The United Nations has thanked India for the timely payment of its regular budget assessment dues. India is the fourth nations for doing so, paying its dues ahead of the February 1, 2020 deadline.&nbsp;

India paid $23,396,496 in total to the United Nations on January 10. Armenia, Portugal and Ukraine were the three countries ahead of India in paying their dues on time.&nbsp;

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on the same saying &nbsp;"Very few have already made it..."

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Very few have already made it... 
Hope many, many more make it... 
 
Check out which <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> members r on <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> 2020 Honor Roll already.<a href="https://t.co/9puqL8Zlrd">https://t.co/9puqL8Zlrd</a> <a href="https://t.co/HLFhI34kFN">pic.twitter.com/HLFhI34kFN</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1215826742499315712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Very few have already made it... Hope many, many more make it... Check out which @UN members r &nbsp;on @UN 2020 Honor Roll already," Akbaruddin's tweet read.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-among-34-un-nations-to-pay-regular-annual-dues-within-stipulated-time-254631">India among 34 UN&nbsp;nations to pay regular annual dues within stipulated time</a>

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In October 2019, the United Nations shared a document which showed India among 34 nations that paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time of 30 days.&nbsp;

Out of 129, only 34 members paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the UN's Financial Regulation.

The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 was close to $5.4 billion which didn't include the money for peacekeeping operations. India's contribution was $23,253,808 last year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke about the United Nation's worst deficit in nearly a decade last year.&nbsp;

"The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors," an official statement read.&nbsp;

The United Nations has thanked India for the timely payment of its regular budget assessment dues. India is the fourth nations for doing so, paying its dues ahead of the February 1, 2020 deadline.

The United Nations has thanked India for the timely payment of its regular budget assessment dues. India is the fourth nations for doing so, paying its dues ahead of the February 1, 2020 deadline. India paid $23,396,496 in total to the United Nations on January 10. Armenia, Portugal and Ukraine were the three countries ahead of India in paying their dues on time. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on the same saying "Very few have already made it..." Very few have already made it... Hope many, many more make it... Check out which @UN members r on @UN 2020 Honor Roll already.https://t.co/9puqL8Zlrd pic.twitter.com/HLFhI34kFN — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 11, 2020 × "Very few have already made it... Hope many, many more make it... Check out which @UN members r on @UN 2020 Honor Roll already," Akbaruddin's tweet read. Also read: India among 34 UN nations to pay regular annual dues within stipulated time × In October 2019, the United Nations shared a document which showed India among 34 nations that paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time of 30 days. Out of 129, only 34 members paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the UN's Financial Regulation. The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 was close to $5.4 billion which didn't include the money for peacekeeping operations. India's contribution was $23,253,808 last year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke about the United Nation's worst deficit in nearly a decade last year. "The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors," an official statement read.

India becomes fourth nation to pay UN dues on time, world body thanks New Delhi

Golden Kayaloram, the fourth and last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/demolition-of-maradu-flats-in-kochi-to-begin-today-273513">Maradu</a> residential apartment was razed by controlled implosion in Kochi on Sunday afternoon as per the directions of the Supreme Court.

The building came crashing down, leaving the entire area in a cover of white smoke.

&nbsp;Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maradus-third-residential-apartment-demolished-in-kerala-273747">Jain Coral Cove</a>, the apartment having the maximum number of housing units among the illegally built buildings, was razed down at 11:02 am.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Maradu flats demolition: Jain Coral Cove complex demolished through a controlled implosion.2 out of the 4 illegal apartment towers were demolished yesterday, today is the final round of the operation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kochi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kochi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/mebmdIm1Oa">pic.twitter.com/mebmdIm1Oa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216232442593304576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The authorities coordinated the operations from a control room set up at the office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

As per municipal records, there were 122 housing units in Jain Coral Cove and 41 in Golden Kayaloram.

