Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has filed a review petition on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-gives-6-month-extension-to-army-chief-qamar-bajwa-265076">General Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension</a> and seeks a larger bench to hear the matter.&nbsp;

Pakistan Supreme Court, last month, granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa stating that he will continue serving as Chief of Army Staff for six months. The Parliament was to decide on his further tenure.

The PTI government's move follows the retirement of Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa who had delivered the Bajwa's extension last month.&nbsp;

"The extension of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is for 6 months, subject to relative legislation through parliament which will decide his further tenure," Pak Chief Justice then ruled.

Pakistan's apex court, in its ruling last month, suspended the decision to extend Bajwa's tenure which was approved by the government for three years in August.

The top court cited a series of irregularities and ordered the government and the army to produce legal provisions and detailed arguments on the extending Bajwa's tenure for three years.

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has filed a review petition on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension and seeks a larger bench to hear the matter.

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has filed a review petition on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension and seeks a larger bench to hear the matter. Pakistan Supreme Court, last month, granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa stating that he will continue serving as Chief of Army Staff for six months. The Parliament was to decide on his further tenure. The PTI government's move follows the retirement of Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa who had delivered the Bajwa's extension last month. "The extension of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is for 6 months, subject to relative legislation through parliament which will decide his further tenure," Pak Chief Justice then ruled. Pakistan's apex court, in its ruling last month, suspended the decision to extend Bajwa's tenure which was approved by the government for three years in August. The top court cited a series of irregularities and ordered the government and the army to produce legal provisions and detailed arguments on the extending Bajwa's tenure for three years.

Pakistan: Imran Khan-led government challenges Supreme Court's decision on Bajwa's tenure

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court.

The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

"This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. 
 
In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration.

"I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read.

"I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. 
 
The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world.

"I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote.

Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis.

He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

&nbsp;

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell. "This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration. "I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read. "I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world. "I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote. Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis. He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year: Leander Paes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-appeal-for-calm-dont-listen-to-rumours-pm-modi-on-anti-caa-protest-270189">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Wednesday remembered former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality".

The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan.&nbsp;

Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces". PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality". The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan. Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. "A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.

Good governance is possible by thinking of problems in totality: PM Modi 

Country's apex court - the Supreme Court of India pronounced a series of landmark judgments in 2019, which not only will remain embedded in history but also in our minds in times to come.

Many of these verdicts were passed during the tenure of former chief justice of India Ranjan Gogoi's who also brought an end to, inarguably one of the most talked-about court cases in the history of India - Ayodhya Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.

As the year draws to a close, let's have a look at the court verdict that gripped nation's attention through this year.

Ayodhya verdict

In November, the country waited with bated breath to know whether the disputed site in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, belonged to Hindus or Muslims. As the day inched closers, prohibitory orders were imposed in different parts of the country as people stayed glued to their TV sets and social media sites to know all details of the verdict in real-time.

On November 9, a five-judge bench of the apex court unanimously ruled in favour of Ram Lalla and handed over the entire disputed land which was spread over 2.7 acres to a trust, which would be formed by the government. The trust is now tasked to monitor the construction of a temple at the site.

Calling the demolition of Babri Masjid an "egregious violation of the rule of law", the top court gave alternative five acres of land for the construction of a mosque at a prominent location in the same city. Not happy with the allotment of a separate land, a batch of petitions were filed against the judgment which was all later dismissed.

Rafale verdict

Rafale jet fighter deal not only remained a discussed topic in the defence circle but also made its way to the electoral battle before the issue was settled by the top court orders.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph dismissed a batch of review petitions filed against the court's December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The petitioners had sought registration of FIR and CBI probe into their complaint against Rafale purchase.

In 2018, the court had dismissed petitions seeking court-monitored probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement of jets. The court also said that it was not their job to go into the issue of pricing of the fighter planes.

On the outset, the bench also closed a contempt petition filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing his "chowkidar chor hai" slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rafale case to the top court.

Sabarimala case

In a 3:2 split verdict, the Supreme Court referred to a larger constitution bench a batch of review petitions against its September 2018 verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple.

