The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea of beleaguered liquor baron <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-royal-courts-of-justice-in-london-approves-vijay-mallyas-plea-to-appeal-against-extradition-case-232488&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPwanR0KzjAhUf6XMBHUs6D24QFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29DzLvQBvPK-IBuw-Qhdqq">Vijay Mallya</a> seeking a stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by the government agencies in connection with a Rs 9,000-crore money laundering and fraud case.

A division bench of Justices Akil Kureshi and SJ Kathawala refused to grant any relief to 63-year-old Mallya.

In his petition, he has also sought protection till the high court heard his plea challenging the Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) tag on him and the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA).

Mallya was declared an FEO by a special PMLA court in Mumbai in January this year.

He had fled India in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea of beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by the government agencies in connection with a Rs 9,000-crore money laundering and fraud case.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea of beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by the government agencies in connection with a Rs 9,000-crore money laundering and fraud case. A division bench of Justices Akil Kureshi and SJ Kathawala refused to grant any relief to 63-year-old Mallya. In his petition, he has also sought protection till the high court heard his plea challenging the Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) tag on him and the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA). Mallya was declared an FEO by a special PMLA court in Mumbai in January this year. He had fled India in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then.

Bombay High Court dismisses Vijay Mallya's plea on confiscation of properties

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755"> defeat to New Zealand</a>.

Cricket is like a religion in India, where players can enjoy godlike status when they win but see their effigies burnt and houses pelted with stones when they lose.

While Virat Kohli's men had been favourites to go all the way at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-umpiring-error-haunts-india-as-ms-dhoni-lost-his-wicket-on-no-ball-234892">World Cup</a>, their exit did not spark a furious response for fans back home who had been captivated by their run to the last four as the tournament's top team.

Their efforts lauded on social media, the team were also congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was proud of the way they played during their run at the World Cup, which also saw them wrest the world No. 1 ranking from England.

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A disappointing result, but good to see <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>’s fighting spirit till the very end. 
 
India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. 
 
Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1148959096831217665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia's fighting spirit till the very end," Modi tweeted after India's 18-run loss in Manchester. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours."

In his post-match news conference, a glum captain Kohli said it was heart-breaking that his team&nbsp;had to exit the showpiece due to some ordinary cricket in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">45-minute spell</a>.

That sentiment was mirrored by many back home too.

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Nothing ti say 😭😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WC2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WC2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/E84MNI0BPN">pic.twitter.com/E84MNI0BPN</a>
— 🇮🇳 Srishti Sinha (@Srish_Tweet_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srish_Tweet_/status/1149207550505525249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It matters how you fight and you fought brilliantly throughout the tournament. We are proud of you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZL</a> <a href="https://t.co/hrKmlwriER">pic.twitter.com/hrKmlwriER</a>
— Sharwanand (@ActorSharwanand) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActorSharwanand/status/1149193574002507776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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No team would hv fought back from 5 for 3..We did..history always remembers the true fighters.. <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> we are proud of u both and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 👍 Personally became a big fan of <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> .. Well done captain fearless <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> 👏👏👍😊
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Siva_Kartikeyan/status/1149145756684546048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;
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Indian media and fans were also united in their praise for Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round brilliance in just his second match of the tournament was not enough to lift India to Sunday's final at Lord's.

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand. Cricket is like a religion in India, where players can enjoy godlike status when they win but see their effigies burnt and houses pelted with stones when they lose. While Virat Kohli's men had been favourites to go all the way at the World Cup, their exit did not spark a furious response for fans back home who had been captivated by their run to the last four as the tournament's top team. Their efforts lauded on social media, the team were also congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was proud of the way they played during their run at the World Cup, which also saw them wrest the world No. 1 ranking from England. A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia’s fighting spirit till the very end. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. #INDvsNZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2019 × "A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia's fighting spirit till the very end," Modi tweeted after India's 18-run loss in Manchester. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours." In his post-match news conference, a glum captain Kohli said it was heart-breaking that his team had to exit the showpiece due to some ordinary cricket in a 45-minute spell. That sentiment was mirrored by many back home too. Nothing ti say 😭😭#WC2019 #TeamIndia #DhoniForever pic.twitter.com/E84MNI0BPN — 🇮🇳 Srishti Sinha (@Srish_Tweet_) July 11, 2019 × It matters how you fight and you fought brilliantly throughout the tournament. We are proud of you #TeamIndia. #CWC19#INDvNZL pic.twitter.com/hrKmlwriER — Sharwanand (@ActorSharwanand) July 11, 2019 × No team would hv fought back from 5 for 3..We did..history always remembers the true fighters.. @imjadeja and @msdhoni we are proud of u both and #TeamIndia 👍 Personally became a big fan of @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93 .. Well done captain fearless @imVkohli 👏👏👍😊 — Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 11, 2019 × Indian media and fans were also united in their praise for Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round brilliance in just his second match of the tournament was not enough to lift India to Sunday's final at Lord's.

Heartbroken fans still proud of Virat Kohli led-Indian team after World Cup exit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-has-changed-a-lot-since-bimstecs-inception-thailand-ambassador-227899">Thailand</a>'s rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019 hurt by a strong baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday.

The country has been struggling to export rice at a time when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rice-demand-dwindles-in-top-asian-exporters-thai-rates-hit-by-fresh-supplies-200354">Thai baht is Asia's best-performing currency</a> and is trading near its strongest in more than six years at 30.81 against the US dollar.

Thailand, the world's second-largest rice exporter after India, shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June, with orders in the last two months declining to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month. This was below a targeted monthly average of 800,000 tonnes.

"Thai rice is very expensive because of the currency exchange," Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, told Reuters.

"If the baht keeps strengthening below 30 against the dollar, it's game over for us."

Thai benchmark 5 per cent broken rice was quoted last Thursday at an average of $404 per tonne, significantly higher than the same grade from competitors India and Vietnam at $372.5 and $332.50 respectively.

The association said earlier this year it aimed to export 9.5 million tonnes of rice, already a drop from 11 million tonnes in 2018.

But now, even reaching 9 million tonnes will be hard, Chookiat said.

"With a price gap like this, it's a no-brainer that buyers would go for Vietnamese rice," he said.

China Supply

Thailand also faced competition from China, as the world's biggest rice importer and Thailand's third-biggest buyer last year has been offloading its stockpiles.

China has slowed trade with its two biggest partners Thailand and Vietnam this year due to large state reserves, and has been selling its stockpiles of "old rice", which ended up in the African markets previously dominated by Thailand, Chookiat said.

"Because China doesn't buy from Vietnam this year, Vietnam has a lot of rice to compete with us in every market. At the same time China takes our African markets," he said.

From January to May, Thailand has exported rice worth 3.7 billion baht ($120.1 million) to China, a 45% decline from the same period last year, according to the Thai commerce ministry data.

Thailand's government-to-government deal with Chinese state-owned food trader COFCO has also stalled due to China's ample rice supply.

As of end-2018, Thailand had supplied 700,000 tonnes of rice to China as part of the pledged deal for 1 million tonnes of the grain struck in 2015.

"From then to now, there haven't been any new orders for the deal," Chookiat said.

($1 = 30.8100 baht)

Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019 hurt by a strong baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday.

