Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.&nbsp;

Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims.&nbsp;

On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the&nbsp;Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-issued-summons-over-anti-social-elements-remark-on-tuticorin-violence-firing-278579">Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing</a>

Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it.&nbsp;

On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/celebrity-news-rajinikanth-is-fine-after-shooting-for-man-vs-wild-with-bear-grylls-tweets-thank-you-love-you-277301">Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you'</a>

When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire.

Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn.&nbsp;

In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.”

Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups. Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims. On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is." Also read: Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it. On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests. Also read: Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you' When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire. Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn. In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.” Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Rajinikanth comes out in support of CAA & NPR, says youth being misled into protests

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials.

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials. Five fire tenders reached the spot and succeeded in bringing the fire under control. The fire left seven shops destroyed while two were damaged partially. There is no report of any casualties, said a fire officer. Also Read: West Bengal: Bridge collapses near Siliguri, truck driver injured One of the shopkeepers in the market said: "The fire destroyed seven shops completely. It might be a case of short circuit." A Bardhan, fire officer, Siliguri fire station said, "We tried our best to douse the fire as early as possible. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact reason for the fire."

Massive fire causes damage to seven shops in Siliguri, investigation underway

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-lifetime-government-accommodation-for-former-chief-ministers-indias-top-court-3850" target="_blank">government accommodations</a>&nbsp;living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-about-homelessness-madras-high-court-asks-why-not-limit-individuals-from-buying-more-than-one-house-278575" target="_blank">illegally occupying government accommodation</a>&nbsp;on the road if they do not vacate the house.

The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-up-ex-cms-leave-official-bungalows-after-supreme-court-order-141822" target="_blank">Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order</a>

The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary.

The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations.

There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people illegally occupying government accommodation on the road if they do not vacate the house. The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27. Also Read: Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary. The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations. There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi HC directs Housing Ministry to vacate illegally occupied government accommodations within 15 days

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka. A special dispensation is allowed for an interim period till Alliance Air deploys a minimum of 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity, whichever is higher for domestic operations. Also Read: Sky is limit as inaugural flight bridges distance between Chennai and Jaffna India has close bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and it is in the interest of the country to increase connectivity and to expand people to people contact between the two countries. Before this approval, there was no commercial operation scheduled from Palaly and Batticaloa airports.

Cabinet approves Alliance Air to commence international flight services between India, Sri Lanka

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament.

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament. "The government has said that the aircraft to evacuate them (Nepali citizens) are kept ready. Then when will they fly-off for China? It's already been 5 days that the Nepal government has been searching on for a place to keep those to-be-evacuated from China. No location has been identified until now. Should we vacate the Parliament building?" Yadav said. "Let's vacate it (the Parliament building) and keep those returning from China here. Let's move our parliamentary meeting out under the tarpaulins," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms Nepal is working to evacuate its citizens from China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak that has reported 426 deaths. As many as 180 Nepalis, including three children, have approached the country's embassy in Beijing, demanding their evacuation from the country, as per a list of names published by the embassy. The country is yet to finalise on places where the evacuees would be kept for a quarantine period of at least two weeks. Responding to Yadav in the Parliament, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Minister of Health and Population said that the government has "surveyed many places" and "is inching closer to finalise the place where the students to be evacuated would be kept. "Some of those locations are near residential areas and the government believes that places far from the urban settlement would be appropriate," Dhakal said. Several countries, including India, have airlifted their citizens from China while more are planning the evacuation of their people.

Let's vacate Parliament to shelter evacuees: Nepali lawmaker jabs government over failure to set up quarantine facilities

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs.