The 2018 judgement of the court had sparked a series of protest across the state. This had lead to the filing of petitions seeking review of the top court's order. The petitions challenged the authority of the court to intervene in a belief of the people.

The review plea which was allowed by the court and will be heard in the time to come also argued that the Sabarimala deity is a "Brahmachari" [celibate] and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. Now, it is to be seen what the seven-judge bench rules in the matter.

Dismissal of Nirbhaya rapist's review petition

One of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, Akshay Kumar Singh, availed one of his legal remedies and moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its order which had convicted him and three others in the case.

Nirbhaya's mother also moved an application opposing his petition and at the same time pressing that they be hanged soon.

Giving relief to her, the top court rejected Akshay's petition. The review petition of the other three convicts was already rejected by the court last year. Now, the convicts who are facing the gallows will file curative and mercy petitions as a last resort. They are raped and murdered a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus in December 2012. The case shook the conscience of the entire nation and also helped in shaping the rape laws.

Chief Justice of India under Right to Information

In an unusual case, the Supreme Court approached itself as one of the litigants. The case in question was whether the office of Chief Justice of India comes under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

The issue arose from an appeal filed by the secretary-general and central public information officer of the apex court against the January 2010 judgment of the Delhi High Court which declared the CJI's office a "public authority" under the RTI Act.

Observing that transparency strengthens judicial independence, the Supreme Court last month ruled that the Chief Justice of India's Office is a "public authority" and comes under the ambit of RTI Act. It, however, contended that the Act cannot be used as a means of surveillance.

Maharashtra government formation

The government formed by BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar came crumbing down after the Supreme Court ordered for a floor test to be conducted.

Observing that there is a possibility of horse-trading if the floor test is delayed, the court ordered it to be conducted through an open ballot and be telecasted live to determine the strength of the BJP-led Maharashtra government.

Within hours, Fadnavis resigned from the post of chief minister thus paving a way for Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena to form the government.

Sexual harassment charges against Ranjan Gogoi

The Supreme Court's in-house committee gave a clean chit to former CJI Ranjan Gogoi after allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him by a former woman staffer earlier this year.

Feeling dejected, the woman said that she is on the verge of losing faith in the idea of justice. The clean chit was given to the CJI also received widespread criticism after the report of the committee was not made public.

Maradu flat demolition

The Supreme Court in May this year ordered the Kerala government to demolish four high-rise buildings in Maradu area of Kerala's Kochi city for violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. As many as four hundred flats are set to be razed down by a controlled explosion on January 11 and 12 next year.

The apex court also ordered the state government to give interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the disgruntled flat owners.

P Chidambaram bail petition&nbsp;

Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who was put under lock and key in a matter pertaining to a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media during his tenure in 2007, sought bail from the Supreme Court.

Chidambaram was lodged in Tihar Jail in both corruption and money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), respectively. The bail plea was allowed by the Supreme Court in both cases.

The court observed that he was not a flight risk and that there was no possibility of him tampering with the evidence.

Reservation to Maratha community

The Supreme Court refused to stay the judgment passed by Bombay High Court and upheld the reservation given to the Maratha community in educational institutions and government jobs.

The order had come days after the Bombay High Court directed to cap the reservation for the community at 12 per cent for admission in educational institutions and 13 per cent for government jobs.

Cancellation of Amrapali's RERA registration

In a major relief to the disgruntled homebuyers, the top court cancelled Amrapali's Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act registration. The court directed the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to complete the unfinished housing projects of Amrapali in Noida and Greater Noida areas and handover them to the homebuyers as soon as possible.

The bench also directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct a detailed investigation against the group for diverting homebuyers' money.

Jammu and Kashmir Habeas Corpus petition

After the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated and various politicians were put under detention, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury approached the court challenging the detention of his party leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami.

He moved a Habeas Corpus petition which seeks the person under arrest to be brought before a court, especially to secure their release.

The Supreme Court then allowed Yechury to meet his friend in Srinagar and filed an affidavit. On its basis, Tarigami was shifted to All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) for treatment. In another case, the court refused to pass any order on Habeas Corpus petition seeking production of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who is under detention, before it.