The prohibitory orders that were clamped in the area will remain imposed for the day. The district administration on Saturday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

On Saturday, the 19-floor H2O Holy Faith apartment complex with 90 flats and the Alfa Serene complex with twin towers were demolished at 11 am and 11:05 am respectively.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-illegal-apartments-razed-in-maradu-by-controlled-implosion-273599">Kochi: Two illegal apartments razed in Maradu by controlled implosion</a>

The buildings are razed for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. The directions in this regard were passed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-the-corridors-of-judiciary-supreme-court-verdicts-that-held-nations-attention-in-2019-270230">Supreme Court</a> last year.

Golden Kayaloram, the fourth and last Maradu residential apartment was razed by controlled implosion in Kochi on Sunday afternoon as per the directions of the Supreme Court.

Golden Kayaloram, the fourth and last Maradu residential apartment was razed by controlled implosion in Kochi on Sunday afternoon as per the directions of the Supreme Court. The building came crashing down, leaving the entire area in a cover of white smoke. Earlier today, Jain Coral Cove, the apartment having the maximum number of housing units among the illegally built buildings, was razed down at 11:02 am. #WATCH Maradu flats demolition: Jain Coral Cove complex demolished through a controlled implosion.2 out of the 4 illegal apartment towers were demolished yesterday, today is the final round of the operation. #Kochi #Kerala pic.twitter.com/mebmdIm1Oa — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × The authorities coordinated the operations from a control room set up at the office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. As per municipal records, there were 122 housing units in Jain Coral Cove and 41 in Golden Kayaloram. The prohibitory orders that were clamped in the area will remain imposed for the day. The district administration on Saturday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). On Saturday, the 19-floor H2O Holy Faith apartment complex with 90 flats and the Alfa Serene complex with twin towers were demolished at 11 am and 11:05 am respectively. Also read: Kochi: Two illegal apartments razed in Maradu by controlled implosion The buildings are razed for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. The directions in this regard were passed by the Supreme Court last year.

Fourth and last Maradu residential apartment demolished in Kochi

Vladimir Norov arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-foreign-ministry-rebuffs-misleading-reports-regarding-cancellation-of-ministers-participation-in-raisina-dialogue-273719">Raisina Dialogue</a> 2020 to be held next week.

The visiting dignitary will meet External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-meets-sri-lankan-fm-gunawardena-273187">S Jaishankar</a> here on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-rejects-reports-of-oic-meet-on-kashmir-calls-it-entirely-speculative-271723">MEA</a> said in a statement.

During his stay, the dignitary will also meet and interact with representatives from business chambers FICCI and hold an interaction at India Startup Initiative on Tuesday.

On Wednesday noon, Norov will further participate in a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue which is scheduled to be held between January 14 to 16 and promises to be a mega show amid the presence of foreign ministers from across the globe.

The highest number of foreign ministers, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and his counterparts from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/could-iran-us-tensions-mean-troubled-waters-ahead-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-273207">Iran</a>, Morocco, Maldives, Bhutan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">Australia</a>, South Africa, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia and Uzbekistan, will be attending the event.

The Raisina Dialogue, organised by MEA and leading think-tank Observer Research Foundation since 2016, is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.

Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters.

This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.

Following this, the dignitary will also meet Commerce Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/piyush-goyal-hosts-dinner-for-bollywood-celebrities-to-discuss-caa-few-turn-up-272525">Piyush Goyal</a> and will emplane for his country on Thursday, January 16.

Vladimir Norov arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit to attend the Raisina Dialogue 2020 to be held next week. The visiting dignitary will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday, MEA said in a statement.

