US weapon system that India is set to buy tests new missile

US aerospace company Raytheon announced on Wednesday that it had tested the AIM-9X Sidewinder, a short-range air-to-air missile, from the NASAMS air defence system for the first time.

NASAMS is the acronym for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, a mobile air defence system manufactured by Raytheon and Kongsberg, a Norwegian company. Media reports earlier this month claimed that India had begun the process to acquire an upgraded version of the NASAMS called the NASAMS-II from the US, in a deal worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore. NASAMS is meant to shoot down aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

The NASAMS test of the Sidewinder missile was conducted by the Royal Norwegian Air Force in May. From the start, NASAMS has used the ground-launched version of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM). Incidentally, the AMRAAM was fired by Pakistani F-16 jets against Indian fighters during the aerial skirmish over Kashmir in February. The AMRAAM is a radar-guided missile, while the Sidewinder uses an imaging infra-red seeker, which homes in on the heat signature of a target.

The addition of a heat-seeking missile would allow the NASAMS to better engage stealthy targets that are able to evade radar detection as well as destroy targets when adversaries are able to jam radar systems electronically.

"This flight test opened the door for NASAMS customers to add a vital, short-range layer to their ground-based air defence," said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Raytheon Air Warfare Systems. "Pairing Sidewinder with AMRAAM means forces can have complementary interceptors with a mix of sensors to better engage and destroy threats that may attempt to overwhelm a defence system,” Ernzen added.

The AMRAAM missiles fired from the NASAMS are estimated to have a range of around 40km. The Sidewinder's range is expected to be less than that. At least seven countries have purchased the NASAMS system. The NASAMS has been providing air defence to the Washington DC area since 2005.

The Times of India reported earlier this month the US could send a letter of acceptance for the sale of NASAMS to India by July-August. Once a contract is signed, deliveries are expected in two to four years. In 2018, then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman cleared the start of the procurement process for NASAMS. NASAMS is being procured for providing air defence to Delhi and is slated to operate alongside the indigenous ballistic missile defence system and the Russian S-400.

The US is also offering India its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and Patriot missiles in a bid to get New Delhi to cancel its purchase of the S-400 missile system from Russia.

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India, China have agreed to seek mutually acceptable solution to boundary issue : Govt

India and China have agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question through negotiations, the government informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday. 

In a written response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said China disputes the international boundary between India and China. 

"Indian territory under the occupation of China in Jammu & Kashmir is approximately 38,000 sq. km. In addition, under the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' signed between China and Pakistan on 2 March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to China," the minister said.


India and China have each appointed a Special Representative to explore the framework for a boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship, he said. 

The two sides have agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question through dialogue and negotiations, he said.

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India likely to pay for Russian arms in euros to beat US sanctions

India is likely to make its payments for Russian arms in euros to a Russia-nominated bank to bypass the threat of US sanctions for purchase of military hardware including the S-400 air defence missile system, people familiar with the details told ET. 

While certain payments for existing defence transactions have been processed through the rupee-rouble route, the people said that a solution was firmed up this month with Russia’s VTB Bank agreeing to receive money in euros. 

Over $4 billion worth of payments to Russia have bunched up for this financial year, with the biggest contract being the S-400 system, followed by the Chakra III submarine lease and the procurement of four frigates for the Indian Navy.

Besides, two additional Russian contracts are expected this year for the supply of AK 203 rifles to the armed forces that will be manufactured in Amethi and the inking of an Army contract to procure Ka-226 helicopters that will be produced by a HAL-Russian Helicopters JV. 
Sources told ET that VTB Bank is open to using a European account for the money transfer. The Indian bankNSE 2.31 % selected for the transaction will have the least exposure to US currency. VTB Bank has processed large deals in India in the past few years, including the over $12 billion investment into the Essar Group that bailed it from bankruptcy. 
As first reported by ET, while the Indian government has been clear that it will not move away from purchasing arms from Russia, the threat of US action under the controversial Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) had scared away financial institutions from processing transactions.

EUROES-FOR-RUSSIA :
In April 2018, the State Bank of India put a stop to all payments after Russia’s flagship arms trading company Rosoboronexport came under sanctions by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), blocking over $2 billion that had to be transferred. While India found an alternate route for payments by using banks with minimal exposure to the US, the issue took over a year to resolve as Russian financial institutions too refused to be party to transactions that would threaten their global business. 

Last year, alternative payment routes were found to transfer money for critical spares and repairs, including work on the INS Chakra nuclear powered submarine that had suffered an accident but a permanent route to send large amounts had remained elusive. 