Thailand's rice exports fell by 12 per cent in the first half of 2019 hurt by a strong baht, and will likely fall short of this year's target of 9.5 million tonnes, an exporter group said on Wednesday. The country has been struggling to export rice at a time when the Thai baht is Asia's best-performing currency and is trading near its strongest in more than six years at 30.81 against the US dollar. Thailand, the world's second-largest rice exporter after India, shipped 4.2 million tonnes of rice between January and June, with orders in the last two months declining to as low as 600,000 tonnes per month. This was below a targeted monthly average of 800,000 tonnes. "Thai rice is very expensive because of the currency exchange," Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, told Reuters. "If the baht keeps strengthening below 30 against the dollar, it's game over for us." Thai benchmark 5 per cent broken rice was quoted last Thursday at an average of $404 per tonne, significantly higher than the same grade from competitors India and Vietnam at $372.5 and $332.50 respectively. The association said earlier this year it aimed to export 9.5 million tonnes of rice, already a drop from 11 million tonnes in 2018. But now, even reaching 9 million tonnes will be hard, Chookiat said. "With a price gap like this, it's a no-brainer that buyers would go for Vietnamese rice," he said. China Supply Thailand also faced competition from China, as the world's biggest rice importer and Thailand's third-biggest buyer last year has been offloading its stockpiles. China has slowed trade with its two biggest partners Thailand and Vietnam this year due to large state reserves, and has been selling its stockpiles of "old rice", which ended up in the African markets previously dominated by Thailand, Chookiat said. "Because China doesn't buy from Vietnam this year, Vietnam has a lot of rice to compete with us in every market. At the same time China takes our African markets," he said. From January to May, Thailand has exported rice worth 3.7 billion baht ($120.1 million) to China, a 45% decline from the same period last year, according to the Thai commerce ministry data. Thailand's government-to-government deal with Chinese state-owned food trader COFCO has also stalled due to China's ample rice supply. As of end-2018, Thailand had supplied 700,000 tonnes of rice to China as part of the pledged deal for 1 million tonnes of the grain struck in 2015. "From then to now, there haven't been any new orders for the deal," Chookiat said. ($1 = 30.8100 baht)

Thailand rice exports hit by strong baht, unlikely to meet 2019 goal

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also 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 over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

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India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148573632869875712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. 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 also 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 over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019 × During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India-US trade talks to be held on July 12 in New Delhi

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also 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 over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. 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 also 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 over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

Stock markets closed lower on Wednesday amid a slew of disappointing news, with Bajaj Finance Ltd and Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd weighing the most on the NSE Nifty.

Domestic share markets witnessed a sharp selloff in the previous two sessions as investors were worried about a surcharge on foreign portfolio investors that was announced in the Union budget last week.

The broader NSE Nifty closed down 0.49% at 11,498.90, while the benchmark <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-open-in-red-why-stock-markets-did-not-like-the-budget-233896&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3v-ngnKrjAhXx8XMBHa1kALwQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3__m4cEmjgeLYi0_AzJrPy">BSE Sensex</a> settled 0.45% lower at 38,557.04.

Also, dampening investor sentiment were renewed concerns over trade tension between the United States and India after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump once again warned the Asian country that its high tariffs were not acceptable.

Shares of Indiabulls Housing Finance closed 4% lower, while Bajaj Finance ended down 4.8%.

Tata Motors Ltd closed 2.66% lower after the automaker said luxury car unit Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc saw a near 10% decline in monthly sales.

Stock markets closed lower on Wednesday amid a slew of disappointing news, with Bajaj Finance Ltd and Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd weighing the most on the NSE Nifty.

Stock markets closed lower on Wednesday amid a slew of disappointing news, with Bajaj Finance Ltd and Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd weighing the most on the NSE Nifty. Domestic share markets witnessed a sharp selloff in the previous two sessions as investors were worried about a surcharge on foreign portfolio investors that was announced in the Union budget last week. The broader NSE Nifty closed down 0.49% at 11,498.90, while the benchmark BSE Sensex settled 0.45% lower at 38,557.04. Also, dampening investor sentiment were renewed concerns over trade tension between the United States and India after US President Donald Trump once again warned the Asian country that its high tariffs were not acceptable. Shares of Indiabulls Housing Finance closed 4% lower, while Bajaj Finance ended down 4.8%. Tata Motors Ltd closed 2.66% lower after the automaker said luxury car unit Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc saw a near 10% decline in monthly sales.

Nifty, Sensex close lower, financials drag

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tour-de-impossible-pakistan-hosts-worlds-toughest-cycle-race-233719">world's highest roads</a>.&nbsp;

Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes.

They have been hired for four months in the Tangtse district of Ladakh, where blizzards can rage throughout the year, to ensure that the key tourist route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and Pangong lake is in good condition.

Their back-breaking stint will fetch them 40,000 rupees ($572) each a considerable sum in a country where more than 21 per cent of the 1.3 billion population lived on less than two dollars a day in 2011.

"There is not much work there (back home). I don't find any work difficult," said Sunil Tutu, 30.

They toil six days a week, using only their bare hands, shovels and old sacks to move rocks and sand, with the help of local Ladakhi workers, some of them women.&nbsp;

Sundays are the only days they can do their laundry as well as bathe and shave.

Each morning the group hops on a truck to reach the work site after a breakfast of tea and bread. They return to their basic housing tents after sunset and have a meal of rice and lentils.

The tents do not have electricity and workers rely on kerosene stoves to cook and heat up the icy water. But they are undaunted.

"If given a chance I will come back here again," said Sushil Tutu, 35. "I like road work.... I like it anywhere."

Another worker Rajshekhar, 33, said the inhospitable conditions helped him save more for the future.

"Back home we are unable to save money, we eat and drink and the money gets over. The work is good (here), I like the snow and the mountains. I don't like the cold though."

Migration for work is common in rural India. According to the non-government Aajeevika Bureau agency, millions work in hazardous conditions with little legal or social protection.

India's unemployment rate has been worsening. In 2017-2018 it was 6.1 per cent, the worst since the 1970s, posing a major challenge for newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the world's highest roads. Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes.

Hundreds of miles from their homes, a group of labourers are toiling in a cold Indian Himalayan desert to repair some of the world's highest roads. Stationed near Chang La pass which is perched at a height of 5,360 metres (17,590 feet), the 13 men, whose home is the low-lying eastern state of Jharkhand, have little experience of cold climes. They have been hired for four months in the Tangtse district of Ladakh, where blizzards can rage throughout the year, to ensure that the key tourist route to the picturesque Nubra Valley and Pangong lake is in good condition. Their back-breaking stint will fetch them 40,000 rupees ($572) each a considerable sum in a country where more than 21 per cent of the 1.3 billion population lived on less than two dollars a day in 2011. "There is not much work there (back home). I don't find any work difficult," said Sunil Tutu, 30. They toil six days a week, using only their bare hands, shovels and old sacks to move rocks and sand, with the help of local Ladakhi workers, some of them women. Sundays are the only days they can do their laundry as well as bathe and shave. Each morning the group hops on a truck to reach the work site after a breakfast of tea and bread. They return to their basic housing tents after sunset and have a meal of rice and lentils. The tents do not have electricity and workers rely on kerosene stoves to cook and heat up the icy water. But they are undaunted. "If given a chance I will come back here again," said Sushil Tutu, 35. "I like road work.... I like it anywhere." Another worker Rajshekhar, 33, said the inhospitable conditions helped him save more for the future. "Back home we are unable to save money, we eat and drink and the money gets over. The work is good (here), I like the snow and the mountains. I don't like the cold though." Migration for work is common in rural India. According to the non-government Aajeevika Bureau agency, millions work in hazardous conditions with little legal or social protection. India's unemployment rate has been worsening. In 2017-2018 it was 6.1 per cent, the worst since the 1970s, posing a major challenge for newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian workers toil at one of world's highest roads

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-overcast-clouds-rain-expected-at-manchester-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-234185">Tuesday's World Cup semi-final</a> against India when he wished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-look-back-at-seven-match-winning-knocks-by-mahendra-singh-dhoni-233604">MS Dhoni</a> happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games".

The implication of the retired batting great's remarks was that India wicketkeeper Dhoni, who turned 38 on Sunday, and his team-mates already have one foot in the July 14 final against England or Australia at Lord's.

India, whose group match against 2015 runners-up New Zealand was washed out, have suffered just one defeat at this World Cup so far, against England, and topped the 10-team group table.

Opener Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup when he made 103 in a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been the spearhead of a well-balanced bowling attack.

India captain Virat Kohli said Monday the pressure of being overwhelming favourites was nothing new for a squad who have long shouldered the hopes of a nation of more than a billion.

And he suggested that might give them an edge over the Black Caps at Old Trafford.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-semi-final-india-vs-new-zealand-head-to-head-records-234123">Indian team</a> always carries a lot of expectation and pressure whenever we play," Kohli told reporters.

"We are quite used to that over the years. We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring," added Kohli.

But if New Zealand, who could recall spinner Ish Sodhi to an attack featuring left-arm quick Trent Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie Ferguson - can find a way through India's top three, they could expose a long tail.

The Black Caps, who only qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place on the basis of net run-rate, have lost their last three games - against Pakistan, holders Australia and England.