Dilution of SC/ST Act

The Supreme Court allowed Centre's petition seeking review of the court's earlier judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The Centre had sought review of judgment which stated that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the Act and arrest of public servants can only be made after approval of the appointing authority and of a non-public servant after approval by the SSP.

Karnataka MLA disqualification

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of former Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JDS MLAs under the anti-defection law and allowed them to contest the by-elections in the state.

The verdict cleared the air around the relation between resignation and disqualification of a legislator. The rebel legislators were disqualified after they tendered their resignation. The move had led to the fall of the Congress-JD (S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state.&nbsp;

Country's apex court - the Supreme Court of India pronounced a series of landmark judgments in 2019, which not only will remain embedded in history but also in our minds in times to come.

Country's apex court - the Supreme Court of India pronounced a series of landmark judgments in 2019, which not only will remain embedded in history but also in our minds in times to come. Many of these verdicts were passed during the tenure of former chief justice of India Ranjan Gogoi's who also brought an end to, inarguably one of the most talked-about court cases in the history of India - Ayodhya Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. As the year draws to a close, let's have a look at the court verdict that gripped nation's attention through this year. Ayodhya verdict In November, the country waited with bated breath to know whether the disputed site in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, belonged to Hindus or Muslims. As the day inched closers, prohibitory orders were imposed in different parts of the country as people stayed glued to their TV sets and social media sites to know all details of the verdict in real-time. On November 9, a five-judge bench of the apex court unanimously ruled in favour of Ram Lalla and handed over the entire disputed land which was spread over 2.7 acres to a trust, which would be formed by the government. The trust is now tasked to monitor the construction of a temple at the site. Calling the demolition of Babri Masjid an "egregious violation of the rule of law", the top court gave alternative five acres of land for the construction of a mosque at a prominent location in the same city. Not happy with the allotment of a separate land, a batch of petitions were filed against the judgment which was all later dismissed. Rafale verdict Rafale jet fighter deal not only remained a discussed topic in the defence circle but also made its way to the electoral battle before the issue was settled by the top court orders. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph dismissed a batch of review petitions filed against the court's December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The petitioners had sought registration of FIR and CBI probe into their complaint against Rafale purchase. In 2018, the court had dismissed petitions seeking court-monitored probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement of jets. The court also said that it was not their job to go into the issue of pricing of the fighter planes. On the outset, the bench also closed a contempt petition filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing his "chowkidar chor hai" slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rafale case to the top court. Sabarimala case In a 3:2 split verdict, the Supreme Court referred to a larger constitution bench a batch of review petitions against its September 2018 verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple. The 2018 judgement of the court had sparked a series of protest across the state. This had lead to the filing of petitions seeking review of the top court's order. The petitions challenged the authority of the court to intervene in a belief of the people. The review plea which was allowed by the court and will be heard in the time to come also argued that the Sabarimala deity is a "Brahmachari" [celibate] and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. Now, it is to be seen what the seven-judge bench rules in the matter. Dismissal of Nirbhaya rapist's review petition One of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, Akshay Kumar Singh, availed one of his legal remedies and moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its order which had convicted him and three others in the case. Nirbhaya's mother also moved an application opposing his petition and at the same time pressing that they be hanged soon. Giving relief to her, the top court rejected Akshay's petition. The review petition of the other three convicts was already rejected by the court last year. Now, the convicts who are facing the gallows will file curative and mercy petitions as a last resort. They are raped and murdered a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus in December 2012. The case shook the conscience of the entire nation and also helped in shaping the rape laws. Chief Justice of India under Right to Information In an unusual case, the Supreme Court approached itself as one of the litigants. The case in question was whether the office of Chief