The death toll in Indonesia floods rose to 21 even as forecasters warned of heavy rain on Thursday.

"We're still updating the figures from various sources and there is a possibility that the toll could increase," National disaster agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said.

Floods have inundated large parts of Indonesia's capital after torrential rain lashed several parts of the country on New Year’s Eve.

Heavy torrential rainfall overnight had displaced at least 30,000 people.

According to &nbsp;Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, the water level in east and south Jakarta rose as high as two metres with the neighbouring cities of Tangerang and Bekasi in west Java being completely submerged.

Jakarta, a city of 30 million, is frequently flooded during the rainy season, which runs from November to March.

In the last few years, authorities have sought to reduce low-lying Jakarta's vulnerability to flooding, especially during the rainy season.

More than 50 people had died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

The death toll in Indonesia floods rose to 21 even as forecasters warned of heavy rain on Thursday. "We're still updating the figures from various sources and there is a possibility that the toll could increase," National disaster agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said.

The death toll in Indonesia floods rose to 21 even as forecasters warned of heavy rain on Thursday. "We're still updating the figures from various sources and there is a possibility that the toll could increase," National disaster agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said. Floods have inundated large parts of Indonesia's capital after torrential rain lashed several parts of the country on New Year’s Eve. Heavy torrential rainfall overnight had displaced at least 30,000 people. According to Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, the water level in east and south Jakarta rose as high as two metres with the neighbouring cities of Tangerang and Bekasi in west Java being completely submerged. Jakarta, a city of 30 million, is frequently flooded during the rainy season, which runs from November to March. In the last few years, authorities have sought to reduce low-lying Jakarta's vulnerability to flooding, especially during the rainy season. More than 50 people had died in one of the capital's deadliest floods in 2007 and five years ago much of the centre of the city was inundated after canals overflowed.

Death toll in Indonesia flood rises to 21; thousands displaced

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-wins-likud-party-leadership-race-270464">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Thursday sought parliamentary immunity from prosecution over corruption charges against him.

"The immunity law is intended to protect elected politicians from made-up cases, from political indictments targeted at harming the people's will. This law is intended to ensure that those elected will be able to serve the people according to the people's will," the Israeli prime minister said.

"For all those reasons, in order to continue leading Israel to great accomplishments, I intend to make a request to the Speaker of the Knesset according to article 4-G of the law, in order to fulfill my right, my obligation and my mission to continue serving you (Israel's citizens) for the sake of Israel's future," he added.

Netanyahu was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust making him the first sitting Israeli leader to have been indicted for corruption.

Opposition leader Benny Gantz hit out at the controversial move. Gantz vowed that his Blue and White party would do everything it could to prevent immunity.

"I never imagined that we would see the day that the prime minister of Israel would avoid standing before the law and the justice system, that a prime minister wouldn't care about the future of the state of Israel, rather only about himself and his individual fate," Gantz said.

"Today it's clear what we're fighting for. Netanyahu knows he's guilty," he added.

The allegations against Netanyahu range from receiving gifts worth thousands of dollars to a deal to change regulatory frameworks in favour of a media group in exchange for favourable press coverage. Another case against the Israeli prime minister is that he made decisions benefiting the Israeli media mogul Shaul Elovitch.

According to law, the trial cannot begin once an immunity request is made. However, the Israeli parliament which has been dissolved ahead of fresh elections is unlikely to rule on the request before th polls.

Netanyahu, who denies any sort of wrongdoing, would still need the support of more than half of mps for immunity to be granted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday sought parliamentary immunity from prosecution over corruption charges against him. "The immunity law is intended to protect elected politicians from made-up cases, from political indictments targeted at harming the people's will.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday sought parliamentary immunity from prosecution over corruption charges against him. "The immunity law is intended to protect elected politicians from made-up cases, from political indictments targeted at harming the people's will. This law is intended to ensure that those elected will be able to serve the people according to the people's will," the Israeli prime minister said. "For all those reasons, in order to continue leading Israel to great accomplishments, I intend to make a request to the Speaker of the Knesset according to article 4-G of the law, in order to fulfill my right, my obligation and my mission to continue serving you (Israel's citizens) for the sake of Israel's future," he added. Netanyahu was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust making him the first sitting Israeli leader to have been indicted for corruption. Opposition leader Benny Gantz hit out at the controversial move. Gantz vowed that his Blue and White party would do everything it could to prevent immunity. "I never imagined that we would see the day that the prime minister of Israel would avoid standing before the law and the justice system, that a prime minister wouldn't care about the future of the state of Israel, rather only about himself and his individual fate," Gantz said. "Today it's clear what we're fighting for. Netanyahu knows he's guilty," he added. The allegations against Netanyahu range from receiving gifts worth thousands of dollars to a deal to change regulatory frameworks in favour of a media group in exchange for favourable press coverage. Another case against the Israeli prime minister is that he made decisions benefiting the Israeli media mogul Shaul Elovitch. According to law, the trial cannot begin once an immunity request is made. However, the Israeli parliament which has been dissolved ahead of fresh elections is unlikely to rule on the request before th polls. Netanyahu, who denies any sort of wrongdoing, would still need the support of more than half of mps for immunity to be granted.

