The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant relief to Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati accused in a rape case.

Prajapati, who is also a Samajwadi Party leader, has been on the run since February 27 after an FIR was filed against him. He approached the apex court for a stay on his arrest.

A non-bailable warrant was issued against Prajapati on Saturday after reports started pouring in he may try to flee the country. However, his passport was revoked for four weeks.

"The law should take its course if there is a non-bailable warrant against him. Prajapati can approach concerned court for seeking bail if he is arrested," the apex court said.

However, the apex court expressed unhappiness over the order on lodging FIR against the minister being given a political colour and called it 'unfortunate'.

"Our order directing the Uttar Pradesh Police to lodge an FIR against Gayatri Prajapati is being given a 'political colour' and it is unfortunate," the court stated.

Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday sought the Union government's intervention in ensuring protection of Indians' living abroad.

In a statement issued, Capt Amarinder said that the growing intolerance and the spate of violence targeting the Indian diaspora in the US has serious implications for the country and needed to be checked. He accused the Union government of failure to take up the issue.

"The Narendra Modi-led Central government should engage with Donald Trump's administration in the US at the highest levels to pre-empt any further incidents of this kind," he said.

The sudden increase of such acts, particularly in the US, suggested the lack of a protective policy framework to secure and safeguard the Indians' living abroad, he said.

"Whatever, the provocation or the motivation, these attacks were tantamount to murder and attempted murder and needed to be tackled as crimes, with exemplary and deterrent punishment to the culprits," he said.

Amarinder also cited the string of attacks against people of Indian origin in recent days. He urged the Trump administration to come out openly and sternly against elements engaged in perpetrating hate crimes against members of the Indian community.

Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday sought the Union government's intervention in ensuring protection of Indians' living abroad.

In a statement issued, Capt Amarinder said that the growing intolerance and the spate of violence targeting the Indian diaspora in the US has serious implications for the country and needed to be checked. He accused the Union government of failure to take up the issue.

"The Narendra Modi-led Central government should engage with Donald Trump's administration in the US at the highest levels to pre-empt any further incidents of this kind," he said.

The sudden increase of such acts, particularly in the US, suggested the lack of a protective policy framework to secure and safeguard the Indians' living abroad, he said.

"Whatever, the provocation or the motivation, these attacks were tantamount to murder and attempted murder and needed to be tackled as crimes, with exemplary and deterrent punishment to the culprits," he said.

Amarinder also cited the string of attacks against people of Indian origin in recent days. He urged the Trump administration to come out openly and sternly against elements engaged in perpetrating hate crimes against members of the Indian community.

The north India’s only natural rock salt mine at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh (HP) would soon start operations and production from April, 2017, six-year after they were closed for lack of environmental clearance and non-payment of dues.

Replying to a query in Vidhan Sabha, Industries minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that the Hindustan Salt Ltd would soon start operations for natural rock salt mining at Maigal in Mandi district, around 170 kms from here.

“The government had received a proposal from Hindustan Salt Ltd last year for setting up Salt and Solution Mining project and the company had proposed to start operations from April 2017,” he said.

He further said that the state government had already granted permission for the project in Mandi district in March 2016.

While the Union ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in February 2016 had granted approval for setting up a plant for the extraction of rock salt at a cost of Rs 300 Crore. The proposed plant would provide employment around 2,000 people.

The natural salt mines of Gumma and Drang areas of Mandi were shut down in January 2011 due to certain lapses by the Hindustan Salts Limited (HSL) a Central government enterprise.

The HSL had failed to obtain forest clearances and has not paid Himachal’s royalty of Rs 30 lakh that was claimed by the state government since 2003.

The other reason for stopping the extraction work at the mines located at Gumma and Darang area was lack of environmental clearance from the Environment and Forest ministry.

Total resources of rock salt as on April 1, 2010, were estimated at 16.03 million (mn) tonnes in Mandi. Out of the total resources, about 10.04 mn tonnes are proved reserves and 5.99 mn tonnes are probable reserves. Of the total reserve, only a tiny amount of rock salt, around 14,488 tonnes had been extracted so far.

The salt is traditionally used by cattle and sheep rearers across the state and the animals are also used for medicinal purposes.

Besides being the only rock salt mines in northern India, these mines are also a tourist attraction. The royal family of Mandi owned these mines once. But they were taken over by the Centre after independence.

The north India’s only natural rock salt mine at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh (HP) would soon start operations and production from April, 2017, six-year after they were closed for lack of environmental clearance and non-payment of dues.