Vladimir Norov arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit to attend the Raisina Dialogue 2020 to be held next week. The visiting dignitary will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday, MEA said in a statement. During his stay, the dignitary will also meet and interact with representatives from business chambers FICCI and hold an interaction at India Startup Initiative on Tuesday. On Wednesday noon, Norov will further participate in a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue which is scheduled to be held between January 14 to 16 and promises to be a mega show amid the presence of foreign ministers from across the globe. The highest number of foreign ministers, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and his counterparts from Iran, Morocco, Maldives, Bhutan, Australia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia and Uzbekistan, will be attending the event. The Raisina Dialogue, organised by MEA and leading think-tank Observer Research Foundation since 2016, is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. Following this, the dignitary will also meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and will emplane for his country on Thursday, January 16.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue

A day after two illegally built <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../demolition-of-maradu-flats-in-kochi-to-begin- today-273513">Maradu residential apartments</a> were razed by the controlled implosion, Jain Coral Cove, the apartment having the maximum number of housing units among the illegally built buildings, was razed down here at 11.02 am.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-illegal-apartments-razed-in-maradu-by-controlled-implosion-273599">Kochi: Two illegal apartments razed in Maradu by controlled implosion</a>

While Golden Kayaloram, the fourth and the last apartment will be demolished at 2 pm.

The authorities coordinated the operations from a control room set up at the office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Maradu flats demolition: Jain Coral Cove complex demolished through a controlled implosion.2 out of the 4 illegal apartment towers were demolished yesterday, today is the final round of the operation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kochi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kochi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/mebmdIm1Oa">pic.twitter.com/mebmdIm1Oa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216232442593304576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to officials, today's demolition is a less risky exercise compared to yesterday's as these buildings are located in sparsely occupied areas. As per municipal records, there were 122 housing units in Coral Cove and 41 in Golden Kayaloram.

The prohibitory orders that were clamped in the area will remain imposed for the day. The district administration on Saturday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

On Saturday, the 19-floor H2O Holy Faith apartment complex with 90 flats and the Alfa Serene complex with twin towers were demolished at 11 am and 11.05 am respectively.

The buildings are razed for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. The directions in this regard were passed by the Supreme Court last year. (ANI)

&nbsp;

A day after two illegally built Maradu residential apartments were razed by the controlled implosion, Jain Coral Cove, the apartment having the maximum number of housing units among the illegally built buildings, was razed down here at 11.

A day after two illegally built Maradu residential apartments were razed by the controlled implosion, Jain Coral Cove, the apartment having the maximum number of housing units among the illegally built buildings, was razed down here at 11.02 am. Also read: Kochi: Two illegal apartments razed in Maradu by controlled implosion While Golden Kayaloram, the fourth and the last apartment will be demolished at 2 pm. The authorities coordinated the operations from a control room set up at the office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. #WATCH Maradu flats demolition: Jain Coral Cove complex demolished through a controlled implosion.2 out of the 4 illegal apartment towers were demolished yesterday, today is the final round of the operation. #Kochi #Kerala pic.twitter.com/mebmdIm1Oa — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × According to officials, today's demolition is a less risky exercise compared to yesterday's as these buildings are located in sparsely occupied areas. As per municipal records, there were 122 housing units in Coral Cove and 41 in Golden Kayaloram. The prohibitory orders that were clamped in the area will remain imposed for the day. The district administration on Saturday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). On Saturday, the 19-floor H2O Holy Faith apartment complex with 90 flats and the Alfa Serene complex with twin towers were demolished at 11 am and 11.05 am respectively. The buildings are razed for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. The directions in this regard were passed by the Supreme Court last year. (ANI)

Maradu's third residential apartment demolished in Kerala

China has launched the world's largest telescope which will be used for space research and will also help Beijing hunt extraterrestrial life, news agency Reuters reported quoting state news agency Xinhua.&nbsp;

The operations of the telescope, which is also known as "Sky Eye", were launched on Saturday. As per reports, the telescope is as big as the size of 30 football fields and was constructed in the year 2016.&nbsp;

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has been hewed out of a mountain in the southwestern province of Guizhou in China.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smart-robots-in-the-offing-to-help-mine-the-moon-272277">Smart robots in the offing to help mine the moon</a>

The telescope is one of Beijing's attempts to advance its space programme and catch up with space research pioneers like the United States and Russia. It also plans to launch the construction of its manned space station by next year.

