases, resulting in delayed recognition of NPAs, ballooning of debt and ultimate higher loss to the lender and its stakeholders. It was also found that the top management took hospitality from the defaulter borrowers, while some auditors and rating agency officials were also found to be taking favours, officials said. In its first charge sheet concerning the group's NBFC arm IL&FS Financial Services Ltd (IFIN), the SFIO has charged its erstwhile top management members of forming a "coterie" with its auditors and independent directors to defraud the company while running the business as their "personal fiefdom". In addition to prosecution of former executive and independent directors of IFIN, among others, and attachment of their properties, the SFIO is also seeking interim attachment of all moveable and immovable assets of the auditors including their lockers, bank accounts and jointly-held properties, officials said. The SFIO is also collecting details about all borrowings by IFIN from banks and through market instruments, as also about the role of banks and their officials and of credit rating agencies. In its charge sheet filed before a special court, the SFIO has accused 30 entities/individuals of various violations and offences, including financial fraud. Some of the accused persons are already in judicial custody. Former top-management members of IFIN have been charged with committing fraud with intent to injure the interest of the company, its shareholders and creditors, resulting in wrongful loss to the company. Listing names of Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP and BSR and Associates LLP in the charge sheet, the SFIO said, "The statutory auditors failed to discharge their duties diligently and did not use professional scepticism to ensure true and fair disclosure of the state of affairs of the company". "They, in fact, colluded with officials of the companies in order to conceal their fraudulent activities," the SFIO said while citing documentary and digital evidence as also relevant portions from its investigation report about statements recorded during the course of the probe. The 'coterie' identified by SFIO included Ravi Parthasarthy, Hari Sankaran, Arun Saha, Ramesh Bawa, Vibhav Kapoor and K Ramchand, who were in the top management of various IL&FS firms.

IL&FS case: Independent directors, rating agencies, auditors under Sebi lens

The government has decided to demolish 400 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-residence-at-delhis-tughlaq-lane-declared-vacant-put-on-mps-allocation-list-226134">old flats</a> and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste.

The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said.

"All old MP flats, which were built in North and South Avenues after Independence, will be demolished," CPWD's Director General Prabhakar Singh told PTI.

"We will use construction and demolition (C&amp;D) waste in building the new flats for MPs in North and South Avenues, an area which has many old flats," he added.

The waste from the demolition site of the old flats is likely to be used for the construction of the new ones after being processed at a facility.

CPWD, the prime construction agency of the central government, recently constructed 36 duplex flats, at a cost of Rs 80 crore, which are ready to be allotted for the newly-elected parliamentarians.

"The new MP flats will be constructed in a phased manner in North Avenue and South Avenue so that there is no chaos after the demolition of the old ones," he said.

The swanky low-rise buildings will have solar power panels and designated car parking spots, among a host of other facilities, the official said.

The new Lok Sabha has around 300 first-time members, including cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans and Bengali actresses Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi.

The government has made temporary arrangements to accommodate 350 MPs till the time they are allotted full-time official residences in Lutyens' Delhi, an area in the national capital named after British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building of the high-security zone prior to Independence.

In the past, newly-elected MPs used to stay in five-star hotels, but the practice has been dropped following the Lok Sabha Secretariat's cost-cutting measures.&nbsp;

The BJP-led NDA government started its second term as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other ministers of his council took the oath of office on May 30.&nbsp;

The government has decided to demolish 400 old flats and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste. The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said.

The government has decided to demolish 400 old flats and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste. The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said. "All old MP flats, which were built in North and South Avenues after Independence, will be demolished," CPWD's Director General Prabhakar Singh told PTI. "We will use construction and demolition (C&D) waste in building the new flats for MPs in North and South Avenues, an area which has many old flats," he added. The waste from the demolition site of the old flats is likely to be used for the construction of the new ones after being processed at a facility. CPWD, the prime construction agency of the central government, recently constructed 36 duplex flats, at a cost of Rs 80 crore, which are ready to be allotted for the newly-elected parliamentarians. "The new MP flats will be constructed in a phased manner in North Avenue and South Avenue so that there is no chaos after the demolition of the old ones," he said. The swanky low-rise buildings will have solar power panels and designated car parking spots, among a host of other facilities, the official said. The new Lok Sabha has around 300 first-time members, including cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans and Bengali actresses Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi. The government has made temporary arrangements to accommodate 350 MPs till the time they are allotted full-time official residences in Lutyens' Delhi, an area in the national capital named after British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building of the high-security zone prior to Independence. In the past, newly-elected MPs used to stay in five-star hotels, but the practice has been dropped following the Lok Sabha Secretariat's cost-cutting measures. The BJP-led NDA government started its second term as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other ministers of his council took the oath of office on May 30.

