Beijing: The Russia-Ukraine conflict continued on Thursday as relevant parties are working to broker a peaceful solution.On Wednesday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Ukraine are continuing negotiations but there remains a long way to go, stressing that Moscow would like Kiev to be more active during the negotiations.The withdrawal of Russian troops from the Kiev region was to facilitate the peace talks, he told France's LCI broadcaster earlier in the day, Xinhua news agency reported.During an interview with Turkey's Haberturk television channel, Zelensky said: "In any case, we must find even small opportunities for the negotiation process. Without this, I think it is difficult to end the war."Zelensky emphasised the importance of mediation by other countries, including Turkey, in the talks.He instructed the government to formalise the cessation of Ukraine's trade with Russia, the presidential press service said in a statement Wednesday.In fact, import and export operations between Ukraine and Russia have been completely terminated since the start of the conflict, the statement said.The US on Wednesday imposed additional sanctions on Russia for its military operation in Ukraine, targeting the country's major financial institutions and the two daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin.According to a factsheet from the White House detailing the measures, US President Joe Biden will sign an executive order banning new investment in Russia by Americans no matter where they live.Additionally, Americans will no longer be allowed to conduct business transactions with major Russian state-owned enterprises, whose assets subject to US. jurisdiction will be frozen. The US Department of the Treasury will announce the names of these entities on Thursday.Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Wednesday invited Putin to a summit meeting in Budapest to make progress toward an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.Orban said that he spoke on the phone with Putin, who called him Wednesday morning to congratulate him on his election victory."I know (a ceasefire) is not going to happen by itself, so I invited Putin, the presidents of Ukraine and France, and the German chancellor to Budapest, the sooner the better," Orban said. Orban added that Hungary is ready to pay for Russian gas in rubles if necessary, unlike other European Union countries, which have rejected Moscow's request. —IANS

 The Russia-Ukraine conflict continued on Thursday as relevant parties are working to broker a peaceful solution.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Talks Continue, More US Sanctions On Russia

Moscow:&nbsp;Moscow has no confidence in the Ukrainian negotiators, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.“Here it’s not like ‘trust and verify’ — here it’s just ‘verify’, because there is no trust in these people for a long time,” she commented on the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, RT reported. Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, said that the dynamics of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations leave much to be desired.“The special military operation continues. The President recently said that he was going according to plan,”Peskov said.He added that at the expert level, contacts continue within the framework of the negotiation process with Ukraine.“I also want to remind you of the president’s words that, unfortunately, the Ukrainian side does not demonstrate much consistency on the agreed points. The position often changes, and, of course, the dynamics of progress in the negotiation process leaves much to be desired,” Peskov said. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, commenting on the words of Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky about his readiness to discuss with Russia the refusal to join NATO and the issue of ownership of Crimea, said that he wants to gain time. He stressed that simultaneously with these statements, the Ukrainian leader is turning to NATO for military support. —IANS

Moscow has no confidence in the Ukrainian negotiators, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.  “Here it’s not like ‘trust and verify’ — here it’s just ‘verify’, because there is no trust in these people for a long time,” she commented on the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, RT reported. Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, said that the dynamics of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations leave much to be desired.

Russia Has Zero Confidence In Ukrainian Negotiators

Moscow has no confidence in the Ukrainian negotiators, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

“Here it’s not like ‘trust and verify’ — here it’s just ‘verify’, because there is no trust in these people for a long time,” she commented on the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, RT reported. Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, said that the dynamics of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations leave much to be desired.





Jammu : A man, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control and entered India, was sent back to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on humanitarian grounds on Tuesday, officials said.Mohmmad Hussain, a resident of Kotli (PoK), entered Indian territory on April 28 via Tarkundi area of Poonch, they said.Indian Army officials along with civilian officials handed over Hussain to authorities in PoK at the Poonch-Rawalakote crossing point in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, they said.Hussain, who was sent back along with gifts, thanked the Indian Army for the gesture—PTI

A man, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control and entered India, was sent back to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on humanitarian grounds on Tuesday, officials said.

