In a stinging attack on the Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-insult-voters-sentiment-pm-narendra-modi-in-rajya-sabha-230575">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>on Wednesday said the Opposition party's arrogance has no limits, they can't accept defeat.

"My friends in Congress have not been able to digest victory, they have not been able to accept defeat. This is not a healthy sign in a democracy," he said.

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My friends in the Congress: 
 
They have not been able to digest victory. 
 
They have not been able to accept defat. 
 
I do not consider this to be a healthy sign in a democracy: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1143805335452303360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Slamming Congress during his speech, PM Modi said that we should appreciate how our electoral processes have improved over the years. In 1950s polling process took a long time to complete. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, the news is about rising voter turnout. This is a healthy signal.

On one nation, one election issue, PM Modi asked the opposition parties to come forward and present their views. He said that it may not become a reality but spreading negativity even before having a discussion on the matter is not right. He cited examples of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh where Assembly and general elections are held simultaneously.

On Jharkhand lynching incident, PM Modi said that he is too pained by the killing of a youth. He said that the accused should be dealt with a firm hand. Responding to Congress leader Azad's jibe that Jharkhand has become a factory of lynching, he said, "It is wrong to blame entire Jharkhand for the lynching."

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The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. 
 
But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state. 
 
None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1143809912297807872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Narendra Modi said that the people of the country rejected opposition's negative politics. He said that opposition leaders mocked the government's schemes like clean India, Make in India, toilet etc.

In a stinging attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Opposition party's arrogance has no limits, they can't accept defeat. "My friends in Congress have not been able to digest victory, they have not been able to accept defeat.

In a stinging attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Opposition party's arrogance has no limits, they can't accept defeat. "My friends in Congress have not been able to digest victory, they have not been able to accept defeat. This is not a healthy sign in a democracy," he said. My friends in the Congress: They have not been able to digest victory. They have not been able to accept defat. I do not consider this to be a healthy sign in a democracy: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019 × Slamming Congress during his speech, PM Modi said that we should appreciate how our electoral processes have improved over the years. In 1950s polling process took a long time to complete. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, the news is about rising voter turnout. This is a healthy signal. On one nation, one election issue, PM Modi asked the opposition parties to come forward and present their views. He said that it may not become a reality but spreading negativity even before having a discussion on the matter is not right. He cited examples of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh where Assembly and general elections are held simultaneously. On Jharkhand lynching incident, PM Modi said that he is too pained by the killing of a youth. He said that the accused should be dealt with a firm hand. Responding to Congress leader Azad's jibe that Jharkhand has become a factory of lynching, he said, "It is wrong to blame entire Jharkhand for the lynching." The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state. None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019 × PM Narendra Modi said that the people of the country rejected opposition's negative politics. He said that opposition leaders mocked the government's schemes like clean India, Make in India, toilet etc.

Congress can't accept defeats, not a healthy sign in democracy: PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-cant-forget-dark-days-of-emergency-indias-soul-was-crushed-pm-modi-in-lok-sabha-230357">We can't forget dark days of Emergency, India's soul was crushed: PM Modi in Lok Sabha</a>

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navys-marcos-commandos-board-indian-vessels-in-persian-gulf-to-ensure-safety-230339">Navy's MARCOS commandos board Indian vessels in Persian Gulf to ensure safety</a>

After the Indian Navy launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman to "reassure" Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region in the wake of US-Iran tensions, Indian Navy MARCOS commandos boarded the oil tankers intent on travelling onboard in order to provide protection to the ships.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-military-intelligence-to-show-us-drone-was-iranian-airspace-russia-230296">Have military intelligence to show US drone was in Iranian airspace: Russia</a>

Russia has military intelligence that shows that a US drone was in Iranian air space when it was shot down by Iran last week, Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia's Security Council, said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brian-lara-complains-of-chest-pain-hospitalised-in-mumbai-230288">Brian Lara complains of chest pain, hospitalised in Mumbai</a>

Former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, 50, has complained of chest pain and has been admitted to Global Hospital in Mumbai. There has been no information on Lara's health but the hospital will issue an official statement shortly to give an update.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-life-and-legacy-of-michael-jackson-remembering-the-king-of-pop-on-his-tenth-death-anniversary-230233">In pics: The life and legacy of Michael Jackson-Remembering the 'King of Pop'&nbsp;</a>

Despite the controversies around him, there is no doubt that man created some incredible music and his work cannot be overshadowed by any single person.&nbsp;

We can't forget dark days of Emergency, India's soul was crushed: PM Modi in Lok Sabha Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

We can't forget dark days of Emergency, India's soul was crushed: PM Modi in Lok Sabha Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten. Navy's MARCOS commandos board Indian vessels in Persian Gulf to ensure safety After the Indian Navy launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman to "reassure" Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region in the wake of US-Iran tensions, Indian Navy MARCOS commandos boarded the oil tankers intent on travelling onboard in order to provide protection to the ships. Have military intelligence to show US drone was in Iranian airspace: Russia Russia has military intelligence that shows that a US drone was in Iranian air space when it was shot down by Iran last week, Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia's Security Council, said on Tuesday. Brian Lara complains of chest pain, hospitalised in Mumbai Former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, 50, has complained of chest pain and has been admitted to Global Hospital in Mumbai. There has been no information on Lara's health but the hospital will issue an official statement shortly to give an update. In pics: The life and legacy of Michael Jackson-Remembering the 'King of Pop' Despite the controversies around him, there is no doubt that man created some incredible music and his work cannot be overshadowed by any single person.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-never-mentioned-narasimha-rao-and-dr-manmohan-singh-centred-only-around-gandhis-pm-modi-in-lok-sabha-230332">PM Narendra Modi</a> said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

In his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-government-will-overcome-all-challenges-received-a-strong-mandate-pm-modi-230320">maiden speech in the 17th Lok Sabha</a>, the prime minister said: “A few people were constantly asking during the debate – Who did it? Who did it? I want to ask them, today is 25th June. Who imposed the Emergency? Who trampled over the spirit of the Constitution, gagged the media and bullied the judiciary? We can’t forget those dark days.”

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Replying to 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address' in Lok Sabha <a href="https://t.co/oXpl0TMDOg">https://t.co/oXpl0TMDOg</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1143483751512473601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister recalled the "horrors of emergency" while targeting Congress, the prime Opposition party. "Soul of the nation was crushed on this day, June 25, 44 years ago," he said, adding that all castes, groups, religions had fought together to reclaim democracy.

Taking a potshot at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the party never recognised efforts of anyone but only the members from the Gandhi-Nehru family.&nbsp;

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi said the Congress never spoke about the good work of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narasimha Rao.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister said the NDA was given a chance to serve the nation in 2014 as the people thought it was a way of escaping from the UPA regime.

(With inputs from PTI)

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten. In his maiden speech in the 17th Lok Sabha, the prime minister said: “A few people were constantly asking during the debate – Who did it? Who did it? I want to ask them, today is 25th June. Who imposed the Emergency? Who trampled over the spirit of the Constitution, gagged the media and bullied the judiciary? We can’t forget those dark days.” Replying to 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address' in Lok Sabha https://t.co/oXpl0TMDOg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2019 × The Prime Minister recalled the "horrors of emergency" while targeting Congress, the prime Opposition party. "Soul of the nation was crushed on this day, June 25, 44 years ago," he said, adding that all castes, groups, religions had fought together to reclaim democracy. Taking a potshot at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the party never recognised efforts of anyone but only the members from the Gandhi-Nehru family. Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi said the Congress never spoke about the good work of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narasimha Rao. The Prime Minister said the NDA was given a chance to serve the nation in 2014 as the people thought it was a way of escaping from the UPA regime. (With inputs from PTI)

We can't forget dark days of Emergency, India's soul was crushed: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

In a sharp attack on the Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-government-will-overcome-all-challenges-received-a-strong-mandate-pm-modi-230320">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was replying in Lok Sabha on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house.

Continuing his attack on the Congress, Narendra Modi said, "Did those in power from 2004 to 2014 ever talk in appreciation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Did they ever speak about the good work of Narasimha Rao Ji? In this Lok Sabha debate, they did not even speak of Manmohan Singh."

Taking a dig at the Opposition, Narendra Modi said, "You have gone so up in the air that you can't see the ground, you've lost your roots. It gives me satisfaction to see you rise so much,".

In the next 5 years, Modi claimed, the goal is to further strengthen and secure the nation and giving an impetus to the nation's inclusivity.

PM Modi said a period of five years cannot suffice to cure the malaise of 70 years, but his government strove to bring the nation to the path of peace, prosperity and development.