Despite the repeated threat of US sanctions, India has made it clear that it will not back off from the S-400 deal with Russian manufacturer Almaz-Antey that has been in Washington crosshairs for long. At the same time, India negotiated several defence deals with the US, including the purchase of air defence missiles for the national capital, armed drones and naval aircraft

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Telangana sees sharp drop in groundwater table

Western and Northern parts of Hyderabad worst affected

Residents of Hyderabad are drawing between 600% and 140% of the annual recharge of groundwater table, according to scientists at the Telangana Groundwater Department. “The groundwater table in Hyderabad and Telangana is going down rapidly as the extraction rate is high. On an average, Hyderabad is drawing 340% of the annual recharge volume,” informs Pandith Madhnure, Director of Telangana Groundwater Department, quoting the latest data collected by the department.

In Qutbullapur, the water table has reached 42.71 metres below the ground level (MBGL). In Medchal, it has dipped by 23.13 mbgl, and in Hasmatpet, water levels have dropped by a whopping 10.47 mbgl. In 2018, Hyderabad received 27% below normal annual rainfall calculated by the IMD.

The worst-affected areas due to sharp decline in the water level are the western and northern parts of the metropolis that include densely-populated areas like West Marredpally, Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills and Ameerpet. In the southern and eastern parts of the city, water is still available at a shallower depth. “The Musi River flowing through the southern part of the city might be a reason for the water table remaining stable in that region,” says Mr. Madhnure, based on the calculation of nitrate and chloride content in the water in the region.

Large parts of Telangana and Hyderabad are sited on Deccan Trap Basalts and Granite Basement Complex with limited permeability of water affecting the recharge rate. “The primary porosity of the ground in this region is quite less as 70-80% is hard rock. The inevitable urbanisation with asphalting and layers of concrete are altering the natural percolation process. Groundwater recharge is better when the contact time between raindrops and ground is more, else they runs off without any benefit,” says Mr. Madhnure, who cites plastic litter as one of the factors affecting the groundwater recharge.

The State average water level during May 2019 dropped to 14.56 mbgl from 12.73 mbgl in 2018 showing a decline of 1.83 mbgl. How is this dipping water level impacting the residents of the city can be seen from the uncertainty they face every summer. “We moved into this apartment eight years ago, and we recently dug a fifth bore-well in our complex. We spent ₹3.5 lakh, and luckily, we struck water at a lower level, but we dug to a depth of 335 metres,” says an apartment owner at Nalanda Colony near Upperpally.

The Composite Water Management Index by Niti Aayog on June 14 listed Hyderabad as one of the cities that would reach zero groundwater level by 2020 along with 20 other major cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru. The Niti Aayog also mentioned that this would affect about 100 million people across the country.

Will Kaleshwaram change State’s story?

However, a ray of hope for Telangana is the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project that is expected to pump a massive volume of Godavari water and make it available to large areas in the State. “We are setting up monitoring stations to keep track of how this large volume of water will affect the water table. We should be able to access the impact of over 200 tmc ft flowing over land in three or four years,” said Pandith Madhnure. About 20 tmc ft of Kaleswaram water is allocated for Hyderabad, which may lower the city’s dependency on groundwater.

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Kalki Movie Review/Preview

Movie Review: Kalki.

Director : Prasanth Varma.

Producer : C Kalyan.

Music: Shravan Bharadwaj.

Starring: Rajasekhar, Nandita Swetha, Adah Sharma.

Release Date: 28th June 2019

Rating: -/5

Dr Rajasekhar is coming up with an upcoming movie Kalki, directed by Prasanth Varma, which is hitting the theaters today on 28th June 2019.

The movie has a dark storyline set in the backdrop of Telangana during 1980s. Recently released teasers and promo have already generated good buzz among the viewers. The expectations are very high. Dr Rajasekhar was last seen in Spy thriller drama PSV Garuda Vega, for which he received applause for his performance.

Apart from Dr Rajasekhar, Kalki also has Adah Sharma, Nandita Swetha, Poojitha Ponnada, Rahul Ramakrishna, Nasser, Ashutosh Rana, Scarlett Wilson, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Shatru, Charandeep, Venugopal, ‘Vennela’ Rama Rao, DS Rao, Satish and others in supporting roles.

Stay with us for Kalki movie review, unveiling soon, keep watching this space.

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Instagram Rolling Out New UI, Making It Easier to Unfollow Users, Contact Businesses

Business profile page has a new Contact button that displays phone number and email ID.