Civilian who inadvertently crossed LoC sent back to PoK

New Delhi: Delhi's Jitendra Gadhwal was crowned the champion of EndBoss, one of India's largest poker tournaments and took home prize money of Rs 1 crore, the event organisers said on Wednesday. While Jitendra, the 26-year-old B Tech graduate, grabbed the first place and the coveted title of EndBoss, another Delhiite in 28-year-old Eshan Kapoor got the second place and won Rs 60,20,000, followed by 37-year-old Bhushan Sohani of Pune who came in third place and pocketed Rs 31,35,000.The tournament, which began on May 18 and concluded on May 22, was hosted on PokerBaazi.com and finished its 2022 edition with a massive prize pool of Rs 5 crore, attracting over 4928 entries from across the country. Jitendra began playing poker as a hobby in 2016 and over a period it has turned into a passion for him. He learned about EndBoss through an Instagram post from a friend and entered the tournament. Following his moment of glory, he intends to use the prize money to take a vacation and spend time with his family."The landscape of poker is evolving right now, and it's slowly becoming one of the most sought-after skill-based sports, forgoing the general perception of the game of luck, which is motivating more individuals to participate in such tournaments," said Jitendra in a release. "To be a successful poker player, one must be patient and should consider all available options before making a particular decision on the table. Playing against skilled players from all around the country not only helped me test my skills but also showcased that I need to keep improving. I am elated with my achievement and now want to take my game to the next level in the upcoming tournaments," he added. States that led the tournament included New Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan who produced the top 10 winners for this edition.—IANS

Delhi's Jitendra Gadhwal was crowned the champion of EndBoss, one of India's largest poker tournaments and took home prize money of Rs 1 crore, the event organisers said on Wednesday.

Delhi’s Jitendra Gadhwal clinches EndBoss poker tournament title

New Delhi:&nbsp;Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Sunday praised his former colleague in the party and now Union Minister of civil aviation for imposing fine on the airline which had denied boarding to a special child.Shergill tweeted, “Good decision by @DGCAIndia @JM_Scindia for imposing fine of Rs 5 Lac on Indigo for not letting a child with special needs board the aircraft – Concept of “no frills” airline does not &amp; cannot mean insensitive “customer service” !”Civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on low-cost carrier IndiGo for denying boarding to a specially-abled child at Ranchi airport on May 7.The Hyderabad-bound flight left behind the child and their parents at the Ranchi airport.Citing the event as “inappropriate handling” of passengers, a DGCA panel had decided to issue a show cause notice to the airline.While imposing the fine on Saturday, the regulator said the behaviour of the IndiGo ground staff and the handling of the child was “deficient” and it “exacerbated the situation”.“A more compassionate handling would have smoothened nerves, and calmed the child. It would have obviated the need for the extreme step resulting in denied boarding to the passengers,” it said in a note.“Special situations deserve extraordinary response but the airline staff failed to rise up to the occasion and in the process committed lapses,” it added in the note.—IANS

Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Sunday praised his former colleague in the party and now Union Minister of civil aviation for imposing fine on the airline which had denied boarding to a special child.