Israel PM Netanyahu seeks immunity from graft charges

Supporters of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) who had stormed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-militias-start-withdrawing-from-us-embassy-in-baghdad-271456"> US embassy in Baghdad</a> pulled out of the compound even as the US began sending fresh troops in the region.

PMF said by Wednesday afternoon its supporters had left the embassy after angry demonstrators entered the US compound against the US jets hit Kataib Hezbollah bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a US contractor in northern Iraq last week. &nbsp;

The US has deployed 750 additional troops in Baghdad as a result of the crisis, it already has over five thousand troops deployed in the country.

President Trump had earlier tweeted that Iran will be "fully responsible" for the embassy attack. The US president added that he expected Iraq to use its forces to protect the embassy.

Trump and US officials blamed Iran for attacks on US forces and the embassy.&nbsp;

"They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding "Happy New Year!"

Meanwhile, Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has warned against any aggression towards foreign embassies and representations.&nbsp;

Earlier, hundreds of Iraqi supporters of the Iran-backed Sh'ite militia had stormed into the US embassy in Baghdad. The protesters marched onto the heavily fortified Green Zone and kept walking until they reached the embassy.

The Green zone is a highly secured area in Baghdad and houses most of the embassies and government offices. The protesters chanting "Death to America" entered the US embassy and torched the US flag.

Security personnel could be seen retreating inside of the embassy as demonstrators hurled water bottles and smashed security cameras outside the building. At least twenty people were wounded in clashes with security forces.

Supporters of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) who had stormed the US embassy in Baghdad pulled out of the compound even as the US began sending fresh troops in the region.

Supporters of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) who had stormed the US embassy in Baghdad pulled out of the compound even as the US began sending fresh troops in the region. PMF said by Wednesday afternoon its supporters had left the embassy after angry demonstrators entered the US compound against the US jets hit Kataib Hezbollah bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a US contractor in northern Iraq last week. The US has deployed 750 additional troops in Baghdad as a result of the crisis, it already has over five thousand troops deployed in the country. President Trump had earlier tweeted that Iran will be "fully responsible" for the embassy attack. The US president added that he expected Iraq to use its forces to protect the embassy. Trump and US officials blamed Iran for attacks on US forces and the embassy. "They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding "Happy New Year!" Meanwhile, Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has warned against any aggression towards foreign embassies and representations. Earlier, hundreds of Iraqi supporters of the Iran-backed Sh'ite militia had stormed into the US embassy in Baghdad. The protesters marched onto the heavily fortified Green Zone and kept walking until they reached the embassy. The Green zone is a highly secured area in Baghdad and houses most of the embassies and government offices. The protesters chanting "Death to America" entered the US embassy and torched the US flag. Security personnel could be seen retreating inside of the embassy as demonstrators hurled water bottles and smashed security cameras outside the building. At least twenty people were wounded in clashes with security forces.

Iraqi militias withdraw from US embassy in Baghdad; more American troops deployed

Tata Sons on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order that directed reinstatement of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/will-take-appropriate-legal-recourse-tata-sons-statement-on-mistrys-restoration-as-chairman-by-nclat-269021">Cyrus Mistry</a> as executive chairman of the group.

Mistry lawyers had earlier challenged the order of the Mumbai bench of the NCLT which had dismissed the pleas against his removal as Tata Sons chairman. Last month, the NCLAT had restored Cyrus Mistry as the executive chairman of the Tata Sons.

