Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-opens-its-air-space-five-months-after-closing-it-in-aftermath-of-balakot-airstrikes-236275">lifted all curbs on flying over its air space</a>.

"We are looking into the matter.&nbsp;It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said.

For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space.

"With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAI_Official</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a>
— Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1151002814396506112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases.

Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives.

In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it.

In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace. 
&nbsp;

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter.

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter. It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said. For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space. "With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers". After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. @AAI_Official @airindiain @HardeepSPuri — Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) July 16, 2019 × Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases. Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives. In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace.

Will take 2-3 days for scheduling flights over Pakistan airspace: Air India official

Pakistan legal team on <a href="Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands">Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands</a>, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case.

The team, led by Attorney General for Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, also included Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, reported Express Tribune.&nbsp;

The 48-year-old former Naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism on April 11, 2017.&nbsp;

Following which, India approached ICJ against Pakistan "for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963" in the matter.

India has contended that it had not been informed of Mr Jadhav`s detention until long after his arrest and that Pakistan had failed to inform the accused of his rights.&nbsp;

It further alleged that, in violation of the Vienna Convention, the authorities of Pakistan had denied India its right of consular access to Jadhav, despite repeated requests.&nbsp;

Subsequently, on May 18, 2017, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case.&nbsp;

In February this year, the ICJ rejected five pleas made by Pakistan during the hearing of Jadhav's case, including the playing of the so-called "confessional statement" of the Indian national and a request to adjourn the hearing citing illness of its ad-hoc judge.&nbsp;

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case started on February 18 at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague.

Pakistan had further urged the ICJ to dismiss India's plea for relief for its national Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in an "opaque trial."&nbsp;

Pakistan legal team on Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case.

Pakistan legal team on Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case. The team, led by Attorney General for Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, also included Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, reported Express Tribune. The 48-year-old former Naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism on April 11, 2017. Following which, India approached ICJ against Pakistan "for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963" in the matter. India has contended that it had not been informed of Mr Jadhav`s detention until long after his arrest and that Pakistan had failed to inform the accused of his rights. It further alleged that, in violation of the Vienna Convention, the authorities of Pakistan had denied India its right of consular access to Jadhav, despite repeated requests. Subsequently, on May 18, 2017, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case. In February this year, the ICJ rejected five pleas made by Pakistan during the hearing of Jadhav's case, including the playing of the so-called "confessional statement" of the Indian national and a request to adjourn the hearing citing illness of its ad-hoc judge. The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case started on February 18 at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague. Pakistan had further urged the ICJ to dismiss India's plea for relief for its national Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in an "opaque trial."

Pakistan legal team in Hague for Kulbushan Jadhav verdict

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents.

KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality."

Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.&nbsp;

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality.

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality." Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.

Tripura police arrest two Myanmar nationals without proper documents

The Indian government is set to introduce rules in six months that could lead to the phase-out of monopolies controlled by natural gas distribution companies in 34 cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, allowing many consumers to choose a new supplier, a senior regulatory official said.

In 2009, natural gas supply regulator - the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) - gave exclusive gas marketing rights, initially for five years, to companies who had established gas distribution networks in cities across the country.

It allowed them to use their pipelines exclusively for 25 years to help them recover billions of dollars they had invested.

However, now one of the three members of the PNGRB's board said the regulator is soon moving to open up the still relatively new business to the competition.

"These companies have more than recovered their costs as indicated by their profitability and market cap," said the board member, Satpal Garg, who is in control of its commercial and monitoring responsibilities.

"The rules will be ready in three months, and implementation would take another three months as the regulator will first seek feedback from companies and the public", he said.

The move could affect the business of GAIL (India) Ltd, formerly known as Gas Authority of India Ltd, the biggest gas distributor in the country.

GAIL has direct or indirect control of many of the single-city distributors, such as Mahanagar Gas Ltd in Mumbai, Indraprastha Gas Ltd in New Delhi. They could now face new competition.

Another major player, Gujarat Gas Ltd, could see potential rivals consider moving into the 11 cities in which it distributes gas, including Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Hazira, Surat and Rajkot in western Gujarat state.

Some cities awarded to Indian Oil and Adani Gas Ltd would also now be open to new distributors, under the new provisions.

The liberalisation could, though, also allow some better capitalised and more aggressive firms, including some associated with GAIL, and Adani Group, to challenge existing distributors in other cities.

No immediate comment was available from the five companies.

The Indian government is set to introduce rules in six months that could lead to the phase-out of monopolies controlled by natural gas distribution companies in 34 cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, allowing many consumers to choose a new supplier, a senior regulatory official said.

The Indian government is set to introduce rules in six months that could lead to the phase-out of monopolies controlled by natural gas distribution companies in 34 cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, allowing many consumers to choose a new supplier, a senior regulatory official said. In 2009, natural gas supply regulator - the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) - gave exclusive gas marketing rights, initially for five years, to companies who had established gas distribution networks in cities across the country. It allowed them to use their pipelines exclusively for 25 years to help them recover billions of dollars they had invested. However, now one of the three members of the PNGRB's board said the regulator is soon moving to open up the still relatively new business to the competition. "These companies have more than recovered their costs as indicated by their profitability and market cap," said the board member, Satpal Garg, who is in control of its commercial and monitoring responsibilities. "The rules will be ready in three months, and implementation would take another three months as the regulator will first seek feedback from companies and the public", he said. The move could affect the business of GAIL (India) Ltd, formerly known as Gas Authority of India Ltd, the biggest gas distributor in the country. GAIL has direct or indirect control of many of the single-city distributors, such as Mahanagar Gas Ltd in Mumbai, Indraprastha Gas Ltd in New Delhi. They could now face new competition. Another major player, Gujarat Gas Ltd, could see potential rivals consider moving into the 11 cities in which it distributes gas, including Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Hazira, Surat and Rajkot in western Gujarat state. Some cities awarded to Indian Oil and Adani Gas Ltd would also now be open to new distributors, under the new provisions. The liberalisation could, though, also allow some better capitalised and more aggressive firms, including some associated with GAIL, and Adani Group, to challenge existing distributors in other cities. No immediate comment was available from the five companies.

India to launch rules to end gas distributor's monopoly in 34 areas

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-summons-arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-234089">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

According to the court, the two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 each.

The next date of hearing in the defamation case has been scheduled for July 25.

Gupta had filed the suit against Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief by his own Personal Security Officer (PSO) in the manner in which Indira Gandhi was killed.

He had said that he was "deeply hurt by the defamatory and false allegations made by both the accused persons".

The BJP MLA claimed that the false allegations were made to impact the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab which were held in the last phase.

The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large."

Gupta has also alleged that in the recent past, in order to make political gains, Kejriwal allegedly scripted the slap-gate during a road-show in the capital city on May 5.&nbsp;

AAP had blamed the BJP for the incident.

He has also alleged that Kejriwal and Sisodia have made several tweets with baseless allegations against him.

"While Kejriwal`s tweet was retweeted 3,194 times and that of Sisodia`s was re-tweeted 1,301 times. Not only that.&nbsp;

Twitter being a public platform, it might have reached and read by so many other people in and outside Delhi," Gupta said.