Shergill Praises Scindia For Taking Action Against IndiGo

Raiwala / Dehradun (The Hawk): After interacting with the beneficiaries of various government schemes in Raiwala, the Union Minister chaired the 'DISHA' (District Development Coordination &amp; Monitoring Committee) meeting at Dehradun. Members of Parliament Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal and Sh Naresh Bansal also attended the meeting.&nbsp;The Union Minister said that the aim of the Union Government is to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes in a true sense. He added that it means that district magistrates use their discretionary powers to ensure that no bonafide eligible beneficiary remains outside the cover of the scheme.Considering the frequent man-animal conflict in Uttarakhand, the Union Minister suggested to the district officials, a collaboration with the Council of Scientific &amp; Industrial Research to find ways to reduce animals venturing into habitated areas.&nbsp;Deliberating the implementation of the 'Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana', the Union Minister said that all banks should follow similar criteria while deciding on the eligibility of the applicant. While reviewing the construction under Gram Sadak Yojana, the Minister advocated taking into account the recent urbanisation of 'rural' areas and said that this means that higher standards of road construction should be adhered to. While discussing the hilly and often inaccessible nature of farming in Uttarakhand, the Union Minister recommended the greater use of drone technology in agriculture in collecting data, applying insecticide or conducting surveys.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Union Minister outlined the need for such outreach meetings by stating that this provides a useful tool to flag issues that our varied geography engenders. Dr Singh said that it is a priority for Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi that hilly and newly founded states like Uttarakhand are brought on the path of rapid development.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 After interacting with the beneficiaries of various government schemes in Raiwala, the Union Minister chaired the 'DISHA' (District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee) meeting at Dehradun. Members of Parliament Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal and Sh Naresh Bansal also attended the meeting. 

Development Of Himalayan States Like U'khand Is Greatest Priority Of Govt: Dr Jitendra	

Lucknow: Images of noted Indian women, including Rani Laxmi Bai, Chand Bibi, Savitribai Phule, Sarojini Naidu, Lata Mangeshkar, Mother Teresa, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Amrita Pritam, Mahadevi Verma, astronaut Kalpana Chawla, Begum Akhtar and Mary Kom, among others, will soon adorn the walls of government primary schools in Uttar Pradesh.In a new initiative aimed as presenting students of these schools with women role models, the state government has ordered that one wall each of all 1.54 lakh schools across 75 districts to be dedicated for this mission under Missioan Shkti Phase-4 special campaign.According to the government spokesman, the aim is to motivate students to emulate these personalities."The information about the women personalities is to be given by either painting a wall of the school or installing flex. The officials have been asked to put big and clear pictures of the women personalities and display brief write-ups about them," the spokesman added.The focus will be on women achievers from the past and also on contemporary achievers.Instructions have come from the government that the names of local or region-specific women of the district, development block and divisional level women personalities can also be displayed as part of this initiative after due clearance by the officials concerned, official said. —IANS

Images of noted Indian women, including Rani Laxmi Bai, Chand Bibi, Savitribai Phule, Sarojini Naidu, Lata Mangeshkar, Mother Teresa, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Amrita Pritam, Mahadevi Verma, astronaut Kalpana Chawla, Begum Akhtar and Mary Kom, among others, will soon adorn the walls of government primary schools in Uttar Pradesh.

UP: Images Of Women Achievers To Be Displayed In School Walls

Berlin : The future of Robert Lewandowski remains an obscure poker game. While Bayern continue to insist on a minimum transfer fee of 50 million euros, the 33-year-old Pole has to turn up for his first working day in Munich this Tuesday.After the usual medical checks, the first training session for the striker is scheduled for this Wednesday.The Bavarians claim not to have received a suitable offer from FC Barcelona, but media reports expect a late but convincing new offer currently being prepared by Barca.The Pole and his management speak of an unpleasant situation as the striker claims to be extremely disappointed not to be allowed to leave after having contributed a flood of goals over the past years, reports Xinhua.His management denied considering going on strike while Bayern’s leaders made clear they don’t want their coach Julian Nagelsmann to have to deal with an unhappy player.Meanwhile, the club is rumoured to be eyeing England international Harry Kane for 2023. The 28-year-old striker’s contract at Tottenham Hotspur expires in 2024.While a possible transfer of Kane seems far away at present, the rumours increase the pressure on Lewandowski and his entourage.According to media reports, fans and teammates are annoyed by what many call an undignified tug-of-war. Players anonymously stated that working with the Pole in the 2022-23 season will be near unimaginable if the player doesn’t come up with some commitment.Reports speak of Barcelona having handed in an offer of up to 40 million euros plus bonuses, without having received an answer from Bayern chairman Oliver Kahn.Inside reports speak of Bayern wanting to set a sign, as the club isn’t willing to be blackmailed. Additionally, the reigning German champions are happy about additional income to cover the proposed transfer of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.Negotiations with Juventus are said to be near the finish line, while Bayern continues to look for a striking replacement for the upcoming season.As Bayern is taking off for a promotional tour to the U.S. until July 24, the club is hoping to find solutions for its unsolved cases. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is said to be travelling to Italy this Monday for final talks with Juve.Omar Richards and Marc Roca have left, while more fringe players are said to be departing shortly. The club recently signed former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, as well as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax. --- IANS