The telescope's trial operations had so far been reliable and stable, FAST's Chief Engineer Jiang Peng told Xinhua, adding that its sensitivity was more than 2.5 times that of the world's second-largest telescope.

The project is expected to lead to breakthroughs in areas such as low-frequency gravitational wave detection and interstellar molecules in years to come and has already obtained some valuable scientific data.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China has launched the world's largest telescope which will be used for space research and will also help Beijing hunt extraterrestrial life, news agency Reuters reported quoting state news agency Xinhua.

China has launched the world's largest telescope which will be used for space research and will also help Beijing hunt extraterrestrial life, news agency Reuters reported quoting state news agency Xinhua. The operations of the telescope, which is also known as "Sky Eye", were launched on Saturday. As per reports, the telescope is as big as the size of 30 football fields and was constructed in the year 2016. The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has been hewed out of a mountain in the southwestern province of Guizhou in China. Also read: Smart robots in the offing to help mine the moon The telescope is one of Beijing's attempts to advance its space programme and catch up with space research pioneers like the United States and Russia. It also plans to launch the construction of its manned space station by next year. The telescope's trial operations had so far been reliable and stable, FAST's Chief Engineer Jiang Peng told Xinhua, adding that its sensitivity was more than 2.5 times that of the world's second-largest telescope. The project is expected to lead to breakthroughs in areas such as low-frequency gravitational wave detection and interstellar molecules in years to come and has already obtained some valuable scientific data. (With inputs from Reuters)

In a bid to hunt life beyond Earth, China launches world's largest telescope 

Chinese state media have accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen</a> of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election.

But Chinese state media sought to downplay her victory, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Tsai's campaign.

"This is obviously not a normal election," said official news agency Xinhua in an English-language editorial on Sunday.

Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", it added.

Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes in a Chinese-language op-ed. It also said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-change-position-on-taiwan-after-landslide-election-273675">China says will not change position on Taiwan after landslide election</a>

Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China".

"The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement.

Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition.

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But the strong-arm tactics have backfired and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear mongering.

Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday.

At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party.

Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke".

"The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times.

"Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

Chinese state media have accused Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

Chinese state media have accused Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of "dirty tactics" and cheating after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island. Tsai, who has pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election. But Chinese state media sought to downplay her victory, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Tsai's campaign. "This is obviously not a normal election," said official news agency Xinhua in an English-language editorial on Sunday. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", it added. Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes in a Chinese-language op-ed. It also said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results. Also read: China says will not change position on Taiwan after landslide election Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China". "The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement. Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition. × But the strong-arm tactics have backfired and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear mongering. Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday. At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party. Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke". "The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times. "Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

'Dirty tactics': Chinese media downplays Tsai's landslide Taiwan poll win

West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../mamata-banerjee-meets-prime-minister- narendra-modi-273648">Mamata Banerjee</a> on Sunday skipped the event of the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speculations were rife that the TMC supremo would share the dais along with Modi. However, she was not present at the event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Opposition playing political games over Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Modi</a>

Banerjee's name was mentioned in the invitation card along with the Prime Minister, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for the event which was being held at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Earlier today, Modi announced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-kolkata-port -trusts-150th-anniversary-event-today-273682">Kolkata Port</a> will be renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port.

After attending the unveiling of dynamic architectural illumination of Howrah Bridge by the Prime Minister, Banerjee on Saturday said that she attended the event "due to constitutional obligation".

Modi had inaugurated the dynamic architectural illumination with synchronised light and sound system of Howrah Bridge, as a part of the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust.