Replying to a query in Vidhan Sabha, Industries minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that the Hindustan Salt Ltd would soon start operations for natural rock salt mining at Maigal in Mandi district, around 170 kms from here.

“The government had received a proposal from Hindustan Salt Ltd last year for setting up Salt and Solution Mining project and the company had proposed to start operations from April 2017,” he said.

He further said that the state government had already granted permission for the project in Mandi district in March 2016.

While the Union ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in February 2016 had granted approval for setting up a plant for the extraction of rock salt at a cost of Rs 300 Crore. The proposed plant would provide employment around 2,000 people.

The natural salt mines of Gumma and Drang areas of Mandi were shut down in January 2011 due to certain lapses by the Hindustan Salts Limited (HSL) a Central government enterprise.

The HSL had failed to obtain forest clearances and has not paid Himachal’s royalty of Rs 30 lakh that was claimed by the state government since 2003.

The other reason for stopping the extraction work at the mines located at Gumma and Darang area was lack of environmental clearance from the Environment and Forest ministry.

Total resources of rock salt as on April 1, 2010, were estimated at 16.03 million (mn) tonnes in Mandi. Out of the total resources, about 10.04 mn tonnes are proved reserves and 5.99 mn tonnes are probable reserves. Of the total reserve, only a tiny amount of rock salt, around 14,488 tonnes had been extracted so far.

The salt is traditionally used by cattle and sheep rearers across the state and the animals are also used for medicinal purposes.

Besides being the only rock salt mines in northern India, these mines are also a tourist attraction. The royal family of Mandi owned these mines once. But they were taken over by the Centre after independence.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said India's position on the 26/11 Mumbai attack is very well known and there is "nothing new" in former Pakistani NSA Mahmud Ali Durrani's remark that it was a "classic example" of cross-border terror.

"India's position is very well known and consistent.

There is nothing new for us," the Union minister of state for home told PTI when his response on Durrani's statement was sought.

Addressing a conference on combating terrorism here, Durrani said the 26/11 terror strikes were a "classic example" of cross-border terrorism, carried out by a Pakistan-based terror group, but maintained that the Pakistani government had no role in the attack.

India has been blaming Pakistani government establishments for the country's worst terror attack in which 166 people lost their lives.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on February 12, 2016 that it was abundantly clear that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was behind the deadly Mumbai attack and Islamabad should act against all those involved in it.

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram had said on June 28, 2012 that Pakistani state actors were involved in the 2008 carnage.

"When I say state actors, at the moment, I am not pointing a finger at any particular agency. But clearly there was state support or state actors' support for the 26/11 massacre," he had said.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said India's position on the 26/11 Mumbai attack is very well known and there is "nothing new" in former Pakistani NSA Mahmud Ali Durrani's remark that it was a "classic example" of cross-border terror.

"India's position is very well known and consistent.

There is nothing new for us," the Union minister of state for home told PTI when his response on Durrani's statement was sought.

Addressing a conference on combating terrorism here, Durrani said the 26/11 terror strikes were a "classic example" of cross-border terrorism, carried out by a Pakistan-based terror group, but maintained that the Pakistani government had no role in the attack.

India has been blaming Pakistani government establishments for the country's worst terror attack in which 166 people lost their lives.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on February 12, 2016 that it was abundantly clear that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was behind the deadly Mumbai attack and Islamabad should act against all those involved in it.

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram had said on June 28, 2012 that Pakistani state actors were involved in the 2008 carnage.

"When I say state actors, at the moment, I am not pointing a finger at any particular agency. But clearly there was state support or state actors' support for the 26/11 massacre," he had said.

The Amarnath Shrine Board has asked all pilgrims not to drink alcohol or caffeinated drink and to start physical exercise at least one month prior to the pilgrimage which begins June 29.

In an advisory, the Shrine Board said the pilgrimage to the holy cave involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14,000 feet and the pilgrims may develop high altitude sickness.

To avoid high altitude sickness, the Board advised the pilgrims to prepare for physical fitness by starting a preparatory morning/evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at least a month prior to the pilgrimage.

"Start deep breathing exercise and yoga, particularly pranayam, for improving oxygen efficiency of the body. Do check with your physician prior to travelling to higher elevations, if you have any existing pre-existing medical conditions.

"Do walk slowly while ascending and take time to acclimatise, relax for a short while on steep inclines. Do avoid exerting beyond your normal capacity," the advisory said.

"Don't ignore the symptoms of high altitude illness with symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light headedness and difficulty in sleeping, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction.