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

A Special Court in Delhi on Tuesday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with a defamation suit filed by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta. According to the court, the two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 each. The next date of hearing in the defamation case has been scheduled for July 25. Gupta had filed the suit against Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief by his own Personal Security Officer (PSO) in the manner in which Indira Gandhi was killed. He had said that he was "deeply hurt by the defamatory and false allegations made by both the accused persons". The BJP MLA claimed that the false allegations were made to impact the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab which were held in the last phase. The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large." Gupta has also alleged that in the recent past, in order to make political gains, Kejriwal allegedly scripted the slap-gate during a road-show in the capital city on May 5. AAP had blamed the BJP for the incident. He has also alleged that Kejriwal and Sisodia have made several tweets with baseless allegations against him. "While Kejriwal`s tweet was retweeted 3,194 times and that of Sisodia`s was re-tweeted 1,301 times. Not only that. Twitter being a public platform, it might have reached and read by so many other people in and outside Delhi," Gupta said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia get bail in defamation suit filed by BJP's Vijender Gupta

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/tata-steel-chairman-says-to-help-nearly-double-indian-capacity-after-thyssenkrupp-deal-148537">Tata Steel India's first quarter production</a> increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.Q1 (April to June) FY 2019-20 sales volume improved by 16 per cent year-on-year primarily with consolidation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/tata-steel-europe-thyssenkrupp-merger-to-cut-costs-moodys-145397">Tata Steel BSL </a>for full quarter. &nbsp;

While the production was 3.64 million tonnes, the sales totaled 3.34 million tonnes in the same period.

This was despite liquidity issues in the banking and non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sectors along with rural stress which negatively impacted sentiments and overall economic activities, including domestic consumption.

"The resumption of trade talks between the United States and China and the recent Union Budget announcements in India to resolve some of the liquidity issues are expected to trigger an improvement in business sentiment globally and in India," the company said in a statement.

&nbsp;"This is expected to translate into a stronger business performance in second half of the financial year."&nbsp;

In Europe, the steel industry has been facing significant headwinds in terms of lower economic growth and trade flow uncertainty that is impacting steel consuming products.&nbsp;

Tata Steel Europe`s first quarter FY20 production was impacted by planned shutdowns and unplanned outages during the quarter.

This coupled with sluggish demand affected the sales volume. While the production was 2.81 million tonnes, sales totalled 2.45 per cent.&nbsp;

In southeast Asia, the production was 0.52 million tonnes while sales totalled 0.6 million tonnes.

"Global business confidence has dipped sharply in recent months amid broader economic weakness and the uncertainty around the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which has hurt investment decisions, capex spend and trade flows," the company said.

"Consequently, steel prices across many geographies declined in Q1 FY20. This coincided with a sharp rise in iron ore prices due to supply disruptions and elevated coking coal costs. As a result, market spreads for steel producers globally have been affected."

Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum The group (excluding southeast Asia operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of 22.67 billion dollars in the financial year ending March 31.

Last year, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd which has now been renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd.

Tata Steel India's first quarter production increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.

Tata Steel India's first quarter production increased by 20 per cent year-on-year with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for the full quarter and higher capacity utilisation at both Tata Steel standalone and Tata Steel BSL.Q1 (April to June) FY 2019-20 sales volume improved by 16 per cent year-on-year primarily with consolidation of Tata Steel BSL for full quarter. While the production was 3.64 million tonnes, the sales totaled 3.34 million tonnes in the same period. This was despite liquidity issues in the banking and non-banking financial companies (NBFC) sectors along with rural stress which negatively impacted sentiments and overall economic activities, including domestic consumption. "The resumption of trade talks between the United States and China and the recent Union Budget announcements in India to resolve some of the liquidity issues are expected to trigger an improvement in business sentiment globally and in India," the company said in a statement. "This is expected to translate into a stronger business performance in second half of the financial year." In Europe, the steel industry has been facing significant headwinds in terms of lower economic growth and trade flow uncertainty that is impacting steel consuming products. Tata Steel Europe`s first quarter FY20 production was impacted by planned shutdowns and unplanned outages during the quarter. This coupled with sluggish demand affected the sales volume. While the production was 2.81 million tonnes, sales totalled 2.45 per cent. In southeast Asia, the production was 0.52 million tonnes while sales totalled 0.6 million tonnes. "Global business confidence has dipped sharply in recent months amid broader economic weakness and the uncertainty around the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which has hurt investment decisions, capex spend and trade flows," the company said. "Consequently, steel prices across many geographies declined in Q1 FY20. This coincided with a sharp rise in iron ore prices due to supply disruptions and elevated coking coal costs. As a result, market spreads for steel producers globally have been affected." Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum The group (excluding southeast Asia operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of 22.67 billion dollars in the financial year ending March 31. Last year, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd which has now been renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd.

Tata Steel reports higher production, sales in India despite liquidity challenges in market

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday.

The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time.&nbsp;

As per Hindu beliefs, no religious ritual can be performed and temples remain closed for a specified period before, after and during an eclipse.&nbsp;

Considering the same, the organizers of Ganga Aarti have decided to perform the ritual in the afternoon instead of the evening.&nbsp;

In India, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible during the intervening night of July 16 and 17.&nbsp;

The Moon will enter penumbra on July 17 around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1.31 am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3 am.

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday. The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time.

Varanasi`s famed tradition of Ganga Aarti, the daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, has been advanced on account of the lunar eclipse on Tuesday. The timings of the daily ritual for today have been kept at 3:00 PM which is much before the usual time. As per Hindu beliefs, no religious ritual can be performed and temples remain closed for a specified period before, after and during an eclipse. Considering the same, the organizers of Ganga Aarti have decided to perform the ritual in the afternoon instead of the evening. In India, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible during the intervening night of July 16 and 17. The Moon will enter penumbra on July 17 around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1.31 am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3 am.

Varanasi evening Ganga Aarti advanced due to lunar eclipse

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

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

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

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

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-floods-70-of-kaziranga-national-park-submerged-animals-taken-to-highlands-235656&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie2Zz5kbbjAhUy7nMBHTwaC8YQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gzihMOQ4D1KU47S9WFwM5">flood situation</a> in his home state.&nbsp;

The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha.

The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice.

Incessant downpour in the state has led to a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-heavy-rain-floods-kill-at-least-10-people-over-a-million-displaced-235623&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie2Zz5kbbjAhUy7nMBHTwaC8YQFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zeotELrC1s5NkS8QeVe6w">flood in large parts of Assam</a>.&nbsp;

Around 62 relief camps have been set up for relief and rescue purpose with lakhs of people from 25 districts being affected by the advent of floods in the state.

"25 districts, 2217 villages and 14,06,711 people have been affected by the advent of floods in the state."

"Around 62 relief camps and 172 relief distribution centres have been set up for relief and rescue purpose," said Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Additional Chief Secretary, Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

In the district of Morigaon, at least 94,000 people have been affected as over 180 villages are under the grip of tragic floods after the waters of Brahmaputra River entered the area"Many villages have been flooded as the waters of Brahmaputra has flown into different areas of the district," said a local from Bhuragaon in Morigaon.

"Water is continuously filling around our houses and the roads are blocked. Yet no government officials have come up to lend us support," he added.

Same is the fate of the dozens of villages of Darang district in Assam where the waters of Brahmaputra, Kuli, Tangni and Jiya Dhanashree River have entered the villages.

Roads and bridges affected due to the floods have left the villagers stranded.&nbsp;

Apart from this, thousand of Bigha agricultural land has submerged in dozens of villages of the district.

Unhygienic drinking water is also posing a grave threat to the health of the residents, especially children.&nbsp;

Even after all this, people still await relief materials.&nbsp;

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state. The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha.

Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora has given a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state. The Congress MP has given the notice in the upper house of parliament-Rajya Sabha. The Zero Hour denotes the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory prior ten days notice. Incessant downpour in the state has led to a flood in large parts of Assam. Around 62 relief camps have been set up for relief and rescue purpose with lakhs of people from 25 districts being affected by the advent of floods in the state. "25 districts, 2217 villages and 14,06,711 people have been affected by the advent of floods in the state." "Around 62 relief camps and 172 relief distribution centres have been set up for relief and rescue purpose," said Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Additional Chief Secretary, Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Department. In the district of Morigaon, at least 94,000 people have been affected as over 180 villages are under the grip of tragic floods after the waters of Brahmaputra River entered the area"Many villages have been flooded as the waters of Brahmaputra has flown into different areas of the district," said a local from Bhuragaon in Morigaon. "Water is continuously filling around our houses and the roads are blocked. Yet no government officials have come up to lend us support," he added. Same is the fate of the dozens of villages of Darang district in Assam where the waters of Brahmaputra, Kuli, Tangni and Jiya Dhanashree River have entered the villages. Roads and bridges affected due to the floods have left the villagers stranded. Apart from this, thousand of Bigha agricultural land has submerged in dozens of villages of the district. Unhygienic drinking water is also posing a grave threat to the health of the residents, especially children. Even after all this, people still await relief materials.

Assam Congress president Ripun Bora gives Zero Hour notice over floods in state

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brazil-escalates-world-trade-organisation-dispute-over-india-sugar-subsidies-235185">World Trade Organisation </a>(WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said.

The export subsidies are designed to increase shipments from the world's second-biggest sugar producer and reduce their brimming inventories. But that could pressure global prices that have only eked out a 2.1 per cent gain this year after plunging more than 20 per cent in 2018.

"The industry needs government support for exports. It will be provided without violating the WTO framework," said a senior government official involved in the policymaking. "We may need to make some changes in the way we provide incentives."

Government and industry officials did not say what kind of changes they are planning to make, though they said they are seeking guidance from WTO experts.

Years of bumper cane harvests and record sugar production have hammered Indian sugar prices, making it hard for mills to pay money owed to farmers, who form an influential voting bloc.

To reduce that debt and are rising inventories, New Delhi said in September it would provide incentives to mills for overseas sugar sales and set an export target of 5 million tonnes for the 2018/19 marketing year ending on Sept. 30.

India's exports surged to 3.3 million tonnes from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier. That prompted rivals to complain at the WTO, alleging the incentives violate trade rules.

The Brazilian government said on Thursday it had asked the WTO to establish a panel aimed at resolving its dispute over Indian sugar subsidies. Australia and Guatemala also lodged complaints on Thursday.

India has been providing transport subsidies of between 1,000 rupees a tonne to 3,000 rupees a tonne to sugar mills, depending on the distance to ports. The government has also raised the amount it directly pays to cane growers to 138 rupees a tonne in assistance from 55 rupees a year ago.

On Wednesday, the Indian industry and government officials discussed how an incentive can be provided in the next marketing year starting from October 1 without violating WTO rules.

"The export policy for the next season could be finalised early next month," said an industry official, who participated in Wednesday's discussion.

Sugar mills are requesting that the government provide incentives to export 7 million to 8 million tonnes of sugar in the next season, up from this season's target of 5 million tonnes, said Abinash Verma, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

Announcing the export policy will help mills in deciding whether to produce raw or white sugar for export at the beginning of the season, said Prakash Naiknavare, managing director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF).

Indian mills traditionally produce white sugar for local consumption, but they produce raw sugar during years of surplus to help exports. Selling raw sugar is easier in the world market than white. In the next marketing year, India's sugar production is expected to drop by 18 per cent from a year ago after a drought last year forced farmers to curb their cane planting and as weaker monsoon rains this year limit crop growth.

India could start the new season with an inventory of more than 14.7 million tonnes and could produce another 28.2 million tonnes in the season, against local demand of around 26 million tonnes, the ISMA estimates.

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said.

India will keep its sugar export subsidies despite complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from rival producers Brazil and Australia, though it will tweak how it provides them, four sources directly involved in the matter said. The export subsidies are designed to increase shipments from the world's second-biggest sugar producer and reduce their brimming inventories. But that could pressure global prices that have only eked out a 2.1 per cent gain this year after plunging more than 20 per cent in 2018. "The industry needs government support for exports. It will be provided without violating the WTO framework," said a senior government official involved in the policymaking. "We may need to make some changes in the way we provide incentives." Government and industry officials did not say what kind of changes they are planning to make, though they said they are seeking guidance from WTO experts. Years of bumper cane harvests and record sugar production have hammered Indian sugar prices, making it hard for mills to pay money owed to farmers, who form an influential voting bloc. To reduce that debt and are rising inventories, New Delhi said in September it would provide incentives to mills for overseas sugar sales and set an export target of 5 million tonnes for the 2018/19 marketing year ending on Sept. 30. India's exports surged to 3.3 million tonnes from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier. That prompted rivals to complain at the WTO, alleging the incentives violate trade rules. The Brazilian government said on Thursday it had asked the WTO to establish a panel aimed at resolving its dispute over Indian sugar subsidies. Australia and Guatemala also lodged complaints on Thursday. India has been providing transport subsidies of between 1,000 rupees a tonne to 3,000 rupees a tonne to sugar mills, depending on the distance to ports. The government has also raised the amount it directly pays to cane growers to 138 rupees a tonne in assistance from 55 rupees a year ago. On Wednesday, the Indian industry and government officials discussed how an incentive can be provided in the next marketing year starting from October 1 without violating WTO rules. "The export policy for the next season could be finalised early next month," said an industry official, who participated in Wednesday's discussion. Sugar mills are requesting that the government provide incentives to export 7 million to 8 million tonnes of sugar in the next season, up from this season's target of 5 million tonnes, said Abinash Verma, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). Announcing the export policy will help mills in deciding whether to produce raw or white sugar for export at the beginning of the season, said Prakash Naiknavare, managing director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF). Indian mills traditionally produce white sugar for local consumption, but they produce raw sugar during years of surplus to help exports. Selling raw sugar is easier in the world market than white. In the next marketing year, India's sugar production is expected to drop by 18 per cent from a year ago after a drought last year forced farmers to curb their cane planting and as weaker monsoon rains this year limit crop growth. India could start the new season with an inventory of more than 14.7 million tonnes and could produce another 28.2 million tonnes in the season, against local demand of around 26 million tonnes, the ISMA estimates.

India to keep sugar export subsidies even as rivals complain: Sources

Indian shares settled higher on Monday, as IT giant Infosys Ltd surged to an all-time high on the back of strong quarterly results and a hike in the revenue forecast.

The broader NSE Nifty closed up 0.31% at 11,588.35, while the benchmark BSE Sensex settled 0.41% higher at 38,896.71.

Shares of Infosys climbed 7.2% to a record closing high on their best day in nearly four years, while Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd advanced 3.7% after Morgan Stanley double upgraded the stock.

Meanwhile, troubled property finance firm <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-lifted-by-infosys-yes-bank-dhfl-sinks-236036&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKpe-t4LbjAhXy6nMBHfmRD9EQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0yJmh1gzqkNzvGQjHVVVqO">Dewan Housing Finance Corporation</a> Ltd (DHFL) sank 29.2% to its worst closing level in more than a decade, after it warned it may not survive as a going concern and reported a net loss of for the March quarter.

This was also DHFL's worst day since Sept. 21, 2018, when concerns over about a credit crunch in Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services and DHFL first sparked a sell-off in the share market.

DHFL's rival Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd, a component of the Nifty 50, fell 4.1% on Monday and checked the gains on the index.

Indian shares settled higher on Monday, as IT giant Infosys Ltd surged to an all-time high on the back of strong quarterly results and a hike in the revenue forecast.

