The Delhi Metro, the lifeline of Delhi-NCR, has completed 17 years of operations and continues to remain the most popular form of mass transport in the city.

Measuring nearly 350 kilometres and having 253 stations, the Delhi Metro network has over the years spanned length and breadth, covering every nook and corner of the city and the nearby NCR, with a ridership of over 26 lakh people annually.

On December 24, 2002, the Delhi Metro began operations along an 8.5-kilometre stretch between Shahdara and Tis Hazari stations on the Red Line.

As the years progressed, more lines have been constructed under three phases and today, Delhi has one of the most extensive metro networks in India.

It has been built with assistance from Japan, which helped Delhi Metro with funding of its projects.

Currently, there are nine-colour coded metro lines -- Red Line (Dilshad Garden to Shaheed Sthal New Bus Adda), Blue Line (Dwarka Sector 21 to Noida Electronic City/Vaishali), Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre), Green Line (Inderlok/Kirti Nagar to Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh), Violet Line (Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh Ballabhgarh), Airport Express Line (New Delhi to Dwarka Sector 21), Magenta Line (Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden), Pink Line (Majlis Park to Mayur Vihar Pocket 1 and Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake to Shiv Vihar) and Grey Line (Dwarka to Najafgarh).

To mark the occasion, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) organised an exhibition, an audio-visual look back at the journey so far, a live puppet show and an instrumental music performance at its headquarters, Metro Bhawan, at Barakhamba Road.

"Commemorating the 17 years of operations of Delhi Metro, Dr Mangu Singh, Managing Director/DMRC, viewed the exhibition featuring paintings of the metro by renowned artists and photographs taken by our passengers," DMRC tweeted.

"Celebrating the special day, an event with instrumental music, videos featuring spectacular visuals of Delhi Metro, an entertaining puppet show featuring travel etiquettes, and a special appearance by Mr Shammi Narang and Ms Rini Khanna, the voice of Delhi Metro, was organised," it said.

"On this day, 17 years ago, Delhi Metro began its operations from Shahdara to Tis Hazari. Speaking on the occasion, MD/DMRC, Dr Mangu Singh recounted his journey and interesting experiences with the Delhi Metro," Delhi Metro said in a follow-up tweet.

The DMRC has a good presence on social media, where it regularly informs commuters about delays or make announcements apart from sharing throwback photographs as well.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Delhi Metro, the lifeline of Delhi-NCR, has completed 17 years of operations and continues to remain the most popular form of mass transport in the city. Measuring nearly 350 kilometres and having 253 stations, the Delhi Metro network has over the years spanned length and breadth, covering every nook and corner of the city and the nearby NCR, with a ridership of over 26 lakh people annually.

The Delhi Metro, the lifeline of Delhi-NCR, has completed 17 years of operations and continues to remain the most popular form of mass transport in the city. Measuring nearly 350 kilometres and having 253 stations, the Delhi Metro network has over the years spanned length and breadth, covering every nook and corner of the city and the nearby NCR, with a ridership of over 26 lakh people annually. On December 24, 2002, the Delhi Metro began operations along an 8.5-kilometre stretch between Shahdara and Tis Hazari stations on the Red Line. As the years progressed, more lines have been constructed under three phases and today, Delhi has one of the most extensive metro networks in India. It has been built with assistance from Japan, which helped Delhi Metro with funding of its projects. Currently, there are nine-colour coded metro lines -- Red Line (Dilshad Garden to Shaheed Sthal New Bus Adda), Blue Line (Dwarka Sector 21 to Noida Electronic City/Vaishali), Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre), Green Line (Inderlok/Kirti Nagar to Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh), Violet Line (Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh Ballabhgarh), Airport Express Line (New Delhi to Dwarka Sector 21), Magenta Line (Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden), Pink Line (Majlis Park to Mayur Vihar Pocket 1 and Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake to Shiv Vihar) and Grey Line (Dwarka to Najafgarh). To mark the occasion, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) organised an exhibition, an audio-visual look back at the journey so far, a live puppet show and an instrumental music performance at its headquarters, Metro Bhawan, at Barakhamba Road. "Commemorating the 17 years of operations of Delhi Metro, Dr Mangu Singh, Managing Director/DMRC, viewed the exhibition featuring paintings of the metro by renowned artists and photographs taken by our passengers," DMRC tweeted. "Celebrating the special day, an event with instrumental music, videos featuring spectacular visuals of Delhi Metro, an entertaining puppet show featuring travel etiquettes, and a special appearance by Mr Shammi Narang and Ms Rini Khanna, the voice of Delhi Metro, was organised," it said. "On this day, 17 years ago, Delhi Metro began its operations from Shahdara to Tis Hazari. Speaking on the occasion, MD/DMRC, Dr Mangu Singh recounted his journey and interesting experiences with the Delhi Metro," Delhi Metro said in a follow-up tweet. The DMRC has a good presence on social media, where it regularly informs commuters about delays or make announcements apart from sharing throwback photographs as well.