Mistry in his pleas had argued that his removal was not in accordance with the Companies Act and that there was mismanagement of affairs across Tata Sons. &nbsp;

NCLAT's order on&nbsp;Mistry's restoration was set to be operational after four weeks allowing&nbsp;Tata Sons to file an appeal.&nbsp;

Mistry’s family owns over 18 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, although its holding with voting rights is only under 4 per cent.

Cyrus Mistry had taken over as the chairman of Tata Group in 2012 after Ratan Tata had announced his retirement.

Mistry was ousted as chairman in October 2016, he subsequently resigned from the boards of six group companies.

However, two months later, Mistry and his family-run investment firm, Cyrus Investments, approached the NCLT against the action of Tata Sons and Ratan Tata.&nbsp;

Tata Sons on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order that directed reinstatement of Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of the group.

Tata Sons on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order that directed reinstatement of Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of the group. Mistry lawyers had earlier challenged the order of the Mumbai bench of the NCLT which had dismissed the pleas against his removal as Tata Sons chairman. Last month, the NCLAT had restored Cyrus Mistry as the executive chairman of the Tata Sons. Mistry in his pleas had argued that his removal was not in accordance with the Companies Act and that there was mismanagement of affairs across Tata Sons. NCLAT's order on Mistry's restoration was set to be operational after four weeks allowing Tata Sons to file an appeal. Mistry’s family owns over 18 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, although its holding with voting rights is only under 4 per cent. Cyrus Mistry had taken over as the chairman of Tata Group in 2012 after Ratan Tata had announced his retirement. Mistry was ousted as chairman in October 2016, he subsequently resigned from the boards of six group companies. However, two months later, Mistry and his family-run investment firm, Cyrus Investments, approached the NCLT against the action of Tata Sons and Ratan Tata.

Tata Sons moves Supreme Court over NCLAT order to reinstate Cyrus Mistry as chairman

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's Top Military Chief Shen Yi-ming

Taiwan top military commander died in a chopper crash after the helicopter made an emergency landing in the mountainous northern area near Taipei.

The country's defence ministry said seven others were also killed&nbsp;in the crash.

Chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming, 62, was killed after the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crashed, Taiwan's defence ministry said. Authorities said at least five people trapped inside the wreckage were rescued.&nbsp;

Authorities had launched a rescue mission after aviation authorities lost contact with the chopper on Thursday morning. Reports said the chopper disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off.

Taiwan top military commander died in a chopper crash after the helicopter made an emergency landing in the mountainous northern area near Taipei. The country's defence ministry said seven others were also killed in the crash.

Taiwan top military commander died in a chopper crash after the helicopter made an emergency landing in the mountainous northern area near Taipei. The country's defence ministry said seven others were also killed in the crash. Chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming, 62, was killed after the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crashed, Taiwan's defence ministry said. Authorities said at least five people trapped inside the wreckage were rescued. Authorities had launched a rescue mission after aviation authorities lost contact with the chopper on Thursday morning. Reports said the chopper disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off.

Taiwan's top military commander killed in helicopter crash

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday.

Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital.

Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road.

Further details are awaited.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital. Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road. Further details are awaited.

Several injured as vehicles collide due to low visibility in Alwar

Austria's conservatives led by Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday agreed to form an unprecedented coalition government with the Greens, capping almost three months of negotiations.

"We have succeeded to unite the best of both worlds... It is possible to protect the climate and borders," said Kurz, whose People's Party (OeVP) again gained the most votes in snap elections in September.

The polls were triggered after a corruption scandal engulfed Kurz's far-right ally after just 18 months in government together, during which the 33-year-old had carefully cultivated his image as a hardliner on immigration.

Greens leader Werner Kogler said the two disparate parties had managed to "build bridges" to form a government for "the future of Austria".

It will mark the first time the Green party has been in power. The ecologists made key gains in the September polls with the environment replacing immigration as the top voter concern.

Kogler said the Alpine country -&nbsp;which has been among just a handful of EU nations that have seen their greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase between 1990 and 2017 -&nbsp;would aim to become a frontrunner in terms of fighting climate change in Europe.

The two leaders indicated they would reform the tax system to lower the burden on Austrians -- a key OeVP promise -- but at the same time introduce higher eco taxes in line with the Greens' campaign.&nbsp;

Kogler said transparency, including freedom of information, and fighting poverty among children, the elderly and women would also be a priority.

The two leaders will present their detailed government programme on Thursday.&nbsp;

Observers have said the new government would face challenges after Kurz's previous rule with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) saw a raft of anti-immigration measures passed, sharply dividing Austrians.