"I know that it takes time to change things which have been existing for the last 70 years. We did not divert or dilute from our main goal. We have to move forward, be it regarding infrastructure or in space," he added.

The Prime Minister claimed that electoral gains or setback never factored in his governance or policy-making.

"I never think about polls in terms of victory and defeat. The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians and work to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens is special to me," he said.&nbsp;

In a sharp attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention.

In a sharp attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was replying in Lok Sabha on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house. Continuing his attack on the Congress, Narendra Modi said, "Did those in power from 2004 to 2014 ever talk in appreciation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Did they ever speak about the good work of Narasimha Rao Ji? In this Lok Sabha debate, they did not even speak of Manmohan Singh." Taking a dig at the Opposition, Narendra Modi said, "You have gone so up in the air that you can't see the ground, you've lost your roots. It gives me satisfaction to see you rise so much,". In the next 5 years, Modi claimed, the goal is to further strengthen and secure the nation and giving an impetus to the nation's inclusivity. PM Modi said a period of five years cannot suffice to cure the malaise of 70 years, but his government strove to bring the nation to the path of peace, prosperity and development. "I know that it takes time to change things which have been existing for the last 70 years. We did not divert or dilute from our main goal. We have to move forward, be it regarding infrastructure or in space," he added. The Prime Minister claimed that electoral gains or setback never factored in his governance or policy-making. "I never think about polls in terms of victory and defeat. The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians and work to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens is special to me," he said.

Congress leaders never mentioned Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh; centred only around Gandhis: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament&nbsp;on Motion of thanks on&nbsp;President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power.

"The president in his address mentioned our vision for India. We should all move forward together. We can overcome every obstacle together. About 60 speakers spoke on the Motion of Thanks," PM Narendra Modi said in Lok Sabha.

Thanking country's voter PM Narendra Modi said that after many decades, the country has given a strong mandate, a government was voted back into power.This Lok Sabha elections have shown that more than themselves, the people of India are thinking about the betterment of the country, this spirit is commendable.

"We have to move together to fulfil the dream of a strong, safe, developed and inclusive nation," said PM Modi speaking in Lok Sabha.

President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha last week and had raised several issues comprising water crisis, 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal and the National Register of Citizens.&nbsp;

The President had said that the government has taken the decision to go ahead with the process of National Register Citizens on a priority basis.&nbsp;

Following the fierce debate between the government and the opposition, Congress specifically

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power. "The president in his address mentioned our vision for India. We should all move forward together. We can overcome every obstacle together. About 60 speakers spoke on the Motion of Thanks," PM Narendra Modi said in Lok Sabha. Thanking country's voter PM Narendra Modi said that after many decades, the country has given a strong mandate, a government was voted back into power.This Lok Sabha elections have shown that more than themselves, the people of India are thinking about the betterment of the country, this spirit is commendable. "We have to move together to fulfil the dream of a strong, safe, developed and inclusive nation," said PM Modi speaking in Lok Sabha. President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha last week and had raised several issues comprising water crisis, 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal and the National Register of Citizens. The President had said that the government has taken the decision to go ahead with the process of National Register Citizens on a priority basis. Following the fierce debate between the government and the opposition, Congress specifically

Our government will overcome all challenges, received a strong mandate: PM Modi 

More than 700 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

A total of 113 terrorists were killed between January and 16 June this year, 257 were killed in 2018, 213 in 2017 and 150 in 2016, taking the total number of those killed during the period to 733, it said.

As many as 112 civilians have also lost their lives during this period in the state. Of them, 15 had died in 2016, 40 in 2017, 39 in 2018 and 18 between January and 16 June, this year.

"The government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism. This has resulted in a corresponding change in the number of such incidents, including casualties," Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

"Security forces keep a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to terrorists and initiate action against them," he added.

More than 700 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. A total of 113 terrorists were killed between January and 16 June this year, 257 were killed in 2018, 213 in 2017 and 150 in 2016, taking the total number of those killed during the period to 733, it said.

More than 700 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. A total of 113 terrorists were killed between January and 16 June this year, 257 were killed in 2018, 213 in 2017 and 150 in 2016, taking the total number of those killed during the period to 733, it said. As many as 112 civilians have also lost their lives during this period in the state. Of them, 15 had died in 2016, 40 in 2017, 39 in 2018 and 18 between January and 16 June, this year. "The government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism. This has resulted in a corresponding change in the number of such incidents, including casualties," Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. "Security forces keep a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to terrorists and initiate action against them," he added.

Over 700 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir in three years: Government

The government has dismissed from service 12 senior income tax officers, including one of the ranks of the joint commissioner, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-arrested-on-corruption-charges-225991">charges of corruption</a> and professional misconduct, sources said.

The list is topped by a Joint Commissioner rank officer against whom there are serious complaints of corruption and extortion from businessmen accused of helping self-styled godman Chandraswami.

It also includes an IRS officer in the post of Commissioner (Appeal) in Noida, who was accused of sexual harassment to two lady IRS officers of Commissioner rank.

Another IRS officer who compulsory retired had acquired movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 3.17 crore in the name of self and his family members. These movable and immovable properties had allegedly been acquired by abusing his official position and by corrupt and illegal means.

A Commissioner Income Tax, who had a Disproportionate Assets case registered against him by the anti-corruption branch of the CBI, and was suspended from service in October 2009 pending criminal prosecution was also compulsorily retired by the government.

Another officer involved in cases of corruptions and extortion and who had passed many wrongs and malafide assessment orders which were later on reversed by the appellate authorities too was dismissed from the service.

An officer amassed disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 1.55 crore, which is 133.71 per cent of his known sources of income and using hawala channels for transferring the ill-gotten money too was compulsorily retired from the service.

Another officer of Commissioner rank, accused of demanding Rs 50 lakh bribe for giving relief to a businessman in a shell company matter, and abusing his official position as a public servant to acquire immovable/movable assets from his ill-gotten money amounting to Rs 3.13 crore was also compulsorily retired. 
&nbsp;

The government has dismissed from service 12 senior income tax officers, including one of the ranks of the joint commissioner, on charges of corruption and professional misconduct, sources said.

The government has dismissed from service 12 senior income tax officers, including one of the ranks of the joint commissioner, on charges of corruption and professional misconduct, sources said. The list is topped by a Joint Commissioner rank officer against whom there are serious complaints of corruption and extortion from businessmen accused of helping self-styled godman Chandraswami. It also includes an IRS officer in the post of Commissioner (Appeal) in Noida, who was accused of sexual harassment to two lady IRS officers of Commissioner rank. Another IRS officer who compulsory retired had acquired movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 3.17 crore in the name of self and his family members. These movable and immovable properties had allegedly been acquired by abusing his official position and by corrupt and illegal means. A Commissioner Income Tax, who had a Disproportionate Assets case registered against him by the anti-corruption branch of the CBI, and was suspended from service in October 2009 pending criminal prosecution was also compulsorily retired by the government. Another officer involved in cases of corruptions and extortion and who had passed many wrongs and malafide assessment orders which were later on reversed by the appellate authorities too was dismissed from the service. An officer amassed disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 1.55 crore, which is 133.71 per cent of his known sources of income and using hawala channels for transferring the ill-gotten money too was compulsorily retired from the service. Another officer of Commissioner rank, accused of demanding Rs 50 lakh bribe for giving relief to a businessman in a shell company matter, and abusing his official position as a public servant to acquire immovable/movable assets from his ill-gotten money amounting to Rs 3.13 crore was also compulsorily retired.

Government dismisses 12 senior I-T officers for corruption, misconduct

The government Thursday announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-new-cabinet-committees-formed-to-spur-growth-employment-224568">constitution of various Cabinet committees</a>, including the one on economic affairs.

On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment.

It was perhaps for the first time that the Cabinet committees on the two issues have been set up.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-s-jaishankar-enter-cabinet-committee-on-security-224609">key committee on security </a>was also set up Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will the head of the Committee, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be its members.

The panel looks after the issues related to national security and foreign affairs.

Among the panels announced Thursday is the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) to be headed by the prime minister with Shah as the other member.

Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are its members.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the Accommodation committee.

The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will be headed by the PM and will have Rajnath Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Communication Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal as its members.

The others in the CCEA include, S Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Shah and will have Sitharaman, Consumer Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members.

Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which helps the government take important policy decisions, will be headed by the prime minister.

Shah, Gadkari, Sitharaman, Goyal, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Harsimrar Kaur, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant and Joshi will be its members.&nbsp;

The Cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.

The government Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, including the one on economic affairs. On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment.

