The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, mentioned the matter before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde.

He requested the top court to hear the matter by contending that the High Courts may take different views on the same issue.

After hearing the mentioning, CJI Bobde agreed to hear the petition on Friday.

It is to be noted that as many as 60 petitions have been filed before the court challenging the newly amended law.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, mentioned the matter before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde. He requested the top court to hear the matter by contending that the High Courts may take different views on the same issue. After hearing the mentioning, CJI Bobde agreed to hear the petition on Friday. It is to be noted that as many as 60 petitions have been filed before the court challenging the newly amended law. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Supreme Court to hear Centre's PIL regarding transfer of pleas against CAA from state High Courts on January 10

After helping India secure a massive win over Sri Lanka in the second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sri-lanka-includes-angelo-mathews-for-t20i-series-against-india-271564">T20I</a>, bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-pacer-shardul-thakurs-parents-injured-in-road-accident-135773">Shardul Thakur</a> said he is satisfied with his performance and it makes him happy to perform on an international level.

"Pretty much. I have been working hard for it and in an international game, when it pays off, it really makes me happy," Thakur said in the post-match press conference when asked if he was satisfied with the performance.

India secured a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka here on Tuesday and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sponsored-by-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-reading-detox-your-ego-confuses-twitterati-245478">Virat Kohli</a>-led team gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Thakur picked up three wickets in the 19th over which throttled Sri Lanka's batting.

Sri Lanka only managed to score 142 runs which India easily chased.

Thakur also stated that playing cricket continuously for the last two-three years has helped him to get better at his game.

"I feel, T20 is such a short format and it is always going to be up and down. The more you play, the more experience you get and you keep learning. Whereas, the five-day format is a more settled format and you have time to think about your game. But in T20, you have to make precise decisions," he said.

Thakur further credited his innings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-as-ipl-begins-heres-a-throwback-to-all-pulsating-themes-of-previous-seasons-36446">IPL</a> and domestic cricket for giving him an edge in his performance, over the years.

"...Over a period of years, while practicing, I have been developing my skills and just brushing it up. I think by playing continuously for the last 2-3 years, in the IPL and domestic circuit, I am getting better," Thakur added.

The third T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played on January 20.

After helping India secure a massive win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I, bowler Shardul Thakur said he is satisfied with his performance and it makes him happy to perform on an international level.

After helping India secure a massive win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I, bowler Shardul Thakur said he is satisfied with his performance and it makes him happy to perform on an international level. "Pretty much. I have been working hard for it and in an international game, when it pays off, it really makes me happy," Thakur said in the post-match press conference when asked if he was satisfied with the performance. India secured a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka here on Tuesday and Virat Kohli-led team gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Thakur picked up three wickets in the 19th over which throttled Sri Lanka's batting. Sri Lanka only managed to score 142 runs which India easily chased. Thakur also stated that playing cricket continuously for the last two-three years has helped him to get better at his game. "I feel, T20 is such a short format and it is always going to be up and down. The more you play, the more experience you get and you keep learning. Whereas, the five-day format is a more settled format and you have time to think about your game. But in T20, you have to make precise decisions," he said. Thakur further credited his innings in IPL and domestic cricket for giving him an edge in his performance, over the years. "...Over a period of years, while practicing, I have been developing my skills and just brushing it up. I think by playing continuously for the last 2-3 years, in the IPL and domestic circuit, I am getting better," Thakur added. The third T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played on January 20.

T20I: 'Worked hard, happy with my performance,' says Shardul Thakur post victory over Sri Lanka

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said that it has advised all Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice.&nbsp;

According to government sources, Indian airlines have been told to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf region due to the escalating tension in the said areas.&nbsp;

"Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq," MEA said as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," it stated.&nbsp;

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MEA: Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq <a href="https://t.co/Ol0SxgWnQC">https://t.co/Ol0SxgWnQC</a>
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Singapore Airlines has also issued a statement communicating that all its flights to and from Europe will not fly over the Iranian airspace in the view of the latest developments in the region. The United States has also restricted all its civilian carriers from flying over the Gulf airspace.&nbsp;

Iran on Wednesday fired over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">a dozen ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq</a>&nbsp;in retaliation to the US strikes at Baghdad International Airport that killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.&nbsp;

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Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran does not seek escalation or war but will defend itself against any form of aggression.&nbsp;

"Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence&nbsp;under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens &amp; senior officials were launched," Zarif said today.