They now have the additional incentive of proving to Tendulkar that his prediction of an India appearance in the final was premature.

Watch : Indian skipper Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of New Zealand clash

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Equal opportunity

"We definitely deserve to be here," New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at his pre-match press conference.

"Although we've qualified fourth we've got as equal an opportunity as anybody else."

Batting first has become an increasingly successful tactic at the World Cup in general and at Old Trafford in particular. In all five previous games on the ground, the team batting first has won.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heres-the-fab-four-cricket-world-cup-2019-234111">Kohli </a>said,&nbsp;"It comes back to the same point -&nbsp;handling pressure. You make two bad decisions when you are chasing and the game goes too far away from you to pull it back.''

"We are not worried about the toss. You have to be prepared both ways. We can't say if we lose the toss we have no hope. We should believe enough in ourself as a side to overcome any situation."

Williamson has been in fine form, making match-winning hundreds against South Africa and the West Indies.

But his 481 tournament runs represent nearly 29 percent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">New Zealand</a>'s total.

"Kane has stood up brilliantly for us," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead. "I don't think we'll be doing anything drastic, we just know we have to be better in that area than what we have been so far."

India may have the look of cricket thoroughbreds but Ferguson said of New Zealand,&nbsp;"As a team we definitely want to be the scrappers, guys that scrap for wins and not always do we win pretty."

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against India when he wished MS Dhoni happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games".

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against India when he wished MS Dhoni happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games". The implication of the retired batting great's remarks was that India wicketkeeper Dhoni, who turned 38 on Sunday, and his team-mates already have one foot in the July 14 final against England or Australia at Lord's. India, whose group match against 2015 runners-up New Zealand was washed out, have suffered just one defeat at this World Cup so far, against England, and topped the 10-team group table. Opener Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup when he made 103 in a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been the spearhead of a well-balanced bowling attack. India captain Virat Kohli said Monday the pressure of being overwhelming favourites was nothing new for a squad who have long shouldered the hopes of a nation of more than a billion. And he suggested that might give them an edge over the Black Caps at Old Trafford. "The Indian team always carries a lot of expectation and pressure whenever we play," Kohli told reporters. "We are quite used to that over the years. We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring," added Kohli. But if New Zealand, who could recall spinner Ish Sodhi to an attack featuring left-arm quick Trent Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie Ferguson - can find a way through India's top three, they could expose a long tail. The Black Caps, who only qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place on the basis of net run-rate, have lost their last three games - against Pakistan, holders Australia and England. They now have the additional incentive of proving to Tendulkar that his prediction of an India appearance in the final was premature. Watch : Indian skipper Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of New Zealand clash × Equal opportunity "We definitely deserve to be here," New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at his pre-match press conference. "Although we've qualified fourth we've got as equal an opportunity as anybody else." Batting first has become an increasingly successful tactic at the World Cup in general and at Old Trafford in particular. In all five previous games on the ground, the team batting first has won. But Kohli said, "It comes back to the same point - handling pressure. You make two bad decisions when you are chasing and the game goes too far away from you to pull it back.'' "We are not worried about the toss. You have to be prepared both ways. We can't say if we lose the toss we have no hope. We should believe enough in ourself as a side to overcome any situation." Williamson has been in fine form, making match-winning hundreds against South Africa and the West Indies. But his 481 tournament runs represent nearly 29 percent of New Zealand's total. "Kane has stood up brilliantly for us," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead. "I don't think we'll be doing anything drastic, we just know we have to be better in that area than what we have been so far." India may have the look of cricket thoroughbreds but Ferguson said of New Zealand, "As a team we definitely want to be the scrappers, guys that scrap for wins and not always do we win pretty."

'We deserve to be here,' says New Zealand captain Kane Williamson ahead of clash against India

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.&nbsp;

However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game.

Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah &amp; Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss.

The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game.

The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees.

Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch.

India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain.

In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday.

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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&nbsp;
<img alt="Cricket World Cup." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea498ba5-2c11-4c4d-a4a3-3f1ca09746f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/semi-final_4.jpg" />
If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium. However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game. Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford. Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah & Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss. The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game. The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees. Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch. India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain. In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday. Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

World Cup: Overcast clouds, rain expected at Manchester ahead of India vs New Zealand semi-final

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-attack-police-station-in-pulwama-civilians-injured-228416">Awantipora</a> here on Monday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Terrorists</a> fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara.

He received gunshot injuries in this incident and was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment.

Police have registered a case.

Officers from the local police unit arrived at the spot and are investigating the circumstances of this terror crime. 
&nbsp;

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in Awantipora here on Monday evening. Terrorists fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara.

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in Awantipora here on Monday evening. Terrorists fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara. He received gunshot injuries in this incident and was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. Police have registered a case. Officers from the local police unit arrived at the spot and are investigating the circumstances of this terror crime.

Civilian shot at by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-expected-in-delhi-ncr-in-the-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-233890">heavy rainfall</a> from July 9 to July 13.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-in-mumbai-leads-to-water-logging-slow-traffic-233946">Heavy to very heavy rainfall</a> likely to occur at isolated places especially in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal &amp; Dehradun Districts on July 9 and July 10, 2019," read a statement from the IMD.

IMD also issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar districts for July 11 to 13.

After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 9 to July 13.

After Monsoon showers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that districts in Uttarakhand are expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 9 to July 13. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to occur at isolated places especially in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal & Dehradun Districts on July 9 and July 10, 2019," read a statement from the IMD. IMD also issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar districts for July 11 to 13.

India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-minister-kiren-rijiju-extremely-optimistic-of-india-lifting-world-cup-233837">India's government</a> aims to rise to 150 billion rupees ($2.18 billion) by reducing its stake in 18 state firms to 75%, a finance ministry official involved in the matter said on Monday, as it looks to boost revenues and rein in the fiscal deficit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-open-in-red-why-stock-markets-did-not-like-the-budget-233896">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> set an ambitious target of 1.05 trillion rupees ($15.33 billion) from the sale of stakes in state-run companies, compared with 850 billion rupees the previous year, in her budget on Friday for the fiscal year that began on April 1.

While a third of the divestment target will be met by the outright sale of state enterprises, including Air India, the other sales will be done through a rule under which all listed entities must have a public float of at least 25% after three years of listing.

But governments have been putting this off for state firms, winning extensions from the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) each year.

"The government will aim to meet the SEBI norms in state-owned companies this fiscal," said the ministry official, who declined to be identified as he is not allowed to speak to the media, referring to the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The government is planning to sell 10% each in state-owned reinsurers General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and New India Assurance (NIA) which will bring it's holding down to 75 percent in the two giant companies.

In her budget, Sitharaman proposed increasing the minimum public shareholding for listed entities to 35% from 25% as part of efforts to make the market more accessible to retail investors.

But the finance ministry official said the new regulation would require at least two years to go into force after approval by the SEBI.

Asia's third-largest economy is banking on state enterprise sales, dividends from the central bank and additional levies and taxes to meet a fiscal deficit target of 3.3% of gross domestic product from 3.4% previously announced.

The official said the government was willing to sell 100% of debt-ridden Air India after a previous offer of 76% control produced no buyers.

"Air India is our biggest bet," the official said. The government expects to get 150 billion rupees from selling the airline.

The government also plans to sell at least a 5% stake in Coal India and ONGC, the official said.

India's government aims to rise to 150 billion rupees ($2.18 billion) by reducing its stake in 18 state firms to 75%, a finance ministry official involved in the matter said on Monday, as it looks to boost revenues and rein in the fiscal deficit.