The future of Robert Lewandowski remains an obscure poker game. While Bayern continue to insist on a minimum transfer fee of 50 million euros, the 33-year-old Pole has to turn up for his first working day in Munich this Tuesday.

 Bundesliga: Obscure poker game around Lewandowski continues

Poonch: Massive protests are going on all over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) against incredibly high inflation and human rights issues, and the Poonch road has been blocked by the protesters.Sixty-five people have been arrested so far and the agitations are likely to continue for a few more days with chances of getting more violent in a day or two.As per reports, the police in POK's Poonch opened fire on the peaceful protesters and many have been injured.Reports said that in Poonch, the locals were fired upon by Pakistani forces as when they were holding protests on the main highway on Thursday.Many protesters have been seriously injured but the number of protesters who died has not been disclosed yet by the authorities. —IANS

Massive protests are going on all over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) against incredibly high inflation and human rights issues, and the Poonch road has been blocked by the protesters.

Massive protests all over POK

New Delhi: India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.
The comments of Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came days after Chinese envoy Sun Weidong claimed that the situation in eastern Ladakh is "overall stable" as the two sides have moved from the "emergency response" that followed the Galwan valley clashes in June 2020 to "normalised" management. "Some steps are required for full normalcy, we have not reached there," Bagchi said when asked about the Chinese ambassador's remarks.
The MEA spokesperson said India has been maintaining that it expects disengagement followed by de-escalation for the return of normalcy on the border, which could pave the way for normal ties between the two neighbouring countries. "We have not reached there.... I would not like to say that the situation is normal. There have been some positive steps, but some steps are yet to be taken," he said.
Bagchi also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks last month that the disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh was "one problem less" on the border.
Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Tuesday said the benchmark for the situation to become normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante prior to the standoff and a complete withdrawal of troops from all friction points.
Though the two sides have disengaged from Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), there has been no progress yet on resolving the standoff in the Demchok and Depsang regions.
Following the eastern Ladakh standoff, India has been consistently maintaining that peace along the Line of Actual Control is key for the overall development of its ties with China and the state of the border will determine the state of the bilateral relationship. The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.
Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.
As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.
The disengagement in the Pangong lake area took place in February last year, while the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Patrolling Point 17(A) in Gogra took place in August last year.
—PTI

 India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.

Situation Hasn't Returned To Normal: India On LAC Row

New Delhi (The Hawk): In response to Delhi's deteriorating air quality, Delhi BJP spokesman Tajindar Bagga put up a poster on Saturday comparing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler."Kejriwal is second... Ruler who turned his city into a gas chamber... Hitler was first," says a poster outside the BJP office in the national capital.In an interview with IANS, Bagga stated: "The Supreme Court has declared that Delhi has become a gas chamber, not my or the BJP's version. Delhi is choking, and the Chief Minister is on election campaigning. Hilter was the first to build gas chambers, and Kejriwal has left the people of Delhi to suffer from toxic air."According to the party spokesman, Kejriwal also failed to implement a bio-decomposer in Punjab, which he claimed would convert all stubble into fertiliser in 15 days.Bagga attacked the AAP-led government in the national capital, saying: "People are dying in Delhi, but the Chief Minister is not present. Stubble is being burned in Punjab, but the Chief Minister is not present. Instead, they are on election campaigns in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. All they care about is politics and nothing else."Concerning the upcoming MCD elections, the spokesman stated: "Kejriwal is criticising the BJP for doing nothing in the MCD, but I'd like to know what they've done in Delhi over the last seven years. Let Kejriwal say what he wants, but we already know what we've done for Delhi... The people are on our side, and we will triumph once more."(Inputs from Agencies)