Meanwhile, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-all-passengers-aboard-ukrainian-airplane-killed-in-crash-272841">Ukranian airplane - a Boeing 737 plane</a>, today crashed near Tehran's primary airport shortly after taking off for Kiev.&nbsp;

The plane, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off Iran's capital city's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag. All passengers on board, as many as 170, have been killed in the air crash. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said that it has advised all Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice. According to government sources, Indian airlines have been told to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf region due to the escalating tension in the said areas.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said that it has advised all Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice. According to government sources, Indian airlines have been told to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and the Gulf region due to the escalating tension in the said areas. "Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq," MEA said as reported by news agency ANI. "Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," it stated. MEA: Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq https://t.co/Ol0SxgWnQC — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 × Singapore Airlines has also issued a statement communicating that all its flights to and from Europe will not fly over the Iranian airspace in the view of the latest developments in the region. The United States has also restricted all its civilian carriers from flying over the Gulf airspace. Iran on Wednesday fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq in retaliation to the US strikes at Baghdad International Airport that killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3. Directorate General of Civil Aviation: We had held meetings with the concerned Airlines and have sensitized them to remain vigilant and take all precautions https://t.co/8g91GFYBI8 — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020 × Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran does not seek escalation or war but will defend itself against any form of aggression. "Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched," Zarif said today. Meanwhile, a Ukranian airplane - a Boeing 737 plane, today crashed near Tehran's primary airport shortly after taking off for Kiev. The plane, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off Iran's capital city's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag. All passengers on board, as many as 170, have been killed in the air crash.

Amid escalating tension, Indian air carriers told to avoid airspace of Iran, Iran and Gulf region

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's <a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-to-seek-help-from-lebanon-over-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-272709">mysterious escape from Japan</a> to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.&nbsp;

Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!"&nbsp;

"Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Nissan</a>", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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"I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut.&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.&nbsp;

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case. Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!" "Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: 'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and Nissan", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do. Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial. × "I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut. Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan. The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.

Wasn't aware of anything: Carlos Ghosn's wife after Japanese authorities issue arrest warrant for her

January 05 in History: An unexpected announcement, disappearance of first woman to fly solo and more

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday.

"Dense to very dense fog at isolated places very likely over Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh and dense fog over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, East Rajasthan during night/morning hours during next 2 days," the IMD said.

IMD, in its early morning weather bulletin, added, "Dense to very dense fog recorded in isolated pockets over West Uttar Pradesh and West Madhya Pradesh and moderate fog in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Tripura."

Moreover, IMD predicted thunderstorm accompanied by hail and lightning at isolated places over Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 6.

On Sunday, the overall air quality in Delhi continued to be in the 'very poor'&nbsp;category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 336.Moreover, a minimum temperature of 7.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Delhi's Palam as cold wave intensified in the area.

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday.

Dense to very dense fog is likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Northeast during the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday. "Dense to very dense fog at isolated places very likely over Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh and dense fog over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, East Rajasthan during night/morning hours during next 2 days," the IMD said. IMD, in its early morning weather bulletin, added, "Dense to very dense fog recorded in isolated pockets over West Uttar Pradesh and West Madhya Pradesh and moderate fog in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Tripura." Moreover, IMD predicted thunderstorm accompanied by hail and lightning at isolated places over Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 6. On Sunday, the overall air quality in Delhi continued to be in the 'very poor' category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 336.Moreover, a minimum temperature of 7.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Delhi's Palam as cold wave intensified in the area.