Lifeline of Delhi-NCR: Delhi Metro completes 17 years of operations

The Congress party on Wednesday paid tribute to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

"Tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary," Congress tweeted along with a picture of the late leader.

Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also paid tribute to Vajpayee.

"My tributes to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. Atal Ji had extremely cordial and warm relations with all irrespective of their party affiliations and treated them equally without any prejudice. May his vision always guide us all," Singh said on Twitter.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Known for his oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009.

Vajpayee was one of the several leaders who were jailed during the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.&nbsp;

The Congress party on Wednesday paid tribute to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his birth anniversary. "Tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary," Congress tweeted along with a picture of the late leader.

The Congress party on Wednesday paid tribute to late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his birth anniversary. "Tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary," Congress tweeted along with a picture of the late leader. Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also paid tribute to Vajpayee. "My tributes to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. Atal Ji had extremely cordial and warm relations with all irrespective of their party affiliations and treated them equally without any prejudice. May his vision always guide us all," Singh said on Twitter. Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Known for his oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009. Vajpayee was one of the several leaders who were jailed during the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.

Congress pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on birth anniversary

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to <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">former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world.

"Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his nationalistic thinking, impeccable image and dedicated his life to the nation. In the life of Atal Ji, based on ideology and principles, there was no mere fascination of power. Under his leadership, the country saw good governance," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

"Atal Ji, on the one hand, strengthened the party as an efficient organiser, while on the other hand, decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War created a strong image of India in the world. On the occasion of Atal Ji's birth anniversary, heartiest tributes to him," he said in a follow-up tweet.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Known for his eloquence, oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009.

The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister.

He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.

During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999.

Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health.

In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour.

The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day'&nbsp;in honour of Vajpayee.&nbsp;

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world. "Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his nationalistic thinking, impeccable image and dedicated his life to the nation. In the life of Atal Ji, based on ideology and principles, there was no mere fascination of power. Under his leadership, the country saw good governance," Shah tweeted in Hindi. "Atal Ji, on the one hand, strengthened the party as an efficient organiser, while on the other hand, decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War created a strong image of India in the world. On the occasion of Atal Ji's birth anniversary, heartiest tributes to him," he said in a follow-up tweet. Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Known for his eloquence, oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009. The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004. During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999. Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health. In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour. The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' in honour of Vajpayee.

Decisions like Pokhran tests, Kargil War made India stronger globally: Shah hails Vajpayee on birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the latter's 95th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present during the occasion.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Vajpayee's statue.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan, on Vajpayee's birth anniversary, today. <a href="https://t.co/D3IcC222Ga">pic.twitter.com/D3IcC222Ga</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209770843301019648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We have made special security arrangements. The city has been sectored into four parts and security personnel have been deputed there. The officers are not only patrolling but are keeping a hawk-eye on any untoward movement," said Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

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देशवासियों के दिलों में बसे पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री भारत रत्न अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। <a href="https://t.co/9tCkmEUxnf">pic.twitter.com/9tCkmEUxnf</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1209667468886605824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"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;

On the occasion, PM Modi launched 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' - a scheme for the better management of groundwater.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the latter's 95th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the latter's 95th birth anniversary. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present during the occasion. Elaborate security arrangements were made in Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Vajpayee's statue. Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan, on Vajpayee's birth anniversary, today. pic.twitter.com/D3IcC222Ga — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 25, 2019 × "We have made special security arrangements. The city has been sectored into four parts and security personnel have been deputed there. The officers are not only patrolling but are keeping a hawk-eye on any untoward movement," said Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. देशवासियों के दिलों में बसे पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री भारत रत्न अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। pic.twitter.com/9tCkmEUxnf — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2019 × "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. On the occasion, PM Modi launched 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' - a scheme for the better management of groundwater. (With inputs from ANI)

Lucknow: PM Modi unveils statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary

In a major security rejig, the Mumbai Police downgraded and de-categorised the X-category security cover availed by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and enhanced Shiv Sena legislator Aaditya Thackeray`s cover from Y+ to Z category after making a threat perception assessment in this regard.