"Don't drink alcohol, caffeinated drink, or smoke. Don't ascend any further if you have altitude illness. Instead, descend immediately to an elevation where you can acclimatise," it said.

The Board said if high altitude sickness is not treated timely, it may be lethal in a matter of hours.

"Do take compulsory rest at various locations and ensure time logging and take ideal walking time mentioned on the display boards while moving towards next location. Do check with your physician prior to taking any medications. Do drink lots of water to combat dehydration and headaches – about 5 liters of fluid per day.

"Do follow the prescribed food menu — available at Shrine Board's website shriamarnathjishrine.com — when having food in the Yatra area," the advisory, circulated by the Home Ministry, said.

The pilgrimage will take place from June 29 to August 7.

The Amarnath Shrine Board has asked all pilgrims not to drink alcohol or caffeinated drink and to start physical exercise at least one month prior to the pilgrimage which begins June 29.

In an advisory, the Shrine Board said the pilgrimage to the holy cave involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14,000 feet and the pilgrims may develop high altitude sickness.

To avoid high altitude sickness, the Board advised the pilgrims to prepare for physical fitness by starting a preparatory morning/evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at least a month prior to the pilgrimage.

"Start deep breathing exercise and yoga, particularly pranayam, for improving oxygen efficiency of the body. Do check with your physician prior to travelling to higher elevations, if you have any existing pre-existing medical conditions.

"Do walk slowly while ascending and take time to acclimatise, relax for a short while on steep inclines. Do avoid exerting beyond your normal capacity," the advisory said.

"Don't ignore the symptoms of high altitude illness with symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light headedness and difficulty in sleeping, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction.

"Don't drink alcohol, caffeinated drink, or smoke. Don't ascend any further if you have altitude illness. Instead, descend immediately to an elevation where you can acclimatise," it said.

The Board said if high altitude sickness is not treated timely, it may be lethal in a matter of hours.

"Do take compulsory rest at various locations and ensure time logging and take ideal walking time mentioned on the display boards while moving towards next location. Do check with your physician prior to taking any medications. Do drink lots of water to combat dehydration and headaches – about 5 liters of fluid per day.

"Do follow the prescribed food menu — available at Shrine Board's website shriamarnathjishrine.com — when having food in the Yatra area," the advisory, circulated by the Home Ministry, said.

The pilgrimage will take place from June 29 to August 7.

Hardcore separatist Syed Alishah Geelani on Monday gave the call for boycott of the upcoming by-elections for the Lok Sabha seats in the valley and the panchayat polls in the state.

Geelani said that boycott of the elections was necessary to teach a lesson to the political leadership.

It is worth mentioning that the boycott calls given by separatists during the past Lok Sabha and assembly elections were generally defied by the people and the voting percentage has been increasing in every election.

The purpose of the boycott call probably was to show to the world that things are not right in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lot of bloodshed was done in the previous panchayat elections when militants shot several candidates. Those who won were threatened and asked to resign or face the consequences.

Separatists are trying to instigate people to boycott the elections on the issue of killing of several terrorists by security forces in encounters. Geelani in a telephonic message to the people in Tral, where two terrorists were eliminated on Sunday, urged them to boycott the elections.

He also referred to the killing of terrorist leader Burhan Wani and subsequent long-stretched agitation during which 80 people lost their life in Kashmir.

Hardcore separatist Syed Alishah Geelani on Monday gave the call for boycott of the upcoming by-elections for the Lok Sabha seats in the valley and the panchayat polls in the state.

Geelani said that boycott of the elections was necessary to teach a lesson to the political leadership.

It is worth mentioning that the boycott calls given by separatists during the past Lok Sabha and assembly elections were generally defied by the people and the voting percentage has been increasing in every election.

The purpose of the boycott call probably was to show to the world that things are not right in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lot of bloodshed was done in the previous panchayat elections when militants shot several candidates. Those who won were threatened and asked to resign or face the consequences.

Separatists are trying to instigate people to boycott the elections on the issue of killing of several terrorists by security forces in encounters. Geelani in a telephonic message to the people in Tral, where two terrorists were eliminated on Sunday, urged them to boycott the elections.

He also referred to the killing of terrorist leader Burhan Wani and subsequent long-stretched agitation during which 80 people lost their life in Kashmir.

Former Pakistan National Security Advisor (NSA) Mahmud Ali Durrani has hit the Pakistani establishment where it hurts the most.

Addressing the Asia Security Conference (ASC) at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) here, he reiterated that the Mumbai attack was carried out by a terror group based in Pakistan. ’’The 26//11 attack, which was carried out by a terror group based in Pakistan, is a classic trans-border terrorist event,’’ he added.