Instagram is rolling out UI tweaks for its Android and iOS users bringing a sleeker design and easy to access unfollow and contact options. This new update makes it easier to unfollow people, message contacts, and add those specific people to the close friend list. For business profiles, this update makes it easier to see contacts information as well. The profile page design has gotten a lot cleaner with buttons reshuffled and removed to make the page looks more organised and neat.

Some of us at Gadgets 360 are able to see these interface-related changes inside the latest Android app. However, some of us aren't able to see the changes even after downloading the latest APK (v101.0.0.0.42). This could be a phased rollout to ensure a smooth experience, or it could even be a test to gauge feedback before it is rolled out to all users. Many users have taken to Twitter to confirm the arrival of the new UI on Instagram as well, on both Android and iOS. Instagram, however, has been quite silent about this change and hasn't made any announcement regarding the matter. We have contacted the company regarding details of this new UI change, and we will update this copy once we hear back.

As for the changes, the layout of the  profile page has been changed. For the user, the Edit Profile button has been moved from below the followers and following number count. This button is now placed right above the Highlights bar taking up the entire space.  For Business profile users, the Edit Profile, Promotions, and Contact buttons are now placed above the Highlights bar. The new placement of the Promotions button will certainly make it easier for businesses to navigate and keep a track of their promoted posts.

As for viewer-facing changes, when you visit a personal profile, you will see the Follow and Message options right above the Highlights Bar. If you are already following the user, pressing the 'Following' button will open several options. These include Unfollow, Add to Close Friends List, Notifications, and Mute. If you choose the notification option, you can customise the kind of notifications you get from that profile. The mute option will prevent the user's post from showing up on your feed or Stories.   

For viewer-facing changes in Business profiles, an additional Contact button will now be displayed alongside Follow and Message buttons. This button will display the Call Option and Email ID if shared on the profile. The Contact button is also seen to show as just Email Address if that business has not provided a phone number.

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Tata Tigor EV priced from Rs 9.99 lakh

Available in two mid-spec variants - XM and XT - the Tigor EV is only on offer to fleet operators, for now.

Prices for Tata’s highly anticipated first all-electric vehicle, the Tigor EV, are finally known. Priced from Rs 9.99 lakh (and going up to Rs 10.90 lakh), the Tata Tigor EV is only available to fleet operators and not for private buyers, yet.

This ex-showroom price includes TCS (a 1 percent tax levied on cars that cost above Rs 10 lakh) and incentives provided by the Indian government’s FAME II scheme (which amounts to Rs 1.62 lakh). This means that without breaks offered by the government scheme for electric vehicles, the Tigor EV costs between Rs 11.61-11.71 lakh. Including taxes and incentives, the Tigor EV’s price is about Rs 4 lakh more than the equivalent petrol Tigor variant.

Available in two mid-spec variants – the Tigor EV XM and Tigor EV XT – the all-electric compact sedan has three exterior colour options (white, blue and silver) and comes with a basic level of safety kit (dual front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, etc.) ensuring that it conforms with the new norms that come into effect on July 1, 2019.

In terms of features, the XM and XT variants are nearly identical, although the latter variant gets 14-inch alloy wheels (instead of steel wheels) and power-adjustable wing mirrors for the Rs 10,000 premium. Both trims are also decently equipped, especially for the fleet market, though, interestingly, boot space is down by about 89 litres as compared to the standard model’s 419 litres. Other features available are similar to the internal combustion engine-powered Tigor XM, including body-coloured bumpers and door handles, LED tail-lamps, a climate control unit, driver’s seat height-adjust, power windows and a Harman-sourced 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity.

Mechanically, both are powered by a 16.2kWh battery back that sends 30kW (41hp) at 4,500rpm and 105Nm of torque at 2,500rpm to the front wheels through a 72V, 3-phase AC induction motor. While Tata claims 142km range on a single charge, our exclusive review of the Tigor EV showed that it could do about 100km.

While the battery pack can be charged up to 80 percent in 6hr via a standard AC wall socket, a DC 15kW fast charger would do the same in a claimed 90min.

Tata offers a three-year/1.25 lakh kilometre warranty with the vehicle and with the battery pack.

(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.)

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How to enable WhatsApp dark mode on Android and iOS right now

Dark Mode is the theme of this season and you can get the feature on WhatsApp as well. Here is how you can enable dark theme on WhatsApp for Android or iOS in simple steps.

