<p>An uneasy calm settled over Hong Kong on Saturday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/university-campus-siege-nears-end-as-hong-kong-gears-up-for-election-263981">city prepared to go to the polls for local elections</a> seen as a referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-would-be-obliterated-in-14-minutes-if-not-for-me-donald-trump-263961">months of anti-government protests</a>, after weeks of especially violent clashes between police and demonstrators.</p>

<p>On the grounds of the besieged Polytechnic University on the Kowloon peninsula, a dwindling number of protesters desperately sought a way out and others vowed not to surrender, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June.</p>

<p>One student protester who escaped the police cordon around the university without being arrested said on Saturday he had not expected the elections to go ahead.</p>

<p>"I don’t feel optimistic about the outcome at all," he said.</p>

<p>The city is under tight security as a record 1,104 people gear up to run for 452 district council seats in Sunday's elections.</p>

<p>A record 4.1 million Hong Kong people, from a population of 7.4 million, have enrolled to vote, spurred in part by registration campaigns during months of protests.</p>

<p>For the first time, riot police will guard all polling stations in the city and almost all officers in the 31,000-strong force will be on duty, the South China Morning Post reported on Friday, citing a senior police source.</p>

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<p>The source told the newspaper that the officers would seek to minimise their presence to avoid worrying voters.</p>

<p>Asked about the report, the police department would say only that it had been liaising with other departments to provide assistance, arrange "appropriate police force", and ensure that the election was carried out smoothly and in an orderly manner.</p>

<p>At a Chinese People's Liberation Army barracks that borders Polytechnic University, meanwhile, dozens of soldiers in riot gear were seen practicing drills, according to a Reuters witness.</p>

<p>The soldiers carried shields and wore helmets with face guards, and were glimpsed from a high building marching in formation on an inner parade ground not visible from the road.</p>

<p>PLA soldiers have not publicly engaged in anti-riot efforts on the streets of Hong Kong but such drills suggest a high degree of preparedness amid the current protests.</p>

<p>Both Chinese and Hong Kong leaders have repeatedly said that Hong Kong police can handle the situation but Beijing has more than doubled the number of troops in the city since late August, with up to 12,000 on bases scattered across the territory.</p>

<p>The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.</p>

<p>Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula by which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in the affairs of Hong Kong, an Asian financial hub, and accuses foreign governments of stirring up trouble.</p>

<p>However, Australia's Age newspaper reported on Saturday that an apparent Chinese intelligence service agent is seeking asylum in Australia after saying he had details on Beijing's political interference in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia.</p>

<p>Young pro-democracy activists are running in some of the seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates.</p>

<p>One pro-democracy candidate for the Wan Chai district council, Chris Chan, said the election would reflect public opinion after the upheaval of recent months.</p>

<p>"It is time for us to calm down and tell the government in a civilized way what we want to do," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Campus under siege</strong></p>

<p>One protester holding out at Polytechnic University, Ah Chung, was clad in a face mask and a red Polytechnic University track suit as he vowed to stay for the duration.</p>

<p>"I’ll continue to stay here, but hopefully not forever," he said with a touch of humour.</p>

<p>Few protesters were still visible on the campus, and a visiting lawmaker said their number was so small that there is no need for the police to enter the campus.</p>

<p>Many of the remaining protesters were in hiding, fearful of possible arrest and wary of those urging surrender, said Woo Kwok Wang, the 22-year-old acting president of the university's student union.</p>

<p>Woo said he had been on the campus since Wednesday to provide support for the students, and would only leave when he felt his help was no longer needed.</p>

<p>A social worker who gave his name only as Sendon said he had crossed paths with four protesters on Saturday and was concerned about their mental state.</p>

<p>"They’ve been in this highly stressful environment for so long, over 120 hours, and they have no easy way to release this stress," he said.</p>

<p>About 1,000 people have been arrested or registered by police in the university siege, about 300 of them younger than 18.</p>

<p>Police have set up high plastic barricades and a fence on the perimeter of the campus. Towards midday, officers appeared at ease, allowing citizens to mill about the edges of the cordon as neighbourhood shops opened for business.</p>

<p>Some roads next to the campus had reopened by Saturday afternoon.</p>

<p>Scores of construction workers worked at the mouth of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, closed for more than a week after it was first blockaded, to repair toll booths smashed by protesters and clear debris from approach roads.</p>


An uneasy calm settled over Hong Kong on Saturday as the city prepared to go to the polls for local elections seen as a referendum on months of anti-government protests, after weeks of especially violent clashes between police and demonstrators.