Describing a deal as a "huge stretch", analyst Thomas Hofer warned Kurz could lose voters he gained from the FPOe, which he managed to pick up in the September polls, when the OeVP got 37.5 per cent in total.

The Greens secured 13.9 per cent of the vote, their best-ever result, due to the environment replacing immigration as top concern in the country of 8.8 million people.

Hofer said other European countries, such as Germany, could also see Conservative-Green party coalitions in the future. Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Luxemburg already have Greens in government.

"Kurz is setting a certain trend maybe ahead of time, and this is certainly something also on the international stage that he would be able to sell," he said.

Hofer described Kogler, who is expected to be vice-chancellor, as a "pragmatist" who had stabilised the party.

The 58-year-old took on the leadership after the party lost all their parliamentary seats in a shock defeat in 2017, largely due to infighting and splits.

A congress of the party's almost 280 delegates must still endorse the coalition agreement, but they are expected to do so.

"It's a historical chance for them," Hofer said.&nbsp;

As junior coalition partner, the Greens are expected to get four ministries, including an enlarged environment ministry that also comprises infrastructure, traffic, energy and technology, according to a party representative familiar with the negotiations.

The OeVP will maintain control of the rest, including the coveted interior ministry -- previously headed by a far-right official and embroiled in scandal -- and the finance portfolio.

The far-right FPOe -- previously riding a wave of populist sentiment seen across Europe -- was routed in the polls after the so-called "Ibiza-gate" graft scandal brought down their then-leader and vice-chancellor in May and caused the government to collapse.

Austria's conservatives led by Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday agreed to form an unprecedented coalition government with the Greens, capping almost three months of negotiations.

Austria's conservatives led by Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday agreed to form an unprecedented coalition government with the Greens, capping almost three months of negotiations. "We have succeeded to unite the best of both worlds... It is possible to protect the climate and borders," said Kurz, whose People's Party (OeVP) again gained the most votes in snap elections in September. The polls were triggered after a corruption scandal engulfed Kurz's far-right ally after just 18 months in government together, during which the 33-year-old had carefully cultivated his image as a hardliner on immigration. Greens leader Werner Kogler said the two disparate parties had managed to "build bridges" to form a government for "the future of Austria". It will mark the first time the Green party has been in power. The ecologists made key gains in the September polls with the environment replacing immigration as the top voter concern. Kogler said the Alpine country - which has been among just a handful of EU nations that have seen their greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase between 1990 and 2017 - would aim to become a frontrunner in terms of fighting climate change in Europe. The two leaders indicated they would reform the tax system to lower the burden on Austrians -- a key OeVP promise -- but at the same time introduce higher eco taxes in line with the Greens' campaign. Kogler said transparency, including freedom of information, and fighting poverty among children, the elderly and women would also be a priority. The two leaders will present their detailed government programme on Thursday. Observers have said the new government would face challenges after Kurz's previous rule with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) saw a raft of anti-immigration measures passed, sharply dividing Austrians. Describing a deal as a "huge stretch", analyst Thomas Hofer warned Kurz could lose voters he gained from the FPOe, which he managed to pick up in the September polls, when the OeVP got 37.5 per cent in total. The Greens secured 13.9 per cent of the vote, their best-ever result, due to the environment replacing immigration as top concern in the country of 8.8 million people. Hofer said other European countries, such as Germany, could also see Conservative-Green party coalitions in the future. Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Luxemburg already have Greens in government. "Kurz is setting a certain trend maybe ahead of time, and this is certainly something also on the international stage that he would be able to sell," he said. Hofer described Kogler, who is expected to be vice-chancellor, as a "pragmatist" who had stabilised the party. The 58-year-old took on the leadership after the party lost all their parliamentary seats in a shock defeat in 2017, largely due to infighting and splits. A congress of the party's almost 280 delegates must still endorse the coalition agreement, but they are expected to do so. "It's a historical chance for them," Hofer said. As junior coalition partner, the Greens are expected to get four ministries, including an enlarged environment ministry that also comprises infrastructure, traffic, energy and technology, according to a party representative familiar with the negotiations. The OeVP will maintain control of the rest, including the coveted interior ministry -- previously headed by a far-right official and embroiled in scandal -- and the finance portfolio. The far-right FPOe -- previously riding a wave of populist sentiment seen across Europe -- was routed in the polls after the so-called "Ibiza-gate" graft scandal brought down their then-leader and vice-chancellor in May and caused the government to collapse.