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs. A division bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta refused to pass an interim order and said, "We will hear on March 17, no adjournment will be granted and all pleadings will be completed by then. We will hear the matter finally and pass the order. We are not staying it. Already there is an order that all appointments will be subject to the outcome of this petition." The bench was hearing two appeals, including one filed by J Laxman Rao Patil challenging the Bombay High Court order that upheld the constitutional validity of the quota for the Maratha community in education and government jobs in Maharashtra. During the hearing of the case in the top court, senior advocate Gopalshankar Narayan appearing for the petitioner asked the bench to stay the High Court order as the reservation today is 65 per cent in education and 62 per cent in jobs, exceeding 50 per cent cap in total reservation. Also Read: Maharashtra Assembly passes SEBC Amendment Bill paving way for Maratha reservation The Bombay High Court had on June 27, 2019, said the 50 per cent cap on total reservations imposed by the Supreme Court could be exceeded in exceptional circumstances. Another appeal filed by advocate Sanjeet Shukla, a representative of "Youth for Equality", said the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, enacted to grant reservation to the Maratha community people in jobs and education, breached the 50-per cent ceiling on reservation fixed by the top court in its judgment in the Indira Sawhney case. The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Supreme Court to start final hearing on pleas challenging Maratha reservation

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer.

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer. "He returned from China on February 1 and called us up on 3rd, after experiencing fever and sore throat. His samples have been taken. Results are awaited," said Rama Goyal, Nodal Officer Rapid Action Committee. Mohan underwent a medical check-up at Delhi airport upon his arrival. Doctors have collected his samples which have further been sent to Delhi's NCD central lab and his reports are likely to arrive after three days. Also Read: India: ICMR working on drug for nCOV "ENT doctors have collected the samples from the adrenal part of the patient's throat. Currently, he is being treated for a fever. Family and health workers have been instructed to maintain a proper distance from the patient," Rama added. The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world. China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya gang-rape</a> and murder case.

A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-i-hope-convicts-are-hanged-on-february-1-nirbhayas-mother-277536">execute the death sentence</a> in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried."

"They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliberate-calculated-design-to-frustrate-mandate-of-law-by-nirbhaya-convicts-solicitor-general-to-delhi-hc-278170">Delhi High Court</a> order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-death-row-convict-challenges-rejection-of-mercy-petition-in-supreme-court-276531">Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court</a>

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts.

A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1.

The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case. A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to execute the death sentence in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried." "They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier Delhi High Court order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only". Also Read: Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts. A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi HC to pass order on Centre's plea challenging stay on Nirbhaya convicts' execution

Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to complain about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) a day before.

Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to complain about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) a day before. In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Office claimed that the "indiscriminate and unprovoked" firing by the Indian troops in Danna Sector of LoC resulted in serious injuries to four civilians, including two women and a child. Also Read: 2 civilians dead, 8 security personnel injured as Pakistan violates ceasefire at LoC in J&K "Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian forces in Danna Sector of LoC on 3 February 2020, 22-year-old Shamim Bibi d/o Muhammad Shabbir, 10-year-old Farhaz s/o Muhammad Shabbir, 35-year-old Ansar, all three residents of village Chatargam and 17-year-old Moniza Bibi d/o Sain Noor, resident of Bagh Ali, sustained serious injuries," the statement read. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement between the two countries.

Pakistan Foreign Office summons Indian diplomat over ceasefire violations along LoC

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083">exit from the royal family</a> has got everyone talking- including Madonna! The Pop diva has now offered to sublet her New York apartment to the couple and said that they should not live in Canada.&nbsp; 
 
In a video posted on Madonna's Instagram page, the singer can be seen getting ready while speaking to the camera and saying, "Don’t run off to Canada. It’s so boring there.” 
 
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-next-for-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-276880">&nbsp;What next for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?</a> 
 
The video was posted with the caption, "Do Megan (sic) and Prince Harry want to sublet my apartment on Central Park West??” 
In the video, Madonna can be heard saying, "I’ll let them sublet my apartment in Central Park West. It’s two bedrooms. It’s got the best view of Manhattan." She then explains that the apartment has “an incredible balcony” that’s sure to be “a winner” for the duo. 
“Buckingham Palace has got nothing on CPW,” she adds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/megxit-prince-harry-meghan-markle-to-no-longer-bear-royal-highness-title-275149">Megxit: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to no longer bear 'royal highness' title</a>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8JJYYXBNYP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Do Megan and Prince Harry want to sublet my apartment on Central Park West?? ..................🗽❌ #madamextheatre #thelondonpalladium</a>

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Ever since they stepped down from their roles in the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not specifically announced where they would be staying. They have only stated that they will be dividing time between North America and the United Kingdom.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/british-royals-being-victim-of-media-invasion-275866">In pics:&nbsp;5 times members of the British royal family got into legal feuds with the media</a> 
 