In response to Delhi's deteriorating air quality, Delhi BJP spokesman Tajindar Bagga put up a poster on Saturday comparing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

A BJP spokesman in Delhi displays a poster comparing Kejriwal to Hitler

Dhanbad (The Hawk): At the Bank of India ATM near the Jorapokhar police station in the Dhanbad district, thieves stole the cash box.
The incident happened on Monday evening. On November 26, Rs 10.5 lakhs were put into the machine, and investigators estimate that Rs 8–10 lakhs were stolen.
People who came to use the ATM on Putki Road brought attention to the situation.
After learning about the theft, the police arrived at the scene.
The cops claim they are unsure of how the item was taken out of the machine. Since about 20 days ago, the CCTV that was installed inside the ATM booth has been inoperable.
According to the authorities, the bank manager informed the organisation that inserted money into the ATM about the event. The police also stated that there had been no security guards posted at the booth.
(Inputs from Agencies)

At the Bank of India ATM near the Jorapokhar police station in the Dhanbad district, thieves stole the cash box. The incident happened on Monday evening. On November 26, Rs 10.5 lakhs were put into the machine, and investigators estimate that Rs 8–10 lakhs were stolen.

Dhanbad thieves steal ATM cash box worth Rs 8-10 lakh

Gilgit Baltistan (PoK): Two lake outbursts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Diamer's Tangir Valley have resulted in the complete destruction of four homes and around 40 homes partially damaged, reported Dawn.
According to locals, an avalanche suddenly fell in the Gichhar and Labar lakes on Saturday morning, causing the outburst.
The high discharge of water from the lakes caused flooding in nullahs, resulting in a disaster downstream.
However, no loss of life was reported, as per the officials, reported Dawn.
Under the supervision of Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmed, the district administration delivered relief items including food, water, coats, blankets, tents and other essential goods to the affected people. Almost all areas in GB have seen intense cold weather throughout the past week with continuous snowfall and below 0°C temperatures. According to the Met Department, the temperature in Astore was -6°C and -5°C in Skardu on Saturday.
Meanwhile, as climate change affects the ecosystem, the threat of lake outbursts in GB has heightened in the recent past as glaciers in the region were melting faster than before, reported Dawn.
Glaciers in the Himalayas, Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges have melted rapidly, creating thousands of glacial lakes in the country's northern areas. In May 2021, a lake outburst from the Shisper Glacier swept away Hunza's iconic Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway.
The construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam in Pakistan, the largest roller compact concrete dam in the world on the river Indus has alarmed the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, once again raising the issue of environmental degradation, according to a report by the International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS).
The report says that Pakistan's big dam model has come under the scanner in view of the recent floods in the country. "The country needs to look for alternative models which could be both economically viable as well environmentally safe and do not cause as much displacement and destitution."
The dam is located in a highly seismic zone and thus is a source of great concern for the citizens as they will have to face the consequences of its construction while its benefits will go to the people living in Punjab and Sindh, the report said.
Though Islamabad has been pushing for the dam's development, the recent floods in Pakistan have created a need to review the project and to construct it in a more scientific way that minimizes its adverse effects like loss of livelihood. —ANI

 Two lake outbursts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Diamer's Tangir Valley have resulted in the complete destruction of four homes and around 40 homes partially damaged, reported Dawn.