India's government aims to rise to 150 billion rupees ($2.18 billion) by reducing its stake in 18 state firms to 75%, a finance ministry official involved in the matter said on Monday, as it looks to boost revenues and rein in the fiscal deficit. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set an ambitious target of 1.05 trillion rupees ($15.33 billion) from the sale of stakes in state-run companies, compared with 850 billion rupees the previous year, in her budget on Friday for the fiscal year that began on April 1. While a third of the divestment target will be met by the outright sale of state enterprises, including Air India, the other sales will be done through a rule under which all listed entities must have a public float of at least 25% after three years of listing. But governments have been putting this off for state firms, winning extensions from the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) each year. "The government will aim to meet the SEBI norms in state-owned companies this fiscal," said the ministry official, who declined to be identified as he is not allowed to speak to the media, referring to the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The government is planning to sell 10% each in state-owned reinsurers General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and New India Assurance (NIA) which will bring it's holding down to 75 percent in the two giant companies. In her budget, Sitharaman proposed increasing the minimum public shareholding for listed entities to 35% from 25% as part of efforts to make the market more accessible to retail investors. But the finance ministry official said the new regulation would require at least two years to go into force after approval by the SEBI. Asia's third-largest economy is banking on state enterprise sales, dividends from the central bank and additional levies and taxes to meet a fiscal deficit target of 3.3% of gross domestic product from 3.4% previously announced. The official said the government was willing to sell 100% of debt-ridden Air India after a previous offer of 76% control produced no buyers. "Air India is our biggest bet," the official said. The government expects to get 150 billion rupees from selling the airline. The government also plans to sell at least a 5% stake in Coal India and ONGC, the official said.

India aims to raise $2.18 billion by cutting stakes in 18 firms to 75%

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Friday lauded the government for presenting a "developmental" Union budget and said that the country has taken a step towards becoming a financial superpower.

"Our financial capabilities have increased under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last five years. I believe that our country has taken a step forward in the direction of becoming a financial superpower. The union budget gave priority to the development of the country," said Naik.

Naik hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for empowering women of the country through the budget.

"How to uplift the woman folk of the country and how to take them towards development was Nirmala Sitharaman`s priority in the budget. She announced Rs 1 lakh loan for women entrepreneurs under Mudra scheme," he said.&nbsp;

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Friday lauded the government for presenting a "developmental" Union budget and said that the country has taken a step towards becoming a financial superpower.

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Friday lauded the government for presenting a "developmental" Union budget and said that the country has taken a step towards becoming a financial superpower. "Our financial capabilities have increased under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last five years. I believe that our country has taken a step forward in the direction of becoming a financial superpower. The union budget gave priority to the development of the country," said Naik. Naik hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for empowering women of the country through the budget. "How to uplift the woman folk of the country and how to take them towards development was Nirmala Sitharaman`s priority in the budget. She announced Rs 1 lakh loan for women entrepreneurs under Mudra scheme," he said.

India set to become 'financial superpower': Shripad Naik

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media at the weekly briefing.

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to hold the meeting with senior officials of the commerce department very soon.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

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 also 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 over the trade barriers.

"The Broad trajectory of the relationship between India and the US remains positive. The discussion Prime Minister had with Donald Trump in Osaka was very open and productive. In any multi-dimensional relationship, there are bound to be a certain difference. What we agreed was to continue to talk on all issues," Kumar added in his briefing.

During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo`s visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them. Jaishankar asserted that India is committed to making business easier between the two countries.

Last year, India had announced tariffs in retaliation to higher US import duties on steel and aluminium.

Asserting that great friends are bound to have disagreements, Pompeo, in his remarks, said that Washington and New Delhi need to solve trade issues as there are millions of opportunity before the two countries.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries. "On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon.

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries. "On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media at the weekly briefing. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to hold the meeting with senior officials of the commerce department very soon. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. 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 also 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 over the trade barriers. "The Broad trajectory of the relationship between India and the US remains positive. The discussion Prime Minister had with Donald Trump in Osaka was very open and productive. In any multi-dimensional relationship, there are bound to be a certain difference. What we agreed was to continue to talk on all issues," Kumar added in his briefing. During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo`s visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them. Jaishankar asserted that India is committed to making business easier between the two countries. Last year, India had announced tariffs in retaliation to higher US import duties on steel and aluminium. Asserting that great friends are bound to have disagreements, Pompeo, in his remarks, said that Washington and New Delhi need to solve trade issues as there are millions of opportunity before the two countries.

India, US officials likely to meet soon to discuss trade difference: MEA

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhancement-of-retirement-age-unemployment-allowance-on-trs-poll-manifesto-181040">retirement age</a>.

While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level.

The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population.

It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones.

Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey.

It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011.

"This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists.

The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60.

Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011.

The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports.

If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age. While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level. The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population. It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones. Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey. It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011. "This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists. The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60. Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011. The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports. If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

India's old age population set to double in 20 years, warns government report

India has said the world should not get fooled by cosmetic steps taken by Pakistan in reining in terrorist and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan had on Wednesday booked Saeed and his various outfits in terror funding cases.

"Let us not get fooled by cosmetic steps. We have seen where it is headed. Pakistan's sincerity will be judged bassed on their demonstration and not on half-hearted measures taken to strengthen goodwill in front on international community," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province has registered multiple cases against the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief and 12 of his aides, including his brother-in-law Abdul Rehman Makki.

Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The LeT chief is also involved in the deadly attack on India's Parliament in 2001. In fact, he was taken into custody for the first time by Pakistan after the attack. India had then welcomed the move, but it turned out to be an eyewash and Saeed was released 11 months later.

After being released, Saeed was brought into the mainstream and started spewing venom against India.

Four years later, in August of 2006, Saeed's name came to light again, this time in connection with the Mumbai train bombings. He was arrested but released by a Pakistan court just after three months.

On Dec 10, 2008, 14 days after the Mumbai attacks, Saeed was listed as a globally designated terrorist by the United Nations, and was once again arrested by the Pakistan administration but managed to walk free in just about six months.

In 2018, Saeed was put on the list of terrorists listed by Pakistan; his organisation too was banned. He then once again approached the court in an attempt to get a cleanchit once again, and as per expectations, got it in September 2018.

This time, he has been booked under the stringent Anti-Terror Act under which he can be jailed for life if terror financing charges are proven.

What remains is to be seen is that will this be another hogwash or would Pakistan be walking the talk.

India has said the world should not get fooled by cosmetic steps taken by Pakistan in reining in terrorist and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan had on Wednesday booked Saeed and his various outfits in terror funding cases.

India has said the world should not get fooled by cosmetic steps taken by Pakistan in reining in terrorist and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan had on Wednesday booked Saeed and his various outfits in terror funding cases. "Let us not get fooled by cosmetic steps. We have seen where it is headed. Pakistan's sincerity will be judged bassed on their demonstration and not on half-hearted measures taken to strengthen goodwill in front on international community," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province has registered multiple cases against the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief and 12 of his aides, including his brother-in-law Abdul Rehman Makki. Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The LeT chief is also involved in the deadly attack on India's Parliament in 2001. In fact, he was taken into custody for the first time by Pakistan after the attack. India had then welcomed the move, but it turned out to be an eyewash and Saeed was released 11 months later. After being released, Saeed was brought into the mainstream and started spewing venom against India. Four years later, in August of 2006, Saeed's name came to light again, this time in connection with the Mumbai train bombings. He was arrested but released by a Pakistan court just after three months. On Dec 10, 2008, 14 days after the Mumbai attacks, Saeed was listed as a globally designated terrorist by the United Nations, and was once again arrested by the Pakistan administration but managed to walk free in just about six months. In 2018, Saeed was put on the list of terrorists listed by Pakistan; his organisation too was banned. He then once again approached the court in an attempt to get a cleanchit once again, and as per expectations, got it in September 2018. This time, he has been booked under the stringent Anti-Terror Act under which he can be jailed for life if terror financing charges are proven. What remains is to be seen is that will this be another hogwash or would Pakistan be walking the talk.

'Cosmetic steps', says India as Pakistan books Hafiz Saeed in terror funding cases

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/indias-ambati-rayudu-announces-retirement-from-all-forms-of-cricket-232677">Ambati Rayudu</a> on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field.

The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad.

Former batsman Virender Sehwag in a tweet said that being ignored by the management must be painful for Rayudu.

He further wished him good luck for his future endeavours.

"Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the World Cup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement," Sehwag wrote.

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Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the WorldCup for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmbatiRayudu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmbatiRayudu</a> but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1146365823461838848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mohammad Kaif, the former batsman, said that Rayudu did everything he could to make a comeback in the team. He further added that the World Cup snub has hurt him deeply.

"Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu, did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement," Kaif tweeted.

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Have to feel for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmbatiRayudu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmbatiRayudu</a> , did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1146363159554527232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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VVS Laxman, the former cricketer, felt sorry for in-form Rayudu and wished him happiness and peace in his second innings.

"Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings," Laxman said.

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Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. 
I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1146359636288823298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chennai&nbsp;IPL franchise wished the retirement news was not true. It took to Twitter and said, "Rayudon't! Wish it wasn't true! #AmbatiRayuduRetires."

Rayudu made a decision to step away from cricket earlier today.

In a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/heres-what-ambati-rayudu-wrote-in-retirement-letter-to-bcci-232763">letter to the BCCI</a>, he said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game."

Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format.

He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then.

Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory.

But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia.

The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field. The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field. The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad. Former batsman Virender Sehwag in a tweet said that being ignored by the management must be painful for Rayudu. He further wished him good luck for his future endeavours. "Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the World Cup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement," Sehwag wrote. Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the WorldCup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 3, 2019 × Mohammad Kaif, the former batsman, said that Rayudu did everything he could to make a comeback in the team. He further added that the World Cup snub has hurt him deeply. "Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu, did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement," Kaif tweeted. Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu , did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement. — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 3, 2019 × VVS Laxman, the former cricketer, felt sorry for in-form Rayudu and wished him happiness and peace in his second innings. "Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings," Laxman said. Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings. — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 3, 2019 × Chennai IPL franchise wished the retirement news was not true. It took to Twitter and said, "Rayudon't! Wish it wasn't true! #AmbatiRayuduRetires." Rayudu made a decision to step away from cricket earlier today. In a letter to the BCCI, he said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game." Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format. He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then. Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory. But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia. The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Sehwag, Laxman, Kaif sympathise with Ambati Rayudu after his retirement

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-rashtriya-janata-dal-will-push-21st-century-india-into-darkness-pm-modi-in-bihar-218694">Rashtriya Janata Dal</a> (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-death-toll-climbs-to-136-in-bihars-muzaffarpur-district-231824">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) </a>which has claimed lives of over 100 children in the state.

RJD leaders and workers raised slogans against Pandey, expressing objection over the affidavit about the medical facilities provided in the hospital submitted in the Supreme Court by the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government on Tuesday.

"The way children are dying in Muzaffarpur shows the incapability and failure of the Bihar government. Pandey has failed to handle his Ministry well. There are no nurses, doctors and even lab technicians in the state hospitals. They are bringing doctors from outside the state. Now, they have submitted an affidavit in the court, in which they are trying to justify the deaths of Bihar children," a female protestor said.&nbsp;

On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state due to AES.

The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals.&nbsp;

During the Monsoon session on June 28, Pandey had dismissed the criticism against the government on the issue.

&nbsp;"Till June 28, 720 were admitted, 586 were cured and 154 children died. The death rate has been brought down to 21 per cent. As compared to the data from 2011-19, the death rate due to AES has come down over the past few years," he had said. As many as 137 children have died in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of encephalitis.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) which has claimed lives of over 100 children in the state.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) which has claimed lives of over 100 children in the state. RJD leaders and workers raised slogans against Pandey, expressing objection over the affidavit about the medical facilities provided in the hospital submitted in the Supreme Court by the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government on Tuesday. "The way children are dying in Muzaffarpur shows the incapability and failure of the Bihar government. Pandey has failed to handle his Ministry well. There are no nurses, doctors and even lab technicians in the state hospitals. They are bringing doctors from outside the state. Now, they have submitted an affidavit in the court, in which they are trying to justify the deaths of Bihar children," a female protestor said. On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state due to AES. The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals. During the Monsoon session on June 28, Pandey had dismissed the criticism against the government on the issue. "Till June 28, 720 were admitted, 586 were cured and 154 children died. The death rate has been brought down to 21 per cent. As compared to the data from 2011-19, the death rate due to AES has come down over the past few years," he had said. As many as 137 children have died in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of encephalitis.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome outbreak: Rashtriya Janata Dal protests against Mangal Pandey, demands resignation

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/angoor-khatte-hai-yogi-hits-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-tweet-on-rising-crime-in-uttar-pradesh-231686">Yogi Adityanath government</a> on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees.

According to government officials, the state government has asked 200 officials to take voluntary retirement as they were found guilty in corruption cases.

&nbsp;At the same time, more than 400 corrupt officers and employees have been warned of severe punishments.

&nbsp;On June 20, Adityanath had reviewed the work of Secretariat Administration department at Lok Bhawan and said that there was no place for corrupt officers and staff in the Government.&nbsp;

He had said that corrupt officers could be shown the door by giving them compulsory retirement. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to prepare a list of corrupt officers and advised firm action against them.

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the Yogi Adityanath government on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees.

Acting strictly on the policy of 'zero tolerance', the Yogi Adityanath government on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees. According to government officials, the state government has asked 200 officials to take voluntary retirement as they were found guilty in corruption cases. At the same time, more than 400 corrupt officers and employees have been warned of severe punishments. On June 20, Adityanath had reviewed the work of Secretariat Administration department at Lok Bhawan and said that there was no place for corrupt officers and staff in the Government. He had said that corrupt officers could be shown the door by giving them compulsory retirement. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to prepare a list of corrupt officers and advised firm action against them.

Uttar Pradesh government initiates action against 600 corrupt officers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-is-in-store-for-ndas-alliance-in-modi-20-cabinet-222843">Shiromani Akali Dal</a> (SAD) president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sukhbir-singh-badal-sunny-deol-among-new-members-administered-oath-on-second-day-in-lok-sabha-228231">Sukhbir Singh Badal </a>has said Pakistan is creating obstacles one at a time with regards to the proposed Kartarpur corridor and urged the neighbouring country to take a "proactive stand" to remove these obstacles.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Badal said, "The work of Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is going as per plan. The Indian government is monitoring project on a weekly basis. We are ready for our pilgrims to go to Pakistan by October 30. The problem is coming from Pakistan`s side as they are not completing their part. The work on their side is very slow."

"Pakistan is creating obstacles. They are ready to build a bridge instead of a crossway. They are now saying people can visit the holy place only in festivals they need visas and would need to pay fees," he added.

The next meeting of India-Pakistan on Kartarpur corridor is slated to be held on July 14.

Meanwhile, Badal downplayed the controversy that erupted after Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol appointed his personal assistant to represent his office in his constituency.

When asked about Deol's decision, Badal said "He (PA) is not a Member of Parliament. If somebody appoints his PA to go to offices, does not mean that he became an MP."

Earlier this week, Deol had announced that Gurpreet Singh Palheri will be his representative who will attend meetings and follow important matters pertaining to Gurdaspur, a decision which he faced severe backlash for.

Deol dubbed the controversy over the appointment of his personal assistant as "unfortunate" and said the move was solely aimed at ensuring "smooth flow of work" when he is out of the constituency.

"It is extremely unfortunate to see a controversy being created out of nothing at all. I have appointed my PA (Personal Assistant) to represent my office in Gurdaspur. This appointment has been made to ensure smooth flow of work whenever I am out of Gurdaspur to attend the parliament or travelling for work," the actor-turned-politician said in a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday.

He also said the appointment was made to ensure that no work is disrupted or delayed due to any reason whatsoever.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has said Pakistan is creating obstacles one at a time with regards to the proposed Kartarpur corridor and urged the neighbouring country to take a "proactive stand" to remove these obstacles.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has said Pakistan is creating obstacles one at a time with regards to the proposed Kartarpur corridor and urged the neighbouring country to take a "proactive stand" to remove these obstacles. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Badal said, "The work of Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is going as per plan. The Indian government is monitoring project on a weekly basis. We are ready for our pilgrims to go to Pakistan by October 30. The problem is coming from Pakistan`s side as they are not completing their part. The work on their side is very slow." "Pakistan is creating obstacles. They are ready to build a bridge instead of a crossway. They are now saying people can visit the holy place only in festivals they need visas and would need to pay fees," he added. The next meeting of India-Pakistan on Kartarpur corridor is slated to be held on July 14. Meanwhile, Badal downplayed the controversy that erupted after Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol appointed his personal assistant to represent his office in his constituency. When asked about Deol's decision, Badal said "He (PA) is not a Member of Parliament. If somebody appoints his PA to go to offices, does not mean that he became an MP." Earlier this week, Deol had announced that Gurpreet Singh Palheri will be his representative who will attend meetings and follow important matters pertaining to Gurdaspur, a decision which he faced severe backlash for. Deol dubbed the controversy over the appointment of his personal assistant as "unfortunate" and said the move was solely aimed at ensuring "smooth flow of work" when he is out of the constituency. "It is extremely unfortunate to see a controversy being created out of nothing at all. I have appointed my PA (Personal Assistant) to represent my office in Gurdaspur. This appointment has been made to ensure smooth flow of work whenever I am out of Gurdaspur to attend the parliament or travelling for work," the actor-turned-politician said in a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday. He also said the appointment was made to ensure that no work is disrupted or delayed due to any reason whatsoever.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan creating 'obstacles', says Sukhbir Badal

To curb the menace of rash driving on roads, Gujarat police has equipped its traffic unit with high-tech laser guns for detection of overspeeding by vehicles in the city.&nbsp;

The riders will be fined Rs 400 for exceeding the speed limit of 40 km/hr. The gun uses laser technology to detect the speed of a vehicle plying on road.

