President Ram Nath Govind leaves for a three-nation tour of Greece, Suriname and Cuba this morning. Pakistan violates ceasefire in Naushera sector of Jammu; One jawan martyred. Flood situation continues to be grim in Assam; Improves in Tripura. Special prayers, feasts and exchange of greetings mark Eid-ul-fitr celebrations across the country. India's exports grew by over 20 percent last month as compared to corresponding period last year. And in FIFA World Cup, four matches slated for today including France vs Australia and Argentina vs Iceland. <><><>  President Ram Nath Kovind has left on a three-nation tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba this morning. He is accompanied by a delegation that includes Minister of State for Steel Vishnu Deo Sai and Members of Parliament. The first halt of the nine-day tour will be at Athens, where the President will meet Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and other senior members of the Government and the opposition. He will lay a wreath at the monument of unknown soldiers and visit other places of historical and archaeological importance. Mr Kovind will also address the Indian diaspora in Athens. The President will leave for Suriname on Tuesday where he will hold discussions with President Desire Delano Bouterse followed by official level talks. In the last leg of his tour, the President will reach Cuba on 21st of June. He is scheduled to hold discussions with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz - Canel Bermudez. A number of MoUs and Agreements are expected to be signed in both the countries. More from our correspondent: "Interaction between India and Greece goes back to antiquity. In modern times, the two countries have developed a relationship based on common commitment to democracy and peace. India shares close and friendly relations with Suriname, which are cemented by Indian diaspora. People of Indian origin constitute approximately thirty seven per cent of the country’s population and Suriname is celebrating 145 years of their arrival. Similarly, India and Cuba share warm and historical relations with both countries being the founders of the non-aligned movement.  All three countries support India’s views on the reform of the United Nations Security Council. DEVPREET SINGH, AIR NEWS, DELHI." <><><>  In Jammu and Kashmir, an army jawan was martyred in Pakistani firing in Naushera sector along the Line of Control in Rajouri district today. Defence sources told AIR that Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars on routine Indian Army patrol, 700 metres inside Indian territory in Naushera sector along the Line of Control this morning. In the exchange of fire, Rifleman Bikas Gurung hailing from Manipur was grievously injured. He later succumbed to his injuries. Army troops guarding the borderline retaliated the firing effectively and exchange of fire lasted for half an hour. <><><>  Flood situation in Assam remains grim, however in Tripura it has improved. In Assam, there is no respite from flood at several places including Barak valley. More from our correspondent: "Several rivers are flowing above the danger level in Assam. NDRF, SDRF and Assam Rifles have been deployed in relief and rescue works. Nearly 67 thousand people have taken shelter at temporary relief camps set up by the district administrations. Essential food items are being distributed by the administrations in the affected areas. Meanwhile, senior forest officials said, the flood situation at the Kaziranga national park is not alarming but steps have been taken for any eventuality.MANAS PRATIM SARMA, AIR NEWS, GUWAHATI." In Tripura, life is returning to normal. State emergency operation center officials said that the rescue operation is going on in Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district. More from our Correspondent : "The state emergency officials said, more than 21000 families have taken shelter in 263 relief camps. The water levels of Hawrah, Khowai, Dhalai, Manu and Deo have receded. Around 30,0000 people have taken shelter in 91 relief camps in Kailashahar and Kumarghat subdivisions of Unakoti district. Various NGOs and Religious organizations are helping the flood victims in the district. NISHITH JOSHI, AIR NEWS, AGARTALA." <><><>  Chandigarh and adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana were lashed by rain, bringing relief from a thick haze of dust and pollution that enveloped the region for the past two days. Met office said, the city received over 21 mm of rain till 8.30 AM today. Weather turned pleasant and the visibility cleared following the overnight rainfall, which lasted for around two hours. However, the sky remained overcast with chances of more showers later in the day. In the past two days, Chandigarh and surrounding areas witnessed  dusty weather with poor visibility that led to the grounding of 27 of the 30 flights from Chandigarh. <><><>  Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated today with traditional fervour and gaiety across the country. The festival marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramazan. The faithful are offering Eid prayers in Eidgahs and various mosques. Prayers, feasts and mutual exchange of Eid greetings mark the celebrations. