India

Jammu, June 3 (PTI) A massive fire fuelled by high intensity winds gutted over 200 shacks of labourers in the city's Trikutanagar area early Monday, officials said.

No causalities were reported in the blaze

The fire broke out in the Maratha cluster near Trikutnagar Railway Station area around 0100 hours and rapidly spread to the entire area due to high intensity winds, according to locals.

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) Ajit Doval has been appointed as the National Security Adviser (NSA) for a second consecutive term and elevated to the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, according to a Personnel Ministry order.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment for a five-year period with effect from May 31, 2019 and it will be co-terminus with the term of the prime minister, it said.

"During the term of his office, he will be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister," the order said.

Kanpur: Elected representatives have enough power in the democratic set-up. But they should not use it in wrong direction. However, he offered the government to make suggestion if it falters, said Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief while speaking at the Sangh's ongoing programme organized at Pt Deen Dayal Upadhaya Sanatan Dharma Vidyalaya here on Sunday morning. 

He also exhorted the RSS men to inculcate idealistic views among themselves. He urged them to negate daughtiness despite doing good work or lending helping hand.

Patna, Jun 2 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Sunday expanded his cabinet with the induction of eight new faces -- all from his Janata Dal (United).

Members of allies, the BJP and LJP, were left out from the cabinet expansion.

Kumar, after the cabinet expansion, said the BJP was offered a berth in his cabinet, but the saffron party was not too keen.

Bhopal, Jun 2 (PTI) In a major administrative reshuffle, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has transferred 33 IAS and 37 IPS officers, including collectors of 15 districts and Superintendent of Police (SP) of as many districts in the state.

As per the order issued post-midnight on Saturday, Bhopal collector Sudam P Khade was transferred as additional secretary in the state secretariat, although nobody was appointed in his place, a state government official said.

New Delhi, Jun 1 (PTI) Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday said country's security and welfare of the people are the key priorities of the Modi government.

Shah, who assumed the charge of the sensitive ministry on Saturday, also said he would try his best to implement all these priorities.

"Country's security and people's welfare are the Modi government's priorities. Under the leadership of Modi, I will try my best to fulfill all these priorities," he tweeted after assuming the charge.

Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 1 (PTI) The police after an exchange of fire, arrested two persons in connection with the killing of a Congress' assembly poll candidate in Ganjam district of Odisha.

Manoj Jena, Congress candidate from the Aska assembly seat, was shot at on May 22, on the eve of the counting day, and he died on May 24. He, however, did not win the seat.

The two accused, both residents of Aska, were arrested on late Friday night.

Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) Veteran actor-director Satish Kaushik says Salman Khan has evolved a lot as a performer.

The 63-year-old actor said the Bollywood superstar is dedicated towards his work.

"He is very warm and loving person. He is a subdued actor. Today his acting has lot of depth and he has become strong as an actor. He is a huge star and he does take his work seriously," Kaushik told PTI.

The filmmaker, who has also directed Salman in 2003 blockbuster "Tere Naam", will be next seen along side the 53-year-old actor in "Bharat".

Bhawanipatna, June 1 (PTI) A pack of stray dogs Saturday attacked and killed a woman when she was on her way to attend nature's call in Odisha's Kalahandi district, police said.

The incident took place at Banjibahal village under Golamunda block in Kalahandi district when 57-year-old Bhumisuta Majhi had gone near the pond.

A pack of 8 to 10 stray dogs attacked and pounced on the woman and left her bleeding in different parts of her body, the police said adding that she died on the spot.

By the time, local people reached the spot hearing her scream, she was dead.

Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) NCP president Sharad Pawar Saturday dismissed speculation that his party was likely to merge with the Congress.

Speaking at a party meeting here, Pawar also touched on the issue of alleged Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering, saying he had doubts about the technology from early on.

The meeting was held Saturday to discuss the Lok Sabha results and review preparations for the Maharashtra Assembly polls.