It has the capability to record the speed of three vehicles simultaneously in a second, even if the vehicles are a kilometre away.

Speaking to ANI, ACP (Traffic) Amita Vanani said, "We have formed a team who will be monitoring over speeding by using laser-equipped speed guns.

These high technology speed guns will capture the vehicle number, speed and the picture of the drivers.

The challan is issued with complete evidence."She added that this step was taken to curb traffic violations that were peaking in the past few days.&nbsp;

To curb the menace of rash driving on roads, Gujarat police has equipped its traffic unit with high-tech laser guns for detection of overspeeding by vehicles in the city.

To curb the menace of rash driving on roads, Gujarat police has equipped its traffic unit with high-tech laser guns for detection of overspeeding by vehicles in the city. The riders will be fined Rs 400 for exceeding the speed limit of 40 km/hr. The gun uses laser technology to detect the speed of a vehicle plying on road. It has the capability to record the speed of three vehicles simultaneously in a second, even if the vehicles are a kilometre away. Speaking to ANI, ACP (Traffic) Amita Vanani said, "We have formed a team who will be monitoring over speeding by using laser-equipped speed guns. These high technology speed guns will capture the vehicle number, speed and the picture of the drivers. The challan is issued with complete evidence."She added that this step was taken to curb traffic violations that were peaking in the past few days.

Gujarat: In a first, laser guns used to detect overspeeding in Vadodara

Bangladesh's high court has granted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/climate-change-blights-childrens-lives-in-bangladesh-208060">country's rivers</a> the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday.

The court on Monday published a landmark verdict on a 2016 petition filed by a Dhaka-based rights group, saying all of the country's hundreds of rivers would now be treated as legal persons, litigator Manzil Murshid said.

"We filed the petition to save our rivers from powerful encroachers. The court has declared that all the rivers should now have the same rights as legal persons or living entities," he told AFP.

The verdict came just months after the country, much of it crisscrossed by thousands of streams, tributaries and rivers, became the fourth nation after Colombia, India and New Zealand to honour its waterways with such status.

The court appointed the country's River Conservation Commission as the legal guardian of all waterways and directed other state agencies to fully assist them.

Experts said the verdict would save rivers from illegal encroachment in the densely populated country of 165 million people and where land is precious as gold. 
They said many of the country's rivers are struggling to survive thanks to illegal sand dredging and large-scale industrial pollution.

"This verdict is very good news for us. We hope the commission can now work freely and save the rivers from premature deaths," said Sheikh Rokon, a spokesman for the Riverine People group.

He said the high court would empower the commission to take strict action against encroachers, polluters and illegal dredging companies.

National River Conservation Commission of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasinas-8-year-old-grandson-killed-in-shangri-la-hotel-blast-212627">Bangladesh</a> chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the "unprecedented order would help the vast ecology and biodiversity" of Bangladesh's rich river system.

"We feel strengthened. It reminds us the rivers are not anybody's property. We can now enforce a zero-tolerance policy against encroachers," he told AFP.

Bangladesh's river transport authority has already started a massive eviction drive along the banks of the rivers around the capital Dhaka, demolishing over 4,000 illegal establishments since January.

The authorities have recovered some 190 acres (77 hectares) of land during the drive.

Most of Bangladesh's rivers are branches and tributaries of two main Himalayan rivers the Ganges and the Brahmaputra which flow through Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh's high court has granted the country's rivers the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday.

Bangladesh's high court has granted the country's rivers the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday. The court on Monday published a landmark verdict on a 2016 petition filed by a Dhaka-based rights group, saying all of the country's hundreds of rivers would now be treated as legal persons, litigator Manzil Murshid said. "We filed the petition to save our rivers from powerful encroachers. The court has declared that all the rivers should now have the same rights as legal persons or living entities," he told AFP. The verdict came just months after the country, much of it crisscrossed by thousands of streams, tributaries and rivers, became the fourth nation after Colombia, India and New Zealand to honour its waterways with such status. The court appointed the country's River Conservation Commission as the legal guardian of all waterways and directed other state agencies to fully assist them. Experts said the verdict would save rivers from illegal encroachment in the densely populated country of 165 million people and where land is precious as gold. They said many of the country's rivers are struggling to survive thanks to illegal sand dredging and large-scale industrial pollution. "This verdict is very good news for us. We hope the commission can now work freely and save the rivers from premature deaths," said Sheikh Rokon, a spokesman for the Riverine People group. He said the high court would empower the commission to take strict action against encroachers, polluters and illegal dredging companies. National River Conservation Commission of Bangladesh chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the "unprecedented order would help the vast ecology and biodiversity" of Bangladesh's rich river system. "We feel strengthened. It reminds us the rivers are not anybody's property. We can now enforce a zero-tolerance policy against encroachers," he told AFP. Bangladesh's river transport authority has already started a massive eviction drive along the banks of the rivers around the capital Dhaka, demolishing over 4,000 illegal establishments since January. The authorities have recovered some 190 acres (77 hectares) of land during the drive. Most of Bangladesh's rivers are branches and tributaries of two main Himalayan rivers the Ganges and the Brahmaputra which flow through Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh declares its rivers 'legal persons'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income.

The nine-member committee, headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-to-discuss-state-cabinet-expansion-with-uddhav-thackeray-227250">Devendra Fadnavis</a>, will suggest policy measures, attract investments and raise growth in food processing.

Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand will be the members of the committee.&nbsp;

The committee will discuss the measures for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers' income. Modalities for adoption and time-bound implementation of agriculture sector reforms will be suggested by the committee. The committee will submit its report in two months.&nbsp;

The panel will examine various provisions of the Essential Commodity Act (ECA), to attract private investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure.

It will also suggest a mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM, GRAM and other relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes.&nbsp;

The committee will further suggest policy measures to boost agricultural export, raise growth in food processing and attract investments in modern market infrastructure, value chains and logistics, besides making other key suggestions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday constituted a high-powered committee of chief ministers for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers` income. The nine-member committee, headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will suggest policy measures, attract investments and raise growth in food processing. Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand will be the members of the committee. The committee will discuss the measures for the transformation of agriculture and raising farmers' income. Modalities for adoption and time-bound implementation of agriculture sector reforms will be suggested by the committee. The committee will submit its report in two months. The panel will examine various provisions of the Essential Commodity Act (ECA), to attract private investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure. It will also suggest a mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM, GRAM and other relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The committee will further suggest policy measures to boost agricultural export, raise growth in food processing and attract investments in modern market infrastructure, value chains and logistics, besides making other key suggestions.

Government sets up high-powered committee of chief ministers to 'transform Indian agriculture'

The second India-Pakistan talk on the modalities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-will-be-completed-by-september-punjab-minister-223528">Kartarpur Corridor</a> will take place on July 14 at Wagah, Pakistan.

New Delhi, last week, had proposed to Islamabad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-proposes-meeting-with-pakistan-officials-in-july-231586">any date between July 11 and 14 for the talks</a>.

Remember, the second round of talks was originally expected to happen on April 2 but India had postponed the talks as Pakistan had appointed Khalistani elements on a committee associated with the corridor.

The focus of the upcoming meeting would be to discuss the draft agreement on the corridor which includes the movement of pilgrims, the alignment and the infrastructure along the corridor.