WhatsApp is the latest in the growing list of applications gaining support for Dark mode. Dark Mode, has in fact, become the flavor of the season. Google is adding a system wide dark theme in Android Q, while Apple has done the same with its iOS 13. The biggest reason that makes dark mode attractive is that it puts white text on a black background. This is in contrast to the paper appearance of white text on a black background. While there are no obvious benefits of dark theme, it has been found to be soothing in dark environment. Dark Mode has also been found as a smart way to conserve battery life.

If you have an iPhone or an Android phone then you don't need to wait for the next-gen operating system. You can activate dark mode through certain compatible apps. It is important to note that WhatsApp is working on a native dark mode for its application. The feature is not yet available beyond a handful of beta users. However, there are some clever ways to enable dark theme on WhatsApp right now. The experience may not be as integrated as one would expect, but it is worth checking out.

How to enable WhatsApp's dark mode on iPhone

To enable WhatsApp's dark mode on iPhone, you first need to ensure that your iDevice is running iOS 11 or the newer version. In order to do so, go to Settings -> General -> Software Update. Make sure that your iPhone is running the newest version of Apple's mobile software.

Step 1: Now head over to Settings -> General -> Accessibility -> Display -> Accommodations -> Invert Colors -> Smart Invert. As you can observe, this is a software workaround, which will become redundant with the release of iOS 13.

Step 2: The above step enables dark theme across the interface by inverting colors.

Step 3: To get full dark mode experience, you will need to change the wallpaper of your WhatsApp chat window. Using a dark background will result in experience similar to dark mode.

How to enable WhatsApp's dark mode on Android

This might come as a disappointment. In order to get dark mode running on Android, you will need the latest Android Q beta. In other words, you will need Google's Pixel or any of the 15 other compatible devices. Considering Android's slow software update cycle, most Android users will be better off waiting for native dark mode. If you have Android Q device then here is how you can enable dark theme.

Step 1: Go to Settings -> Display -> Select Theme -> Dark. This is the new native dark theme that Google is adding with Android Q release.

Step 2: Once you have enabled dark theme on Android, you will need to enable developer options to grant access. You can do so by going to Settings -> About Phone. Here, scroll down to 'Build Number' and tap on it few times till you see a pop-up message saying "Developer Options" is turned on.

Step 3: Once Developer Options is enabled, go to 'Override force-dark' and click on it. This will ensure that you are able to force dark theme within WhatsApp.

Step 4: The above step activates dark theme for WhatsApp on Android Q. However, to get full fledged experience, ensure you use a dark wallpaper as background for the messaging service.

Should you activate dark mode on WhatsApp?

Let's be realistic. Activating dark mode is not gonna result in some person texting you out of a blue. There is also no proof that it will save battery life in a big way. Since WhatsApp is still working on a native dark theme, you should probably wait for that update. However, if you are impatient or want to stay ahead of the curve, the above steps will help you go dark.

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Western Railway Releases Recruitment Notification for Junior Clerk, Train Clerk Posts

The Western Railway has invited applications from interested and eligible candidates for the positions of Junior Clerks and Typist and Train Clerk. Applications can be submitted for the same before the notified deadline.

The last date of online application submission for genera; departmental competitive examination (GDCE) is July 30, 2019.

Railway Recruitment Cell invites ONLINE applications from eligible employees of Western Railway working as on the date of Notification for filling up the following posts of NTPC (Non-Graduate)against GDCE Quota, read the notification.

Western Railway Recruitment 2019

Post and Vacancies

Junior Clerk Cum Typist – 105 Posts

Trains Clerk – 18 Posts.

Educational Qualification

Junior Clerk Cum Typist: 12th (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/PWD/Ex-Servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 Stage). Typing proficiency in English /Hindi on the computer is essential.

Trains Clerk: 12th(+2 Stage) or equivalent with not less than 50% marks in the aggregate. 50% marks is not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen and candidate who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 Stage).

Age Limit (As on July 1, 2019)

The Upper Age Limit to apply for the positions is 42 years. However, age relaxation is there for SC/ST candidates by 05 years and 03 years for candidates applying under OBC category.

Important Dates

Starting Date to Apply Online: July 1, 2019

Closing Date to Apply Online: July 30, 2019

For other details, click here.

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Cricket World Cup, WI Vs IND Preview: Mighty India Take On West Indies In Tricky Fixture

Virat Kohli's India face West Indies in their upcoming Cricket World Cup fixture on June 27, at Old Trafford. Although already eliminated, Windies will be a tricky opponent for the Men in Blue.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's batting approach and position in the middle order will be the team management's primary concern when India take on an ousted-yet-dangerous West Indies in the sixth league phase encounter of the Cricket World Cup, on June 27, at Old Trafford.