Dense fog likely in UP, Rajasthan, parts of Northeast during next two days: IMD

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-cm-sent-portfolio-allocation-final-list-to-governor-for-approval-jayant-patil-272209">allocation of portfolios</a> on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mla-threatens-to-resign-after-denied-ministerial-berth-in-maharashtra-272214">Congress</a> alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced.

As per the portfolio distribution, NCP's Ajit Pawar who was recently sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister will look after Finance and Planning, Anil Deshmukh will take care of Home department, Jayant Patil will look after Water Resources, Chhagan Bhujbal has been given charge of Food and Supply ministry whereas Nawab Malik is assigned with the charge of Minority welfare.

Congress's Balasaheb Thorat has been allocated the Revenue department, Ashok Chavan with Public Works Department (PWD) while Varsha Gaikwad will look after School Education.

Among Shiv Sena leaders, first time MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who was also at the forefront of Aarey protest, has been assigned with the responsibility of Environment and Tourism.

Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department.

Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education.

Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department.

The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

On December 30, a total of 36 leaders from Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, including Ajit Pawar and Aaditya Thackeray, took oath as ministers in the Maharashtra government. 
&nbsp;

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray.

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced. As per the portfolio distribution, NCP's Ajit Pawar who was recently sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister will look after Finance and Planning, Anil Deshmukh will take care of Home department, Jayant Patil will look after Water Resources, Chhagan Bhujbal has been given charge of Food and Supply ministry whereas Nawab Malik is assigned with the charge of Minority welfare. Congress's Balasaheb Thorat has been allocated the Revenue department, Ashok Chavan with Public Works Department (PWD) while Varsha Gaikwad will look after School Education. Among Shiv Sena leaders, first time MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who was also at the forefront of Aarey protest, has been assigned with the responsibility of Environment and Tourism. Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department. Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education. Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department. The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. On December 30, a total of 36 leaders from Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, including Ajit Pawar and Aaditya Thackeray, took oath as ministers in the Maharashtra government.

Maharashtra portfolio distribution: Ajit Pawar gets Finance, Aaditya Thackeray to look after Environment

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters.

"My supporters and I have decided to submit our resignation letters to the state party president. I have been elected as the MLA for the third time and I work for my people. Still, I have not been made a minister," Gorantyal told reporters.

"I will meet Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Balasaheb Thorat and submit my resignation from party posts. Party members of the Jalna Municipal Council, Zilla Parishad will also submit their resignations along with me," he added.

Gorantyal has won from the Jalna Assembly seat in 1999, 2009 and 2019 elections.

Earlier, reports of Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar offering to step down from his post in the Cabinet had also surfaced.

Sattar had, however, said that he would hold talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and accept the latter`s decision as final.&nbsp;

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters.

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters. "My supporters and I have decided to submit our resignation letters to the state party president. I have been elected as the MLA for the third time and I work for my people. Still, I have not been made a minister," Gorantyal told reporters. "I will meet Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Balasaheb Thorat and submit my resignation from party posts. Party members of the Jalna Municipal Council, Zilla Parishad will also submit their resignations along with me," he added. Gorantyal has won from the Jalna Assembly seat in 1999, 2009 and 2019 elections. Earlier, reports of Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar offering to step down from his post in the Cabinet had also surfaced. Sattar had, however, said that he would hold talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and accept the latter`s decision as final.

Congress MLA threatens to resign after denied ministerial berth in Maharashtra

No State or official can refuse to take part in the National Population Register (NPR) which is a mandatory exercise, said Sushil Kumar Modi, deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Not complying with it would be against the Constitution, he said.

While addressing a press conference on Saturday, he announced that the NPR would be updated in Bihar from May 15 to May 28 and that the nationwide exercise has to be carried out between April 1 to September 30.

"NPR is part of population census. No state can refuse to participate in the exercise or refuse to make it. No official can refuse to take part in it," said Sushil Kumar Modi.