400 new flats to be built for MPs in Lutyens' Delhi using construction waste

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday urged Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to urgently look into the national capital's law and order situation as five people were shot dead in the "last 24 hours".

The Delhi Police comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Five murders in Delhi in the last 24 hours is an extremely serious situation. I appeal to @LtGovDelhi &amp; @HMOIndia to urgently look into the law and order situation of the national capital," Kejriwal tweeted.

Five people were killed in four different incidents since Thursday night.&nbsp;

In the Bhalswa Dairy area, a 42-year-old property dealer and a 17-year-old boy were shot dead in separate incidents.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a 35-year-old man in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area and two men were shot dead in Nand Nagari.&nbsp;

Reacting to Kejriwal's tweet, the Delhi Police said all the murders were due to personal enmity.

"The murders have all been confirmed to be personal enmity related. Accused previously known to victim &amp; already arrested in some cases. Overall heinous crime in 2019 is down by 10.5% Crime by use of firearms is down by 5.65% Crime against women is down by 11.5% @ArvindKejriwal (sic)," the Delhi Police tweeted. =

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday urged Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to urgently look into the national capital's law and order situation as five people were shot dead in the "last 24 hours".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday urged Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to urgently look into the national capital's law and order situation as five people were shot dead in the "last 24 hours". The Delhi Police comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. "Five murders in Delhi in the last 24 hours is an extremely serious situation. I appeal to @LtGovDelhi & @HMOIndia to urgently look into the law and order situation of the national capital," Kejriwal tweeted. Five people were killed in four different incidents since Thursday night. In the Bhalswa Dairy area, a 42-year-old property dealer and a 17-year-old boy were shot dead in separate incidents. Unidentified assailants shot dead a 35-year-old man in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area and two men were shot dead in Nand Nagari. Reacting to Kejriwal's tweet, the Delhi Police said all the murders were due to personal enmity. "The murders have all been confirmed to be personal enmity related. Accused previously known to victim & already arrested in some cases. Overall heinous crime in 2019 is down by 10.5% Crime by use of firearms is down by 5.65% Crime against women is down by 11.5% @ArvindKejriwal (sic)," the Delhi Police tweeted. =

5 killings in last 24 hours: Kejriwal asks LG, Home Minister to look into Delhi's law and order situation

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

Delhiites may get some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-may-get-respite-from-scorching-heat-in-the-coming-days-imd-226167">respite from the oppressive heat </a>as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said.

The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said.

Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added.

On Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-from-heat-as-delhi-sizzles-at-46-degree-celsius-226143">maximum temperature in the city </a>was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. Delhiites may get some respite from the oppressive heat as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said. The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said. Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.

Partly cloudy morning in Delhi, respite from heat likely later in the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/partly-cloudy-morning-in-delhi-respite-from-heat-likely-later-in-the-day-226394">The national capital on Wednesday</a> evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.&nbsp;

Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport.&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur.

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Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." <a href="https://t.co/tozHQSoG2Y">pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y</a>
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On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu</a> to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts.

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Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/WqiYvZq8Kq">pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq</a>
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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm.

Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts. Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport. Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur. Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average. Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts. Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm. Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places. (With inputs from agencies)

Dust storm grips Delhi, 'intense rain ahead' predicts Skymet  

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013">experience heat wave</a> on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius.

However, the weather forecasting agency predicted that tomorrow, the capital will be hit by thunderstorm or dust storm.

Besides, the heatwave in many parts with a severe heatwave in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are also predicted.

"Heat wave to severe heat wave in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh; heat wave in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamilnadu," the IMD stated in its all India weather warning bulletin.

Gale winds speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph very likely to prevail over East-Central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea; 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over Lakshadweep area, Kerala, Karnataka and south Maharashtra coasts, it added.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas.

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to experience heat wave on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius.

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to experience heat wave on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius. However, the weather forecasting agency predicted that tomorrow, the capital will be hit by thunderstorm or dust storm. Besides, the heatwave in many parts with a severe heatwave in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are also predicted. "Heat wave to severe heat wave in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh; heat wave in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamilnadu," the IMD stated in its all India weather warning bulletin. Gale winds speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph very likely to prevail over East-Central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea; 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over Lakshadweep area, Kerala, Karnataka and south Maharashtra coasts, it added. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas.

No respite from heat as Delhi sizzles at 46 degree Celsius

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