As the league phase hits the home stretch, India will look to ensure a smooth passage into the semi-finals with yet another victory.

But it could be easier said than done against a West Indies side, which might play party poopers with nothing to lose in their remaining few games.

In fact, West Indies' unpredictability and the former India captain's repeated failure during the important second Power play overs leaves skipper Virat Kohli with a few points to ponder.

Dhoni's painfully slow approach against Afghanistan yielded 28 off 52 balls and he was roundly criticized. Even the normally restrained Sachin Tendulkar questioned the approach.

"There was no positive intent," the usually reticent Tendulkar's observation on a TV channel has been spot on.

As the league phase hits the home stretch, India will look to ensure a smooth passage into the semi-finals with yet another victory.

The Indian team management knows that only too well but with four group matches left, the only option they have right now is to alter Dhoni's batting position, possibly giving a few more deliveries to Jadhav, who can be innovative in his shot selection.

Hardik Pandya is being used as a floater but the Afghanistan match showed that if he doesn't get support from the other end, there is too much pressure on him to hit every delivery for a six.

Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri till now have not been too keen to use Rishabh Pant's firepower. Pant can come in only if the team management considers the idea of Vijay Shankar being disposable.

The West Indies is a team loaded with fast bowlers so it could be a bit easier for Dhoni to rotate strike as he hasn't been comfortable against the slow bowlers. Afghanistan exposed it thoroughly during the last game.

There have been arguments and counter-arguments about Dhoni's batting approach in the IPL compared to his style when playing 50-over cricket for India.

Dhoni, during Chennai Super Kings various chases, would invariably target one of the inexperienced Indian domestic bowlers while playing safe cricket against the bigger international names.

Against a Kagiso Rabada or a Jofra Archer, he didn't take any risks before hitting the others in successful run-chases. A strategy needs to be worked around Dhoni's skill sets here too to place him at a position on which he can bat freely.

With his inputs and electric glovework behind the stumps an absolute necessity, this will require some tactical brainstorming by the captain and the coach.

The West Indies, on the other hand, will look to finish on a high after being knocked out despite a great start against Pakistan. Andre Russell being ruled out due to a hamstring injury has been another big blow.

However, the team, especially the fast bowling department, has shown tremendous potential including the young bumper-happy fast bowling duo of Sheldon Cotterell and Oshane Thomas.

With Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma being superb horizontal bat players, it promises to be a mouth-watering contest if they employ the short-ball tactic.

For the 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle, a smashing match-winning innings is due and Kohli will be praying that it doesn't come against his team.

Jasprit Bumrah's opening spell against Gayle may set the tone while the talented duo of Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer will be asked a few questions by Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Against New Zealand, Carlos Brathwaite played an amazing innings and took the Windies to the brink of a miraculous victory.

However, Brathwaite has never been comfortable against the slow bowlers as he loves the length deliveries on the slot.

In all, it could be a tougher test for India than Afghanistan but the 'Men In Blue' remain favourites to win the contest considering their recent form.

The match starts at 3 pm (IST).

Squads:

India: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant.

West Indies: Jason Holder (captain), Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Kemar Roach, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Ambris, Evin Lewis, Shannon Gabriel, Darren Bravo, Fabian Allen.
Visit again:-https://za.gl/9cIKYCo

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NRC Assam: 1.02 Lakh people excluded from additional draft, Find names here

NRC Assam: Assam government released additional draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) with over one lakh people have been excluded.

Assam Government has published an additional list to exclude the names of over 1 lakh people from the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The final draft of the Assam NRC will be published on July 31.

An additional exclusion list comprising the names of 1,02,462 persons to the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC). This additional list was published under Clause 5 of the Scheduled to Citizenship Rules, 2003. National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam has published an additional NRC draft on June 26, 2019, which is on public display from 10am. As per provisions contained in Clause 5 of the Schedule of The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, an Additional Draft Exclusion List consisting of 1,02,462 persons has been published today.

The persons whose names appear in the Additional Draft Exclusions List are those persons whose names were included in the Draft NRC published on 30th July 2018, but have been subsequently found ineligible due to the following reasons:

1. Persons who were found to be DF (Declared Foreigner) or DV (Doubtful Voter) or PFT (persons with cases Pending at Foreigners Tribunals) or their descendants, as applicable, discovered after publication of Draft NRC.