"If someone refuses to do it then disciplinary action would be taken and monetary fine of Rs 1000 would be imposed," he said.

"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan cannot refuse to carry it out. That would be against the Constitution," said Modi.

Union Cabinet on December 24 approved a proposal to update NPR. The NPR was discussed thoroughly at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister also asked the ministers to reach out to masses to highlight the plight of refugees who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan due to religious persecution.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

No State or official can refuse to take part in the National Population Register (NPR) which is a mandatory exercise, said Sushil Kumar Modi, deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

No State or official can refuse to take part in the National Population Register (NPR) which is a mandatory exercise, said Sushil Kumar Modi, deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Not complying with it would be against the Constitution, he said. While addressing a press conference on Saturday, he announced that the NPR would be updated in Bihar from May 15 to May 28 and that the nationwide exercise has to be carried out between April 1 to September 30. "NPR is part of population census. No state can refuse to participate in the exercise or refuse to make it. No official can refuse to take part in it," said Sushil Kumar Modi. "If someone refuses to do it then disciplinary action would be taken and monetary fine of Rs 1000 would be imposed," he said. "West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan cannot refuse to carry it out. That would be against the Constitution," said Modi. Union Cabinet on December 24 approved a proposal to update NPR. The NPR was discussed thoroughly at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, the Prime Minister also asked the ministers to reach out to masses to highlight the plight of refugees who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan due to religious persecution.

Refusal to take part in NPR by any State or official against Constitution: Sushil Kumar Modi

Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said that the outcome of the dogfight involving Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman could have been different had the IAF got the Rafale jets sooner.

"If Abhinandan was flying a Rafale and not a MiG-21, the equation in that air battle would have been different. Why was he not flying a Rafale, because you took ten years to decide which aircraft you want to buy," Dhanoa said at an event on Saturday.

Further questioning the politicisation of defence acquisition deals he added, "If you politicise defence acquisition system, the whole system goes behind. Other files also start moving at a slow pace. When could artillery get a new gun after Bofors? Bofors is good gun but was mired in controversy, same way Rafale was questioned."

Dhanoa also termed the S-400 missile system as a 'game-changer'&nbsp;and stressed the need to speed up the defence acquisition process.

"I have always said that S-400 is a game-changer ... It is a very good deal by the government to get S-400," Dhanoa said.

During Pakistani counter-attack on India on February 27, 2019 in response to Balakot airstrikes, Abhinandan had flown a MiG 21 Bison fighter into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Abhinandan had been grounded due to ejection from his MiG-21 which had been shot down in aerial conflict with Pakistan Air Force F-16s.Vir Chakra awardee Varthaman who shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet post-Balakot operations had resumed flying operations on August 23.

The officer has started flying after medical clearance.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said that the outcome of the dogfight involving Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman could have been different had the IAF got the Rafale jets sooner.

Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said that the outcome of the dogfight involving Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman could have been different had the IAF got the Rafale jets sooner. "If Abhinandan was flying a Rafale and not a MiG-21, the equation in that air battle would have been different. Why was he not flying a Rafale, because you took ten years to decide which aircraft you want to buy," Dhanoa said at an event on Saturday. Further questioning the politicisation of defence acquisition deals he added, "If you politicise defence acquisition system, the whole system goes behind. Other files also start moving at a slow pace. When could artillery get a new gun after Bofors? Bofors is good gun but was mired in controversy, same way Rafale was questioned." Dhanoa also termed the S-400 missile system as a 'game-changer' and stressed the need to speed up the defence acquisition process. "I have always said that S-400 is a game-changer ... It is a very good deal by the government to get S-400," Dhanoa said. During Pakistani counter-attack on India on February 27, 2019 in response to Balakot airstrikes, Abhinandan had flown a MiG 21 Bison fighter into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Abhinandan had been grounded due to ejection from his MiG-21 which had been shot down in aerial conflict with Pakistan Air Force F-16s.Vir Chakra awardee Varthaman who shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet post-Balakot operations had resumed flying operations on August 23. The officer has started flying after medical clearance.