According to the Mumbai Police, being a former parliamentarian, Tendulkar will continue to be guarded by the security personnel.

In X category security, the persons is given a cover by two personnel. In Y and Z type of security arrangement, the individual gets a security cover by eleven and twenty-two personnel.

The downgrading or upgrading is usually done keeping in mind the threat perception to the individual.

Notably, the Central government had recently withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover given to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The Parliament had earlier this month passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which allows SPG cover to the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers for a period of five years after leaving office.

In a major security rejig, the Mumbai Police downgraded and de-categorised the X-category security cover availed by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and enhanced Shiv Sena legislator Aaditya Thackeray`s cover from Y+ to Z category after making a threat perception assessment in this regard.

In a major security rejig, the Mumbai Police downgraded and de-categorised the X-category security cover availed by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and enhanced Shiv Sena legislator Aaditya Thackeray`s cover from Y+ to Z category after making a threat perception assessment in this regard. According to the Mumbai Police, being a former parliamentarian, Tendulkar will continue to be guarded by the security personnel. In X category security, the persons is given a cover by two personnel. In Y and Z type of security arrangement, the individual gets a security cover by eleven and twenty-two personnel. The downgrading or upgrading is usually done keeping in mind the threat perception to the individual. Notably, the Central government had recently withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover given to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The Parliament had earlier this month passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which allows SPG cover to the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers for a period of five years after leaving office.

Sachin Tendulkar loses security cover, Aaditya Thackeray gets an upgrade to 'Z'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-economic-support-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-concluded-two-day-japan-visit-269469">as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo</a>.

Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions.

"I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades.

"I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal."

The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America".

However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine".

As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers.

During his meeting with Rouhani, Abe said "Japan will patiently continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East," according to a Japanese government official.

"The two leaders agreed to maintain their close communications," the official said.

Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf.

Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions.

Abe explained to Rouhani Tokyo's plans to send Japanese warships to the Gulf of Oman to protect shipping there, while calling on Tehran to take "responsibility" for securing sea lanes in the region.

"This kind of policy is aimed at securing Japanese vessels' safety," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said earlier in the day, adding that 90 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from the region.

'Serious impact'

Rouhani flew to Japan from Malaysia where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism".

Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani.

The American sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran -- people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, a Middle East scholar at the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP.

"It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki.

"This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US -- for example, hawks leading Iran to resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions. "I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades. "I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal." The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America". However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine". As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers. During his meeting with Rouhani, Abe said "Japan will patiently continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East," according to a Japanese government official. "The two leaders agreed to maintain their close communications," the official said. Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf. Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions. Abe explained to Rouhani Tokyo's plans to send Japanese warships to the Gulf of Oman to protect shipping there, while calling on Tehran to take "responsibility" for securing sea lanes in the region. "This kind of policy is aimed at securing Japanese vessels' safety," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said earlier in the day, adding that 90 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from the region. 'Serious impact' Rouhani flew to Japan from Malaysia where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism". Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani. The American sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran -- people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, a Middle East scholar at the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP. "It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki. "This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US -- for example, hawks leading Iran to resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran."

Strongly condemn US for unilaterally, irrationally withdrawing from nuclear deal: Rouhani

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported.

The phone conversation, which Abe told reporters took place at Trump's request, came on the same day that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-slams-irrational-us-nuclear-deal-withdrawal-269506">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrapped up his two-day visit to Japan</a>.

Rouhani's trip came after deadly protests over fuel price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by US sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Japan is a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, and Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rivals.

Abe did not refer to Iran when he met with reporters just before midnight Saturday, but a Japanese government source told Kyodo that Abe did talk to Trump about his discussions with Rouhani.

The Abe-Trump phone call lasted about 75 minutes, according to Kyodo.

Abe told reporters that he and the US leader talked about what Kyodo described as a "coordinated response" towards North Korea.

Pyongyang has shown frustration at the lack of sanctions relief after three summits with Trump.