2. Persons who were found to be ineligible while appearing as witness in hearings held for disposal of Claims & Objections.

3. Persons who were found to be ineligible during the process of verification carried out by the Local Registrars of Citizens Registration (LRCRs) under provisions of Clause 4(3), after publication of Complete Draft NRC on 30th July, 2018.

The Additional Draft Exclusion List will not contain the results of claimants and objectees appearing for hearings held for disposal of Claims and Objections during the period 15th February 2019 to 26th June, 2019. The results of those hearings will be published only in the Final NRC to be published on 31st July 2019. Starting at 10 AM on 26th June, 2019, the hard copies of the Additional Draft Exclusion List will be available for public view at NRC Seva Kendras (NSK), offices of the Deputy Commissioner/ SDO (Civil)/ Circle Officer during office hours. Particulars of the Additional Draft Exclusion List can also be viewed online in the NRC website www.nrcassam.nic.in starting at 10 AM on 26th June, 2019.

Excluded persons will be informed

Those persons who will be excluded will also be informed individually through Letters of Information (LOI) to be delivered at their residential addresses along with the reason of exclusion. Such persons will have the opportunity to file their Claims which will be disposed through a hearing by a Disposing Officer. The submission of Claim and it’s disposal by the Disposing Officer through a hearing will happen together. LOI will mention the details of the venue of claim submission cum hearing. The hearings will start from 5th July 2019 onwards. The date of hearings will also be available online in the NRC website www.nrcassam.nic.in from 29th June 2019 onwards. All such Claims will be disposed thereafter and results of such persons will be declared in the Final NRC on 31st July 2019.

The “additional exclusion list” is available in designated NRC Seva Kendras (NSKs) and the offices of the deputy commissioners, sub-divisional officers (civil) and circle officers. It can also be viewed online by clicking the complete draft NRC section in www.nrcassam.nic.in.

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YouTube gaming star Desmond “Etika” Amofah dies at 29

Amofah had struggled with mental illness and spoke of his discomfort with internet fame.

Daniel Desmond Amofah, a.k.a. Etika, a popular gaming vlogger with more the 800,000 YouTube followers, has died at age 29.                                      
The New York Police Department confirmed on Tuesday that a body found on the evening of June 24 has been positively identified as Amofah’s. He had been considered missing since June 19, when authorities found and recovered his belongings, including his cellphone and identification. His belongings were found following an alarming video titled “I’m Sorry,” which Amofah posted to his secondary YouTube channel. In the video, which has since been deleted, he spoke about his mental health while walking through Manhattan. He had expressed similar thoughts in previous public statements like videos and tweets over the past eight months.

While the NYPD said that it is still investigating the circumstances surrounding Amofah’s death, he appeared to have been experiencing mental health issues for some time. Best known for Nintendo-related content, particularly involving the fighting game franchise Super Smash Bros., Amofah began posting videos that seemed to suggest suicidal ideation last fall.

In October 2018, he reportedly uploaded pornography to his primary YouTube channel in blatant disregard of the platform’s policies, resulting in the deletion of content on his account. Following that incident, Amofah posted an erratic video in which he seemed to be exhibiting signs of mental unwellness and left messages on social media and internet communities that alarmed many of his followers about his safety.

Amofah continued to reference suicidal ideation in posts on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. In April, he was banned from the popular live-streaming platform Twitch, on which he was also an active creator, after posting anti-Semitic and homophobic content. He apparently reacted to the ban by live-streaming on Instagram a police response to a call at his residence, where he had allegedly been threatening self-harm. The police, dressed in riot gear, eventually entered his home. Amofah was reportedly treated at mental health facilities after both the October and April incidents.

Amofah joined YouTube in 2012 and quickly made a name for himself posting humorous gaming reaction videos. Prior to his YouTube days, he worked as a model. His fans referred to themselves as “joycon boyz” following one of Etika’s more well-known videos about the debut of the Nintendo Switch.

In his final, since-deleted video, Amofah spoke of having pushed away support and of being “consumed” by internet communities. “Let my story be one that advises caution on too much of the social media shit,” he said. “It will fuck you up and give you an image of what you want your life to be. ... Unfortunately, it consumed me.”

Friends of Amofah’s and members of the gaming and YouTube communities had expressed concerns in the past over his mental health and repeated those concerns throughout the week while Amofah was missing.

After the NYPD confirmed Amofah’s death, “Etika” became Twitter’s top trending topic worldwide as his followers mourned. Many of his followers also changed their profile names to “joycon boyz” in tribute.

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