The government Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, including the one on economic affairs. On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment. It was perhaps for the first time that the Cabinet committees on the two issues have been set up. The key committee on security was also set up Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will the head of the Committee, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be its members. The panel looks after the issues related to national security and foreign affairs. Among the panels announced Thursday is the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) to be headed by the prime minister with Shah as the other member. Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are its members. Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the Accommodation committee. The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will be headed by the PM and will have Rajnath Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Communication Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal as its members. The others in the CCEA include, S Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Shah and will have Sitharaman, Consumer Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members. Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which helps the government take important policy decisions, will be headed by the prime minister. Shah, Gadkari, Sitharaman, Goyal, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Harsimrar Kaur, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant and Joshi will be its members. The Cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.

Government announces constitution of various Cabinet panels

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/student-bus-targeted-amid-deadly-wave-of-kabul-bombings-223693">second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus</a>.

The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded.

Farid Ahmad, a spokesman for the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC), told AFP the bomb had been concealed on a bicycle along the side of the road.

"Unfortunately, we have lost four colleagues, nine have been wounded", Ahmad said.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi put the toll at five dead and 10 wounded -- all of them civilians.

Video:&nbsp;3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed

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He said the explosion had been caused by a sticky bomb, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents slap explosives under vehicles.

No one immediately claimed responsibility.

The blast comes one day after two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for those bombings on Sunday.&nbsp;

Buses carrying government employees have remained a constant target of militant attacks during the rush hour in Kabul.

The IARCSC was established in 2002 with the aim of providing oversight to the notoriously corrupt Afghan civil service.

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus.

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus. The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded. Farid Ahmad, a spokesman for the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC), told AFP the bomb had been concealed on a bicycle along the side of the road. "Unfortunately, we have lost four colleagues, nine have been wounded", Ahmad said. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi put the toll at five dead and 10 wounded -- all of them civilians. Video: 3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed He said the explosion had been caused by a sticky bomb, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents slap explosives under vehicles. No one immediately claimed responsibility. The blast comes one day after two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for those bombings on Sunday. Buses carrying government employees have remained a constant target of militant attacks during the rush hour in Kabul. The IARCSC was established in 2002 with the aim of providing oversight to the notoriously corrupt Afghan civil service.

Afghanistan: At least four killed as government bus hit in Kabul blast

Confirming unemployment rate projected in a pre-election leaked report, the government Friday said joblessness in the country was 6.1 per cent of total labour force during 2017-18, the highest in 45 years.

The data released by the government on a day when Modi 2.0 Cabinet took charge showed 7.8 per cent of all employable urban youth being jobless, while the percentage for the rural was 5.3 per cent.

The joblessness among male on all India basis was 6.2 per cent, while it was 5.7 per cent in case of females.&nbsp;

Confirming unemployment rate projected in a pre-election leaked report, the government Friday said joblessness in the country was 6.1 per cent of total labour force during 2017-18, the highest in 45 years.

Confirming unemployment rate projected in a pre-election leaked report, the government Friday said joblessness in the country was 6.1 per cent of total labour force during 2017-18, the highest in 45 years. The data released by the government on a day when Modi 2.0 Cabinet took charge showed 7.8 per cent of all employable urban youth being jobless, while the percentage for the rural was 5.3 per cent. The joblessness among male on all India basis was 6.2 per cent, while it was 5.7 per cent in case of females.

Unemployment rate at 6.1% in 2017-18, confirms government data

The decisive mandate to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is a call of the people for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cabinet-20-most-ministers-retain-earlier-ministries-check-complete-list-223154">new India </a>where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

He was addressing a banquet in honour of the heads and representatives of foreign governments attending the swearing-in-ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

Kovind said the verdict is an affirmation of Modi's visionary leadership to build a New India, not in a distant future, but here and now.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance</a>

"This mandate is a call from our people for an India where there is progress for all and no one is left behind; an India that is on course to eliminating extreme poverty in the coming decade, and to realising the potential in every girl-child; an India that is at work to harness new-age technology and the limitless energy of its youth," he said.

It calls for an India that wishes to connect deeper with its rich cultural past even as it draws the contours of its promising future, and an India that is fast transforming itself as an engine of global growth and a centre of global power-relations, the president said.

Kovind said aspirations run high in our people.

"They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said.

Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfil these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said.

Watch- Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home

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Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone.

"As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said.

Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

"This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said.

Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet.

The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

Kovind said aspirations run high in our people.

"They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said.

Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfill these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said.

Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone.

"As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said.

Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said.

"This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said.

Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet.

The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday.

Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

The decisive mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a call of the people for a new India where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

The decisive mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a call of the people for a new India where there is progress for all and the country transforms itself as an engine of global growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said. He was addressing a banquet in honour of the heads and representatives of foreign governments attending the swearing-in-ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Kovind said the verdict is an affirmation of Modi's visionary leadership to build a New India, not in a distant future, but here and now. Also read: Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance "This mandate is a call from our people for an India where there is progress for all and no one is left behind; an India that is on course to eliminating extreme poverty in the coming decade, and to realising the potential in every girl-child; an India that is at work to harness new-age technology and the limitless energy of its youth," he said. It calls for an India that wishes to connect deeper with its rich cultural past even as it draws the contours of its promising future, and an India that is fast transforming itself as an engine of global growth and a centre of global power-relations, the president said. Kovind said aspirations run high in our people. "They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said. Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfil these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said. Watch- Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home × Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone. "As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said. Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team "This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said. Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet. The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday. Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet. Kovind said aspirations run high in our people. "They constantly yearn for a better life for themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good governance, equal opportunities and efficient and equitable delivery of public goods and services," the president said. Modi leads a government that will continue to work selflessly and tirelessly to fulfill these aspirations and enable a life of dignity and respect to our citizens, he said. Kovind said India's dreams are not for it alone. "As we work for our progress, we remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural affinities and economic opportunities of Central Asia, our people embody similar hopes and aspirations," he said. Over the centuries, India has been the centre-piece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean, the president said. "This is our legacy, and this is also our future. For all our people and for the global community, we must work together to foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing," Kovind said. Dignitaries attended the banquet include Bangladesh's President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Sooronbai Zheenbekov, the President of Kyrgyz Republic and U Win Myint, the President of Myanmar. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, K P Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal; Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Grisada Boonrach, special envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand also attended the banquet. The highest ever number of 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his Council of Ministers Thursday. Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen's speciality 'Dal Raisina' was served to foreign delegates in the banquet.

Strong mandate is a call from our people for new India: President Ram Nath Kovind

Former Afghan govt senior adviser says members of administration offer posts in exchange of sexual favors. Former govt consultant Mariam Wardak comes under attack for backing the claims. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the report.

Gravitas: Major Controversy In Afghanistan; Sex Scandal Hits Government

Former Afghan govt senior adviser says members of administration offer posts in exchange of sexual favors. Former govt consultant Mariam Wardak comes under attack for backing the claims. Watch this video to know more.

Afghan sex scandal: General exposes sex scandal in Govt

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms. PM Modi has already started the work and it is reported that the plans for the first 100 days are already being made. &nbsp;

In a diverse and growing country like us, we have multiple issues to take care of simultaneously. The emphasis on economy, power, health, defence and infrastructure are the key to development. However, there are some other areas, which are really urgent but are mostly neglected. We suggest that these areas are given much higher priority than what they are receiving now.&nbsp;

The first and foremost issue to address should be the burgeoning population of the nation. The much talked about demographic dividend would be a disaster-in-waiting, if not addressed timely. The rapidly growing population puts an enormous strain on the nation’s resources, whilst making governance a big challenge. It also has dangerous implications for the sustainability of forests and our rich biodiversity. The population of India is projected to reach 1.68 billion by 2050. Should the government limit the reproductive rights of people is a controversial question that needs to be asked with urgency. China’s experience of “one-child policy” has been mixed. However, it is said that a lack of such a policy would have added 1 billion additional people to China by 2050.&nbsp;

The policy had positive approval from 76 per cent of the Chinese nationals. We may not be able to take such a drastic step on population control but we may be able to adopt an approach where governmental benefits would not be available for the second child, making it costly for people to think of having another child. At the same time, information and communication initiatives should highlight the benefits of one child. The obstacles to such a policy are many. The government might need to bring in the Uniform Civil Code to even pursue a nationwide population policy. &nbsp;Needless to say, it would require a lot of stakeholder management but it is the need of the hour.&nbsp;