Earlier this month it promised a "Christmas gift" if the US did not come up with concessions by the end of the year after it placed a moratorium on long-range missile tests.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported. The phone conversation, which Abe told reporters took place at Trump's request, came on the same day that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrapped up his two-day visit to Japan. Rouhani's trip came after deadly protests over fuel price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by US sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme. Japan is a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, and Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rivals. Abe did not refer to Iran when he met with reporters just before midnight Saturday, but a Japanese government source told Kyodo that Abe did talk to Trump about his discussions with Rouhani. The Abe-Trump phone call lasted about 75 minutes, according to Kyodo. Abe told reporters that he and the US leader talked about what Kyodo described as a "coordinated response" towards North Korea. Pyongyang has shown frustration at the lack of sanctions relief after three summits with Trump. Earlier this month it promised a "Christmas gift" if the US did not come up with concessions by the end of the year after it placed a moratorium on long-range missile tests.

Japan's Abe discusses Iran, North Korea in call with Trump: Report

US sanctions against Iran are a "reckless addiction" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on Sunday.

"The US' approach to sanctions betrays a pathological and reckless addiction -- a condition that renders no bounds or boundary to what the US&nbsp;may or may not do," Zarif wrote. "And this addictive behaviour affects friends and foes alike, unless collectively pushed back."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, this week, slammed the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-slams-irrational-us-nuclear-deal-withdrawal-269506">irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal</a> on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions.

"I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades.

"I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal."

The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.

Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since last year when US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.

US sanctions against Iran are a "reckless addiction" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on Sunday. "The US' approach to sanctions betrays a pathological and reckless addiction -- a condition that renders no bounds or boundary to what the US may or may not do," Zarif wrote.

US sanctions against Iran are a "reckless addiction" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on Sunday. "The US' approach to sanctions betrays a pathological and reckless addiction -- a condition that renders no bounds or boundary to what the US may or may not do," Zarif wrote. "And this addictive behaviour affects friends and foes alike, unless collectively pushed back." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, this week, slammed the "irrational" withdrawal of the United States from the multinational nuclear deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Rouhani's trip to Japan comes after deadly protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by Washington-imposed sanctions. "I strongly condemn the US for unilaterally and irrationally withdrawing" from the deal, said Rouhani, who became the first Iranian head of state to visit Japan for two decades. "I hope Japan and other countries will make efforts to maintain this deal." The US re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from the international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. Friction between Tehran and Washington has increased since last year when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.

US sanctions against Iran are a 'reckless addiction': Javad Zarif

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US&nbsp;Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans.

Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses.

While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make.

In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial.

"The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already."

Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed.

To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate.

Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal.

"If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday."

Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said.

Republican moderates

Trump is only the third US&nbsp;president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment.

The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election.

Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

"The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week."

Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify."

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand.

"The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union."

"If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense. The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans. Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses. While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make. In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial. "The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already." Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed. To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate. Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal. "If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday." Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said. Republican moderates Trump is only the third US president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment. The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. "The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week." Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify." Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand. "The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union." "If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

White House does not want prolonged impeachment trial: Senior official

The results of the Jharkhand Assembly election will be announced on Monday. All arrangements are in place for the counting of votes tomorrow morning.

The 81 Assembly seats in the state went to polls in five phases from November 30 to December 20.

The counting of votes will start at 8 am in all 24 district headquarters amid tight security. The final result is likely to be announced by 1 pm on Monday.

According to the C-Voters, JMM, Congress and RJD will retain 35 seats. It has, however, given 32 seats to the ruling BJP, 5 to AJSU and three to the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) and six to others.

Another exit poll has shown the BJP going to trail behind the Congress. It has given JMM-led opposition between 38 and 50 seats and the BJP between 22 and 32 seats. It has predicted 3 to 5 seats for the AJSU party, 2 to 4 seats for the JVM-P, and 4 to 7 seats to others.

According to the Election Commission of India, the approximate voter turnout for all the 81 assembly constituencies across the five phases was 65.17 per cent as compared to the 66.53 per cent recorded in the 2014 elections.In 2014, the BJP had a clear majority in the House with 37 seats, while its ally AJSU managed to win five Assembly seats.

Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das is seeking a second five-year term. The BJP leader has also become the first chief minister of the state to complete a full term in the office.