During her one-on-one meeting with Modi, Banerjee demanded that both the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NCR) should be withdrawn.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pm-modi-to-embark-on-two-day-kolkata-visit- today-273520">Prime Minister</a> is currently on a two-day visit to West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday skipped the event of the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday skipped the event of the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speculations were rife that the TMC supremo would share the dais along with Modi. However, she was not present at the event. Also read: Opposition playing political games over Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Modi Banerjee's name was mentioned in the invitation card along with the Prime Minister, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for the event which was being held at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Earlier today, Modi announced that the Kolkata Port will be renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port. After attending the unveiling of dynamic architectural illumination of Howrah Bridge by the Prime Minister, Banerjee on Saturday said that she attended the event "due to constitutional obligation". Modi had inaugurated the dynamic architectural illumination with synchronised light and sound system of Howrah Bridge, as a part of the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust. During her one-on-one meeting with Modi, Banerjee demanded that both the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NCR) should be withdrawn. The Prime Minister is currently on a two-day visit to West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee skips 150th anniversary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-approves-funding-of-774-million-for-northeastern-gas-pipeline-272999">Dharmendra Pradhan</a> on Saturday said that there was no dearth of crude oil in the global market and the government was keeping a sharp eye on the global developments.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Pradhan said, "Due to geopolitical situation, conflict in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Middle East</a> there was a spike in the price of crude oil. It is subdued in the last two weeks. Let us wait and watch, let's not create panic. Things are under control. Government of India (GoI) has kept a sharp eye on global development."

He also appealed to oil-producing countries and their leadership for peace and stability in the global economy.

"There is no dearth of crude oil in the global market. We are taking it from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-edges-above-65-as-middle-east-concerns-support-273441">OPEC</a>, OPEC+, non-OPEC countries. The issue is&nbsp;price. We are appealing to oil-producing countries and responsible leaderships that there should be peace and stability in the global economy", he added.

Earlier in the day, Pradhan had launched PURVODAYA: Accelerated development of eastern India through an integrated steel hub in Kolkata.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that there was no dearth of crude oil in the global market and the government was keeping a sharp eye on the global developments.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that there was no dearth of crude oil in the global market and the government was keeping a sharp eye on the global developments. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Pradhan said, "Due to geopolitical situation, conflict in the Middle East there was a spike in the price of crude oil. It is subdued in the last two weeks. Let us wait and watch, let's not create panic. Things are under control. Government of India (GoI) has kept a sharp eye on global development." He also appealed to oil-producing countries and their leadership for peace and stability in the global economy. "There is no dearth of crude oil in the global market. We are taking it from OPEC, OPEC+, non-OPEC countries. The issue is price. We are appealing to oil-producing countries and responsible leaderships that there should be peace and stability in the global economy", he added. Earlier in the day, Pradhan had launched PURVODAYA: Accelerated development of eastern India through an integrated steel hub in Kolkata.

No dearth of crude oil in global market: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sharad-arvind-bobde-47th-chief-justice-of-india-who-advocates-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-courts-262959">Chief Justice of India</a>, Sharad Arvind Bobde on Saturday hinted at the possibility of Artificial Intelligence being developed for the court system while making it clear that it will never replace human discretion.

Speaking at an event here, Bobde said, "We have a possibility of developing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/technology-trends-of-2020-what-to-expect-272723">Artificial Intelligence</a> for the court system. Only for the purpose of ensuring that the undue delay in justice is prevented."

"I must make it clear at the outset as there are times when even judges have asked this. AI is not going to replace human judges or human discretion", he added. 
Sharing more details of his vision, he stated, "It is only the repetitive, mathematical and mechanical parts of the judgments for which help can be taken from the system...we are exploring the possibility of implementing it."

Bobde stressed on the requirement of developing AI for the judiciary while outlining the number of pending cases in different courts.

"Some people are in jail for 10-15 years and we are not in a position to deal with their appeals. The high court's and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-centre-to-look-into-pil-against-rbis-decision-on-banknotes-defaced-by-separatists-in-kashmir-272708">Supreme Court </a>take so long and ultimately the courts feel that it is just to release them on bail", he said.

Bobde also endorsed employing every talent and skill to ensure the delivery of justice in a reasonable time.

