Latest News: Military Ops to Continue in Valley; Kamal Meets Rahul
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3 Shot Dead in Nicaragua Following Unrest Across Country
Three people were shot dead in the city of Masaya as security forces and allied groups tried to regain control of the area, a human rights group reported on Wednesday, 20 June, the two-month anniversary of political unrest that has shaken Nicaragua.
Alvaro Leiva, director of the Nicaraguan Pro-Human Rights Association, said 40 people were also wounded in the clashes in Masaya that came a day after talks on finding a solution to the country's crisis were again suspended.
"In the face of this excessive attack involving incomparable forces, the citizens are putting up a physical resistance within their means because they have to protect their lives," Leiva said.
(With inputs from PTI)
20 Dead in Assam Floods
Twenty people have lost their lives in the Assam floods that hit the north-east part of the country over a week ago, reported ANI on Wednesday, 20 June. According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 727 villages have been affected in the flood-hit districts. Officials had said on Tuesday that standing crops on around 4,000 hectares of land have been damaged.
However, the situation in the other states of the north-east has seen an improvement.
(With inputs from ANI.)
Number Missing in Sumatra Ferry Sinking Rises to 180
Indonesia's search and rescue agency has revised the number of passengers missing after a ferry sank in Lake Toba on Sumatra island this week to 180, according to a report on Wednesday, 20 June. The earlier estimate was around 130.
Two people have been reported dead in the accident and 18 people have been rescued.
(With inputs from Reuters.)
Israel Jets Hit Gaza Hamas Positions After Militants Fire Rockets
Israeli fighter jets hit 25 Islamist Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday, 20 June, in response to rocket fire from the Palestinian territory at the Israeli military. No casualties have been reported.
(With inputs from AFP.)
Budget for Agriculture Sector Doubled During 2014-18
The budget for the agriculture sector has doubled to Rs 2.12 lakh crore during the first four years of his government as compared to previous five years, said PM Narendra Modi, who is interacting with farmers across the country via video conference.
(With inputs from PTI.)
Nirmala Sitharaman Meets Family of Slain Jawan Aurangzeb
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the family of Sepoy Aurangzeb in J&K's Poonch on Wednesday, 20 June. Aurangzeb had been abducted from Pulwama by terrorists on 14 June. His bullet-ridden body was recovered later.
“I came to meet martyr's family. I have spent some time here. One message I can take back from here is that here's a family, here's a martyr, who stands out as an inspiration for entire nation.”, she said after the meeting.
(With inputs from ANI.)
Sterlite Vedanta Approaches Madras HC, Makes Plea
Sterlite Vedanta has approached the Madras High Court asking the goverment, district administration and pollution control board to provide minimum manpower and electricity to them for factory maintenance. Their plea stated that they need power supply and access of authorised personnel to rectify the leakage of Sulphuric acid.
(With inputs from ANI.)
Taliban Kill 30 Afghan Forces in Ambush
The Taliban have killed 30 Afghan forces and captured a military base in an ambush on two checkpoints in the farwestern province of Badghis, Afghanistan, the provincial governor said on Wednesday, 20 June. This is the Taliban’s first major attack since the Eid ceasefire.
(With inputs from Reuters.)
A R Rahman Appointed Brand Ambassador of Gangtok
Renowned music composer A R Rahman has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Sikkim government, an official notification said on Wednesday, 20 June. Rahman will promote and project the state's achievements nationally and globally, according to the notification.
(With inputs from PTI.)
Security Forces Asked to Maintain High Alertness, Synergy Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Ahead of the annual Amarnath yatra, security forces have been asked to maintain "highest level of alertness" and "synergy," police said on Wednesday, 20 June.
The two-month long pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high cave shrine of Amarnath will commence on 28 June.
(With inputs from PTI.)
Arvind Subramanian Steps Down as Chief Economic Advisor
Arun Jaitley has announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday, 20 June, that Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian has submitted his resignation and will be stepping down from his post. Jaitley said in his post that Subramanian had told him a few days ago that he would like to go back to the United States on account of pressing family commitments. According to Jaitley, he had no option but to agree with him.
Sensex Closes at 35,547.33 Points
The Sensex on Wednesday, 20 June, soared by 260.59 points to close at 35,547.3. Nifty also gained 61.60 points to close at 10,772.05 points.
Kamal Haasan to Meet Rahul Gandhi
Actor-turned-politician and president of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan is expected to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi at the latter's Delhi residence at 12, Tuglak Lane on Wednesday, 20 June. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at 4 PM.
Outgoing Chief Economic Advisor Says, 'It Was his Best Job Ever'
Outgoing Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian addressed a press conference today, saying that it was the best job he ever had and will ever have.
"I will go back with the happiest memories of this tenure," he said, adding that he will remain committed to serving the country in future as well.
Subramanian, when asked about demonetisation, said that he was very much in Delhi on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement.
Governor's Rule Not to Impact Military Operations in J&K
Bipin Rawat, the chief of army staff, today said that the Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir will not influence the ongoing military operations in the Kashmir Valley.
“Operations were being carried out earlier as well. Then we saw a phase of suspension of operations because we wanted people to get a chance to offer their prayers during Ramzan without any kind of problem. Despite that, terrorists continued with their activity, which is why the suspension of operations was cancelled,” he said.
Bombay HC Dismisses Zakir Naik's Petition
The Bombay high court today dismissed petition filed by controversial cleric Zakir Naik challenging the NIA charge sheet against him. The Court refused to accept his request to issue directions to MEA to revoke the suspension of his passport, ANI reported.
The High Court also observed that relief can't be given to Zakir Naik as he has not cooperated with the investigating agencies and is a proclaimed offender.
Actor Kamal Haasan Meets Rahul Gandhi
Actor Kamal Haasan today met Congress President Rahul Gandhi at the latter’s Delhi residence. The Congress President tweeted an image, saying the two leaders “discussed a wide range of issues concerning our two parties, including the political situation in Tamil Nadu”.
NHRC Sends Notice to Centre Over Deforestation
The National Human Rights Commission today sent notices to the Centre, and the governments of Rajasthan and Haryana over the reported deforestation in Aravali Hills causing dust storm and health concerns in Delhi NDR, ANI reported.
Full Emergency for Ahmedabad-Mumbai Air India Flight
Full emergency was declared at 8:15 PM for Ahmedabad-Mumbai Air India flight AI 985 due to hydraulic failure. The flight landed safely at 8:36 PM.
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