It has been widely speculated that the couple has chosen Canada as their new residence where the couple are currently stationed at. They even spent their Christmas holiday with son Archie for five weeks.&nbsp;

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from the royal family has got everyone talking- including Madonna! The Pop diva has now offered to sublet her New York apartment to the couple and said that they should not live in Canada.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from the royal family has got everyone talking- including Madonna! The Pop diva has now offered to sublet her New York apartment to the couple and said that they should not live in Canada. In a video posted on Madonna's Instagram page, the singer can be seen getting ready while speaking to the camera and saying, "Don’t run off to Canada. It’s so boring there.” Also read: What next for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? The video was posted with the caption, "Do Megan (sic) and Prince Harry want to sublet my apartment on Central Park West??” In the video, Madonna can be heard saying, "I’ll let them sublet my apartment in Central Park West. It’s two bedrooms. It’s got the best view of Manhattan." She then explains that the apartment has “an incredible balcony” that’s sure to be “a winner” for the duo. “Buckingham Palace has got nothing on CPW,” she adds. Megxit: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to no longer bear 'royal highness' title View this post on Instagram Do Megan and Prince Harry want to sublet my apartment on Central Park West?? ..................🗽❌ #madamextheatre #thelondonpalladium A post shared by Madonna (@madonna) on Feb 4, 2020 at 3:15am PST × Ever since they stepped down from their roles in the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not specifically announced where they would be staying. They have only stated that they will be dividing time between North America and the United Kingdom.In pics: 5 times members of the British royal family got into legal feuds with the media It has been widely speculated that the couple has chosen Canada as their new residence where the couple are currently stationed at. They even spent their Christmas holiday with son Archie for five weeks.

'Dont run off to Canada': Madonna offers her New York apartment to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

President Donald Trump's hopes for a speedy acquittal by the Senate received a boost on Thursday as Democrats suffered a setback in their efforts to introduce new witnesses at his impeachment trial.

President Donald Trump's hopes for a speedy acquittal by the Senate received a boost on Thursday as Democrats suffered a setback in their efforts to introduce new witnesses at his impeachment trial. Democrats had sought to have Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton testify but a key Republican senator said he would vote "no" when the question of calling further witnesses is put to the Senate on Friday. If the witness motion is rejected, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a key Trump ally, could conceivably call for a vote to acquit the president of the impeachment charges as soon as Friday. A two-thirds majority - or 67 senators - is needed to remove a president from office, and the 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate means Trump is virtually certain to be acquitted. Democrats were particularly eager to hear from Bolton following reports that he claims in an upcoming book to have been personally told by Trump that military aid to Ukraine was tied to Kyiv investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. The charge is at the heart of the December 18 impeachment of the 45th US president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress by the Democratic-majority House of Representatives. Also Read: Trump Impeachment Poll: 47% Want Trump Out Of White House Four Republican votes are needed to allow new witnesses but Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who had been considered a possible swing vote, issued a statement late Thursday saying there was no need for more evidence. "It was inappropriate for the president to ask a foreign leader to investigate his political opponent and to withhold United States aid to encourage that investigation," Alexander said. "But the Constitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and ban him from this year's ballot simply for actions that are inappropriate," he said. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she would support the call for witnesses, and Utah Senator Mitt Romney has said he was "very likely" to do so. Another wavering Republican - Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - has said she will announce her decision Friday morning. In the event of a 50-50 tie, US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, could be called upon to end the deadlock. If he declines to vote, the motion calling for witnesses would fail. 'Purely partisan impeachment' Chief Democratic prosecutor Adam Schiff, in a last-ditch bid on Thursday to win over Republican senators wary of a drawn-out process, proposed a one-week time frame to secure new witness testimony. "Let's have a reasonable accommodation here," the California lawmaker told the 100 senators sitting as jurors at the historic trial. "We'll take one week, and you'll continue with the business of the Senate." Trump's defence team rejected the Democratic calls for more witnesses. "They said for weeks it was an overwhelming case," said White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin. "If that's their position, why do they need more witnesses?" White House counsel Pat Cipollone argued for an early acquittal, saying it "would be the best thing for our country. We're dealing with a purely partisan impeachment," Cipollone said, accusing Democrats of using impeachment "as a political weapon." Voters - not the Senate - should decide Trump's fate in the November presidential election, he said. Cipollone and Schiff made their remarks during an occasionally testy Senate session during which Democratic and Republican senators directed questions to the House prosecutors and White House defence team. House impeachment managers expressed outrage over an assertion by one of Trump's lawyers, Harvard professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, that a president can do almost anything he wants if he believes his re-election was "in the public interest." Schiff said the claim echoed the Watergate case of disgraced president Richard Nixon 45 years ago. "What we have seen in the last couple of days is a descent into constitutional madness," Schiff said. "Almost half a century ago, we had a president who said, 'Well, when the president does it that means it is not illegal.'" "Have we learned nothing in the last half-century?" Schiff asked. "That is the normalization of lawlessness," he said. "I would hope that every American would recognize that it's wrong to seek foreign help in an American election." 'Disgrace' Trump's defence team has argued alternatively that the impeachment is politically driven, that Trump did not tie Ukraine aid to the investigations he sought, that he had reason to seek a probe into his political rival and that he had the legal right to do so as president. The president has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, calling the entire process a politically driven "witch hunt" and a "disgrace." Speaking at a campaign rally on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump said, "We're having the best years in the history of our country and I just got impeached." Democrats are to hold their first vote in Iowa on Monday in the process of selecting a candidate to face Trump in November's presidential election.