A second urgent issue is of waste-management. We are very poor in terms of recycling waste or getting rid of garbage dumps, that greet visitors at the outskirts of every Indian city. Many countries in Europe have laws against dumping waste. Countries like Sweden have revolutionised waste processing, so much so that they are importing garbage to produce electricity. In India, Indore is a recent example of such an experiment. Policies need to be developed that addresses both the stock and the flow problem associated with waste management. Stock relates to the garbage that has accumulated over years of neglect. The flow deals with the incremental garbage creation that happens on a day-to-day basis. Intermittent stock clearing programs (Safai-Abhiyans) are not helpful in the long term unless it is accompanied by a strong policy that addresses generation of waste. &nbsp;Education, intelligent policies and strict implementation is the key to Swachh Bharat 2.0.&nbsp;

The third important issue is of managing the chaotic traffic on the roads. Our traffic laws and their implementation are probably one of the poorest in the world. It results in lots of accidents on the road (1.47 lakh people in 2017 died due to road accidents) and reduces traffic speed. Unruly drivers on the roads are a threat and, therefore, the government needs to revalidate the driving licenses and strictly monitor traffic rules implementation on the road. Making multiple mistakes should result in forfeiting of the driving licence. For that to happen, a lot of autonomous systems are to be put in place and infrastructure has to be created to detect ownership of vehicles instantly after a violation and automatically invoking penalties. There is a need to hire more traffic police force throughout the country. Ideally, one police personnel must be appointed for every 1000 vehicles. Only Kolkata meets this requirement with one police officer for every 421 vehicles. Comparable figures for Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai are 2134, 1773 and 1524 respectively. Traffic reforms are a need of the hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A related issue is of creating rapid transit or mass transport in the country. If we want to decongest the roads, we must create rapid transit-mass transport connectivity at a large scale. In the last 5 years, considerable effort has been made in launching mass transit systems across tier-1 and tier-2 cities. However, rapid transit connectivity plans to airports and railway stations are either ineffective (eg: Delhi) or non-existent (eg: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai). These need to be expedited to enable true seamless multi-modal transport across the country. And such connectivity options need to be built-in into new metro plans of any city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another area of concern is our depleting forest resources. Economic development creates pressure on our forest resources. In the recent past, Industries are given permission to operate from key forest areas, and some of those decisions were highly controversial. The long term impact of allowing an industry in a forest area has probably not been calculated, even though in the short term they are known to help in economic development. It is important to strictly monitor emissions for industries currently operating in forest areas. As a developing country, we will be pushed to invest more in economic development, but as a country, we need to decide to only use non-productive lands for the industry. Also, it is important that additional areas are brought into reserved forest zones from protected zones, where currently all activities such as hunting and grazing are allowed.&nbsp;

It is natural for people of India to expect a lot from the government that has returned to power with a bigger mandate than in 2014. Focussing on these issues is likely to bring in a lot of benefits for the citizens over the next five years. To achieve results in an urgent and time-bound manner, there will be a need to reorganise the ministries. We believe these are the five key areas and the citizens should hold the next government responsible for not taking action on these issues.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Co-authored by Harish Rao. He is an assistant professor of International Management Institute, Delhi.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms.

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms. PM Modi has already started the work and it is reported that the plans for the first 100 days are already being made. In a diverse and growing country like us, we have multiple issues to take care of simultaneously. The emphasis on economy, power, health, defence and infrastructure are the key to development. However, there are some other areas, which are really urgent but are mostly neglected. We suggest that these areas are given much higher priority than what they are receiving now. The first and foremost issue to address should be the burgeoning population of the nation. The much talked about demographic dividend would be a disaster-in-waiting, if not addressed timely. The rapidly growing population puts an enormous strain on the nation’s resources, whilst making governance a big challenge. It also has dangerous implications for the sustainability of forests and our rich biodiversity. The population of India is projected to reach 1.68 billion by 2050. Should the government limit the reproductive rights of people is a controversial question that needs to be asked with urgency. China’s experience of “one-child policy” has been mixed. However, it is said that a lack of such a policy would have added 1 billion additional people to China by 2050. The policy had positive approval from 76 per cent of the Chinese nationals. We may not be able to take such a drastic step on population control but we may be able to adopt an approach where governmental benefits would not be available for the second child, making it costly for people to think of having another child. At the same time, information and communication initiatives should highlight the benefits of one child. The obstacles to such a policy are many. The government might need to bring in the Uniform Civil Code to even pursue a nationwide population policy. Needless to say, it would require a lot of stakeholder management but it is the need of the hour. A second urgent issue is of waste-management. We are very poor in terms of recycling waste or getting rid of garbage dumps, that greet visitors at the outskirts of every Indian city. Many countries in Europe have laws against dumping waste. Countries like Sweden have revolutionised waste processing, so much so that they are importing garbage to produce electricity. In India, Indore is a recent example of such an experiment. Policies need to be developed that addresses both the stock and the flow problem associated with waste management. Stock relates to the garbage that has accumulated over years of neglect. The flow deals with the incremental garbage creation that happens on a day-to-day basis. Intermittent stock clearing programs (Safai-Abhiyans) are not helpful in the long term unless it is accompanied by a strong policy that addresses generation of waste. Education, intelligent policies and strict implementation is the key to Swachh Bharat 2.0. The third important issue is of managing the chaotic traffic on the roads. Our traffic laws and their implementation are probably one of the poorest in the world. It results in lots of accidents on the road (1.47 lakh people in 2017 died due to road accidents) and reduces traffic speed. Unruly drivers on the roads are a threat and, therefore, the government needs to revalidate the driving licenses and strictly monitor traffic rules implementation on the road. Making multiple mistakes should result in forfeiting of the driving licence. For that to happen, a lot of autonomous systems are to be put in place and infrastructure has to be created to detect ownership of vehicles instantly after a violation and automatically invoking penalties. There is a need to hire more traffic police force throughout the country. Ideally, one police personnel must be appointed for every 1000 vehicles. Only Kolkata meets this requirement with one police officer for every 421 vehicles. Comparable figures for Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai are 2134, 1773 and 1524 respectively. Traffic reforms are a need of the hour. A related issue is of creating rapid transit or mass transport in the country. If we want to decongest the roads, we must create rapid transit-mass transport connectivity at a large scale. In the last 5 years, considerable effort has been made in launching mass transit systems across tier-1 and tier-2 cities. However, rapid transit connectivity plans to airports and railway stations are either ineffective (eg: Delhi) or non-existent (eg: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai). These need to be expedited to enable true seamless multi-modal transport across the country. And such connectivity options need to be built-in into new metro plans of any city. Another area of concern is our depleting forest resources. Economic development creates pressure on our forest resources. In the recent past, Industries are given permission to operate from key forest areas, and some of those decisions were highly controversial. The long term impact of allowing an industry in a forest area has probably not been calculated, even though in the short term they are known to help in economic development. It is important to strictly monitor emissions for industries currently operating in forest areas. As a developing country, we will be pushed to invest more in economic development, but as a country, we need to decide to only use non-productive lands for the industry. Also, it is important that additional areas are brought into reserved forest zones from protected zones, where currently all activities such as hunting and grazing are allowed. It is natural for people of India to expect a lot from the government that has returned to power with a bigger mandate than in 2014. Focussing on these issues is likely to bring in a lot of benefits for the citizens over the next five years. To achieve results in an urgent and time-bound manner, there will be a need to reorganise the ministries. We believe these are the five key areas and the citizens should hold the next government responsible for not taking action on these issues. (Co-authored by Harish Rao. He is an assistant professor of International Management Institute, Delhi.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Key immediate reform areas for the new government

Niti Aayog is working on the economic agenda for the new government where the focus will be on achieving long term sustainable growth and boosting private investments in the country, the think tank's Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha election results would be announced on Thursday and the new government would be in place in the coming weeks.

In an interview to PTI, Kumar said Niti Aayog would submit an action plan to the new government.

"Niti Aayog is preparing something (economic agenda) and that will be submitted to the new government.

"The basic thing is that we need to take steps to increase private investments in the economy. That's a real issue and to increase the private investment, it requires greater access to credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," Kumar said.

According to him, the economic agenda might also pitch for extending labour subsidies to textile and leather sectors to reduce the cost of production.

Cost of capital in India is quite high, which needs to be brought down, and there is also a need to create a land bank owned by public sector undertakings so that private investment can be attracted, Kumar said.

On whether he sees a case for fiscal stimulus as the economy is slowing down, Kumar said there is always a case for fiscal stimulus provided the fiscal balance is maintained.

"So there is no case at all of busting all fiscal norms. I think we can create fiscal space through non-tax revenues being increased.