"We must employ every talent, every skill we possess to ensure that justice is received within a reasonable time. Delay in justice can't be a reason for anybody to take <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-must-never-take-the-form-of-revenge-cji-sa-bobde-266822">the law into their hands</a>. But it's very important for us as courts to ensure there's no undue delay in justice", he said.

CJI Bobde also highlighted the need for pre-litigation mediation and said, "Pre-litigation mediation is the need of the hour especially in the backdrop of a significant pendency that the courts are tackling with. There are innumerable areas where pre-litigation mediation could solve the problem."

He also stressed that the position of a judge is very unique under the constitution and they have to deal with a variety of problems.

"The foundation of civilisation rests on the law. Judicial officers have to deal with a variety of problems...Judges without adequate knowledge, skills and experience may cause distortion, delay and miscarriage of justice", he said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Justice of India Bobde inaugurated the phase-1 of the new building of the Karnataka Judicial Academy on Crescent Road in Bengaluru. 
The new building has three floors, besides, the ground floor and two basement floors.

Chief Justice of India, Sharad Arvind Bobde on Saturday hinted at the possibility of Artificial Intelligence being developed for the court system while making it clear that it will never replace human discretion.

Chief Justice of India, Sharad Arvind Bobde on Saturday hinted at the possibility of Artificial Intelligence being developed for the court system while making it clear that it will never replace human discretion. Speaking at an event here, Bobde said, "We have a possibility of developing Artificial Intelligence for the court system. Only for the purpose of ensuring that the undue delay in justice is prevented." "I must make it clear at the outset as there are times when even judges have asked this. AI is not going to replace human judges or human discretion", he added. Sharing more details of his vision, he stated, "It is only the repetitive, mathematical and mechanical parts of the judgments for which help can be taken from the system...we are exploring the possibility of implementing it." Bobde stressed on the requirement of developing AI for the judiciary while outlining the number of pending cases in different courts. "Some people are in jail for 10-15 years and we are not in a position to deal with their appeals. The high court's and Supreme Court take so long and ultimately the courts feel that it is just to release them on bail", he said. Bobde also endorsed employing every talent and skill to ensure the delivery of justice in a reasonable time. "We must employ every talent, every skill we possess to ensure that justice is received within a reasonable time. Delay in justice can't be a reason for anybody to take the law into their hands. But it's very important for us as courts to ensure there's no undue delay in justice", he said. CJI Bobde also highlighted the need for pre-litigation mediation and said, "Pre-litigation mediation is the need of the hour especially in the backdrop of a significant pendency that the courts are tackling with. There are innumerable areas where pre-litigation mediation could solve the problem." He also stressed that the position of a judge is very unique under the constitution and they have to deal with a variety of problems. "The foundation of civilisation rests on the law. Judicial officers have to deal with a variety of problems...Judges without adequate knowledge, skills and experience may cause distortion, delay and miscarriage of justice", he said. Earlier in the day, Chief Justice of India Bobde inaugurated the phase-1 of the new building of the Karnataka Judicial Academy on Crescent Road in Bengaluru. The new building has three floors, besides, the ground floor and two basement floors.

We have possibility of developing Artificial Intelligence for court system: CJI Bobde

More than a dozen&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;servicemen who are training at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">US&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases</a> will be&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;from&nbsp;the United States in the&nbsp;aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December&nbsp;6&nbsp;shooting&nbsp;by a&nbsp;<a>Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> officer at an American naval base in&nbsp;Florida,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

Watch:&nbsp;Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;personnel being&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;are not accused of aiding the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grounds-saudi-pilots-suspends-military-training-after-shooting-at-base-267695">Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-training-in-us-under-scrutiny-after-base-attack-267060">Pensacola</a> installation,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Pentagon</a> referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Pentagon announced on December&nbsp;10 it was halting operational training of all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-airman-in-us-for-training-suspected-in-deadly-shooting-at-florida-naval-base-266755">Saudi&nbsp;Arabian</a>&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel in the United States&nbsp;after&nbsp;the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December&nbsp;19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850&nbsp;military&nbsp;students&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> studying in the United States.