Senate poised to acquit Donald Trump as witness motion appears doomed

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm. 
 
DCP Kalaburagi had imposed Section 144, which prohibits the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">gathering of four or more people</a>, from December 19 till December 21 late night. 
 
"Section 144 ended in the midnight of December 21 and normalcy is back in the city with buses, vehicles running as scheduled," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kishorbabu confirmed over the phone. 
 
"Three days back despite the imposition of section 144, a huge black flag protest was held in Kalaburagi against the CAA. Now after three days, everything is normal in the city," said a local resident B M Rawoor. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, security forces held a march from Nagareshwar school to Jagat Circle in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-uttarkhand-on-high-alert-security-increased-269558">Kalaburagi</a> on Saturday to "instil confidence" in the minds of public and "fear" in minds of bad elements. 
 
Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Karnataka police personnel took out a route march. 
 
Section 144 was imposed after violent protests broke out against the CAA which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm.

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm. DCP Kalaburagi had imposed Section 144, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people, from December 19 till December 21 late night. "Section 144 ended in the midnight of December 21 and normalcy is back in the city with buses, vehicles running as scheduled," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kishorbabu confirmed over the phone. "Three days back despite the imposition of section 144, a huge black flag protest was held in Kalaburagi against the CAA. Now after three days, everything is normal in the city," said a local resident B M Rawoor. Earlier on Saturday, security forces held a march from Nagareshwar school to Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi on Saturday to "instil confidence" in the minds of public and "fear" in minds of bad elements. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Karnataka police personnel took out a route march. Section 144 was imposed after violent protests broke out against the CAA which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

Karnataka: Section 144 relaxed in Kalaburagi

Are Major Media Houses Looking For Exit In India?

Gravitas: Inside the business of news in India

Thailand unveiled an "anti-fake news" centre on Friday, the Southeast Asian country's latest effort to exert government control over a sweeping range of online content.

The move came as Thailand is counting on the digital economy to drive growth amid domestic political tensions, following a March election that installed its junta leader since 2014 as a civilian prime minister.

Thailand has recently pressed more cybercrime charges for what it says is misinformation affecting national security. Such content is mostly opinion critical of the government, the military or the royal family.

Minister of Digital Economy and Society Puttipong Punnakanta broadly defined "fake news" as any viral online content that misleads people or damages the country's image. He made no distinction between non-malicious false information and deliberate disinformation.

"The centre is not intended to be a tool to support the government or any individual," Puttipong said on Friday before giving reporters a tour.

The centre is set up like a war room, with monitors in the middle of the room showing charts tracking the latest "fake news" and trending Twitter&nbsp;hashtags.

It is staffed by around 30 officers at a time, who will review online content, gathered through "social listening" tools,&nbsp;on a sweeping range of topics from natural disasters, the economy, health products and illicit goods.