PoK: 4 Homes Destroyed, 40 Partially Damaged In Lake Outburst In Daimer

Kathmandu: Despite spending their third day in a hospital on Saturday, the relatives of four Indians killed in a plane crash in Nepal have yet to receive the bodies of their family members.
On Sunday, a Yeti Airlines plane carrying 72 passengers crashed in a river gorge near the tourist city of Pokhara, killing everyone on board. On Tuesday, Nepalese authorities started handling over the bodies of the victims to their families.
Fifty-three Nepalese passengers, 15 foreign nationals, including five Indians, and four crew members were killed in the incident. Abhisekh Kushwaha (25), Bishal Sharma (22), Anil Kumar Rajbhar (27), Sonu Jaiswal (35), and Sanjaya Jaiswal (25), all of whom are Indian and hail from the state of Uttar Pradesh, have been identified.—Inputs from Agencies

Despite spending their third day in a hospital on Saturday, the relatives of four Indians killed in a plane crash in Nepal have yet to receive the bodies of their family members

Nepal plane crash: Relatives of 4 Indians yet to receive dead bodies

London: Human Rights activist and chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, has said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Taking to his Twitter handle, he said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not authorised to allot PoK's land to non-state subjects.
Shaukat Ali Kashmiri tweeted, "The POK( Azad Kashmir) is part and parcel of former princely state of J&amp;K and its future status yet to be decide. Disputed in nature and according to UNS resolutions Pakistan had no lucus standi. AJK so called PM is not authorised to allotted a state land to non state subject."
Kashmiri's tweet was in response to a tweet from an unverified account. According to the tweet, almost three acres of land have been granted for Sindh House in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
In January, United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan met Canadian Member of Parliament George Chahal and briefed him about the human rights situation, growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan extended the good wishes and appreciation message of the exiled chairman of UKPNP to Chahal on his participation in UKPNP Calgary Conference. Khan briefed Chahal regarding the human rights situation in Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan on growing terrorism, extremism and free-roaming of banned outfits in PoK.
He further said unemployment, inflation, lack of infrastructure, discrimination towards Kashmiri nationalists, strict restrictions on freedom of expression, press and publications, and freedom of association in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are the main concerns.
Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan tweeted, "Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan Central Spokesperson UKPNP met Honorable #GeorgeChahal Member Parliament #Canada and brief regarding human rights situation, growing extremism and terrorism in #AzadKashmir and #GilgitBaltistan both leader agreed to work jointly in future endeavors."
Earlier in December last year, Shaukat Ali Kashmiri raised concerns over the deprivation of basic rights of the people in Gilgit Baltistan.
Taking a dig at Pakistan, the rights activist said Gilgit Baltistan is part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan's policy is aimed at depriving the people of their fundamental rights and propagation against Indian involvement. "Gilgit Baltistan is part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and people are deprived of basic rights. It's Pakistani policy and fashioned to deprive people and propagation against Indian involvement. Pakistani is a country that always used religious sentiments," Shaukat Ali Kashmiri wrote on Twitter. The region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which Pakistan claims to be an autonomous region has been struggling to secure even basic rights for over seven decades. —ANI

Human Rights activist and chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, has said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. 

UKPNP Chief Says Pakistan PM Not Authorised To Allot PoK Land To Non-State Subject