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion. In his Mann ki baat programme last month, Prime Minister had said that may this Eid deepen the bonds of unity and harmony in our society. "रमज़ान के दौरान एक महीने के उपवास के बाद ईद का पर्व जश्‍न की शुरूआत काप्रतीक है। मुझे विश्‍वास है कि सभी लोग ईद को पूरे उत्‍साह से मनाएंगे। इस अवसर परबच्‍चों को विशेष तौर पर अच्‍छी ईदी भी मिलेगी। आशा करता हूं ईद का त्‍यौहार हमारेसमाज में सद्भाव के बंधन को और मजबूती प्रदान करेगा। सबको बहुत-बहुतशुभकामनाएं। " In Delhi, a large number of people offered prayers at Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Eidgah and various mosques. Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and BJP Leader Shahnawaz Hussain offered prayers at a mosque on Parliament Street. An elaborate security arrangement has been made by the police across the city. In Jammu & Kashmir, lakhs of Muslims are attending congregational Eid prayers in Eidgah grounds and mosques across the state. The state government has ordered release of 115 prisoners on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In Uttar Pradesh, renowned and historical mosques have been decorated for Namaz. A report: "Governor Ram Naik, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma, several state government ministers and former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav reached Eidgah in Lucknow and extended their greetings. Clerics at the mosques and Eidgah exhorted the devotees to work for the progress of country, ensuring communal harmony and the collective sense of humanity. Historical mosques have been decorated nicely and special arrangements were made for Namaz. Political leaders and social activists also visited Eidgah the occasion. SUNIL SHUKLA, AIR NEWS, LUCKNOW." Our Hyderabad correspondent reports that Eid has been celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the Muslim community across Telangana state today. "In Hyderabad, a large number of men and children dressed in colourful attire and traditional caps offered special prayers. Mir Alam Idgah on the banks of Qutb Shahi and the Mecca Masjid near the historic Charminar witnessed huge congregations for the Id prayers. Special ‘dua’ has been recited for peace and harmony and many worshippers seen offering Fitra to the poor to enable the underprivileged to participate in the celebrations. People from other faiths have been seen wishing Muslim brethren by hugging each other. LAKSHMI, AIR NEWS, HYDERABAD." Our Bhopal Correspondent reports that Special Namaz was solemnized at Eidgah in the city.  "Thousands of Muslims offered prayers at various Idgahs and mosques in the state to mark the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan. Attired in new clothes, men and children greeted each other, including people from other communities. An elaborate security arrangement has been made across the state. MP Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and various other leaders across party line wished people on the occasion of Eid. SANJEEV SHARMA, AIR NEWS, BHOPAL." <><><>  India's exports grew by 20.18 per cent to 28.86 billion dollar in May this year as compared to the same period of last year. Exports during May, 2017 were valued at 24.01 billion dollar. More from our correspondent. "Petroleum products, engineering goods, handloom products , drugs and pharmaceuticals have showed a high export growth rate. According to data released by Ministry of Commerce, the cumulative value of exports for the month of April and May during the current fiscal was over 54 billion dollars as against 48.65 billion dollars registering a growth of around 13 per cent over the same period of last year. Non-petroleum, non-gems and jewellery exports during May 2018 were valued at around 20 billion dollar as compared to around 18 billion dollars in May 2017, exhibiting a positive growth of around 14 per cent. With Dipendra Kumar, Ashish, AIR News, Delhi." The Ministry said, imports during May this year were valued at 43.48 billion dollars which was 14.85 per cent higher than imports in May last year. As per data, the trade deficit widened to 28.34 billion dollars in the two months of this fiscal as compared to 27.09 billion dollars during the same period of the previous fiscal. <><><>  India has submitted to the WTO a revised list of 30 items on which it proposes to raise customs duty by up to 50 per cent. The items include motor cycles, certain iron and steel goods, boric acid and lentils. Duties hiked by the US on certain steel and aluminium products would have implications of about 241 million US dollars on India. The raise in tariffs proposed by New Delhi too would have equal implications on America. Earlier in May, India proposed to raise duties by up to 100 per cent on 20 products such as almonds, apples and specific motorcycles imported from the US. The additional duty proposed to be hiked on these items ranges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent. India has proposed this move under the WTOs Agreement on Safeguards. <><><>  In Sikkim, the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar yatra