"And also including tax compliance, there is a need for expanding public capital expenditure while maintaining fiscal balance," the eminent economist opined.

Emphasising that India can achieve double-digit growth by 2022, Kumar said a good foundation for such a trajectory has already been laid in the last five years. During this period, there has been unprecedented macro stability as well as an average annual growth of 7 per cent growth.

"So there is also a social basis now for ramping up our growth," he said.

Noting that the government has done enough in last five years to be now ready to take that few steps to ramp up growth to 9 per cent, Kumar said, "I think, that by fiscal 2022, we should be able to get there (double-digit growth)."

For the current fiscal ending March 2020, Kumar expects the Indian economy to record a growth of around 7 per cent.

In February, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revised downwards the growth estimate for 2018-19 fiscal from 7.2 per cent to 7 per cent, the lowest in five years.

According to a report released by the United Nations on Tuesday, India is projected to grow at 7 per cent in 2019 and 7.1 per cent in 2020.

Most exit polls have predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;

Niti Aayog is working on the economic agenda for the new government where the focus will be on achieving long term sustainable growth and boosting private investments in the country, the think tank's Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Wednesday.

Niti Aayog is working on the economic agenda for the new government where the focus will be on achieving long term sustainable growth and boosting private investments in the country, the think tank's Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Wednesday. Lok Sabha election results would be announced on Thursday and the new government would be in place in the coming weeks. In an interview to PTI, Kumar said Niti Aayog would submit an action plan to the new government. "Niti Aayog is preparing something (economic agenda) and that will be submitted to the new government. "The basic thing is that we need to take steps to increase private investments in the economy. That's a real issue and to increase the private investment, it requires greater access to credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," Kumar said. According to him, the economic agenda might also pitch for extending labour subsidies to textile and leather sectors to reduce the cost of production. Cost of capital in India is quite high, which needs to be brought down, and there is also a need to create a land bank owned by public sector undertakings so that private investment can be attracted, Kumar said. On whether he sees a case for fiscal stimulus as the economy is slowing down, Kumar said there is always a case for fiscal stimulus provided the fiscal balance is maintained. "So there is no case at all of busting all fiscal norms. I think we can create fiscal space through non-tax revenues being increased. "And also including tax compliance, there is a need for expanding public capital expenditure while maintaining fiscal balance," the eminent economist opined. Emphasising that India can achieve double-digit growth by 2022, Kumar said a good foundation for such a trajectory has already been laid in the last five years. During this period, there has been unprecedented macro stability as well as an average annual growth of 7 per cent growth. "So there is also a social basis now for ramping up our growth," he said. Noting that the government has done enough in last five years to be now ready to take that few steps to ramp up growth to 9 per cent, Kumar said, "I think, that by fiscal 2022, we should be able to get there (double-digit growth)." For the current fiscal ending March 2020, Kumar expects the Indian economy to record a growth of around 7 per cent. In February, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revised downwards the growth estimate for 2018-19 fiscal from 7.2 per cent to 7 per cent, the lowest in five years. According to a report released by the United Nations on Tuesday, India is projected to grow at 7 per cent in 2019 and 7.1 per cent in 2020. Most exit polls have predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Niti Aayog's economic agenda for new government likely to focus on boosting private investment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fear-of-change-negative-politics-wins-australia-election-219890">Australia's re-elected conservative government</a> might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in particular would have welcomed the fillip to consumer demand as it wrestles with whether to cut interest rates from already record lows.

If the tax breaks are delayed, maybe for months or even a full year, it would add to the case for at least one cut in the current 1.5% cash rate, perhaps as early as next month.

The tax rebates were a much-touted pledge from Morrison during the election campaign and may have played a part in his surprise defeat of the opposition Labor party.

Morrison's Liberal-National coalition had promised tax rebates to around 10 million middle- and low-income earners from July 1 worth up to A$1,080 per person.

It was to be paid once they lodged their tax returns for the financial year to the end of June.

However, to take effect the tax package has to be passed by lawmakers by the end of June and parliament cannot be recalled until the official writs from Saturday's election are returned.

That turns out to be an extensive process of vote checking which might not finish until late June, giving little time to pass the laws.

"We obviously have to wait for the writs to be returned and there's a formal process for that," Morrison told Sky News. "At the moment, that's not looking until very late into the back end of June."

"So, that really does make very narrow that opportunity to do it before 30 June," he added. "I think that's very unlikely, with the advice I've received."

Any delay to the rebates would be badly timed for the economy given that annual growth in the March quarter likely slowed to its lowest since the global financial crisis at under 2%.

The first-quarter growth numbers will be released on June 5, a day after the RBA holds its next policy meeting where a cut in rates is certain to be discussed.

Economists had estimated the tax breaks would inject about A$7.5 billion ($5.18 billion) into the economy over 2019/20, lessening the need for a reduction in interest rates.

Australia's re-elected conservative government might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time.

Australia's re-elected conservative government might not meet a June deadline for tax breaks that policymakers had been counting on to give the slowing economy a much-needed boost, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said parliament may be unable to convene in time. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in particular would have welcomed the fillip to consumer demand as it wrestles with whether to cut interest rates from already record lows. If the tax breaks are delayed, maybe for months or even a full year, it would add to the case for at least one cut in the current 1.5% cash rate, perhaps as early as next month. The tax rebates were a much-touted pledge from Morrison during the election campaign and may have played a part in his surprise defeat of the opposition Labor party. Morrison's Liberal-National coalition had promised tax rebates to around 10 million middle- and low-income earners from July 1 worth up to A$1,080 per person. It was to be paid once they lodged their tax returns for the financial year to the end of June. However, to take effect the tax package has to be passed by lawmakers by the end of June and parliament cannot be recalled until the official writs from Saturday's election are returned. That turns out to be an extensive process of vote checking which might not finish until late June, giving little time to pass the laws. "We obviously have to wait for the writs to be returned and there's a formal process for that," Morrison told Sky News. "At the moment, that's not looking until very late into the back end of June." "So, that really does make very narrow that opportunity to do it before 30 June," he added. "I think that's very unlikely, with the advice I've received." Any delay to the rebates would be badly timed for the economy given that annual growth in the March quarter likely slowed to its lowest since the global financial crisis at under 2%. The first-quarter growth numbers will be released on June 5, a day after the RBA holds its next policy meeting where a cut in rates is certain to be discussed. Economists had estimated the tax breaks would inject about A$7.5 billion ($5.18 billion) into the economy over 2019/20, lessening the need for a reduction in interest rates.

Australia's re-elected government may miss tax break deadline

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that he would request the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">dismissal of Herbert Kickl</a> to ensure a transparent investigation into a corruption scandal against the former party's leader.

Vice chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned on Saturday after a video emerged showing him engaged in acts of corruption.

His party has been in government with Kurz’s centre-right People's Party (OVP) since December 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">Kurz announced a snap election in the wake of the scandal</a>, due to take place in September.

He said Kickl needed to go because he was general secretary and responsible for the finances of the FPO when the clandestine video of Strache was recorded.

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He added that Kickl should have followed Strache's example and resigned, to clear up any doubts about possible interference in the investigation.

Interim FPO leader Norbert Hofer announced on Monday that an external investigation of the party's finances will be opened.

He said that his party continued to support Kickl and warned that if he is dismissed then the other FPO ministers would resign.

The FPO had five ministries in the current government in office: Interior, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transport and Health.

These portfolios will be assumed by experts or senior officials, which Kurz had predicted before the resignation of the ministers became official.

The controversial footage, recorded with hidden cameras in July 2017 on a farm on the Spanish island of Ibiza, shows Strache saying he is willing to commit acts of corruption and take steps to control the national press.

FPO politician Johann Gudenus, who appears in the video translating from Russian, has also resigned from all political positions.

The clip was published on Friday by German media and sees Strache meeting with an alleged Russian investor.

He promises public contracts and to help the woman buy the Kronenzeitung, the most influential newspaper in the country, in exchange for millions of donations for his party.

Strache and Gudenus, visibly drunk, described journalists as "whores" and expressed an ambition to muzzle the press.

The Kremlin has denied any connection to the scandal and said it was nothing to do with Russia.

"We can not value the appearance of that video in any way, because it has nothing to do with Russia, neither with the president, nor with the government," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday.

He added that it is unknown "who that woman is, whether she is Russian or not," and that it is "a story that has no relationship with us."

The European Commission said it has followed the unfolding events "with disbelief."

"Indeed, we followed in disbelief as a leader of a political party was seen negotiating access to media and institutions in exchange for funds from external benefactors who clearly do not have Europeans' best interests at heart," chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at a press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior.