Indian shares settled higher on Monday, as IT giant Infosys Ltd surged to an all-time high on the back of strong quarterly results and a hike in the revenue forecast. The broader NSE Nifty closed up 0.31% at 11,588.35, while the benchmark BSE Sensex settled 0.41% higher at 38,896.71. Shares of Infosys climbed 7.2% to a record closing high on their best day in nearly four years, while Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd advanced 3.7% after Morgan Stanley double upgraded the stock. Meanwhile, troubled property finance firm Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL) sank 29.2% to its worst closing level in more than a decade, after it warned it may not survive as a going concern and reported a net loss of for the March quarter. This was also DHFL's worst day since Sept. 21, 2018, when concerns over about a credit crunch in Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services and DHFL first sparked a sell-off in the share market. DHFL's rival Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd, a component of the Nifty 50, fell 4.1% on Monday and checked the gains on the index.

Nifty, Sensex close higher on Infosys boost

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smaller-parties-in-delhis-election-ring-not-for-victory-but-to-make-their-points-215325&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc2ZPT2rbjAhXG7nMBHWW3DMUQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2x5r3Va14f1b5bdG9i8WfM">Asaram Bapu</a> in connection with the Surat sexual assault case.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case.

In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai.

One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram.&nbsp;

He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana.

Asaram is serving a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asarams-son-narayan-sai-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-rape-case-214781&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_sb82rbjAhXA7XMBHTH8CNIQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ao8C4zxm44s75hiEj5eE_">life sentence</a> for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013.

The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused. The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case. In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai. One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram. He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana. Asaram is serving a life sentence for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013. The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

Supreme Court refuses to grant bail to Asaram Bapu in sexual assault case

Chandrayaan-2: A look at the past moon expeditions

Chandrayaan-2: ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon

India and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-funding-for-911-responders-sends-to-senate-235437&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjgxpv2obHjAhUPM94KHZUaDYEQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3wIt_wFvreSEVxiI2ONNYP">United States</a> on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

"Both sides discussed the broad contours of bilateral <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/sources-no-breakthrough-in-india-us-trade-talks-235423&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqrbbCorHjAhUHFogKHetjA4wQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_tIqXrtuG3Q87eZVAoarr">trade</a> and commercial ties and agreed to continue their discussions for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes aimed at further growing the economic relationship and addressing mutual trade concerns," a statement by the ministry read.

The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi on Thursday for a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce and Industry Ministry.

This was the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSkpPuorHjAhXOFIgKHbjbD5Y4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eZNfoZwSSLRzY_M0LRRBZ">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> met with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-down-on-including-citizenship-question-in-2020-census-235152&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc6PDFo7HjAhW7yYsBHbFuBd84ChAWMAN6BAgKEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HfrX-LYPoBfosTC2LcCAw">US President Donald</a> Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month.

The statement added that the meeting was "aimed at providing a new impetus to bilateral trade and commercial ties, in line with the mandate" given by Modi and Trump during the bilateral at Osaka.

Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products.

&nbsp;The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India.

India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts.&nbsp;

India and the United States on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday.

India and the United States on Friday held a detailed discussion on a range of trade issues with an aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday. "Both sides discussed the broad contours of bilateral trade and commercial ties and agreed to continue their discussions for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes aimed at further growing the economic relationship and addressing mutual trade concerns," a statement by the ministry read. The US delegations headed by Assistant USTR for India Christopher Wilson reached New Delhi on Thursday for a meeting with senior officials of the Commerce and Industry Ministry. This was the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit last month. The statement added that the meeting was "aimed at providing a new impetus to bilateral trade and commercial ties, in line with the mandate" given by Modi and Trump during the bilateral at Osaka. Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of India putting high import duties on American products. The trade tensions between the two nations escalated on June 5 when Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India. India on Thursday said that it seeks very constructive and positive engagement with the US counterparts.

India, United States discuss broad contours of bilateral trade and commercial ties

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-needs-investment-of-rs-50-lakh-crore-by-2030-to-make-it-worlds-best-piyush-goyal-233681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi49du-lrHjAhVMpY8KHRJPC_cQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PRa79er7RsPwzDDwByBm6">Railway</a> Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government.&nbsp;

He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjihtD0lrHjAhULUI8KHbPYDVk4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mq2heMNuhNTqHeRsM11JO">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for its turnaround.

The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply.

The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote.

Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members.

He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets.

"Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014.&nbsp;

The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed.

The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains.

Goyal accused the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-stage-protest-over-political-crisis-in-karnataka-and-goa-sonia-gandhi-meets-party-mps-234887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtr9OMl7HjAhXJL48KHeTlC90QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f5YP5GuPo2VEaiA-DDPZt">Congress party</a> of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier.&nbsp;

"Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways.&nbsp;

We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways.

There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said.

He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth.&nbsp;

"The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said.

Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase.

"The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships.&nbsp;

To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units.&nbsp;

You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation?&nbsp;

We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said.

He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward.&nbsp;

Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work.

He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government.&nbsp;

The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added.

Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation.

Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.&nbsp;

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units. Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government. He made a veiled attack on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her opposition to the corporatisation of the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its turnaround. The Minister also accused the UPA government of "inaction" following the July 2006 train blasts and said if the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists would have gotten a befitting reply. The House passed the demands for grants for railways (2019-20) after cut motions of the opposition were rejected by a voice vote. Amid desk thumping by MPs of the treasury benches, Goyal said demands raised by members had been compiled overnight over 74 pages and he will individually write to the members. He said capital expenditure of Railways had increased 2.5 times during the Modi government, adding that the current government had done away with the practice of a separate railway budget as they were mostly "political budgets. "Slamming the UPA government, Goyal said the work for Dedicated Freight Corridor started in 2007, but not one kilometre of track linking had been done till 2014. The NDA government completed 1900 kilometres of track linking in five years, he claimed. The Railway Minister said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres. He also said railway stations were cleaner and train punctuality improved, as had the safety record of trains. Goyal accused the Congress party of shedding "crocodile tears" over the corporatisation of some units, saying the Modi government was carrying forward a process that had been initiated earlier. "Sometimes it is said we are going to privatise the railways. We have spoken loudly so many times that nobody can privatise railways. There is no meaning, no question of privatising railways," he said. He said allegations about privatisation had been replied earlier and repeating them will not change the truth. "The truth is that if you want to increase the facilities of railways, spread them to all parts of the country, we need big investments," he said. Goyal said passengers want a comfortable journey and the capacity of railways to carry goods should increase. "The government has decided that in the future it will encourage more public-private partnerships. To increase route length, to bring foreign investment, we will corporatise some units. You started it, we will complete the work you left half-finished. Why are you shedding crocodile tears that there is corporatisation? We have been elected to complete the tasks you did not do," he said. He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore in railways and related areas in the next ten-twelve years and has laid a roadmap of how the railways will move forward. Her budget speech, he said, reflected the "new thinking and new direction" in which the government will work. He said not a single coach was produced at coach factory in Rae Bareli, the constituency of Sonia Gandhi, during the rule of Congress-led government. The coach factory produced 1425 coaches in 2018-19 against its capacity of 1,000 due to Modi`s directions and the target was to make it the biggest coach factory in the world which produced 5,000 coaches annually, he added. Sonia Gandhi had earlier this month opposed corporatisation of Modern Coach Factory and said it was the first step towards privatisation. Replying to queries, he said some projects in West Bengal were pending for years as the land had not been made available by the state government.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal says no privatisation of Railways, targets Congress

Badrinath Highway, which was shut after debris and boulders blocked the road in Lambagad area following heavy rains on Friday, is expected to reopen on Saturday morning.