pilgrims for this year left for its next destination 15th Mile on way to Nathula this morning. A report: “The Mansarovar yatri after spending two nights each at 15th Mile and Sherethang area will reach Nathula in four days. The state administration and the army deployed along Indo -China border are prepared to help those pilgrims having breathing or any other height related sickness. There would be a total of 10 batches of pilgrims this year. The Chinese authority will take responsibility of these pilgrims after they cross Nathula border on 20th June. The entire journey till Mansarovar is expected to be completed in 21 days. AJIT SINGH, AIR NEWS, GANGTOK." <><><>  Yemeni officials today said that Saudi-led forces have seized the airport in Yemen’s rebel-held port city of Hodayda. The military’s media office said technical teams are now de-mining the surrounding area. The Arab alliance  launched the operation in Hodayda four days ago to drive out the Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, from the Red Sea port of Hodayda. <><><>  In FIFA World Cup in Russia, four matches are slated for today. Here is a report: "Boasting of one of the most talented squads in the World Cup, France will open their Group C campaign against Australia at Kazan at 3.30 p.m today. Favourites to top the group, France are seeking their second World Cup title after victory at home in 1998. For Australia, it will be the ninth World Cup encounter with a European nation. In the previous eight, they have won only once over Serbia in 2010.  In the second encounter of the day at Spartak Stadium in Moscow, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as Argentina opens group play against Iceland. Playing in his fourth World Cup, the super star forward is under enormous pressure to finally win a major tournament title. In 2014, although Messi was named player of the tournament, Argentina lost to Germany One-Nil in the final. Iceland, on the other hand, is the smallest nation ever to play in the World Cup. In the third fixture at Saransk at 9.30 pm, Denmark's experience in big tournaments is likely to give them advantage over Peru, who are returning to the World Cup after a 36-year wait. In the Group D game slated to begin at half past midnight, dark horse Croatia will take on African powerhouse Nigeria at Kaliningrad. Meanwhile, the highlight of the second day's matches yesterday, was Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Spain. He also became the fourth player to score in four World Cups. With S. Rangarajan, Tripti Srivastava, Sports Desk<><><>   BULLETINS Back  MIDDAY NEWS 1400 HRS. 16.06.18 THE HEADLINES: President Ram Nath Govind leaves for a three-nation tour of Greece, Suriname and Cuba this morning. Pakistan violates ceasefire in Naushera sector of Jammu; One jawan martyred. Flood situation continues to be grim in Assam; Improves in Tripura. Special prayers, feasts and exchange of greetings mark Eid-ul-fitr celebrations across the country. India's exports grew by over 20 percent last month as compared to corresponding period last year. And in FIFA World Cup, four matches slated for today including France vs Australia and Argentina vs Iceland. <><><>  President Ram Nath Kovind has left on a three-nation tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba this morning. He is accompanied by a delegation that includes Minister of State for Steel Vishnu Deo Sai and Members of Parliament. The first halt of the nine-day tour will be at Athens, where the President will meet Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and other senior members of the Government and the opposition. He will lay a wreath at the monument of unknown soldiers and visit other places of historical and archaeological importance. Mr Kovind will also address the Indian diaspora in Athens. The President will leave for Suriname on Tuesday where he will hold discussions with President Desire Delano Bouterse followed by official level talks. In the last leg of his tour, the President will reach Cuba on 21st of June. He is scheduled to hold discussions with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz - Canel Bermudez. A number of MoUs and Agreements are expected to be signed in both the countries. More from our correspondent: "Interaction between India and Greece goes back to antiquity. In modern times, the two countries have developed a relationship based on common commitment to democracy and peace. India shares close and friendly relations with Suriname, which are cemented by Indian diaspora. People of Indian origin constitute approximately thirty seven per cent of the country’s population and Suriname is celebrating 145 years of their arrival. Similarly, India and Cuba share warm and historical relations with both countries being the founders of the non-aligned movement.  