Members of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) announced Monday that they will leave the coalition government in protest against the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that he would request the dismissal of Herbert Kickl to ensure a transparent investigation into a corruption scandal against the former party's leader. Vice chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned on Saturday after a video emerged showing him engaged in acts of corruption. His party has been in government with Kurz’s centre-right People's Party (OVP) since December 2017. Kurz announced a snap election in the wake of the scandal, due to take place in September. He said Kickl needed to go because he was general secretary and responsible for the finances of the FPO when the clandestine video of Strache was recorded. He added that Kickl should have followed Strache's example and resigned, to clear up any doubts about possible interference in the investigation. Interim FPO leader Norbert Hofer announced on Monday that an external investigation of the party's finances will be opened. He said that his party continued to support Kickl and warned that if he is dismissed then the other FPO ministers would resign. The FPO had five ministries in the current government in office: Interior, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Transport and Health. These portfolios will be assumed by experts or senior officials, which Kurz had predicted before the resignation of the ministers became official. The controversial footage, recorded with hidden cameras in July 2017 on a farm on the Spanish island of Ibiza, shows Strache saying he is willing to commit acts of corruption and take steps to control the national press. FPO politician Johann Gudenus, who appears in the video translating from Russian, has also resigned from all political positions. The clip was published on Friday by German media and sees Strache meeting with an alleged Russian investor. He promises public contracts and to help the woman buy the Kronenzeitung, the most influential newspaper in the country, in exchange for millions of donations for his party. Strache and Gudenus, visibly drunk, described journalists as "whores" and expressed an ambition to muzzle the press. The Kremlin has denied any connection to the scandal and said it was nothing to do with Russia. "We can not value the appearance of that video in any way, because it has nothing to do with Russia, neither with the president, nor with the government," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Monday. He added that it is unknown "who that woman is, whether she is Russian or not," and that it is "a story that has no relationship with us." The European Commission said it has followed the unfolding events "with disbelief." "Indeed, we followed in disbelief as a leader of a political party was seen negotiating access to media and institutions in exchange for funds from external benefactors who clearly do not have Europeans' best interests at heart," chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

Members of Austrian far-right party quit coalition government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-volodymyr-zelensky-win-212597">German Chancellor Angela Merkel's </a>preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021.

The woman usually dubbed "AKK" took over from Merkel as head of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) last December, while the chancellor said she wants to serve out her 2017-2021 term.

"The chancellor and the government were elected for an entire legislative term and the citizens rightly expect them to take seriously the commitment that came with the election," said Kramp-Karrenbauer.

"So I can rule out the possibility that I will work deliberately to seek a change earlier," she told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Rather, the CDU should work on a new policy platform and nominate its chancellor-candidate in the late autumn of 2020, she said.

German media have been speculating for months over whether Germany's veteran leader Merkel may leave earlier as head of her left-right coalition government.

Under one scenario, her junior partners the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) could quit the "grand coalition" if they receive further election setbacks.

Upcoming electoral tests are the European Parliament elections this month and three state polls in Germany's ex-communist east later in the year.

In all those elections, the far-right and anti-immigration AfD could make further gains at the expense of the mainstream CDU and SPD parties.

Kramp-Karrenbauer acknowledged that the coalition with the SPD "did not emerge smoothly and doesn't always have an easy time cooperating".

On her relationship with Merkel, she said that "on some days I speak more with her than with my husband".

She stressed however that Merkel to her was neither a "personal friend" nor a "benefactor", and that instead, they are "fellow travellers".&nbsp;

"Our relationship is very good, just as it was before," Kramp-Karrenbauer told the newspaper.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021. The woman usually dubbed "AKK" took over from Merkel as head of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) last December, while the chancellor said she wants to serve out her 2017-2021 term. "The chancellor and the government were elected for an entire legislative term and the citizens rightly expect them to take seriously the commitment that came with the election," said Kramp-Karrenbauer. "So I can rule out the possibility that I will work deliberately to seek a change earlier," she told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Rather, the CDU should work on a new policy platform and nominate its chancellor-candidate in the late autumn of 2020, she said. German media have been speculating for months over whether Germany's veteran leader Merkel may leave earlier as head of her left-right coalition government. Under one scenario, her junior partners the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) could quit the "grand coalition" if they receive further election setbacks. Upcoming electoral tests are the European Parliament elections this month and three state polls in Germany's ex-communist east later in the year. In all those elections, the far-right and anti-immigration AfD could make further gains at the expense of the mainstream CDU and SPD parties. Kramp-Karrenbauer acknowledged that the coalition with the SPD "did not emerge smoothly and doesn't always have an easy time cooperating". On her relationship with Merkel, she said that "on some days I speak more with her than with my husband". She stressed however that Merkel to her was neither a "personal friend" nor a "benefactor", and that instead, they are "fellow travellers". "Our relationship is very good, just as it was before," Kramp-Karrenbauer told the newspaper.

Germany: Merkel's preferred successor says won't seek post before 2021

Mali's president has named a new government after its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-government-resigns-after-massacre-insecurity-211722">predecessor resigned last month amid widespread protests</a> over an upsurge of deadly inter-communal violence, a presidency statement said.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Sunday announced the new executive of 37 members under Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, who was appointed on April 22 to oversee the formation of a "broad-based" government.

Last week, Cisse signed a pact with opposition and majority party representatives in the capital Bamako, declaring their willingness to set up a "politically-inclusive" new government.

Cisse's predecessor Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga and his entire cabinet resigned on April 18 following the massacre of some 160 members of the Fulani herding community on March 23 in the village of Ogossagou near Mali's border with Burkina Faso.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on April 5 to protest against an upsurge of violence that has claimed around 600 lives, and which demonstrators said the government had failed to stop.

The new executive has as its foreign minister Tiebile Drame, who led the election campaign of opposition member Soumaila Cisse against Keita in 2018.

Cisse's URD party said it would continue to play a "constructive" opposition role.

UN scandal

The key portfolio of defence went to General Ibrahim Dahirou Dembele, former army chief of staff under the junta that emerged from a 2012 coup.

The role of justice minister went to Malick Coulibaly, president of Mali's National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH), who has held the post before.

UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe, whose tenure at the agency was marred by allegations of serious mismanagement, was appointed health minister, the agency said.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear whether Sidibe will leave his UN post. But he had been scheduled to stand down in June following widespread concerns over his conduct in office, including his handling of sexual assault allegations against one of his top deputies.

The new Mali government includes ten women, more than a quarter of the total but fewer than the previous team, which boasted about a third.

Since the appearance of a jihadist group under preacher Amadou Koufa in central Mali in 2015, recruiting mainly among the Dogon -- a hunting and farming community -- clashes between the Dogon and the nomadic Fulani have intensified.

Last week, the UN's MINUSMA mission said the Ogossagou massacre had been "planned, organised and coordinated" and could constitute a "crime against humanity."

Mali's president has named a new government after its predecessor resigned last month amid widespread protests over an upsurge of deadly inter-communal violence, a presidency statement said.

Mali's president has named a new government after its predecessor resigned last month amid widespread protests over an upsurge of deadly inter-communal violence, a presidency statement said. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Sunday announced the new executive of 37 members under Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, who was appointed on April 22 to oversee the formation of a "broad-based" government. Last week, Cisse signed a pact with opposition and majority party representatives in the capital Bamako, declaring their willingness to set up a "politically-inclusive" new government. Cisse's predecessor Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga and his entire cabinet resigned on April 18 following the massacre of some 160 members of the Fulani herding community on March 23 in the village of Ogossagou near Mali's border with Burkina Faso. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on April 5 to protest against an upsurge of violence that has claimed around 600 lives, and which demonstrators said the government had failed to stop. The new executive has as its foreign minister Tiebile Drame, who led the election campaign of opposition member Soumaila Cisse against Keita in 2018. Cisse's URD party said it would continue to play a "constructive" opposition role. UN scandal The key portfolio of defence went to General Ibrahim Dahirou Dembele, former army chief of staff under the junta that emerged from a 2012 coup. The role of justice minister went to Malick Coulibaly, president of Mali's National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH), who has held the post before. UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe, whose tenure at the agency was marred by allegations of serious mismanagement, was appointed health minister, the agency said. It was not immediately clear whether Sidibe will leave his UN post. But he had been scheduled to stand down in June following widespread concerns over his conduct in office, including his handling of sexual assault allegations against one of his top deputies. The new Mali government includes ten women, more than a quarter of the total but fewer than the previous team, which boasted about a third. Since the appearance of a jihadist group under preacher Amadou Koufa in central Mali in 2015, recruiting mainly among the Dogon -- a hunting and farming community -- clashes between the Dogon and the nomadic Fulani have intensified. Last week, the UN's MINUSMA mission said the Ogossagou massacre had been "planned, organised and coordinated" and could constitute a "crime against humanity."