Around 200 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-to-focus-on-facilities-for-pilgrims-234441&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXgKSej7HjAhUEVH0KHfxGAAgQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1J9iQvL6xG2P7yGqFJpnNo">pilgrims</a> have been put up in Badrinath and around 800 pilgrims en route to Badrinath are accommodated at a gurudwara in Govindghat.

Commencement of road clearing operation by the local administration will depend on the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/storm-barry-bears-down-on-new-orleans-with-extreme-rainfall-flooding-risk-235208&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE37q3j7HjAhVOfysKHVIsDyQQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MufwRcybL7EoDNFZqM1Hb">rainfall</a> witnessed in the morning, officials said.

The region is witnessing a heavy influx of tourists due to the pilgrim season in northern India.&nbsp;

Normally, driving, trekking or walking on treacherous roads in the mountains gets riskier during annual <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-receive-below-average-monsoon-rains-in-next-two-weeks-imd-235233&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwilnq7yj7HjAhWKSH0KHckUBMkQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36W0uwandC8znkyWCblTKn">monsoon</a> rains in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand especially when landslides hit the mountainous states.

This year, the footfall of Char Dham yatra pilgrims has crossed 15 lakh.&nbsp;

The pilgrims come to visit the circuit of four ancient pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath - which is collectively referred to as `Char Dham Yatra`.

Badrinath Highway, which was shut after debris and boulders blocked the road in Lambagad area following heavy rains on Friday, is expected to reopen on Saturday morning.

Badrinath Highway, which was shut after debris and boulders blocked the road in Lambagad area following heavy rains on Friday, is expected to reopen on Saturday morning. Around 200 pilgrims have been put up in Badrinath and around 800 pilgrims en route to Badrinath are accommodated at a gurudwara in Govindghat. Commencement of road clearing operation by the local administration will depend on the rainfall witnessed in the morning, officials said. The region is witnessing a heavy influx of tourists due to the pilgrim season in northern India. Normally, driving, trekking or walking on treacherous roads in the mountains gets riskier during annual monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand especially when landslides hit the mountainous states. This year, the footfall of Char Dham yatra pilgrims has crossed 15 lakh. The pilgrims come to visit the circuit of four ancient pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath - which is collectively referred to as `Char Dham Yatra`.

Badrinath Highway shut after boulders block road; expected to reopen today

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNjfORibHjAhWJA3IKHaAQBAoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2gHvugxYmnA9Bqu7FmOrUb">&nbsp;India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) on Saturday predicted that states such as Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiHrODvibHjAhUaFHIKHTEPA7E4ChAWMAN6BAgQEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bsxpI6QkRfiNGqTd7hD-y">Heavy to very heavy rainfall</a> at isolated places over Uttarakhand and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim," IMD said.

Besides, the heavy downpour is also likely to lash isolated places over Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, North Uttar Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, Coastal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-ready-for-both-trust-vote-or-no-confidence-motion-hd-kumaraswamy-tells-speaker-235296&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwisvaSNirHjAhVHbn0KHTRdCksQFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZyBdW3HuluFoS0iCo8wkE">Karnataka</a>, Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Lakshadweep, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Rough to very rough sea conditions (with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is likely to prevail over southwest and west-central the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted that states such as Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim," IMD said.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted that states such as Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim," IMD said. Besides, the heavy downpour is also likely to lash isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, North Uttar Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Lakshadweep, and Arunachal Pradesh. Rough to very rough sea conditions (with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is likely to prevail over southwest and west-central the Arabian Sea. The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Assam, Meghalaya likely to receive heavy rainfall: India Meteorological Department

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-speaker-nancy-pelosi-praises-pm-modis-oratory-skills-says-he-had-audience-in-the-palm-of-his-hands-235157&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR1q3o2LHjAhVK7HMBHcYNBcYQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Egex9ZQkItgFyQWa6wNVu">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lifted-271-million-people-out-of-poverty-between-2006-and-2016-says-united-nations-report-235245&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGt-mY2bHjAhVk6nMBHUYhBMsQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QZ7OdLViZM0y2l7AQqYfG">United Nations</a>, in a statement issued on Friday said that the 74th session of the UNGA will commence on September 17, 2019, the report added.

However, there is no official announcement or confirmation from the government regarding the PM's trip yet.&nbsp;

Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the special meeting, sources said.

This is prime minister's second&nbsp;address at the UNGA. He first addressed the UNGA in September 2014 after he came to power for the first time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources. The United Nations, in a statement issued on Friday said that the 74th session of the UNGA will commence on September 17, 2019, the report added. However, there is no official announcement or confirmation from the government regarding the PM's trip yet. Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the special meeting, sources said. This is prime minister's second address at the UNGA. He first addressed the UNGA in September 2014 after he came to power for the first time.

PM Modi to attend United Nation General Assembly meet in September

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-poonch-235184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSye-l-LHjAhXS7XMBHeUODM4QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wdyKM2Bvt2Lqr7sS8ef9J">Jammu and Kashmir</a> Police busted an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/improvised-explosive-device-blast-in-jalalabad-kills-1-policeman-2-injured-235505&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIr92K-LHjAhXFrY8KHTBED9YQFjAAegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VKhaoEnBmlH8r0OomFuM1">Improvised Explosive Device</a> (IED) module in Shopian on Saturday and arrested two persons in connection with the case.

Police claimed to have recovered incriminating materials.

A case under relevant sections of law has been registered.

Further investigation is underway&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) module in Shopian on Saturday and arrested two persons in connection with the case. Police claimed to have recovered incriminating materials.

Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) module in Shopian on Saturday and arrested two persons in connection with the case. Police claimed to have recovered incriminating materials. A case under relevant sections of law has been registered. Further investigation is underway

IED module busted in Shopian, two arrested: Jammu and Kashmir Police

India`s response after the 2016 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/both-saarc-and-bimstec-important-for-regional-cooperation-maithripala-sirisena-223271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8osXVxbHjAhUC63MBHSpnC8oQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07jwnP_ttfVCFUwjJxVVGO">Uri terror attack</a> and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-over-5000-candidates-register-for-army-recruitment-drive-in-baramulla-234637&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6qu_mxbHjAhVGfSsKHfl8DNQQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CTXq3rKc7zO8o46v2N5YN">Balakot Air strike</a> have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary.&nbsp;

Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror.&nbsp;

Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war.

Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt."

Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said.

"Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added.

Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries.&nbsp;

"The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said.

He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country."

"Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said.

He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday. Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary. Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror. Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war. Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt." Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said. "Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity. Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added. Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries. "The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said. He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country." "Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said. He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India's response post-Uri and Balakot demonstrates political and military will: Army chief

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-congress-minister-shivakumar-arrives-in-mumbai-to-meet-rebel-mlas-234501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxh8fgmbHjAhWMFYgKHZOGBXYQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hrXppdMDWkpIabkqj_GVs">DK Shivakumar</a> visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation.&nbsp;

Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr. K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10.

Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar had ruled out accepting their resignations "overnight".&nbsp;

"Two MLAs Dr. K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj have resigned from the Assembly.&nbsp;

I have not accepted any resignation, I cannot do it overnight like that.&nbsp;

I have given them time on the 17th.&nbsp;

I will go through the procedure and take a decision," Kumar had said on July 10 while speaking to media persons in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-kumaraswamy-reaches-bengaluru-will-hold-meet-with-jds-congress-leaders-233825&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZy7WimrHjAhUGfd4KHROnDbg4ChAWMAR6BAgDEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1JsU9U9APZbRbYdrXYY_-i">Bengaluru</a>.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Supreme Court took up the pleas of 10 dissident MLAs and directed the Speaker to maintain the status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16.