Equation in air battle would have been different if Abhinandan was flying Rafale: Dhanoa

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kota-infant-deaths-action-being-taken-against-those-at-fault-says-harish-rawat-272058">infants'&nbsp;death</a> in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur.

In Dr Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur district, 146 infants have died in the past month.

The hospital administration, however, said that the number of child deaths was quite low as compared to the number of children admitted in the hospital in December and added that the hospital gets very serious cases referred from other hospitals in the region which has led to the high number of deaths.

"We are the biggest hospital in western Rajasthan. We even get infants and other patients who are referred from AIIMS, Jodhpur. 4,689 admissions of infants were done in the month of December alone, out of which 146 died. Therefore, the mortality rate is just 3 per cent which comes under acceptable norms," Dr SS Rathore, Principal of the SN Medical College told ANI.

"The number of deaths might seem high but one should also see that the number of admissions is quite high at our hospital. Also, there were different reasons behind the death of infants which have occurred in the hospital," he added.So far, more than 100 children have lost their lives in the JK Lon Hospital in Kota.Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 infants' death in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur.

At a time when the death toll at Kota's JK Lon Hospital continues to rise, the disturbing reports of 146 infants' death in the month of December alone emerged from another hospital in Jodhpur. In Dr Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur district, 146 infants have died in the past month. The hospital administration, however, said that the number of child deaths was quite low as compared to the number of children admitted in the hospital in December and added that the hospital gets very serious cases referred from other hospitals in the region which has led to the high number of deaths. "We are the biggest hospital in western Rajasthan. We even get infants and other patients who are referred from AIIMS, Jodhpur. 4,689 admissions of infants were done in the month of December alone, out of which 146 died. Therefore, the mortality rate is just 3 per cent which comes under acceptable norms," Dr SS Rathore, Principal of the SN Medical College told ANI. "The number of deaths might seem high but one should also see that the number of admissions is quite high at our hospital. Also, there were different reasons behind the death of infants which have occurred in the hospital," he added.So far, more than 100 children have lost their lives in the JK Lon Hospital in Kota.Further details are awaited.

Rajasthan: 146 infants die in December in Jodhpur hospital

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had sent Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval.

"About portfolio allocation, I am also waiting like all of Maharashtra. According to my information, the Chief Minister has sent the final list to Raj Bhavan at 7:30 pm today itself," Patil's tweet, roughly translated in English from Marathi, read.

In the tweet, the Nationalist Congress Party leader also expressed the hope that the Governor will soon approve the list sent by the Chief Minister. Earlier on Saturday, NCP leader and minister Nawab Malik said that the distribution of portfolios will be completed by Monday.

"The reason for the delay is not due to anything else but because we are considering creating new departments. So it's taking time. Portfolios will be allocated by Monday," Malik said.

Rumours were rife that over-ambition of Congress was to be blamed for the delay of portfolio distribution. However, it has now been refuted by Malik who said no party was behind the delay.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had sent Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval.

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had sent Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval. "About portfolio allocation, I am also waiting like all of Maharashtra. According to my information, the Chief Minister has sent the final list to Raj Bhavan at 7:30 pm today itself," Patil's tweet, roughly translated in English from Marathi, read. In the tweet, the Nationalist Congress Party leader also expressed the hope that the Governor will soon approve the list sent by the Chief Minister. Earlier on Saturday, NCP leader and minister Nawab Malik said that the distribution of portfolios will be completed by Monday. "The reason for the delay is not due to anything else but because we are considering creating new departments. So it's taking time. Portfolios will be allocated by Monday," Malik said. Rumours were rife that over-ambition of Congress was to be blamed for the delay of portfolio distribution. However, it has now been refuted by Malik who said no party was behind the delay.

Maharashtra CM sent portfolio allocation final list to Governor for approval: Jayant Patil

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