Mali gets new government after protests

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-employees-consortium-to-bid-for-jet-airways-seeks-to-raise-rs-3000-crore-from-outside-investors-214546">Jet Airways officers and staff</a> gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans.

On occasion of Labour Day, the Jet Airways employees also organised a peaceful protest and requested the government's interference to save the airline.

Krishna Rama Naidu, an employee in the cargo department of Jet Airways said: "On Labour Day, we have gathered for a peaceful protest. We did not get our salaries for two months. Our mediclaim policy had also lapsed."

In a letter, Rahul Taneja, CPO, Jet Airways on Tuesday said: "In the absence of any emergency funding from the lenders or any other source of funds forthcoming in the near future, we find ourselves facing a situation where we are not able to fund the premium of our group mediclaim policy. The group mediclaim policy lapses on the midnight of April 30, 2019."

Sushma Shetty, who has been associated with the airline carrier for 11 years, also sought government's interference. "We are doing peace march to request the government to save the Jet Airways and the families of 22,000 staff. A staff member also attempted to commit suicide," she said.

Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer. The crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26.

Jet Airways, on April 17, cancelled all flights, including its international flights temporarily, after failing to secure emergency funds from its lenders, according to a statement by the airlines.

The Jet Airways officers and staff gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans.

The Jet Airways officers and staff gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans. On occasion of Labour Day, the Jet Airways employees also organised a peaceful protest and requested the government's interference to save the airline. Krishna Rama Naidu, an employee in the cargo department of Jet Airways said: "On Labour Day, we have gathered for a peaceful protest. We did not get our salaries for two months. Our mediclaim policy had also lapsed." In a letter, Rahul Taneja, CPO, Jet Airways on Tuesday said: "In the absence of any emergency funding from the lenders or any other source of funds forthcoming in the near future, we find ourselves facing a situation where we are not able to fund the premium of our group mediclaim policy. The group mediclaim policy lapses on the midnight of April 30, 2019." Sushma Shetty, who has been associated with the airline carrier for 11 years, also sought government's interference. "We are doing peace march to request the government to save the Jet Airways and the families of 22,000 staff. A staff member also attempted to commit suicide," she said. Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer. The crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26. Jet Airways, on April 17, cancelled all flights, including its international flights temporarily, after failing to secure emergency funds from its lenders, according to a statement by the airlines.

Jet Airways employees organise protest, requests government's interference

Government puts complete ban on import of plastic waste

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said.

A notification on the ban was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after a high-level meeting on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The separatist group is alleged to be involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country and is in close touch with militant outfits.

Security forces launched a crackdown on separatist forces and arrested many leaders and cadres of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir after the February 14 terrorist attack in Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said.

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said. A notification on the ban was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after a high-level meeting on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The separatist group is alleged to be involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country and is in close touch with militant outfits. Security forces launched a crackdown on separatist forces and arrested many leaders and cadres of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir after the February 14 terrorist attack in Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Government imposes ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50000 to those who fell ill.

Sonowal said the guilty will not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of state excise minister

Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday.

According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital.

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Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat &amp; Jorhat, Excise Department &amp; District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture &amp; sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now <a href="https://t.co/8DDTL1vjnf">pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099310539677880323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said.

A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night.

Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. 
Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute".

Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill."

Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to a large number of affected people, he said.

Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and coordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said.

"The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said.

Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that a maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there.

Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation.

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor.

Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.

Activists of the state's leading student and youth organisation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation.&nbsp;

This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50000 to those who fell ill. Sonowal said the guilty will not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of state excise minister Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday. According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital. Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat & Jorhat, Excise Department & District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture & sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2019 × In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said. A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night. Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute". Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill." Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to a large number of affected people, he said. Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and coordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said. "The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said. Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that a maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there. Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor. Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. Activists of the state's leading student and youth organisation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation. This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

Assam hooch tragedy leaves 85 dead, government destroys 15,000 litres liquor

RBI to transfer Rs 28,000 crore to government as interim dividend

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

"We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement.

The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.

Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said.

Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.&nbsp;

"We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said.

PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income. The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement. The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so. Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said. Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility. "We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body arrests Punjab government's senior minister

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/disenfranchisement-may-be-first-possible-step-after-final-nrc-officials-182670">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty.

Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process.

The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the&nbsp;NRC process continues.

The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold.

Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC.

It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1.

The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted.

The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form.

The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight).

The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card.

The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC.

The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy.

The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period.

The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then.

Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue. The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty. Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process. The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the NRC process continues. The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process. The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold. Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC. It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1. The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted. The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form. The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight). The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card. The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC. The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy. The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period. The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then. Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

Assam's National Register of Citizens: Supreme Courts slams Centre, says it is hell bent on destroying process

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-court-dismisses-plea-to-check-sirisenas-mental-health-188880">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe-led government on Friday sought the consent of the Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament to form a 'national government', a move seen as a step to get a majority in the 225-member House.

Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations, Sirisena said the proposed national government is simply an attempt to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and provide privileges to the ministers at the people's expense. Calling the move unethical, the president said the people's wish is to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers. 
&nbsp; 
"I have seen media reports of an attempt to form a national government. I stand opposed to the move as this would be an exercise only to expand the cabinet of ministers and attain more privileges," Sirisena said referring to the move by Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena in October last year and strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed the prime minister. The President also removed the members of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from the national unity government.

The UNP, with 106 seats, had joined hands with the Sirisena's SLFP in 2015 to form a unity government.

Sirisena was forced to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister after Rajapaksa failed to prove his majority twice in Parliament.

Since his reappointment in December last, the Wickremesinghe-led government has been functioning without the required majority of 113 in the 225-member House.

Sirisena's move to dissolve Parliament to hold a snap parliamentary poll on January 5 was turned down by the Supreme Court.

Wickremesinghe plans to set up a national government by entering into a pact with the solitary member from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress while roping in the members from Sirisena's Freedom Party.&nbsp;

The year 2019 is a crucial year for Sri Lanka as the next presidential election is scheduled to be held between November this year and early January 2020.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's party has already announced that they would not back the president again due to the ongoing rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa cannot contest again as he had been twice president before. The former President's new Sri Lanka People's Party is less inclined to back Sirisena.&nbsp;

The Rajapaksa-led opposition has been demanding to hold of fresh elections ahead of its schedule in August 2020.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
During the address, Sirisena also warned that international forces were working against Sri Lanka in this election year. He said international reactionary forces have arrived in the country in various disguises.&nbsp;

He also lamented that even after 71 years of independence the main national question regarding the Tamil minority still remains unresolved. Interestingly only last week that Sirisena publicly opposed the ongoing attempts to form a new Constitution aimed at addressing the issues of the Tamil community.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday said he is opposed to forming a national government only to expand the Cabinet of ministers, indicating that his rift with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was far from over. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe-led government on Friday sought the consent of the Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament to form a 'national government', a move seen as a step to get a majority in the 225-member House. Addressing the nation at the 71st National Independence Day celebrations, Sirisena said the proposed national government is simply an attempt to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and provide privileges to the ministers at the people's expense. Calling the move unethical, the president said the people's wish is to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers. "I have seen media reports of an attempt to form a national government. I stand opposed to the move as this would be an exercise only to expand the cabinet of ministers and attain more privileges," Sirisena said referring to the move by Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe was sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena in October last year and strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed the prime minister. The President also removed the members of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from the national unity government. The UNP, with 106 seats, had joined hands with the Sirisena's SLFP in 2015 to form a unity government. Sirisena was forced to reappoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister after Rajapaksa failed to prove his majority twice in Parliament. Since his reappointment in December last, the Wickremesinghe-led government has been functioning without the required majority of 113 in the 225-member House. Sirisena's move to dissolve Parliament to hold a snap parliamentary poll on January 5 was turned down by the Supreme Court. Wickremesinghe plans to set up a national government by entering into a pact with the solitary member from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress while roping in the members from Sirisena's Freedom Party. The year 2019 is a crucial year for Sri Lanka as the next presidential election is scheduled to be held between November this year and early January 2020. Wickremesinghe's party has already announced that they would not back the president again due to the ongoing rift between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa cannot contest again as he had been twice president before. The former President's new Sri Lanka People's Party is less inclined to back Sirisena. The Rajapaksa-led opposition has been demanding to hold of fresh elections ahead of its schedule in August 2020. During the address, Sirisena also warned that international forces were working against Sri Lanka in this election year. He said international reactionary forces have arrived in the country in various disguises. He also lamented that even after 71 years of independence the main national question regarding the Tamil minority still remains unresolved. Interestingly only last week that Sirisena publicly opposed the ongoing attempts to form a new Constitution aimed at addressing the issues of the Tamil community.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena says opposed to forming national government

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes.