The 13-month-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-alliance-going-strong-despite-efforts-to-destabilise-kumaraswamy-235169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxh8fgmbHjAhWMFYgKHZOGBXYQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vg0QtHQcrOK6Uzk45f6uJ">Congress-JD(S) government</a> slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation.

Amid ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar visited the residence of Congress MLA and state minister MTB Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation. Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr. K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10. Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar had ruled out accepting their resignations "overnight". "Two MLAs Dr. K Sudhakar and MTB Nagaraj have resigned from the Assembly. I have not accepted any resignation, I cannot do it overnight like that. I have given them time on the 17th. I will go through the procedure and take a decision," Kumar had said on July 10 while speaking to media persons in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Supreme Court took up the pleas of 10 dissident MLAs and directed the Speaker to maintain the status quo on their resignation and disqualification till July 16. The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

Shivakumar meets rebel Congress MLA MTB Nagaraj in Bengaluru, asks to reconsider resignation

A 21-year-old girl named Shaheen Begum had alleged of facing harassment in Oman and her family members have sought government help to bring the victim back to the country.

Shaheen had gone to Oman during Ramzan this year on the pretext of working as a helper, however, she later informed her family that she is being employed as a housemaid is facing harassment.

Shaheen`s mother Sultana Begum said, "An agent had promised my daughter job in Oman with Rs 25,000 salary.&nbsp;

However, on the landing where she was employed as a housemaid and started facing a difficult situation.&nbsp;

She has also developed medical issues and is requesting to be rescued to India.&nbsp;

The agent is demanding money which we don`t have.

"Sultana is also seeking the government`s help to bring her daughter back."

I request the central government to help and rescue my Shaheen Begum from Oman", she said.

A 21-year-old girl named Shaheen Begum had alleged of facing harassment in Oman and her family members have sought government help to bring the victim back to the country.

A 21-year-old girl named Shaheen Begum had alleged of facing harassment in Oman and her family members have sought government help to bring the victim back to the country. Shaheen had gone to Oman during Ramzan this year on the pretext of working as a helper, however, she later informed her family that she is being employed as a housemaid is facing harassment. Shaheen`s mother Sultana Begum said, "An agent had promised my daughter job in Oman with Rs 25,000 salary. However, on the landing where she was employed as a housemaid and started facing a difficult situation. She has also developed medical issues and is requesting to be rescued to India. The agent is demanding money which we don`t have. "Sultana is also seeking the government`s help to bring her daughter back." I request the central government to help and rescue my Shaheen Begum from Oman", she said.

Hyderabad girl stranded in Oman, mother seeks government help

India's retail <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-may-inflation-hits-seven-month-high-still-room-for-rate-cut-226580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8i4LGtq_jAhVMf30KHe3VCHAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B-RmHGVXwrK5LtWOFtLcf">inflation rate</a> hit an eight-month high in June on higher food prices, government data showed on Friday, but stayed below the central bank's medium-term target of 4% for an eleventh straight month. Annual retail inflation in June was 3.18%, up from 3.05% in the previous month, but below analyst forecasts.

A Reuters poll had predicted a retail inflation rate of 3.20% for June.

Meanwhile, data showed the country's industrial output climbed 3.1% in May from a year earlier, but lagged forecast.

"CPI inflation has come in much below market expectations despite sequential spikes in the prices of vegetables, pulses, edible oils, etc. This is primarily on account of a crash in core inflation from 4.25% in May to 4.11% in June. This reflects underlying weakness in demand and is supportive of the RBI's easy monetary policy stance," said&nbsp;Rupa Rege Nitsure, Chief Economist, L&amp;T Financial.&nbsp;

"Weaknesses in manufacturing activity, especially in capital goods and consumer durable goods production, is weighing on industrial growth," he added.&nbsp;

"The broad trend is that consumer price inflation remains rangebound. The food inflation trend is upwards, while the core is downwards, so the overall outlook on inflation is benign. The RBI will continue to maintain its accommodative stance and could do another 25-50 basis point rate cuts in this financial year,"&nbsp;said Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist, Anand Rathi Securities.&nbsp;

India's retail inflation rate hit an eight-month high in June on higher food prices, government data showed on Friday, but stayed below the central bank's medium-term target of 4% for an eleventh straight month.

India's retail inflation rate hit an eight-month high in June on higher food prices, government data showed on Friday, but stayed below the central bank's medium-term target of 4% for an eleventh straight month. Annual retail inflation in June was 3.18%, up from 3.05% in the previous month, but below analyst forecasts. A Reuters poll had predicted a retail inflation rate of 3.20% for June. Meanwhile, data showed the country's industrial output climbed 3.1% in May from a year earlier, but lagged forecast. "CPI inflation has come in much below market expectations despite sequential spikes in the prices of vegetables, pulses, edible oils, etc. This is primarily on account of a crash in core inflation from 4.25% in May to 4.11% in June. This reflects underlying weakness in demand and is supportive of the RBI's easy monetary policy stance," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, Chief Economist, L&T Financial. "Weaknesses in manufacturing activity, especially in capital goods and consumer durable goods production, is weighing on industrial growth," he added. "The broad trend is that consumer price inflation remains rangebound. The food inflation trend is upwards, while the core is downwards, so the overall outlook on inflation is benign. The RBI will continue to maintain its accommodative stance and could do another 25-50 basis point rate cuts in this financial year," said Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist, Anand Rathi Securities.

India's retail inflation hits 8-month high in June

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has invited <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-hits-out-at-poor-railways-as-crash-kills-11-injures-dozens-234939/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih6dbElK_jAhUaT48KHVuzABcQFjABegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3NM6h8DL3VRBTOWypX8nku">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> to take part in the grand 'Nagar kirtan', scheduled to commence from Nanka Sahib in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-in-pakistan-train-collision-rises-to-23-235228&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih6dbElK_jAhUaT48KHVuzABcQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ss4m8SlmSfol4bWqvSoz_">Pakistan</a>, on the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Speaking to ANI, President of SGPC, Gobind Singh Longowal said that Punjab Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-disappointed-over-rahul-gandhis-resignation-urge-to-rethink-his-decision-232884&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj27uP1lK_jAhVGnY8KHSSNAE8QFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LQmQi6y1yQ-ugCcSpRQ4D">Amarinder Singh</a> and Governor VP Singh Badnore have also been invited to attend the `kirtan` in Pakistan.

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GS Longowal, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President has invited Pakistan PM Imran Khan for participating in grand 'nagar kirtan' beginning from Gurudwara Nankana Sahib,to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th birth anniversary on July 25. <a href="https://t.co/JKgHybVgQj">pic.twitter.com/JKgHybVgQj</a>
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"On July 25, after a holy ritual, the Nagar kirtan will commence from Nankana Sahib, the place where Guru Nanak was born," Longowal said.

He said that as many as 550 devotees, including prominent religious leaders, will go to Pakistan for the ritual.

"On the arrival of the Nagar kirtan at the Attari-Wagah border, leaders such as Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal are scheduled to welcome the devotees, for which a formal invitation has been sent to them," said the president of SGPC.