The officers will also target news about government policies and content that broadly affects "peace and order, good morals, and national security," according to Puttipong.

If they suspect something is false, they will flag it to relevant authorities to issue corrections through the centre's social media platforms and website and through the press.

Rights groups and media freedom advocates were concerned the government could use the centre as a tool for censorship and propaganda.

"In the Thai context, the term 'fake news' is being weaponised to censor dissidents and restrict our online freedom," said Emilie Pradichit, director of the Thailand-based Manushya Foundation, which advocates for online rights.

Pradichit said the move could be used to codify censorship, adding the centre would allow the government to be the "sole arbiter of truth".

Transparency reports from internet companies such as Facebook&nbsp;and Google&nbsp;show Thai government requests to take down content or turn over information have ramped up since the military seized power in 2014.

A law prohibiting criticism of the monarchy has often been the basis for such requests for Facebook. In Google's cases, government criticism was the main reason cited for removal of content.

Thailand unveiled an "anti-fake news" centre on Friday, the Southeast Asian country's latest effort to exert government control over a sweeping range of online content.

Thailand unveiled an "anti-fake news" centre on Friday, the Southeast Asian country's latest effort to exert government control over a sweeping range of online content. The move came as Thailand is counting on the digital economy to drive growth amid domestic political tensions, following a March election that installed its junta leader since 2014 as a civilian prime minister. Thailand has recently pressed more cybercrime charges for what it says is misinformation affecting national security. Such content is mostly opinion critical of the government, the military or the royal family. Minister of Digital Economy and Society Puttipong Punnakanta broadly defined "fake news" as any viral online content that misleads people or damages the country's image. He made no distinction between non-malicious false information and deliberate disinformation. "The centre is not intended to be a tool to support the government or any individual," Puttipong said on Friday before giving reporters a tour. The centre is set up like a war room, with monitors in the middle of the room showing charts tracking the latest "fake news" and trending Twitter hashtags. It is staffed by around 30 officers at a time, who will review online content, gathered through "social listening" tools, on a sweeping range of topics from natural disasters, the economy, health products and illicit goods. The officers will also target news about government policies and content that broadly affects "peace and order, good morals, and national security," according to Puttipong. If they suspect something is false, they will flag it to relevant authorities to issue corrections through the centre's social media platforms and website and through the press. Rights groups and media freedom advocates were concerned the government could use the centre as a tool for censorship and propaganda. "In the Thai context, the term 'fake news' is being weaponised to censor dissidents and restrict our online freedom," said Emilie Pradichit, director of the Thailand-based Manushya Foundation, which advocates for online rights. Pradichit said the move could be used to codify censorship, adding the centre would allow the government to be the "sole arbiter of truth". Transparency reports from internet companies such as Facebook and Google show Thai government requests to take down content or turn over information have ramped up since the military seized power in 2014. A law prohibiting criticism of the monarchy has often been the basis for such requests for Facebook. In Google's cases, government criticism was the main reason cited for removal of content.

Thailand unveils 'anti-fake news' centre to police the internet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-zuckerberg-grilled-in-us-congress-on-digital-currency-privacy-elections-257824">Facebook</a>&nbsp;on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation.

The tab, being tested with some US users, will be separate from a user's normal feed and include articles from partner news organisations,&nbsp;making a clear distinction between journalism and stories shared by users from a wide range of sources.

"This is going to be&nbsp;the first time ever there will be a dedicated space on the (Facebook) app that is focused on high-quality journalism," Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told an audience in New York in a joint appearance with CEO Robert Thomson of News Corp, one of the partners in the project.

The mix of stories in&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;News will be determined by algorithmic "personalisation" based on a user's preferences and data, with journalists choosing some of the stories.

The company said users would have "more control over the stories they see, and the ability to explore a wider range of their news interests, directly within the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;app."

Facebook&nbsp;is expected to pay some of the news organizations, reportedly millions of dollars in some cases,&nbsp;but has yet to disclose full details.

Zuckerberg said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;would not seek to limit coverage of the company or himself.

Going global?