Justice of India comes under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The issue arose from an appeal filed by the secretary-general and central public information officer of the apex court against the January 2010 judgment of the Delhi High Court which declared the CJI's office a "public authority" under the RTI Act. Observing that transparency strengthens judicial independence, the Supreme Court last month ruled that the Chief Justice of India's Office is a "public authority" and comes under the ambit of RTI Act. It, however, contended that the Act cannot be used as a means of surveillance. Maharashtra government formation The government formed by BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar came crumbing down after the Supreme Court ordered for a floor test to be conducted. Observing that there is a possibility of horse-trading if the floor test is delayed, the court ordered it to be conducted through an open ballot and be telecasted live to determine the strength of the BJP-led Maharashtra government. Within hours, Fadnavis resigned from the post of chief minister thus paving a way for Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena to form the government. Sexual harassment charges against Ranjan Gogoi The Supreme Court's in-house committee gave a clean chit to former CJI Ranjan Gogoi after allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him by a former woman staffer earlier this year. Feeling dejected, the woman said that she is on the verge of losing faith in the idea of justice. The clean chit was given to the CJI also received widespread criticism after the report of the committee was not made public. Maradu flat demolition The Supreme Court in May this year ordered the Kerala government to demolish four high-rise buildings in Maradu area of Kerala's Kochi city for violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. As many as four hundred flats are set to be razed down by a controlled explosion on January 11 and 12 next year. The apex court also ordered the state government to give interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the disgruntled flat owners. P Chidambaram bail petition Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who was put under lock and key in a matter pertaining to a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media during his tenure in 2007, sought bail from the Supreme Court. Chidambaram was lodged in Tihar Jail in both corruption and money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), respectively. The bail plea was allowed by the Supreme Court in both cases. The court observed that he was not a flight risk and that there was no possibility of him tampering with the evidence. Reservation to Maratha community The Supreme Court refused to stay the judgment passed by Bombay High Court and upheld the reservation given to the Maratha community in educational institutions and government jobs. The order had come days after the Bombay High Court directed to cap the reservation for the community at 12 per cent for admission in educational institutions and 13 per cent for government jobs. Cancellation of Amrapali's RERA registration In a major relief to the disgruntled homebuyers, the top court cancelled Amrapali's Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act registration. The court directed the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to complete the unfinished housing projects of Amrapali in Noida and Greater Noida areas and handover them to the homebuyers as soon as possible. The bench also directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct a detailed investigation against the group for diverting homebuyers' money. Jammu and Kashmir Habeas Corpus petition After the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated and various politicians were put under detention, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury approached the court challenging the detention of his party leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami. He moved a Habeas Corpus petition which seeks the person under arrest to be brought before a court, especially to secure their release. The Supreme Court then allowed Yechury to meet his friend in Srinagar and filed an affidavit. On its basis, Tarigami was shifted to All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) for treatment. In another case, the court refused to pass any order on Habeas Corpus petition seeking production of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who is under detention, before it. Dilution of SC/ST Act The Supreme Court allowed Centre's petition seeking review of the court's earlier judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Centre had sought review of judgment which stated that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the Act and arrest of public servants can only be made after approval of the appointing authority and of a non-public servant after approval by the SSP. Karnataka MLA disqualification The Supreme Court upheld the decision of former Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JDS MLAs under the anti-defection law and allowed them to contest the by-elections in the state. The verdict cleared the air around the relation between resignation and disqualification of a legislator. The rebel legislators were disqualified after they tendered their resignation. The move had led to the fall of the Congress-JD (S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state.