Longowal said that Sikhs who live outside the country have also been invited to be a part of the event.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has invited Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to take part in the grand 'Nagar kirtan', scheduled to commence from Nanka Sahib in Pakistan, on the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has invited Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to take part in the grand 'Nagar kirtan', scheduled to commence from Nanka Sahib in Pakistan, on the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak. Speaking to ANI, President of SGPC, Gobind Singh Longowal said that Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Governor VP Singh Badnore have also been invited to attend the `kirtan` in Pakistan. GS Longowal, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President has invited Pakistan PM Imran Khan for participating in grand 'nagar kirtan' beginning from Gurudwara Nankana Sahib,to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th birth anniversary on July 25. pic.twitter.com/JKgHybVgQj — ANI (@ANI) July 12, 2019 × "On July 25, after a holy ritual, the Nagar kirtan will commence from Nankana Sahib, the place where Guru Nanak was born," Longowal said. He said that as many as 550 devotees, including prominent religious leaders, will go to Pakistan for the ritual. "On the arrival of the Nagar kirtan at the Attari-Wagah border, leaders such as Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal are scheduled to welcome the devotees, for which a formal invitation has been sent to them," said the president of SGPC. Longowal said that Sikhs who live outside the country have also been invited to be a part of the event.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee invites Pakistan PM Imran Khan to attend nagar kirtan

Two boats carrying banned drugs from Pakistani coast city Karachi to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-revive-suspended-visa-on-arrival-programme-for-39-countries-excludes-india-china-234835">Sri Lanka</a> were intercepted by Sri Lankan Coast guards on Wednesday.

The operation was successfully executed based on the inputs by Indian security agencies.

The successful capture comes after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) shared a specific input with information about two boats carrying banned drugs from Karachi to Sri Lanka.

The input which was shared with Indian authorities by NCB was consecutively forwarded to concerned Sri Lankan agencies following which a timely intervention by coast guards prevented the illegal trade.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, this drug business is a major source of income for Pakistan ISI and they use this in terror funding.

The funds through such trade are also used to fund extremist ideology in Sri Lanka.

Indian security agencies maintain that the sea route is safest for drug business and boats and ships carry these drugs on a regular basis.

Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka work closely in areas of coastal security and prevention of illegal activities along their maritime boundary.&nbsp;

Two boats carrying banned drugs from Pakistani coast city Karachi to Sri Lanka were intercepted by Sri Lankan Coast guards on Wednesday. The operation was successfully executed based on the inputs by Indian security agencies.

Two boats carrying banned drugs from Pakistani coast city Karachi to Sri Lanka were intercepted by Sri Lankan Coast guards on Wednesday. The operation was successfully executed based on the inputs by Indian security agencies. The successful capture comes after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) shared a specific input with information about two boats carrying banned drugs from Karachi to Sri Lanka. The input which was shared with Indian authorities by NCB was consecutively forwarded to concerned Sri Lankan agencies following which a timely intervention by coast guards prevented the illegal trade. According to Indian intelligence agencies, this drug business is a major source of income for Pakistan ISI and they use this in terror funding. The funds through such trade are also used to fund extremist ideology in Sri Lanka. Indian security agencies maintain that the sea route is safest for drug business and boats and ships carry these drugs on a regular basis. Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka work closely in areas of coastal security and prevention of illegal activities along their maritime boundary.

Alerted by Indian agencies, Sri Lankan coast guard intercepts boats carrying drugs from Karachi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-negotiating-new-military-deal-with-us-as-president-sirisena-vows-to-veto-agreement-234805">The Sri Lankan government</a> plans to revive the visa on arrival and free visa programme, which was suspended after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-court-rejects-easter-bomb-murder-charge-against-officials-234430">Easter terror attacks</a> that killed more than 250 people on April 21, for citizens of 39 countries from August 1.

The programme will, however, exclude Sri Lanka's top source markets, namely India and China, Daily Mirror reported.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka's Tourism Development Minister, John Amaratunga, said that his ministry along with the Department of Immigration and Emigration are jointly working on a proposal to seek Cabinet approval to revive the free visa and visa on arrival programme.

The initiative which was to come into force from May 1 was suspended indefinitely following the Easter Sunday attacks that rattled several high-end hotels and churches across the country on April 21.

Watch: 'Will not conclude proposed US military deal,' says&nbsp;Sri Lankan Prez Sirisena

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-prez-sirisena-will-not-conclude-proposed-us-military-deal-233717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amaratunga noted that the programme will be implemented as a trial for a period of six months.

He added that the programme could be extended to India and China as well in the future based on the success of the trial run.

The minister emphasised that a monitoring system would be in place to prevent "undesirable people" entering the country.

"We need a system to monitor who is arriving in Sri Lanka and to prevent criminals and other trouble makers entering the country," he stressed.

The countries that will be included in the visa on arrival programme are - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and Switzerland.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government plans to revive the visa on arrival and free visa programme, which was suspended after the Easter terror attacks that killed more than 250 people on April 21, for citizens of 39 countries from August 1.

The Sri Lankan government plans to revive the visa on arrival and free visa programme, which was suspended after the Easter terror attacks that killed more than 250 people on April 21, for citizens of 39 countries from August 1. The programme will, however, exclude Sri Lanka's top source markets, namely India and China, Daily Mirror reported. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka's Tourism Development Minister, John Amaratunga, said that his ministry along with the Department of Immigration and Emigration are jointly working on a proposal to seek Cabinet approval to revive the free visa and visa on arrival programme. The initiative which was to come into force from May 1 was suspended indefinitely following the Easter Sunday attacks that rattled several high-end hotels and churches across the country on April 21. Watch: 'Will not conclude proposed US military deal,' says Sri Lankan Prez Sirisena Amaratunga noted that the programme will be implemented as a trial for a period of six months. He added that the programme could be extended to India and China as well in the future based on the success of the trial run. The minister emphasised that a monitoring system would be in place to prevent "undesirable people" entering the country. "We need a system to monitor who is arriving in Sri Lanka and to prevent criminals and other trouble makers entering the country," he stressed. The countries that will be included in the visa on arrival programme are - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and Switzerland.

Sri Lanka to revive suspended visa on arrival programme for 39 countries; excludes India, China

Two-day India-US talks are underway in Delhi with a team of United States Trade Representative (USTR) meeting with Indian officials.&nbsp;

The team from USTR include Assistance USTR Christopher Wilson, Deputy Assistance USTR Brendan Lynch are in India for the talks.

Both sides will hold comprehensive dialogue on July 12, 2019, in the Commerce and Industry ministry with additional secretary Sanjay Chaddha.

The visiting USTR &nbsp;delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly presser said "You are aware that the team is already here. It is represented by Wilson. We have a matching delegation from our side. When we engage in these issues, we have to keep in mind the bigger picture."

The meet happens days after US President Donald Trump met PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, Japan with both sides agreeing to start trade talks.

Asked if New Delhi's position on Huawei being allowed to participate in 5G operations in India will be raised, Raveesh said, "Entire things will be on the trade...Whatever we decide, will take into account our economic interests."

Friday will be the last day talks which can help Delhi Washington resolve trade issues.

Earlier this week US President Donald Trump has again lashed out at India on trade issues in a tweet saying "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!"

In the past, he has called India a Tariff King and called New Delhi to reduce tariffs on several US products including Harley Davidson motorbikes.

Two-day India-US talks are underway in Delhi with a team of United States Trade Representative (USTR) meeting with Indian officials. The team from USTR include Assistance USTR Christopher Wilson, Deputy Assistance USTR Brendan Lynch are in India for the talks.