New Delhi: Noting that its Honorary Consulate in Brisbane was "halted for little while", India on Thursday said it had taken up the matter with Australian authorities and the teams of two countries are in touch.
Answering queries during the weekly media briefing about the Consulate being forced to close on Wednesday due to safety concerns after Khalistan supporters organised an unauthorised gathering, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the matter has been taken up with Australian authorities and they should take action.
"Consulate was halted for little while. The issue was raised with Australian authorities and they should take action. PM already spoke about such issues when Australian PM was in India. Our teams are in touch," Bagchi said. "There is Honorary Consulate there. I understand small number of protestors were there and there was some disruption, but it's not closed, the Honrary Consulate continues to function providing necessary services. I would not like to comment on footage, particularly in a video footage which have not been confirmed or sometimes they give a wrong impression. But, yes we have taken it up with the Australian government. PM Modi has taken up the issue with Australian PM and we have been taking up it on a regular basis whenever such incidents occur," he added.
The Indian Consulate in Brisbane was forced to close on Wednesday by Khalistan supporters, reported The Australia Today.
"Slogans were raised against Hindus calling them supremacists with Khalistan Zindabad," it said. "Indian Consulate was forced to close today due to safety concerns after Sikhs for Justice targeted them with their propaganda, " Sarah L Gates, Director of Hindu Human Rights, told The Australia Today.
During his visit to New Delhi earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said that his country won't tolerate any extreme actions and attacks that took place in religious buildings, and that there is no place for such action against Hindu temples.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese had discussed disturbances created by pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia and the Australian Prime Minister assured that his government will take all necessary measures to ensure that peace and harmony prevail. Beginning 2023, Hindu temples in Australia have seen a spurt in vandal attacks by Khalistani elements defacing the walls with anti-India slogans and graffiti.
—ANI

Noting that its Honorary Consulate in Brisbane was "halted for little while", India on Thursday said it had taken up the matter with Australian authorities and the teams of two countries are in touch.

Honorary Consulate In Brisbane 'Halted For Little While', Issue Taken Up With Australian Authorities: MEA

Tehran: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has hailed the high turnout in Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections as "an indication of the democracy's victory".
Kanaani made the remarks in a statement on Monday published on the Ministry's website, commenting on the Turkish citizens' wide participation in Sunday's elections, Xinhua news agency reported.
He congratulated the Turkish people, organisers of the elections, leaders and political parties on the successful holding of the votes and the "victory of democracy," hoping that the "best fate" would befall them, according to the statement.
Nearly 61 million voters have been registered to cast their ballots in Turkey's first-round presidential and parliamentary elections. Around 3.5 million voters living abroad have been called to cast their votes in advance. The voter turnout was high at nearly 80 per cent.
—IANS

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The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has hailed the high turnout in Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections as "an indication of the democracy's victory".

Iran says high turnout in Turkey's elections 'democracy's victory'

Muzaffarabad (PoK): Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday kickstarted his 3-day long visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) where he will also deliver an address to the people residing in the region, reported Dawn. Bilawal's visit to PoK comes at a time when India decks up to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting' in Jammu and Kashmir from Monday (May 22) amid high security. Under India's presidency, the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is scheduled to take place in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir from May 22-24. Time and again Pakistan has shown strong discontent at New Delhi's intention to convene the G20 Tourism Working Group conference in Kashmir. Rejecting Pakistan's criticism, India had said G20 meetings are being organized in the entire country and hence it is "natural" to hold meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as "these are inalienable parts of India." Pakistan recently slammed India's decision to host a G20 meeting in Srinagar and parts of Kashmir as an "irresponsible move". "G20 meetings are being organized in entire India, in all cities and parts of India. It is therefore natural to hold the meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh because these are inalienable parts of India," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during the MEA Weekly Media Briefing. "That is what I would like to say. The meetings are being held in all parts of India, that is our natural response," the MEA official spokesperson said. India announced Srinagar as the venue for the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24. The relations between India and Pakistan have been precarious for many years with regard to cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Moreover, New Delhi has consistently raised the issue of Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism and terrorist infiltration. It has been said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have borne the brunt of this terrorism campaign for decades and continue to do so. Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently visited India for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Goa in May. At the meeting, he made remarks on not getting "caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring." Following that, he was lambasted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who said that it means "they think terrorism is legitimate" and that India is politically, and diplomatically exposing Pakistan before the world as it is a victim of cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar, who addressed a press conference after the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers, said India is defending itself against terrorism. "The weaponization. It's a very interesting statement because it unconsciously reveals a mindset. What does weaponizing something mean? It means that the activity is legitimate and somebody is weaponizing it. So you say you are weaponizing trade, you are weaponizing technology. Somebody says you are weaponizing terrorism, which means they think terrorism is legitimate, and that we should not weaponize it. That is normal," said Jaishankar. However, Bilawal termed Jaishankar's comments about him being a perpetrator of terrorism as a "joke", the Dawn reported. "This country knows me, have I once even in my political history accidentally sat down with a terrorist?," Dawn quoted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as saying. "They don't see that even in our country we (PPP) perform a role in the first ranks against appeasing terrorists," he added. As of now, the G20 Working group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir will focus on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. The meeting aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development of the region. The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator G20 said, that it is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the message of India's G20 Presidency is taken to the grassroot level through active Jan Bhagidari. Shringla appreciated the efforts of the Government to sensitise the people about the goals and purpose of G20 through multiple public activities. The tourism industry has played a crucial role in the development of the Union Territory. However, years of instability have impacted the tourism industry, leading to a decline in the number of visitors. Incidentally, China, which is a close ally of Pakistan on Friday said that it will not attend the next week's G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it is "firmly" opposed to holding any such meetings in the "disputed territory." "China firmly opposes holding any form of G20 meetings on disputed territory. We will not attend such meetings," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a regular press conference when asked about several reports doing the rounds that China will boycott G20 meetings planned in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. India assumed the presidency of the G20 grouping on December 1, 2022, and will hold the post for a year. The G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir promises to initiate a tidal wave of transformative outcomes, setting the region on a new trajectory towards stability, economic growth, and social development. (ANI)