From the corridors of judiciary: Supreme Court verdicts that held nation's attention in 2019

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to allow a one-time import of polio markers from India.&nbsp;

The markers are used to mark the fingers of children after administering them polio vaccine and are approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Pakistan's cabinet has also decided to reduce the prices of 89 polio-related medicines by 15 per cent.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan had suspended all kinds of trade since August this year. In September, the Pak government lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw materials from India.

Pakistan's polio eradication campaign has hit a major roadblock after an alarming spike in the number of polio cases, raising doubts over the quality of vaccination available in the country.&nbsp;

Officials have blamed the so-called 'fake' finger marker for their failed attempts to stop the crippling disease and have blamed China for providing low-quality markers.

India and China are the only two WHO pre-qualified manufacturers in the world.&nbsp;

In April, three polio workers were killed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region after rumoUrs on social media claimed that children were being poisoned by the vaccinations.

Pakistan is one of the only three countries in the world where polio is endemic besides Afghanistan and Nigeria.

While the vaccination drives have managed to cut the disease sharply, the latest jump in cases this year has become a cause of worry for health officials.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to allow a one-time import of polio markers from India. The markers are used to mark the fingers of children after administering them polio vaccine and are approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has decided to allow a one-time import of polio markers from India. The markers are used to mark the fingers of children after administering them polio vaccine and are approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Pakistan's cabinet has also decided to reduce the prices of 89 polio-related medicines by 15 per cent. India and Pakistan had suspended all kinds of trade since August this year. In September, the Pak government lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw materials from India. Pakistan's polio eradication campaign has hit a major roadblock after an alarming spike in the number of polio cases, raising doubts over the quality of vaccination available in the country. Officials have blamed the so-called 'fake' finger marker for their failed attempts to stop the crippling disease and have blamed China for providing low-quality markers. India and China are the only two WHO pre-qualified manufacturers in the world. In April, three polio workers were killed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region after rumoUrs on social media claimed that children were being poisoned by the vaccinations. Pakistan is one of the only three countries in the world where polio is endemic besides Afghanistan and Nigeria. While the vaccination drives have managed to cut the disease sharply, the latest jump in cases this year has become a cause of worry for health officials.

Pakistan to import polio markers from India

Not so merry! When Christmas festivities turn into 'protests'

A day after the chairman of the Socialist Party, Upendra Yadav, resigned from the post of deputy prime minister, the Madhesi party on Wednesday withdrew its support from -led government dragging it down to a simple majority government from a two-third majority in the Parliament.

The angst Socialist Party-Nepal decided to withdraw its support accusing Prime Minister Oli of failing to keep the pre-alliance agreement of the constitution amendment.

The ruling, Nepal Communist Party is now left with 174 seats, nine short of two-third majority. With the support of the Socialist Party, which has 17 MPs, the incumbent government had a clear-cut two-third majority with 191 MPs.

Out of a total of 275 members, a party requires a total of 183 to have the two-third majority in the Parliament.

"We were on board with the government over the issue of a constitutional amendment; that is not going to be fulfilled, you all very well know that our two ministers who were on board have already resigned. Today our party's central working committee has decided to withdraw support extended to the incumbent government under the leadership of Nepal Communist Party, KP Sharma Oli-led government. Now our party, the Socialist Party- Nepal will act as opposition and would act accordingly," Upendra Yadav, Chairperson of Socialist Party- Nepal who resigned from the post of Deputy Prime Minister as well as law minister told reporters on Wednesday.

A day earlier, Yadav along with another sitting minister from his party had tendered resignation to Oli over dissatisfaction for not taking the amendment proposal forward as per the agreement.

In the press meeting, Yadav claimed that the party wouldn't give up the issue of the constitutional amendment but would fight for it from the Parliament as well as the road in the coming days.

"Measures to build pressure for Constitution amendment would be parliamentary measures and going to the people or fight along with them to revise the constitution, the attempt would be peaceful, far from violence in the parliament and road, discussions in between and other means to complete it. Make the constitution acceptable for all, this movement would continue further," Yadav further clarified.

As the Socialist Party walks out of government and withdraws it's support from the KP Sharma Oli-led cabinet, a question has arisen whether the prime minister would face a vote of confidence.

As per the Clause 100 (2) which has provision regarding vote of confidence and Motion of No-Confidence states, "If the political party which the Prime Minister represents is divided or a political party in coalition government withdraws its support, the Prime Minister shall table a motion in the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence within thirty days."

Though, the Rashtriya Janata Party- Nepal (RJP-N) who also had withdrawn support for Oli government and no vote of confidence took place because there was no representation on board from its side.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after the chairman of the Socialist Party, Upendra Yadav, resigned from the post of deputy prime minister, the Madhesi party on Wednesday withdrew its support from -led government dragging it down to a simple majority government from a two-third majority in the Parliament.