Sebastian Kurz-led conservatives to form coalition government with Greens in Austria

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December.

The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights.

Four children died on December 30 while five others lost their lives the next day.

According to hospital sources, all deaths have been attributed to low birth weight. The rising toll has led the Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to set up a high-level committee of expert doctors and subject experts to inquire the case of deaths of newborns and submit a report at the earliest.

Health minister Dr Raghu Sharma said that the previous government had been inefficient in handling the matter in their tenure.

However, the medical authorities said the number of deaths reported at the health facility in 2019 has witnessed a decline since 2014 when 1,198 children had died.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a doctor from the hospital said that the nursing in-charge of the neonatal intensive care unit, which specialises in looking after premature and sick newborns, has now been replaced.

Medical college principal Dr Vijay Sardana said that an order has been issued for installation of a central oxygen supply line at the hospital to be completed within the next 15 days.

The deaths have taken political overtures after former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her "silence" on the incident.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" was silent on the issue.

Mayawati said like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December. The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights.

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December. The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights. Four children died on December 30 while five others lost their lives the next day. According to hospital sources, all deaths have been attributed to low birth weight. The rising toll has led the Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to set up a high-level committee of expert doctors and subject experts to inquire the case of deaths of newborns and submit a report at the earliest. Health minister Dr Raghu Sharma said that the previous government had been inefficient in handling the matter in their tenure. However, the medical authorities said the number of deaths reported at the health facility in 2019 has witnessed a decline since 2014 when 1,198 children had died. Meanwhile, a doctor from the hospital said that the nursing in-charge of the neonatal intensive care unit, which specialises in looking after premature and sick newborns, has now been replaced. Medical college principal Dr Vijay Sardana said that an order has been issued for installation of a central oxygen supply line at the hospital to be completed within the next 15 days. The deaths have taken political overtures after former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her "silence" on the incident. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" was silent on the issue. Mayawati said like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

Nine more infants die in Kota hospital; death toll rises to hundred

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">100 children</a> in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue.

Mayawati stated that like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-to-prevail-in-sambhal-till-january-31-271476">Uttar Pradesh</a>, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue. Mayawati stated that like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government. She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

Kota infant deaths: Mayawati slams Priyanka Gandhi over her 'silence'

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/69-people-who-were-held-during-anti-caa-protests-in-varanasi-get-bail-271479">protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19.

While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday&nbsp;morning.

After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding.

"I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said.

Being asked if she regretted participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-tears-into-opposition-for-supporting-anti-caa-protests-271380">anti-CAA protest</a>, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak."

Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them."

This comes a day after Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-the-first-time-when-priyanka-gandhi-has-made-such-security-lapses-crpf-271063">Priyanka Gandhi</a> hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi.

"The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi.

The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents.

The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home."

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning. The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19. While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday morning. After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding. "I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said. Being asked if she regretted participating in the anti-CAA protest, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak." Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them." This comes a day after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi. "The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi. The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents. The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home." The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protests: Mother of toddler released after 14-day jail

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-cricket-team-to-go-ahead-with-pakistan-tour-despite-terror-fears-250656">Sri Lanka Cricket</a> (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week.

Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo.

Meanwhile, Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of the series due to an injury which he sustained during practice.

Sri Lanka recently lost the two-match Test series 1-0 against Pakistan. In the second Test at Karachi, Pakistan registered a massive 263-run victory. This is the first victory by Pakistan on Pakistani soil in 10 years.

Earlier, the first Test in Rawalpindi between the two teams was drawn.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/chandika-hathurusingha-named-sri-lanka-cricket-coach-26262">national selectors</a> have chosen the following players to play in the T20I series against India.

Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-announce-icc-world-cup-squad-angelo-mathews-and-jeevan-mendis-make-a-comeback-211519">Angelo Mathews</a>, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week. Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week. Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo. Meanwhile, Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of the series due to an injury which he sustained during practice. Sri Lanka recently lost the two-match Test series 1-0 against Pakistan. In the second Test at Karachi, Pakistan registered a massive 263-run victory. This is the first victory by Pakistan on Pakistani soil in 10 years. Earlier, the first Test in Rawalpindi between the two teams was drawn. The national selectors have chosen the following players to play in the T20I series against India. Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan.

Sri Lanka includes Angelo Mathews for T20I series against India

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