Zuckerberg said he sees the effort as important even if it is used by only a small percentage of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libras-association-is-independent-facebook-wont-be-part-of-it-even-outside-the-us-till-regulators-approve-zuckerberg-to-us-house-panel-257767">Facebook</a>&nbsp;users. And he said the company is in discussions to bring the feature to other countries.

"We want to do something like this across the world as well," he said.

The social network has partnered with some 200 news organisations including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Fox News, the Boston Globe, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair.

Zuckerberg defended the inclusion of partners some criticise as politically partisan such as the right-wing outlet Breitbart, saying the news tab "needs to have a diversity of views."

Facebook&nbsp;said it would begin an initial test rollout which would "showcase local original reporting" from publications in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington, Miami, Atlanta and Boston.

Topic sections will include business, entertainment, health, science and technology, and sports.

Rebooting the relationship

The move represents&nbsp;Facebook's effort to reboot its relationship with news organisations, many of which have been critical of the platform for failing to curb the spread of misinformation and for taking much of the online ad revenue.

The plan notably brings together&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

Thomson, the News Corp CEO who last year denounced what he called a "dysfunctional" online landscape that made it hard for publishers to thrive, welcomed the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;initiative in the joint appearance with Zuckerberg.

"It is a powerful precedent that will echo around editorial departments," said Thomson, whose company includes the Wall Street Journal.

"It begins to change the terms of trade for quality journalism."

Paying for 'good stuff'

Northeastern University professor Dan Kennedy said the tab could help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-announces-steps-to-clamp-down-on-misinformation-ahead-of-2020-election-257494">Facebook</a> users distinguish between misinformation and professional news.

"Less savvy news consumers might not be able to tell the difference between exaggerated or fake viral news and real journalism from respected news organisations," Kennedy said.

"So this should help a lot."

But Kennedy said it could be problematic that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;may only be paying the richest media organisations, increasing woes for small, local outlets.

Ken Paulson, a former USA Today editor who now heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, agreed that the initiative will promote better content.

"My long-term hope for the news business is that more consumers will recognise the difference between quality and chaos and be willing to pay for the good stuff," Paulson said.

University of Oregon journalism professor Damian Radcliffe noted that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-defends-facebooks-approach-to-free-speech-draws-line-on-china-257158">Facebook</a>&nbsp;users currently "bump into" news in their feed, as opposed to actively seeking it out.

He said the project raises "important questions here about how transparent the story selection process will be, and what&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;is effectively saying about news which sits outside of the tab. Does that means it's deemed less trustworthy?"

Facebook on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation.

Facebook on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation. The tab, being tested with some US users, will be separate from a user's normal feed and include articles from partner news organisations, making a clear distinction between journalism and stories shared by users from a wide range of sources. "This is going to be the first time ever there will be a dedicated space on the (Facebook) app that is focused on high-quality journalism," Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told an audience in New York in a joint appearance with CEO Robert Thomson of News Corp, one of the partners in the project. The mix of stories in Facebook News will be determined by algorithmic "personalisation" based on a user's preferences and data, with journalists choosing some of the stories. The company said users would have "more control over the stories they see, and the ability to explore a wider range of their news interests, directly within the Facebook app." Facebook is expected to pay some of the news organizations, reportedly millions of dollars in some cases, but has yet to disclose full details. Zuckerberg said Facebook would not seek to limit coverage of the company or himself. Going global? Zuckerberg said he sees the effort as important even if it is used by only a small percentage of Facebook users. And he said the company is in discussions to bring the feature to other countries. "We want to do something like this across the world as well," he said. The social network has partnered with some 200 news organisations including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Fox News, the Boston Globe, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair. Zuckerberg defended the inclusion of partners some criticise as politically partisan such as the right-wing outlet Breitbart, saying the news tab "needs to have a diversity of views." Facebook said it would begin an initial test rollout which would "showcase local original reporting" from publications in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington, Miami, Atlanta and Boston. Topic sections will include business, entertainment, health, science and technology, and sports. Rebooting the relationship The move represents Facebook's effort to reboot its relationship with news organisations, many of which have been critical of the platform for failing to curb the spread of misinformation and for taking much of the online ad revenue. The plan notably brings together Facebook and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Thomson, the News Corp CEO who last year denounced what he called a "dysfunctional" online landscape that made it hard for publishers to thrive, welcomed the Facebook initiative in the joint appearance with Zuckerberg. "It is a powerful precedent that will echo around editorial departments," said Thomson, whose company includes the Wall Street Journal. "It begins to change the terms of trade for quality journalism." Paying for 'good stuff' Northeastern University professor Dan Kennedy said the tab could help Facebook users distinguish between misinformation and professional news. "Less savvy news consumers might not be able to tell the difference between exaggerated or fake viral news and real journalism from respected news organisations," Kennedy said. "So this should help a lot." But Kennedy said it could be problematic that Facebook may only be paying the richest media organisations, increasing woes for small, local outlets. Ken Paulson, a former USA Today editor who now heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, agreed that the initiative will promote better content. "My long-term hope for the news business is that more consumers will recognise the difference between quality and chaos and be willing to pay for the good stuff," Paulson said. University of Oregon journalism professor Damian Radcliffe noted that Facebook users currently "bump into" news in their feed, as opposed to actively seeking it out. He said the project raises "important questions here about how transparent the story selection process will be, and what Facebook is effectively saying about news which sits outside of the tab. Does that means it's deemed less trustworthy?"