Durrani, however, hastened to add that the Pakistan Government or the ISI were not aware of the conspiracy.

This is not the first time that Durrani has embarrassed his own country over the mayhem in Mumbai more than eight years back. He had made the same charge while addressing an event in New Delhi in 2009 when he was Pakistan’s NSA. His comments at that time had cost him his job.

India has all along alleged that the entire plot to attack the country’s commercial capital was hatched in Pakistan by JUD chief Hafiz Saeed with the ISI being fully in the know of the conspiracy. It has given concrete evidence to the Pakistani authorities to nail those behind the attack but in vain.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s NSA Mohammad Hanif Atmar, addressing the three-day meet, said terror groups based in Pakistan were threatening Afghanistan and other countries in the region. While Al Qaeda and Daesh pursue a global ‘jehadi’ agenda, LET and JEM were aimed against India. He said between 40,000 and 45,000 terrorists were said to be operating in Afghanistan. While most of the Pakistan-based terror groups threaten security of other nations, the Tehriq-e-Taliban (TTP) and its splinter groups were waging violence in Pakistan.

Atmar also lashed out at those drawing a distinction between a good terrorist and a bad terrorist and attempts by some regional players to work with the Afghan Taliban, calling it a wrong policy that would backfire.

Former Pakistan National Security Advisor (NSA) Mahmud Ali Durrani has hit the Pakistani establishment where it hurts the most.

Addressing the Asia Security Conference (ASC) at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) here, he reiterated that the Mumbai attack was carried out by a terror group based in Pakistan. ’’The 26//11 attack, which was carried out by a terror group based in Pakistan, is a classic trans-border terrorist event,’’ he added.

Durrani, however, hastened to add that the Pakistan Government or the ISI were not aware of the conspiracy.

This is not the first time that Durrani has embarrassed his own country over the mayhem in Mumbai more than eight years back. He had made the same charge while addressing an event in New Delhi in 2009 when he was Pakistan’s NSA. His comments at that time had cost him his job.

India has all along alleged that the entire plot to attack the country’s commercial capital was hatched in Pakistan by JUD chief Hafiz Saeed with the ISI being fully in the know of the conspiracy. It has given concrete evidence to the Pakistani authorities to nail those behind the attack but in vain.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s NSA Mohammad Hanif Atmar, addressing the three-day meet, said terror groups based in Pakistan were threatening Afghanistan and other countries in the region. While Al Qaeda and Daesh pursue a global ‘jehadi’ agenda, LET and JEM were aimed against India. He said between 40,000 and 45,000 terrorists were said to be operating in Afghanistan. While most of the Pakistan-based terror groups threaten security of other nations, the Tehriq-e-Taliban (TTP) and its splinter groups were waging violence in Pakistan.

Atmar also lashed out at those drawing a distinction between a good terrorist and a bad terrorist and attempts by some regional players to work with the Afghan Taliban, calling it a wrong policy that would backfire.

The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday granted approval for expansion of nine industrial units and the decision is likely to provide employment to 415 persons.

A state government spokesperson said in his 82nd meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance & Monitoring Authority (SLSWC&MA) approved the new proposal of M/S Avisha Group of Industries for manufacturing of dry Wall Putti in Randol village in Karsog in Mandi district.

“Besides, approval was given for expansion to nine units. The total proposed investment of Rs 107.73 Crore and employment potential of about 415 persons were given approval,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Units which were given nod for expansion are – M/S Emmbros Autocomp Limited (Unit empower) for manufacturing of auto spare parts etc., M/S United Biscuits Pvt. Ltd. For manufacturing of Butter, Cashew, Digestive Marie, M/S Next Star Digital for manufacturing of DVD and CDR, Slitted Confectioned sensitised photographic paper, M/S Isolloyd Engineering Technologies Ltd. PU (Unit-II) for manufacturing of Polyurethane Sandwich panels, Lloydeck Sheetings, Rockwool Sandwich panels and insulation products, M/S Pharma Force Lab Unit-II for manufacturing of Pharmaceutical Products, M/S ITC Limited for manufacturing of soap, shampoo, shower gel, cream and lotion, M/S Kundlas Loh Udyog for manufacturing of Angle Chanel, Steel Ingots, M/S Micropet Containers INC for manufacturing of pet bottles HDPE bottles, PP caps measuring caps and M/S Atul automotive safety glass industries for manufacturing of automotive safety glass have been approved.