At the same time, Madhav said that the central government will respect the judicial process and is committed to building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"The saints are not angry but are insisting there should be some forward movement on Ram temple issue. We are equally committed and we are with the saints on the question of building Ram temple there. We are fully committed to building a magnificent (Ram) temple in Ayodhya," he told ANI.

Madhav expressed hope that the ruling on the Ram temple issue would come soon."But as government, we have to respect the judicial process, as the matter is before the Supreme Court. We are hoping that the judgment on this matter comes soon. Once the judgment comes, the government will do whatever is possible within its powers to facilitate construction of the temple there," he added.

The Centre on Tuesday sought direction to release 67 acres acquired land out of which 0.313 acres is disputed. The top court on Monday had cancelled the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit, which was slated for January 29 by a five-judge bench due to the unavailability of one of the judges, Justice SA Bobde. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes. At the same time, Madhav said that the central government will respect the judicial process and is committed to building the Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The saints are not angry but are insisting there should be some forward movement on Ram temple issue. We are equally committed and we are with the saints on the question of building Ram temple there. We are fully committed to building a magnificent (Ram) temple in Ayodhya," he told ANI. Madhav expressed hope that the ruling on the Ram temple issue would come soon."But as government, we have to respect the judicial process, as the matter is before the Supreme Court. We are hoping that the judgment on this matter comes soon. Once the judgment comes, the government will do whatever is possible within its powers to facilitate construction of the temple there," he added. The Centre on Tuesday sought direction to release 67 acres acquired land out of which 0.313 acres is disputed. The top court on Monday had cancelled the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit, which was slated for January 29 by a five-judge bench due to the unavailability of one of the judges, Justice SA Bobde. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Ram temple issue: Government to take steps within its powers once Supreme Court ruling comes, says Ram Madhav

Five student leaders in Nepal have been arrested for their alleged involvement in torching a government vehicle during a protest by a student wing of opposition Nepali Congress against the misuse of government vehicles.

The Nepal Student Union cadres on Saturday took the vehicle of Chief of Education Department at Pokhara Metropolis under control and torched it as part of their protest to restrict government vehicles from plying on road on holidays.

The agitating student cadres dragged the driver from the vehicle, poured petrol and torched it.

The arrested student leaders include Nepal Student Union president of Pokhara University Rajendra Baral, officials said.

NSU central member Bhanu Dhakal said that the misuse of government vehicles has increased in the recent time, and the student body has started a campaign to control the practice.

Five student leaders in Nepal have been arrested for their alleged involvement in torching a government vehicle during a protest by a student wing of opposition Nepali Congress against the misuse of government vehicles.

Five student leaders in Nepal have been arrested for their alleged involvement in torching a government vehicle during a protest by a student wing of opposition Nepali Congress against the misuse of government vehicles. The Nepal Student Union cadres on Saturday took the vehicle of Chief of Education Department at Pokhara Metropolis under control and torched it as part of their protest to restrict government vehicles from plying on road on holidays. The agitating student cadres dragged the driver from the vehicle, poured petrol and torched it. The arrested student leaders include Nepal Student Union president of Pokhara University Rajendra Baral, officials said. NSU central member Bhanu Dhakal said that the misuse of government vehicles has increased in the recent time, and the student body has started a campaign to control the practice.

Five student leaders arrested for torching government vehicle in Nepal

Myanmar's government under Nobel laureate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uk-calls-on-myanmars-suu-kyi-to-take-personal-interest-in-case-of-jailed-reuters-reporters-189584">Aung San Suu Kyi </a>has used repressive laws to prosecute peaceful critics, dashing hopes that its first democratic leader in decades would safeguard free speech, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Freedom of expression has been deteriorating since her administration came to power in 2016, with prosecutions creating a "climate of fear" among journalists, the rights group said in its report, "Dashed Hopes: The Criminalization of Peaceful Expression in Myanmar".

"Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy promised a new Myanmar but the government still prosecutes peaceful speech and protests and has failed to revise old oppressive laws," Linda Lakhdhir, Asia legal adviser at Human Rights Watch and the report's author, said in a statement.

A government spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The military governments that ruled Myanmar for decades placed severe restrictions on free speech. Reforms undertaken by the quasi-civilian administration that came to power in 2010, including the abolition of censorship, had "positive implications for speech and assembly", HRW said.

However, the Suu Kyi-led government had made "only marginal changes" to oppressive legislation and continued to use "overly broad, vague, and abusive laws" to prosecute peaceful speech and assembly, it said.

Myanmar free speech group Athan, whose report was quoted by HRW, said some 140 cases had been filed since 2016 under the Telecommunications Act, at least half of which involved prosecution for peaceful speech.

Parliament made some amendments to section 66(d) of the act, which punishes anyone who "defames" someone using a telecommunications network with up to two years in prison but rejected calls to repeal the provision.

Reporters were especially vulnerable to prosecution and attacks, HRW said, with threats coming from authorities as well as nationalists and militant supporters of the government or army.

"The result has been a climate of fear among local journalists," the HRW report said.

Laws criminalising defamation, the Official Secrets Act, the Unlawful Associations Act, the 1934 Aircraft Act, and section 131 of the Myanmar Penal Code have all been used against journalists in recent years.

Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years in prison in September 2018 under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. They had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in Rakhine state.

"Aung San Suu Kyi's government has had a real opportunity to abolish the tools of oppression used by the military juntas, but has instead used them against peaceful critics and protesters,” Lakhdhir said.

"It's not too late to reverse course and take steps to fully protect speech and assembly in Myanmar," she said.

Myanmar's government under Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has used repressive laws to prosecute peaceful critics, dashing hopes that its first democratic leader in decades would safeguard free speech, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Myanmar's government under Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has used repressive laws to prosecute peaceful critics, dashing hopes that its first democratic leader in decades would safeguard free speech, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Freedom of expression has been deteriorating since her administration came to power in 2016, with prosecutions creating a "climate of fear" among journalists, the rights group said in its report, "Dashed Hopes: The Criminalization of Peaceful Expression in Myanmar". "Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy promised a new Myanmar but the government still prosecutes peaceful speech and protests and has failed to revise old oppressive laws," Linda Lakhdhir, Asia legal adviser at Human Rights Watch and the report's author, said in a statement. A government spokesman could not be reached for comment. The military governments that ruled Myanmar for decades placed severe restrictions on free speech. Reforms undertaken by the quasi-civilian administration that came to power in 2010, including the abolition of censorship, had "positive implications for speech and assembly", HRW said. However, the Suu Kyi-led government had made "only marginal changes" to oppressive legislation and continued to use "overly broad, vague, and abusive laws" to prosecute peaceful speech and assembly, it said. Myanmar free speech group Athan, whose report was quoted by HRW, said some 140 cases had been filed since 2016 under the Telecommunications Act, at least half of which involved prosecution for peaceful speech. Parliament made some amendments to section 66(d) of the act, which punishes anyone who "defames" someone using a telecommunications network with up to two years in prison but rejected calls to repeal the provision. Reporters were especially vulnerable to prosecution and attacks, HRW said, with threats coming from authorities as well as nationalists and militant supporters of the government or army. "The result has been a climate of fear among local journalists," the HRW report said. Laws criminalising defamation, the Official Secrets Act, the Unlawful Associations Act, the 1934 Aircraft Act, and section 131 of the Myanmar Penal Code have all been used against journalists in recent years. Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years in prison in September 2018 under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. They had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in Rakhine state. "Aung San Suu Kyi's government has had a real opportunity to abolish the tools of oppression used by the military juntas, but has instead used them against peaceful critics and protesters,” Lakhdhir said. "It's not too late to reverse course and take steps to fully protect speech and assembly in Myanmar," she said.

Human Rights watch says Myanmar government using ‘abusive laws’ to punish critics

Clearing the air about the news report that stated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuhrer-mussolini-rahul-gandhi-bjp-spar-over-jobs-report-194112">India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate</a>, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

"Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said.

He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today).

"Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added.

A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73.&nbsp;

The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside.

The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process. "Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said. He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today). "Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added. A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73. The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside. The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Government has not yet released any official data on unemployment: NITI Aayog on job report

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