The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. This is the fourth Assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.&nbsp;

The results of the Jharkhand Assembly election will be announced on Monday. All arrangements are in place for the counting of votes tomorrow morning. The 81 Assembly seats in the state went to polls in five phases from November 30 to December 20.

The results of the Jharkhand Assembly election will be announced on Monday. All arrangements are in place for the counting of votes tomorrow morning. The 81 Assembly seats in the state went to polls in five phases from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will start at 8 am in all 24 district headquarters amid tight security. The final result is likely to be announced by 1 pm on Monday. According to the C-Voters, JMM, Congress and RJD will retain 35 seats. It has, however, given 32 seats to the ruling BJP, 5 to AJSU and three to the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) and six to others. Another exit poll has shown the BJP going to trail behind the Congress. It has given JMM-led opposition between 38 and 50 seats and the BJP between 22 and 32 seats. It has predicted 3 to 5 seats for the AJSU party, 2 to 4 seats for the JVM-P, and 4 to 7 seats to others. According to the Election Commission of India, the approximate voter turnout for all the 81 assembly constituencies across the five phases was 65.17 per cent as compared to the 66.53 per cent recorded in the 2014 elections.In 2014, the BJP had a clear majority in the House with 37 seats, while its ally AJSU managed to win five Assembly seats. Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das is seeking a second five-year term. The BJP leader has also become the first chief minister of the state to complete a full term in the office. The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. This is the fourth Assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

Counting for 81 Jharkhand Assembly seats to begin on Monday

A terrorist having links with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been arrested from Awantipora area in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Sunday.

Rasiq Sheikh was arrested with incriminating material, the police said.As per police records, he was associated with active terrorists of JeM.

A case has been registered against him. Earlier this month, another terrorist was apprehended by security forces with a huge amount of arms and ammunition from the Ikhala Plamar forest in Kishtwar district.

A terrorist having links with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been arrested from Awantipora area in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Sunday.

A terrorist having links with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been arrested from Awantipora area in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Sunday. Rasiq Sheikh was arrested with incriminating material, the police said.As per police records, he was associated with active terrorists of JeM. A case has been registered against him. Earlier this month, another terrorist was apprehended by security forces with a huge amount of arms and ammunition from the Ikhala Plamar forest in Kishtwar district.

Terrorist linked with JeM arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police

BJP working president JP Nadda on Sunday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to say 10 lines on the provisions of the amended Citizenship Act.

Addressing a public gathering here, Nadda threw another challenge to Gandhi for speaking two lines on the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that hurt the nation.

"I want to ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act and two lines on the provision that hurts the nation," he said.

In what appeared to be an attempt to belittle Gandhi`s understanding of the issue, he said, "It is unfortunate that the people who have come forward to lead the country have not tried to understand basic things."

In Patna, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also hit out at the Congress leader for his anti-CAA protest, saying "he does not do homework."

This comes within an hour after Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah for 'dividing'&nbsp;the country and hiding behind the hate.

"Dear Youth of India, Modi and Shah have destroyed your future. They can't face your anger over the lack of jobs and damage they've done to the economy. That's why they are dividing our beloved India and hiding behind the hate. We can only defeat them by responding with love towards every Indian," tweeted Gandhi.

 
&nbsp;

BJP working president JP Nadda on Sunday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to say 10 lines on the provisions of the amended Citizenship Act. Addressing a public gathering here, Nadda threw another challenge to Gandhi for speaking two lines on the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that hurt the nation.

BJP working president JP Nadda on Sunday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to say 10 lines on the provisions of the amended Citizenship Act. Addressing a public gathering here, Nadda threw another challenge to Gandhi for speaking two lines on the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that hurt the nation. "I want to ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act and two lines on the provision that hurts the nation," he said. In what appeared to be an attempt to belittle Gandhi`s understanding of the issue, he said, "It is unfortunate that the people who have come forward to lead the country have not tried to understand basic things." In Patna, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also hit out at the Congress leader for his anti-CAA protest, saying "he does not do homework." This comes within an hour after Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah for 'dividing' the country and hiding behind the hate. "Dear Youth of India, Modi and Shah have destroyed your future. They can't face your anger over the lack of jobs and damage they've done to the economy. That's why they are dividing our beloved India and hiding behind the hate. We can only defeat them by responding with love towards every Indian," tweeted Gandhi.

Speak 10 lines on provisions of Citizenship Act: JP Nadda challenges Rahul Gandhi

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