A day after the chairman of the Socialist Party, Upendra Yadav, resigned from the post of deputy prime minister, the Madhesi party on Wednesday withdrew its support from -led government dragging it down to a simple majority government from a two-third majority in the Parliament. The angst Socialist Party-Nepal decided to withdraw its support accusing Prime Minister Oli of failing to keep the pre-alliance agreement of the constitution amendment. The ruling, Nepal Communist Party is now left with 174 seats, nine short of two-third majority. With the support of the Socialist Party, which has 17 MPs, the incumbent government had a clear-cut two-third majority with 191 MPs. Out of a total of 275 members, a party requires a total of 183 to have the two-third majority in the Parliament. "We were on board with the government over the issue of a constitutional amendment; that is not going to be fulfilled, you all very well know that our two ministers who were on board have already resigned. Today our party's central working committee has decided to withdraw support extended to the incumbent government under the leadership of Nepal Communist Party, KP Sharma Oli-led government. Now our party, the Socialist Party- Nepal will act as opposition and would act accordingly," Upendra Yadav, Chairperson of Socialist Party- Nepal who resigned from the post of Deputy Prime Minister as well as law minister told reporters on Wednesday. A day earlier, Yadav along with another sitting minister from his party had tendered resignation to Oli over dissatisfaction for not taking the amendment proposal forward as per the agreement. In the press meeting, Yadav claimed that the party wouldn't give up the issue of the constitutional amendment but would fight for it from the Parliament as well as the road in the coming days. "Measures to build pressure for Constitution amendment would be parliamentary measures and going to the people or fight along with them to revise the constitution, the attempt would be peaceful, far from violence in the parliament and road, discussions in between and other means to complete it. Make the constitution acceptable for all, this movement would continue further," Yadav further clarified. As the Socialist Party walks out of government and withdraws it's support from the KP Sharma Oli-led cabinet, a question has arisen whether the prime minister would face a vote of confidence. As per the Clause 100 (2) which has provision regarding vote of confidence and Motion of No-Confidence states, "If the political party which the Prime Minister represents is divided or a political party in coalition government withdraws its support, the Prime Minister shall table a motion in the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence within thirty days." Though, the Rashtriya Janata Party- Nepal (RJP-N) who also had withdrawn support for Oli government and no vote of confidence took place because there was no representation on board from its side.

Nepal: Oli-led government loses two-third majority, Socialist Party withdraws support

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-williams-new-family-christmas-card-gives-stiff-competition-to-brother-harrys-see-photo-270118">the British royal family</a> celebrated Christmas day, two of the important members - Prince Andrew and Queen's husband Prince Philip - gave family's traditional mid-morning walk to church a miss.&nbsp;

According to reports, Prince Andrew avoided the limelight and attended an earlier service with other relatives. Prince Philip stayed away as he was only discharged from hospital on Tuesday where he was being treated for what Buckingham Palace described as a pre-existing condition, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Queen Elizabeth's second son, Prince Andrew, has kept a low profile since he stepped down from royal duties last month in the wake of a scandal over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🎄 Happy Christmas! 
 
This morning The Prince of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined Her Majesty The Queen and Members of the <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> for the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. <a href="https://t.co/cdhrh0OJub">pic.twitter.com/cdhrh0OJub</a>
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1209796471383572483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Although Andrew did not join other members of the family for the traditional morning walk to the 11 am service, he was seen walking along a path with his brother Prince Charles to St Mary Magdalene church near the Queen's estate in Sandringham, eastern England in time for a 9 am service.

<img alt="Royal family" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6068b1d5-610f-45db-9b8f-4bd5ad555027" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/royal%20family%201.JPG" />

As per reports, the queen was there for both the services.&nbsp;

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The Queen attended the Christmas morning service today at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. 
 
Thank you to everyone who came to say hello – and Merry Christmas! <a href="https://t.co/kjwyJtOvlU">pic.twitter.com/kjwyJtOvlU</a>
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1209838448850489346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The royal family's traditional mid-morning walk to church saw Prince&nbsp;Charles, his wife Camilla in attendance.

Other members of the royal family who were present included Prince William along with his wife Kate and their two children. Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their maiden Christmas gathering at St Mary Magdalene Church on Wednesday.