The first round of India-Pakistan official talks on the corridor took place on March &nbsp;14, 2019, on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border.

India, during the first round of talks, had proposed that the corridor should be open to Indian citizens and Indian diaspora with 5,000 people should be allowed every day. Pakistan, on the other hand, said it can allow only 700 people that too only Indian citizens on designated days with a paid permit. The Indian passport will be proof of the identity of the visitors.

While this is the second round of India-Pakistan official meeting, three rounds of technical-level talks between the officials of both the countries have already happened to discuss issues such as the alignment of the corridor &nbsp;- both the sides agreed in November last year.

India has already completed 45 per cent of the corridor on its side of the border and is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal.&nbsp;

The deadline for the construction of the entire project is October 2019, just a month ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November.

The second India-Pakistan talk on the modalities of the Kartarpur Corridor will take place on July 14 at Wagah, Pakistan. New Delhi, last week, had proposed to Islamabad any date between July 11 and 14 for the talks.

The second India-Pakistan talk on the modalities of the Kartarpur Corridor will take place on July 14 at Wagah, Pakistan. New Delhi, last week, had proposed to Islamabad any date between July 11 and 14 for the talks. Remember, the second round of talks was originally expected to happen on April 2 but India had postponed the talks as Pakistan had appointed Khalistani elements on a committee associated with the corridor. The focus of the upcoming meeting would be to discuss the draft agreement on the corridor which includes the movement of pilgrims, the alignment and the infrastructure along the corridor. The first round of India-Pakistan official talks on the corridor took place on March 14, 2019, on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border. India, during the first round of talks, had proposed that the corridor should be open to Indian citizens and Indian diaspora with 5,000 people should be allowed every day. Pakistan, on the other hand, said it can allow only 700 people that too only Indian citizens on designated days with a paid permit. The Indian passport will be proof of the identity of the visitors. While this is the second round of India-Pakistan official meeting, three rounds of technical-level talks between the officials of both the countries have already happened to discuss issues such as the alignment of the corridor - both the sides agreed in November last year. India has already completed 45 per cent of the corridor on its side of the border and is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal. The deadline for the construction of the entire project is October 2019, just a month ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November.

Kartarpur Corridor talks: Second round of India-Pakistan official meet on July 14

West Indies great Clive Lloyd believes Australia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharmas-twin-gems-equalling-kumar-sangakkaras-record-breaking-ms-dhonis-232420">India </a>are the "standout" teams at the World Cup but has urged Virat Kohli's side to boost their batting if they are to dethrone the reigning champions.

Australia, whose only loss at the tournament so far has come against India, are already through to the semi-finals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-40-india-vs-bangladesh-232302">India </a>will be assured of joining them if they beat Bangladesh on Tuesday and the two-time former champions are likely to get through to the knockout stage in any event.

Lloyd, the West Indies' captain when they won the first two men's World Cups in 1975 and 1979, has been impressed by Australia and India.

"They have been the two standout teams for me at this World Cup," said Lloyd in an ICC column published on Tuesday.

"They have understood the conditions better than any of the others," he said.

But Lloyd said India's 31-run defeat by England at Edgbaston on Sunday had exposed a weakness in Kohli's team.

"England played the right kind of game against them by attacking the spinners and they need to strengthen their batting lower down the order," said Lloyd.

Lloyd, now 74, was one of the original powerful shotmakers, which are now commonplace in one-day cricket.

The former West Indies skipper has tipped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-pat-cummins-issues-warning-to-world-cup-rivals-232269">Australia </a>left-hander Alex Carey, who scored 71 in the win against New Zealand, as a potential star of the tournament.

"Carey was a relative unknown beforehand but he bats with such maturity," he said. "He has the freedom to attack but also the technical skills needed to find the boundary,'' Lloyd said.

"He is a bolter and I have loved watching him play," he added.

The West Indies only have pride left to play for in their final group match against Afghanistan, with Jason Holder's men out of the running for a place in the semi-finals.

But Lloyd said it was "far from doom or gloom" for his old side, citing Nicholas Pooran's maiden ODI century in Monday's narrow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-39-sri-lanka-vs-west-indies-231990">defeat by Sri Lanka</a> as a cause for optimism.&nbsp;

"He has done very well in this tournament and is someone we can really build around going forward," said Lloyd.

"He has a lot of things to learn but the raw ingredients are there for him to go on and become a fine player for the West Indies over the next few years," Lloyd added.

West Indies great Clive Lloyd believes Australia and India are the "standout" teams at the World Cup but has urged Virat Kohli's side to boost their batting if they are to dethrone the reigning champions.

West Indies great Clive Lloyd believes Australia and India are the "standout" teams at the World Cup but has urged Virat Kohli's side to boost their batting if they are to dethrone the reigning champions. Australia, whose only loss at the tournament so far has come against India, are already through to the semi-finals. India will be assured of joining them if they beat Bangladesh on Tuesday and the two-time former champions are likely to get through to the knockout stage in any event. Lloyd, the West Indies' captain when they won the first two men's World Cups in 1975 and 1979, has been impressed by Australia and India. "They have been the two standout teams for me at this World Cup," said Lloyd in an ICC column published on Tuesday. "They have understood the conditions better than any of the others," he said. But Lloyd said India's 31-run defeat by England at Edgbaston on Sunday had exposed a weakness in Kohli's team. "England played the right kind of game against them by attacking the spinners and they need to strengthen their batting lower down the order," said Lloyd. Lloyd, now 74, was one of the original powerful shotmakers, which are now commonplace in one-day cricket. The former West Indies skipper has tipped Australia left-hander Alex Carey, who scored 71 in the win against New Zealand, as a potential star of the tournament. "Carey was a relative unknown beforehand but he bats with such maturity," he said. "He has the freedom to attack but also the technical skills needed to find the boundary,'' Lloyd said. "He is a bolter and I have loved watching him play," he added. The West Indies only have pride left to play for in their final group match against Afghanistan, with Jason Holder's men out of the running for a place in the semi-finals. But Lloyd said it was "far from doom or gloom" for his old side, citing Nicholas Pooran's maiden ODI century in Monday's narrow defeat by Sri Lanka as a cause for optimism. "He has done very well in this tournament and is someone we can really build around going forward," said Lloyd. "He has a lot of things to learn but the raw ingredients are there for him to go on and become a fine player for the West Indies over the next few years," Lloyd added.

World Cup: India and Australia are 'standout' teams, says Clive Lloyd

Mumbai comes to standstill as heavy rain batters & disrupts air, rail traffic

India`s gold imports rose 12.6% in June from a year earlier to $2.69 billion amid a jump in global prices to six-year highs, a government source said on Tuesday.

However, imports were 44% lower in June from May's $4.78 billion, the source said, who was not allowed to speak to the media.

In India, local prices jumped to a record high in June, moderating demand from retail consumers.

The drop in gold imports by India, the world`s second-biggest consumer of the precious metal, could weigh on global prices that are struggling to hold recent gains.

India`s gold imports rose 12.6% in June from a year earlier to $2.69 billion amid a jump in global prices to six-year highs, a government source said on Tuesday.

India`s gold imports rose 12.6% in June from a year earlier to $2.69 billion amid a jump in global prices to six-year highs, a government source said on Tuesday. However, imports were 44% lower in June from May's $4.78 billion, the source said, who was not allowed to speak to the media. In India, local prices jumped to a record high in June, moderating demand from retail consumers. The drop in gold imports by India, the world`s second-biggest consumer of the precious metal, could weigh on global prices that are struggling to hold recent gains.

India's June gold imports rise 12.6 per cent year-on-year amid global price rally: Report

The Central government on Tuesday mentioned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-provide-air-ambulance-to-mehul-choksi-to-bring-him-back-to-india-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-229405">fugitive Mehul Choksi</a> case seeking an urgent hearing against a Bombay High Court order allowing Choksi`s counsel to furnish his health report.&nbsp;

Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it may have an impact on fugitive`s extradition from Antigua.&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court had on June 24 stated that a team of specialists from Mumbai`s JJ Hospital will give a report to the High Court on the present health condition of Mehul Choksi to ascertain whether he is fit to travel from Antigua to India for interrogation or not.