Two-day India-US talks are underway in Delhi with a team of United States Trade Representative (USTR) meeting with Indian officials. The team from USTR include Assistance USTR Christopher Wilson, Deputy Assistance USTR Brendan Lynch are in India for the talks. Both sides will hold comprehensive dialogue on July 12, 2019, in the Commerce and Industry ministry with additional secretary Sanjay Chaddha. The visiting USTR delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly presser said "You are aware that the team is already here. It is represented by Wilson. We have a matching delegation from our side. When we engage in these issues, we have to keep in mind the bigger picture." The meet happens days after US President Donald Trump met PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, Japan with both sides agreeing to start trade talks. Asked if New Delhi's position on Huawei being allowed to participate in 5G operations in India will be raised, Raveesh said, "Entire things will be on the trade...Whatever we decide, will take into account our economic interests." Friday will be the last day talks which can help Delhi Washington resolve trade issues. Earlier this week US President Donald Trump has again lashed out at India on trade issues in a tweet saying "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" In the past, he has called India a Tariff King and called New Delhi to reduce tariffs on several US products including Harley Davidson motorbikes.

India, US begin trade talks; New Delhi says keep bigger picture in mind

From Chris Gayle to Rashid Khan, players who failed to impress at Cricket World Cup 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-rice-exports-hit-by-strong-baht-unlikely-to-meet-2019-goal-234687">Rice export prices</a> in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries.

Thailand's benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices were quoted at $390-$404 a tonne on Thursday, free on board Bangkok (FOB), down from $395-$413 last week.

"The new crop is expected to start entering the market next month and this has driven the price down a little but the strong baht also means that the export price remains strong overall," a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

Demand for Thai rice has remained flat as the local currency strengthened, traders added.

Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019, hurt by the stronger baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday.

Thailand shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June with orders in the last two months falling to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

For top rice exporter India, prices of the 5 percent broken parboiled variety were quoted around $374-$377 per tonne this week, up from last week's $371-$374.

The Indian rupee on Thursday rose to its highest level in 11-months, trimming exporters returns from overseas sales.

"For white rice demand is negligible. There's modest demand for parboiled from African buyers," said B V Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association (REA).

The Indian government has also raised the price at which it will buy new-season common rice varieties from local farmers by 3.7 percent.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Bangladesh will procure 400,000 tonnes of paddy at 26,000 taka or $307.73 a tonne during the current harvesting season to support local farmers reeling under declining domestic prices, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar said.

Market insiders, however, said the move would not benefit most growers in dire need of cash, since they were compelled to sell their crop at much cheaper rates to millers or middlemen.

Bangladesh has also been unable to clinch deals since its ban on rice exports was lifted in May.

In Vietnam, rates for 5% broken rice rose to $335-$340 a tonne from $330-$335 last week, as traders looked to increase profits, merchants said.

"Demand for 5% broken rice has been lacklustre this week," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. "We have received orders for fragrant rice only."

Preliminary data showed nearly 60,000 tonnes of rice is to be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City ports during the July 1-16 period, compared with 311,700 tonnes in June, another trader said.

Most of the new shipments were headed to Iraq, Malaysia and West Africa, the trader added.

Rice export prices in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries.

Rice export prices in India extended gains this week helped by a stronger rupee, while expectations of fresh supplies entering the market weighed on Thai rates along with muted demand across major paddy-growing countries. Thailand's benchmark 5 percent broken rice prices were quoted at $390-$404 a tonne on Thursday, free on board Bangkok (FOB), down from $395-$413 last week. "The new crop is expected to start entering the market next month and this has driven the price down a little but the strong baht also means that the export price remains strong overall," a Bangkok-based rice trader said. Demand for Thai rice has remained flat as the local currency strengthened, traders added. Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019, hurt by the stronger baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday. Thailand shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June with orders in the last two months falling to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. For top rice exporter India, prices of the 5 percent broken parboiled variety were quoted around $374-$377 per tonne this week, up from last week's $371-$374. The Indian rupee on Thursday rose to its highest level in 11-months, trimming exporters returns from overseas sales. "For white rice demand is negligible. There's modest demand for parboiled from African buyers," said B V Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association (REA). The Indian government has also raised the price at which it will buy new-season common rice varieties from local farmers by 3.7 percent. Meanwhile, neighbouring Bangladesh will procure 400,000 tonnes of paddy at 26,000 taka or $307.73 a tonne during the current harvesting season to support local farmers reeling under declining domestic prices, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar said. Market insiders, however, said the move would not benefit most growers in dire need of cash, since they were compelled to sell their crop at much cheaper rates to millers or middlemen. Bangladesh has also been unable to clinch deals since its ban on rice exports was lifted in May. In Vietnam, rates for 5% broken rice rose to $335-$340 a tonne from $330-$335 last week, as traders looked to increase profits, merchants said. "Demand for 5% broken rice has been lacklustre this week," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. "We have received orders for fragrant rice only." Preliminary data showed nearly 60,000 tonnes of rice is to be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City ports during the July 1-16 period, compared with 311,700 tonnes in June, another trader said. Most of the new shipments were headed to Iraq, Malaysia and West Africa, the trader added.

Strong currency props up Indian rice rates, wider demand subdued

A BSF constable sustained a major injury on Thursday morning when some animal smugglers allegedly bombed the BSF camp at Gaighata on the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/31-rohingyas-stranded-on-indo-bangla-border-handed-over-to-police-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-192125&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXioeD36zjAhVHN48KHZAeDZ0QFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3W4Yr7Asq7K5l1uqNpxd8v">Indo-Bangladesh border.</a>

The name of the injured jawan is Anisur Rahman, who is a constable of the 64th Battalion of BSF.

"On the intervening night of 10/11 July, a group of around 25 smugglers from Bangladesh made a forcible attempt to smuggle about 10-15 cattle into Bangladesh through Border Out Post-Angrail near Bangaon, 64th Battalion of BSF in North 24 Parganas. BSF troops deployed intercepted &amp; challenged," said a release by BSF.

"They directed high beam light on BSF Constable Anisur Rehman and lobbed one country made a bomb which blasted near him. The Constable fired one round of non-lethal PAG gun towards smugglers. Smugglers lobbed another country made bomb towards him which blasted on his right hand," the release added.

"Constable Anisur Rehman was evacuated to Govt Hospital Bangaon and later to Medica Hospital, Kolkata. His right hand was amputated. However, as per intelligence report, one Bangladeshi smuggler had sustained an injury but managed to flee away to Bangladesh," the release further said.

A BSF constable sustained a major injury on Thursday morning when some animal smugglers allegedly bombed the BSF camp at Gaighata on the Indo-Bangladesh border. The name of the injured jawan is Anisur Rahman, who is a constable of the 64th Battalion of BSF.

A BSF constable sustained a major injury on Thursday morning when some animal smugglers allegedly bombed the BSF camp at Gaighata on the Indo-Bangladesh border. The name of the injured jawan is Anisur Rahman, who is a constable of the 64th Battalion of BSF. "On the intervening night of 10/11 July, a group of around 25 smugglers from Bangladesh made a forcible attempt to smuggle about 10-15 cattle into Bangladesh through Border Out Post-Angrail near Bangaon, 64th Battalion of BSF in North 24 Parganas. BSF troops deployed intercepted & challenged," said a release by BSF. "They directed high beam light on BSF Constable Anisur Rehman and lobbed one country made a bomb which blasted near him. The Constable fired one round of non-lethal PAG gun towards smugglers. Smugglers lobbed another country made bomb towards him which blasted on his right hand," the release added. "Constable Anisur Rehman was evacuated to Govt Hospital Bangaon and later to Medica Hospital, Kolkata. His right hand was amputated. However, as per intelligence report, one Bangladeshi smuggler had sustained an injury but managed to flee away to Bangladesh," the release further said.

Indo-Bangladesh border: BSF constable injured in bombing incident

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