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday kickstarted his 3-day long visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) 

As India decks up to hold G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in J-K, Pak FM Bilawal visits PoK

Muzaffarabad: Secretariat employees in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) held a protest over the non-payment of allowance and shouted slogans against the government. One employee said, "Our demand is that we should be given a secretariat allowance along with arrears from January. We also demand that a notification be issued in this regard. The Government can spend money on buying cars. We do not pose obstacles to the government's expenditure. However, employees should be given their rights." Another protester said that while employees in Punjab have received allowances from January they continue to suffer due to non-payment of allowances amid the inflation. "Employees of the Punjab Secretariat have received allowance from January onwards. However, we continue to call on the government to give the allowance to the employees here. People are facing difficulties due to inflation. We continue to demand that employees be given their rights and allowance be released for employees," another protester said. Last week, a group of women held a protest against the government in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir's (PoK's) Muzaffarabad over non-payment of their salaries under the 'Kamyab Khwateen Programme.' A woman said, "They can pay crores of rupees to Imran Khan. Can they not give Rupees 13,000 salary to the employees? We have been working hard but we have not received pay for our work. We were given assurance that they will give salary and package during Ramzan. However, nothing was paid to us. Today, we came here to protest, however, the staff pushed us out. We are demanding our right." Another woman said that they have not been paid and urged the authorities to pay them their salaries. Another woman said, "We did all the work that was given to us, including handicrafts and stitching. The teachers have pushed us out and locked the industry. They threatened us that they will see who will give them the payment. We were 226 workers working there and their attendance has been marked in the register. I call on the government to pay us." —ANI

Secretariat employees in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) held a protest over the non-payment 

PoK: Secretariat Employees Protest Over Non-Payment Of Allowance

Imphal: Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is currently in Manipur for the third day of his visit and has vowed to bring peace to the state and facilitate the safe return of all displaced residents.
While in Imphal and Moreh, Shah met with top officials to assess the day's security situation and order swift action against armed miscreants to quell unrest and reclaim stolen weapons so that life can return to normal as soon as possible.
The home minister told the inhabitants of Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi that they would be supplied with necessities and that emergency helicopter services would be available.—Inputs from Agencies

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is currently in Manipur for the third day of his visit and has vowed to bring peace to the state and facilitate the safe return of all displaced residents.

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