Prince Harry and his family - wife Meghan Markel and baby Archie - are away on a visit to Canada.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

While the British royal family celebrated Christmas day, two of the important members - Prince Andrew and Queen's husband Prince Philip - gave family's traditional mid-morning walk to church a miss.

While the British royal family celebrated Christmas day, two of the important members - Prince Andrew and Queen's husband Prince Philip - gave family's traditional mid-morning walk to church a miss. According to reports, Prince Andrew avoided the limelight and attended an earlier service with other relatives. Prince Philip stayed away as he was only discharged from hospital on Tuesday where he was being treated for what Buckingham Palace described as a pre-existing condition, news agency Reuters reported. Queen Elizabeth's second son, Prince Andrew, has kept a low profile since he stepped down from royal duties last month in the wake of a scandal over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 🎄 Happy Christmas! This morning The Prince of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined Her Majesty The Queen and Members of the @RoyalFamily for the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. pic.twitter.com/cdhrh0OJub — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 25, 2019 × Although Andrew did not join other members of the family for the traditional morning walk to the 11 am service, he was seen walking along a path with his brother Prince Charles to St Mary Magdalene church near the Queen's estate in Sandringham, eastern England in time for a 9 am service. As per reports, the queen was there for both the services. The Queen attended the Christmas morning service today at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Thank you to everyone who came to say hello – and Merry Christmas! pic.twitter.com/kjwyJtOvlU — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2019 × The royal family's traditional mid-morning walk to church saw Prince Charles, his wife Camilla in attendance. Other members of the royal family who were present included Prince William along with his wife Kate and their two children. Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their maiden Christmas gathering at St Mary Magdalene Church on Wednesday. Prince Harry and his family - wife Meghan Markel and baby Archie - are away on a visit to Canada. (With inputs from Reuters)

British Royal family celebrate Christmas in style, Prince Andrew and Prince Philip give it a miss; see pics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tribute and commemorated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 95th birth anniversary. On the occasion, the prime minister unveiled former PM's statue at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan, laid the foundation stone of a university and launched a scheme in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tribute and commemorated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 95th birth anniversary. On the occasion, the prime minister unveiled former PM's statue at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan, laid the foundation stone of a university and launched a scheme in New Delhi. While speaking at events in Lucknow and New Delhi, the prime minister touched upon a range of issues - from anti-CAA protests to tackling the water problem in the country. Appeal for calm Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Don't resort to violence. People listened to rumours and rumour-mongering fueled violence," the prime minister said during his address in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The prime minister said that issues like Article 370 and Ram temple in Ayodhya have been "resolved peacefully" in the country. Citizens' responsibility PM Modi asked people to introspect if damaging public property in the name protest was right. He said it is the citizens' responsibility to take care of the public property. "People who damaged public property and were involved in violence in the name of protests in UP, should introspect if what they did was right," he said. "A secure atmosphere is our right but it's also the duty of the citizens to respect the work of police," he said. Tackling water issues Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India' will have to work together to tackle water issues."New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis. For this, we are working together on five levels," he said after inaugurating the Atal Bhujal Yojana in New Delhi to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Hail Atal Ji! The prime minister unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan today. He also paid his tribute to the former PM on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary. "Atal ji used to say that life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces. The same is true for the government, the same is true for good governance. Good governance is also not possible until we think of the problems in totality," PM Modi said in Lucknow. 'Ayushman Bharat' The prime minister also said that around 70 lakh people have benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat--Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health insurance scheme. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of Atal Bihari Medical University in Lucknow, Prime Minister Modi termed Ayushman Bharat as the "world's largest scheme". "In less time, 70 lakh people have benefitted from this scheme... Out of this, around 11 lakh people are from Uttar Pradesh," Prime Minister Modi said."The Central government`s road map for the health sector is -- first, working on preventive healthcare; second is expanding affordable healthcare, and the third is the supply side interventions, which means ensuring supply in view of every demand of this sector, and fourth is the mission mode intervention," the PM said. (With inputs from ANI)

Citizens' responsibility is to take care of public property: Highlights of PM Modi's address

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond.