Himachal Pradesh's chief minister Virbhadra Singh have directed the officials to hold the review meeting to assess as to how many projects had been properly functioning. “The review will help in finding the solution of the problems,” he said.

The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday granted approval for expansion of nine industrial units and the decision is likely to provide employment to 415 persons.

A state government spokesperson said in his 82nd meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance & Monitoring Authority (SLSWC&MA) approved the new proposal of M/S Avisha Group of Industries for manufacturing of dry Wall Putti in Randol village in Karsog in Mandi district.

“Besides, approval was given for expansion to nine units. The total proposed investment of Rs 107.73 Crore and employment potential of about 415 persons were given approval,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Units which were given nod for expansion are – M/S Emmbros Autocomp Limited (Unit empower) for manufacturing of auto spare parts etc., M/S United Biscuits Pvt. Ltd. For manufacturing of Butter, Cashew, Digestive Marie, M/S Next Star Digital for manufacturing of DVD and CDR, Slitted Confectioned sensitised photographic paper, M/S Isolloyd Engineering Technologies Ltd. PU (Unit-II) for manufacturing of Polyurethane Sandwich panels, Lloydeck Sheetings, Rockwool Sandwich panels and insulation products, M/S Pharma Force Lab Unit-II for manufacturing of Pharmaceutical Products, M/S ITC Limited for manufacturing of soap, shampoo, shower gel, cream and lotion, M/S Kundlas Loh Udyog for manufacturing of Angle Chanel, Steel Ingots, M/S Micropet Containers INC for manufacturing of pet bottles HDPE bottles, PP caps measuring caps and M/S Atul automotive safety glass industries for manufacturing of automotive safety glass have been approved.

Himachal Pradesh's chief minister Virbhadra Singh have directed the officials to hold the review meeting to assess as to how many projects had been properly functioning. “The review will help in finding the solution of the problems,” he said.

The string of racial attacks on Indians in America has sent shock waves across India with many wondering why New Delhi’s response so far has not been as forceful as it should have been.

A comparison is also being drawn between New Delhi’s reaction now and the unambiguous stand it had taken in the wake of assaults on Indian students in Australia in 2009 when the then External Affairs Minister S M Krishna made it clear to Canberra that the racial violence could hit bilateral ties.

The irony is that the attacks have come at a time when India is making all out efforts to reach out to the Donald Trump administration to bolster ties between the two nations in different fields.

Officials here said Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who was in the US last week, would soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, to brief them on his discussions with representatives of the new administration, particularly on the recent attacks on Indians.

It is learnt that the two sides are actively working on arranging an early meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to sort our various bilateral issues, especially Washington’s proposal to impose restrictions on H-1B visas, a move which will have a huge bearing on Indian techies.

Indications so far have been that Modi might visit the US in May-June or the two leaders could meet in Hamburg in July on the margins of the G-20 Summit.

While President Trump had described India as a ‘true friend’ of America in his telephonic conversation with PM Modi soon after his inauguration, he has so far done precious little that would reflect his commitment to boost this relationship.

Many in Indian official circles are questioning why it took Trump so long to condemn the killing of an Indian techie in Kansas. By remaining silent for almost a week at a time when America is deeply divided on racial lines, he has apparently given an impression that he cares too little for the strong and influential Indian community, analysts here say.

The fear among Indians is that if these attacks continue unabated and the American authorities do not take steps on a war-footing to check them, America would lost its tag of being a ‘Land of Opportunity’ for Indians.

New Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, an ace diplomat with deep understanding of India-US issues, has, meanwhile, met US officials to convey New Delhi’s "deep concerns’’ over the racial attacks and the need to prevent them. The US State Department has assured him that the authorities were working with all agencies concerned to ensure speedy justice.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh on Monday said that each Northeastern state should be known by its own name rather than referring it as a Northeastern state.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day festival ‘Destination North East-2017’ here.

Singh said for the first time the event is organised outside Delhi to take Northeast to every corner of the country.

"Chandigarh has been chosen this year to organise Destination North East-2017. This is for the first time outside Delhi to organise this event” Singh said.

Lauding the Modi government, the minister said the present government has given more priority to those parts of the country which are lagging behind.

Singh said each Northeastern state has a unique feature and should be known by such characteristics.

“Manipur should be known as sports state of India because of more athletes, Mizoram as bamboo state of India, Sikkim as organic state of India and Assam as waterways state of India” the minister said.

Referring to the prospects and potentials of the region, the minister said Northeast will become one of the favorite destinations for investment and youth from all over the world.