Facebook's 'news tab' seeks to reboot its role within media

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 26th, 2019

The counting of votes for Haryana and Maharashtra assembly election is currently underway. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Shiv Sena is in lead in Maharashtra. Meanwhile in Haryana, there is a neck and neck fight between BJP and Congress.

Haryana & Maharashtra Assembly Eelections 2019: Counting underway, BJP leads in Maharashtra

The counting of votes for Haryana and Maharashtra assembly election is currently underway. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Shiv Sena took is in lead in Maharashtra. Meanwhile in Haryana, there is a neck and neck fight between BJP and Congress.

India Votes: Close fight between BJP & Congress in Haryana

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 24th, 2019

The counting of votes for Haryana and Maharashtra assembly election is currently underway. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Shiv Sena is in lead in Maharashtra. Meanwhile in Haryana, there is a close fight between BJP & Congress.

India Votes: BJP leading in Maharashtra, Congress gains in Haryana

Canada has elected 19 Indian-origin Members of Parliament to its legislature. Watch this video to know more. #CanadaElects

The Indian connect in Canadian politics

India and Pakistan have signed the landmark Kartarpur Corridor agreement at 'Zero Point' near Kartarpur.

India and Pakistan sign Kartarpur Corridor agreement at 'Zero Point'

Google Ceo Sundar Pichai said on October 23that Google have achieved a breakthrough in computer research, by solving a complex problem in minutes with a so-called quantum computer that would take today's most powerful supercomputer thousands of years to crack.

Google claims quantum supremacy

A Man-eater tiger was captured in Karnataka. Tiger population in India is up by 33% in 2018. Can Indian forests hold the growing population of tigers? Watch our report.

India: Man-eater tiger captured in Karnataka

In this segment, watch WION's Exclusive report on Dover port.

WION's Exclusive report on Dover port

Watch latest news story updates with WION Global Round Up.

WION Global Round Up: Watch top stories

The Sri Lanka Cricket board said players in a preliminary squad were briefed on security arrangements for the six-match limited over series starting September 27 and the 10 players "chose to stay away"

10 Sri Lankan players pull out of Pak tour

A daughter of a Granthi of Gurudwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib was 'abducted' and 'forcibly converted to Islam' in Pakistan. Watch this video to know more.

Sikh girl 'abducted' and 'forcibly converted to Islam' in Pakistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed&nbsp;parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia</a>

India's&nbsp;external affairs minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/governor-satya-pal-malik-outlines-jks-economic-plan-announces-50000-government-jobs-for-youth-246247">Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&amp;K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth</a>

Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the&nbsp;J&amp;K administration&nbsp;as he appealed to the youth to get involved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-outlaw-six-single-use-plastic-products-on-october-2-sources-246233">India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources</a>

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-imran-khan-completes-one-year-in-power-pakistans-fiscal-deficit-on-three-decade-high-246246">As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high</a>

The annual fiscal&nbsp;deficit of Pakistan&nbsp;rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan. Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370. Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the J&K administration as he appealed to the youth to get involved. India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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