&nbsp;At that time, Choksi's lawyers were directed to submit his latest medical reports to the team within a week.&nbsp;

The doctors will submit a report on the status of Choksi's health in a sealed cover to the court on July 9. The Bombay High Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on July 10.&nbsp;

The Central government on Tuesday mentioned the fugitive Mehul Choksi case seeking an urgent hearing against a Bombay High Court order allowing Choksi`s counsel to furnish his health report.

The Central government on Tuesday mentioned the fugitive Mehul Choksi case seeking an urgent hearing against a Bombay High Court order allowing Choksi`s counsel to furnish his health report. Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it may have an impact on fugitive`s extradition from Antigua. The Bombay High Court had on June 24 stated that a team of specialists from Mumbai`s JJ Hospital will give a report to the High Court on the present health condition of Mehul Choksi to ascertain whether he is fit to travel from Antigua to India for interrogation or not. At that time, Choksi's lawyers were directed to submit his latest medical reports to the team within a week. The doctors will submit a report on the status of Choksi's health in a sealed cover to the court on July 9. The Bombay High Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on July 10.

Centre mentions Mehul Choksi case in Supreme Court for urgent hearing

Congress Parliamentary Party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-reaches-out-to-sonia-gandhi-ahead-of-parliament-session-225236">Sonia Gandhi </a>on Tuesday said that government was seeking to surreptitiously "privatise" the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli, adding that it has caused uncertainty among employees and their families.&nbsp;

Raising the issue during zero hours in the Lok Sabha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-sonia-gandhi-to-attend-narendra-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-as-prime-minister-222569">Sonia Gandhi</a> said that privatization leads to thousands of people getting unemployed and is against the objectives for which the plant had been set up.

"The real concern is that they have chosen Modern Coach Factory for the experiment," the Rae Bareli lawmaker said.&nbsp;

She added that the factory had been set up by the UPA government to boost manufacturing in the country and is the "most modern plant" that makes good quality coaches at cheap prices.

"The employees have also not been taken into confidence. It is a matter of sadness that their and their families` future is in danger," she said."I urge the government to protect the Modern Coach Factory and other PSUs and give respect to the farmers and their families," the senior Congress leader said.&nbsp;

The UPA chairperson also expressed concerns over the condition of some public sector undertakings, including HAL, BSNL and MTNL."Their condition is not hidden from anyone," she said.&nbsp;

Gandhi said privatisation leads to priceless assets going to a few private hands at very cheap prices and thousands getting unemployed.&nbsp;

She also expressed unhappiness over BJP-led NDA government`s decision to merge the rail budget with the general budget.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said that government was seeking to surreptitiously "privatise" the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli, adding that it has caused uncertainty among employees and their families.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said that government was seeking to surreptitiously "privatise" the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli, adding that it has caused uncertainty among employees and their families. Raising the issue during zero hours in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi said that privatization leads to thousands of people getting unemployed and is against the objectives for which the plant had been set up. "The real concern is that they have chosen Modern Coach Factory for the experiment," the Rae Bareli lawmaker said. She added that the factory had been set up by the UPA government to boost manufacturing in the country and is the "most modern plant" that makes good quality coaches at cheap prices. "The employees have also not been taken into confidence. It is a matter of sadness that their and their families` future is in danger," she said."I urge the government to protect the Modern Coach Factory and other PSUs and give respect to the farmers and their families," the senior Congress leader said. The UPA chairperson also expressed concerns over the condition of some public sector undertakings, including HAL, BSNL and MTNL."Their condition is not hidden from anyone," she said. Gandhi said privatisation leads to priceless assets going to a few private hands at very cheap prices and thousands getting unemployed. She also expressed unhappiness over BJP-led NDA government`s decision to merge the rail budget with the general budget.

Sonia Gandhi opposes move to privatise Rae Bareli coach factory

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-serious-dialogue-for-repatriation-of-lankan-refugees-in-tamil-nadu-sri-lankan-envoy-191330">More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees</a> living in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/storeroom-security-breach-of-madurai-lok-sabha-seat-eroded-public-confidence-election-commission-214901">Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district</a> for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship.

As many as 457 Sri Lankan refugees have been living in Madurai ever since they fled their worn-torn nation in 1990, at the height of the civil war in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since then, they have been living in the refugee camps provided by the Tamil Nadu government."During the final war in Sri Lanka, we took refuge in India. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu for all the necessary facilities," Sri Lankan refugee KS Jeevan told media outside the district collector`s office.&nbsp;

The lack of Indian citizenship makes it difficult for these refugees to apply for a secured job.

"It has been 29 years since we came to India and we need to get Indian citizenship. Due to the lack of Indian citizenship, we could not go to any job. We have come to the Madurai District collector today demanding Need for Indian citizenship of Tamil Nadu government," he added.

"We want Indian citizenship, especially for our children," said Pumati, a refugee.

"Whenever we tell them they could go back to Sri Lanka, they refuse and tell us that they were born in India and would live in India. They should be granted Indian citizenship."

More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship.

More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship. As many as 457 Sri Lankan refugees have been living in Madurai ever since they fled their worn-torn nation in 1990, at the height of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Since then, they have been living in the refugee camps provided by the Tamil Nadu government."During the final war in Sri Lanka, we took refuge in India. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu for all the necessary facilities," Sri Lankan refugee KS Jeevan told media outside the district collector`s office. The lack of Indian citizenship makes it difficult for these refugees to apply for a secured job. "It has been 29 years since we came to India and we need to get Indian citizenship. Due to the lack of Indian citizenship, we could not go to any job. We have come to the Madurai District collector today demanding Need for Indian citizenship of Tamil Nadu government," he added. "We want Indian citizenship, especially for our children," said Pumati, a refugee. "Whenever we tell them they could go back to Sri Lanka, they refuse and tell us that they were born in India and would live in India. They should be granted Indian citizenship."

Tamil Nadu: Sri Lankan refugees submit petitions to seek Indian citizenship

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-army-is-obsessed-with-india-because-it-justifies-its-indispensability-209455">India and Pakistan</a> on Monday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

A release by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India handed over lists of 256 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-releases-100-indian-fishermen-as-goodwill-gesture-208631">Pakistan</a> has shared lists of 209 fishermen and 52 prisoners in its custody, who are Indians or believed-to-be Indians.&nbsp;

The government called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats.

In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 10 Indian civil prisoners and 124 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed.

Apart from this, the government has also called upon Pakistan to expedite the grant of visas to the members of the medical experts` team which is proposed to visit Pakistan to assess the mental condition of believed-to-be Indian prisoners of unsound mind lodged in different jails of Pakistan.&nbsp;

It also called for an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan and early visit of the four-member team to Karachi in connection with release and repatriation of 22 Indian fishing boats.

Immediate consular access has also been sought for the remaining prisoners and fishermen with the request to facilitate their earliest release and repatriation.&nbsp;

The release said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-cancels-annual-maritime-dialogue-with-india-says-prevailing-conditions-to-blame-204498">India</a> remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other`s country.

&nbsp;In this context, India has also asked Pakistan to expedite its response in the case of 88 Pakistan prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their sentences and await repatriation for want of nationality confirmation by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The exchange of lists is in keeping with the provisions of the 2008 Agreement under which these are exchanged on January 1 and July 1 every year.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad.

India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad. A release by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India handed over lists of 256 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen, while Pakistan has shared lists of 209 fishermen and 52 prisoners in its custody, who are Indians or believed-to-be Indians. The government called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 10 Indian civil prisoners and 124 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed. Apart from this, the government has also called upon Pakistan to expedite the grant of visas to the members of the medical experts` team which is proposed to visit Pakistan to assess the mental condition of believed-to-be Indian prisoners of unsound mind lodged in different jails of Pakistan. It also called for an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan and early visit of the four-member team to Karachi in connection with release and repatriation of 22 Indian fishing boats. Immediate consular access has also been sought for the remaining prisoners and fishermen with the request to facilitate their earliest release and repatriation. The release said that India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other`s country. In this context, India has also asked Pakistan to expedite its response in the case of 88 Pakistan prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their sentences and await repatriation for want of nationality confirmation by Pakistan. The exchange of lists is in keeping with the provisions of the 2008 Agreement under which these are exchanged on January 1 and July 1 every year.

India, Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners

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