"We expect from respondent No 1 [Union government] that the policy decision of extension of free education under the of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 to children of disadvantaged group even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond Class VIII up to Class XII in the same school, would be taken at the earliest. It will be a major policy decision which involves financial aspect," a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by a civil right group Social Jurist through advocate Ashok Agarwal.

The government had earlier told the court a new national education policy is presently under formulation.

The issue of extension of the RTE Act beyond elementary level is a major policy decision and has been discussed by the Committee set up for preparing a draft of National Policy on Education, it said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to take a decision on the extension of free education to disadvantaged children even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond. "We expect from respondent No 1 [Union government] that the policy decision of extension of free education under the of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 to children of disadvantaged group even after attaining the age of 14 years or beyond Class VIII up to Class XII in the same school, would be taken at the earliest. It will be a major policy decision which involves financial aspect," a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar said. The court was hearing a plea filed by a civil right group Social Jurist through advocate Ashok Agarwal. The government had earlier told the court a new national education policy is presently under formulation. The issue of extension of the RTE Act beyond elementary level is a major policy decision and has been discussed by the Committee set up for preparing a draft of National Policy on Education, it said.

Delhi High Court asks Centre to decide on extension of free education beyond age of 14 years

Tourists enjoy Christmas in Kashmir valley

Taliban militants have kidnapped 27 peace activists from a highway in Afghanistan's western Farah province, local officials and peace activists said on Wednesday.

Massoud Bakhtawar, the deputy governor of Farah, said the activists were traveling with six cars from Herat to neighbouring Farah on Tuesday evening when their convoy was stopped by the Taliban on a main highway and taken to an unknown location.

Bismillah Watandost, a member of the group, said the activists had planned to travel to various parts of Farah to call for peace and a ceasefire between the warring parties in Afghanistan.

The group, People's Peace Movement, was formed to protest violent attacks after a car bomb exploded at a sport stadium in southern Helmand province last year killing 17 civilians and wounding 50 others.

The Taliban insurgents fighting a Western-backed Kabul government now control more territory than at any time since their austere regime was toppled by US-led forces in 2001. A representative for the insurgents was not immediately available to comment.

Since last year, the activists have traveled to various parts of the country, often marching through Taliban-controlled areas to demand peace and a ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghan government.

The Taliban have previously accused the activists of being financed by the Kabul government among others, which the group have denied.

Tens of thousands of Afghan civilians, members of security forces and 2,400 US&nbsp;military personnel have been killed in fighting since 2001.

US&nbsp;officials have increased diplomatic efforts to reach a peace settlement with the Taliban and to withdraw thousands of troops in exchange for security guarantees.

Taliban militants have kidnapped 27 peace activists from a highway in Afghanistan's western Farah province, local officials and peace activists said on Wednesday.

Taliban militants have kidnapped 27 peace activists from a highway in Afghanistan's western Farah province, local officials and peace activists said on Wednesday. Massoud Bakhtawar, the deputy governor of Farah, said the activists were traveling with six cars from Herat to neighbouring Farah on Tuesday evening when their convoy was stopped by the Taliban on a main highway and taken to an unknown location. Bismillah Watandost, a member of the group, said the activists had planned to travel to various parts of Farah to call for peace and a ceasefire between the warring parties in Afghanistan. The group, People's Peace Movement, was formed to protest violent attacks after a car bomb exploded at a sport stadium in southern Helmand province last year killing 17 civilians and wounding 50 others. The Taliban insurgents fighting a Western-backed Kabul government now control more territory than at any time since their austere regime was toppled by US-led forces in 2001. A representative for the insurgents was not immediately available to comment. Since last year, the activists have traveled to various parts of the country, often marching through Taliban-controlled areas to demand peace and a ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghan government. The Taliban have previously accused the activists of being financed by the Kabul government among others, which the group have denied. Tens of thousands of Afghan civilians, members of security forces and 2,400 US military personnel have been killed in fighting since 2001. US officials have increased diplomatic efforts to reach a peace settlement with the Taliban and to withdraw thousands of troops in exchange for security guarantees.

27 local peace activists abducted in western Afghanistan

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