The FBI has said&nbsp;US&nbsp;investigators believe&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Air Force Second Lieutenant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani</a>, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday. Watch: Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman The Saudi personnel being expelled are not accused of aiding the Saudi Air Force second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the Pensacola installation, CNN reported, quoting unnamed sources. The Pentagon referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon announced on December 10 it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States after the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December 19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850 military students from Saudi Arabia studying in the United States. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

Saudi military trainees to be expelled from US after Florida shooting

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-kolkata-port-trusts-150th-anniversary-event-today-273682">Kolkata Port Trust</a> will be renamed as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-amit-shah-pay-tributes-to-syama-prasad-mookerjee-on-birth-anniversary-233480">Syama Prasad Mukherjee</a> Port.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust, he said: "I announce the renaming of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-embark-on-two-day-kolkata-visit-today-273520">Kolkata</a> Port Trust to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port. He is a living legend who was a leader for development and fought on the forefront for the idea of One Nation, One Constitution."

"This port represents industrial, spiritual and self-sufficiency aspirations of India. Today, when the port is celebrating its 150th anniversary, it is our responsibility to make it a powerful symbol of New India," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder had set the stone for industrialization in India.

"Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Hindustan Aircraft Factory, Damodar Valley Corporation and several others saw active participation from him," he said.

The Prime Minister also felicitated the two oldest pensioners of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-meets-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273648">Kolkata</a> Port Trust, Nagina Bhagat and Naresh Chandra Chakraborty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that Kolkata Port Trust will be renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust, he said: "I announce the renaming of the Kolkata Port Trust to Dr.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that Kolkata Port Trust will be renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust, he said: "I announce the renaming of the Kolkata Port Trust to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port. He is a living legend who was a leader for development and fought on the forefront for the idea of One Nation, One Constitution." "This port represents industrial, spiritual and self-sufficiency aspirations of India. Today, when the port is celebrating its 150th anniversary, it is our responsibility to make it a powerful symbol of New India," Modi said. The Prime Minister said that the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder had set the stone for industrialization in India. "Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Hindustan Aircraft Factory, Damodar Valley Corporation and several others saw active participation from him," he said. The Prime Minister also felicitated the two oldest pensioners of the Kolkata Port Trust, Nagina Bhagat and Naresh Chandra Chakraborty.

Kolkata Port Trust renamed after Syama Prasad Mukherjee, announces Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-amid-west-asia-tensions-272497">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region.

"He (Qureshi) will visit Riyadh on January 13 to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-appeals-for-calm-after-killing-of-iranian-general-qasem-soleimani-272563">Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud</a> and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability," a Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted by The Express Tribune, as saying on Saturday.

The spokesperson said that Qureshi will meet his Iranian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Javad Zarif</a> in Tehran and exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East region.

Qureshi has already spoken to his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, will undertake the visits on the direction of Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-slammed-by-syed-akbaruddin-for-sharing-a-seven-years-old-fake-video-272024">Imran Khan</a>.

This visit comes in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike ordered by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Donald Trump</a> at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.

Iran retailated by firing dozens of missiles at two US-led coalition bases in Iraq. However, no casualties were reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/qasem-soleimani-and-irans-plan-to-dominate-iraq-273471">Soleimani</a>'s death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since US President Donald Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region. "He (Qureshi) will visit Riyadh on January 13 to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability," a Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted by The Express Tribune, as saying on Saturday. The spokesperson said that Qureshi will meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Tehran and exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East region. Qureshi has already spoken to his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, will undertake the visits on the direction of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. This visit comes in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Iran retailated by firing dozens of missiles at two US-led coalition bases in Iraq. However, no casualties were reported. Soleimani's death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since US President Donald Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.

Pakistan foreign minister to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia to discuss developments in Middle East

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