All three countries support India’s views on the reform of the United Nations Security Council. DEVPREET SINGH, AIR NEWS, DELHI." <><><>  In Jammu and Kashmir, an army jawan was martyred in Pakistani firing in Naushera sector along the Line of Control in Rajouri district today. Defence sources told AIR that Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars on routine Indian Army patrol, 700 metres inside Indian territory in Naushera sector along the Line of Control this morning. In the exchange of fire, Rifleman Bikas Gurung hailing from Manipur was grievously injured. He later succumbed to his injuries. Army troops guarding the borderline retaliated the firing effectively and exchange of fire lasted for half an hour. <><><>  Flood situation in Assam remains grim, however in Tripura it has improved. In Assam, there is no respite from flood at several places including Barak valley. More from our correspondent: "Several rivers are flowing above the danger level in Assam. NDRF, SDRF and Assam Rifles have been deployed in relief and rescue works. Nearly 67 thousand people have taken shelter at temporary relief camps set up by the district administrations. Essential food items are being distributed by the administrations in the affected areas. Meanwhile, senior forest officials said, the flood situation at the Kaziranga national park is not alarming but steps have been taken for any eventuality.MANAS PRATIM SARMA, AIR NEWS, GUWAHATI." In Tripura, life is returning to normal. State emergency operation center officials said that the rescue operation is going on in Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district. More from our Correspondent : "The state emergency officials said, more than 21000 families have taken shelter in 263 relief camps. The water levels of Hawrah, Khowai, Dhalai, Manu and Deo have receded. Around 30,0000 people have taken shelter in 91 relief camps in Kailashahar and Kumarghat subdivisions of Unakoti district. Various NGOs and Religious organizations are helping the flood victims in the district. NISHITH JOSHI, AIR NEWS, AGARTALA." <><><>  Chandigarh and adjoining areas in Punjab and Haryana were lashed by rain, bringing relief from a thick haze of dust and pollution that enveloped the region for the past two days. Met office said, the city received over 21 mm of rain till 8.30 AM today. Weather turned pleasant and the visibility cleared following the overnight rainfall, which lasted for around two hours. However, the sky remained overcast with chances of more showers later in the day. In the past two days, Chandigarh and surrounding areas witnessed  dusty weather with poor visibility that led to the grounding of 27 of the 30 flights from Chandigarh. <><><>  Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated today with traditional fervour and gaiety across the country. The festival marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramazan. The faithful are offering Eid prayers in Eidgahs and various mosques. Prayers, feasts and mutual exchange of Eid greetings mark the celebrations. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion. In his Mann ki baat programme last month, Prime Minister had said that may this Eid deepen the bonds of unity and harmony in our society. "रमज़ान के दौरान एक महीने के उपवास के बाद ईद का पर्व जश्‍न की शुरूआत काप्रतीक है। मुझे विश्‍वास है कि सभी लोग ईद को पूरे उत्‍साह से मनाएंगे। इस अवसर परबच्‍चों को विशेष तौर पर अच्‍छी ईदी भी मिलेगी। आशा करता हूं ईद का त्‍यौहार हमारेसमाज में सद्भाव के बंधन को और मजबूती प्रदान करेगा। सबको बहुत-बहुतशुभकामनाएं। " In Delhi, a large number of people offered prayers at Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Eidgah and various mosques. Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and BJP Leader Shahnawaz Hussain offered prayers at a mosque on Parliament Street. An elaborate security arrangement has been made by the police across the city. In Jammu & Kashmir, lakhs of Muslims are attending congregational Eid prayers in Eidgah grounds and mosques across the state. The state government has ordered release of 115 prisoners on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In Uttar Pradesh, renowned and historical mosques have been decorated for Namaz. A report: "Governor Ram Naik, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma, several state government ministers and former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav reached Eidgah in Lucknow and extended their greetings. Clerics at the mosques and Eidgah exhorted the devotees to work for the progress of country, ensuring communal harmony and the collective sense of humanity. Historical mosques have been decorated nicely and special arrangements were made for Namaz. Political leaders and social activists also visited Eidgah the occasion. SUNIL SHUKLA, AIR NEWS, LUCKNOW." Our Hyderabad correspondent reports that Eid has been celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the Muslim community across Telangana state today. "In Hyderabad, a large number of men and children dressed in colourful attire and traditional caps offered special prayers. Mir Alam Idgah on the banks of Qutb Shahi and the Mecca Masjid near the historic Charminar witnessed huge congregations for the Id prayers. Special ‘dua’ has been recited for peace and harmony and many worshippers seen offering Fitra to the poor to enable the underprivileged to participate in the celebrations. People from other faiths have been seen wishing Muslim brethren by hugging each other. LAKSHMI, AIR NEWS, HYDERABAD." Our Bhopal Correspondent reports that Special Namaz was solemnized at Eidgah in the city.  "Thousands of Muslims offered prayers at various Idgahs and mosques in the state to mark the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan. Attired in new clothes, men and children greeted each other, including people from other communities. An elaborate security arrangement has been made across the state. MP Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and various other leaders across party line wished people on the occasion of Eid. SANJEEV SHARMA, AIR NEWS, BHOPAL." <><><>  India's exports grew by 20.18 per cent to 28.86 billion dollar in May this year as compared to the same period of last year. Exports during May, 2017 were valued at 24.01 billion dollar. More from our correspondent. "Petroleum products, engineering goods, handloom products , drugs and pharmaceuticals have showed a high export growth rate. According to data released by Ministry of Commerce, the cumulative value of exports for the month of April and May during the current fiscal was over 54 billion dollars as against 48.65 billion dollars registering a growth of around 13 per cent over the same period of last year. Non-petroleum, non-gems and jewellery exports during May 2018 were valued at around 20 billion dollar as compared to around 18 billion dollars in May 2017, exhibiting a positive growth of around 14 per cent. With Dipendra Kumar, Ashish, AIR News, Delhi." The Ministry said, imports during May this year were valued at 43.48 billion dollars which was 14.85 per cent higher than imports in May last year. As per data, the trade deficit widened to 28.34 billion dollars in the two months of this fiscal as compared to 27.09 billion dollars during the same period of the previous fiscal. <><><>  India has submitted to the WTO a revised list of 30 items on which it proposes to raise customs duty by up to 50 per cent. The items include motor cycles, certain iron and steel goods, boric acid and lentils. Duties hiked by the US on certain steel and aluminium products would have implications of about 241 million US dollars on India. The raise in tariffs proposed by New Delhi too would have equal implications on America. Earlier in May, India proposed to raise duties by up to 100 per cent on 20 products such as almonds, apples and specific motorcycles imported from the US. The additional duty proposed to be hiked on these items ranges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent. India has proposed this move under the WTOs Agreement on Safeguards. <><><>  In Sikkim, the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar yatra pilgrims for this year left for its next destination 15th Mile on way to Nathula this morning. A report: “The Mansarovar yatri after spending two nights each at 15th Mile and Sherethang area will reach Nathula in four days. The state administration and the army deployed along Indo -China border are prepared to help those pilgrims having breathing or any other height related sickness. There would be a total of 10 batches of pilgrims this year. The Chinese authority will take responsibility of these pilgrims after they cross Nathula border on 20th June. The entire journey till Mansarovar is expected to be completed in 21 days. AJIT SINGH, AIR NEWS, GANGTOK." <><><>  Yemeni officials today said that Saudi-led forces have seized the airport in Yemen’s rebel-held port city of Hodayda. The military’s media office said technical teams are now de-mining the surrounding area. The Arab alliance  launched the operation in Hodayda four days ago to drive out the Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, from the Red Sea port of Hodayda. <><><>  In FIFA World Cup in Russia, four matches are slated for today. Here is a report: "Boasting of one of the most talented squads in the World Cup, France will open their Group C campaign against Australia at Kazan at 3.30 p.m today. Favourites to top the group, France are seeking their second World Cup title after victory at home in 1998. For Australia, it will be the ninth World Cup encounter with a European nation. In the previous eight, they have won only once over Serbia in 2010.  In the second encounter of the day at Spartak Stadium in Moscow, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as Argentina opens group play against Iceland. Playing in his fourth World Cup, the super star forward is under enormous pressure to finally win a major tournament title. In 2014, although Messi was named player of the tournament, Argentina lost to Germany One-Nil in the final. Iceland, on the other hand, is the smallest nation ever to play in the World Cup. In the third fixture at Saransk at 9.30 pm, Denmark's experience in big tournaments is likely to give them advantage over Peru, who are returning to the World Cup after a 36-year wait. In the Group D game slated to begin at half past midnight, dark horse Croatia will take on African powerhouse Nigeria at Kaliningrad. Meanwhile, the highlight of the second day's matches yesterday, was Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Spain. He also became the fourth player to score in four World Cups. With S. Rangarajan, Tripti Srivastava, Sports Desk."