An uneasy calm settled over Hong Kong on Saturday as the city prepared to go to the polls for local elections seen as a referendum on months of anti-government protests, after weeks of especially violent clashes between police and demonstrators. On the grounds of the besieged Polytechnic University on the Kowloon peninsula, a dwindling number of protesters desperately sought a way out and others vowed not to surrender, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June. One student protester who escaped the police cordon around the university without being arrested said on Saturday he had not expected the elections to go ahead. "I don’t feel optimistic about the outcome at all," he said. The city is under tight security as a record 1,104 people gear up to run for 452 district council seats in Sunday's elections. A record 4.1 million Hong Kong people, from a population of 7.4 million, have enrolled to vote, spurred in part by registration campaigns during months of protests. For the first time, riot police will guard all polling stations in the city and almost all officers in the 31,000-strong force will be on duty, the South China Morning Post reported on Friday, citing a senior police source. × The source told the newspaper that the officers would seek to minimise their presence to avoid worrying voters. Asked about the report, the police department would say only that it had been liaising with other departments to provide assistance, arrange "appropriate police force", and ensure that the election was carried out smoothly and in an orderly manner. At a Chinese People's Liberation Army barracks that borders Polytechnic University, meanwhile, dozens of soldiers in riot gear were seen practicing drills, according to a Reuters witness. The soldiers carried shields and wore helmets with face guards, and were glimpsed from a high building marching in formation on an inner parade ground not visible from the road. PLA soldiers have not publicly engaged in anti-riot efforts on the streets of Hong Kong but such drills suggest a high degree of preparedness amid the current protests. Both Chinese and Hong Kong leaders have repeatedly said that Hong Kong police can handle the situation but Beijing has more than doubled the number of troops in the city since late August, with up to 12,000 on bases scattered across the territory. The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula by which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in the affairs of Hong Kong, an Asian financial hub, and accuses foreign governments of stirring up trouble. However, Australia's Age newspaper reported on Saturday that an apparent Chinese intelligence service agent is seeking asylum in Australia after saying he had details on Beijing's political interference in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. Young pro-democracy activists are running in some of the seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. One pro-democracy candidate for the Wan Chai district council, Chris Chan, said the election would reflect public opinion after the upheaval of recent months. "It is time for us to calm down and tell the government in a civilized way what we want to do," he said. Campus under siege One protester holding out at Polytechnic University, Ah Chung, was clad in a face mask and a red Polytechnic University track suit as he vowed to stay for the duration. "I’ll continue to stay here, but hopefully not forever," he said with a touch of humour. Few protesters were still visible on the campus, and a visiting lawmaker said their number was so small that there is no need for the police to enter the campus. Many of the remaining protesters were in hiding, fearful of possible arrest and wary of those urging surrender, said Woo Kwok Wang, the 22-year-old acting president of the university's student union. Woo said he had been on the campus since Wednesday to provide support for the students, and would only leave when he felt his help was no longer needed. A social worker who gave his name only as Sendon said he had crossed paths with four protesters on Saturday and was concerned about their mental state. "They’ve been in this highly stressful environment for so long, over 120 hours, and they have no easy way to release this stress," he said. About 1,000 people have been arrested or registered by police in the university siege, about 300 of them younger than 18. Police have set up high plastic barricades and a fence on the perimeter of the campus. Towards midday, officers appeared at ease, allowing citizens to mill about the edges of the cordon as neighbourhood shops opened for business. Some roads next to the campus had reopened by Saturday afternoon. Scores of construction workers worked at the mouth of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, closed for more than a week after it was first blockaded, to repair toll booths smashed by protesters and clear debris from approach roads.

'Time to calm down': Hong Kong protests simmer ahead of local elections

What happens to Britain in case of no clear election result?

<p>The intriguing teaser and poster for the much talked about biopic of actor-turned-politician J Jayalalithaa 'Thalaivi'&nbsp;starring Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, was released on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the poster, as well as the teaser of 'Thalaivi'&nbsp;on Twitter, and captioned the post as "First look poster... Kangana Ranaut in #Jayalalitha biopic... Titled #Thalaivi... Directed by Vijay... Produced by Vishnu Induri and Shailesh R Singh... 26 June 2020 release. #ThalaiviFirstLook".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First look poster... Kangana Ranaut in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalitha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jayalalitha</a> biopic... Titled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thalaivi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thalaivi</a>... Directed by Vijay... Produced by Vishnu Induri and Shaailesh R Singh... 26 June 2020 release. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThalaiviFirstLook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThalaiviFirstLook</a> <a href="https://t.co/WIoJTOxM45">pic.twitter.com/WIoJTOxM45</a></p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1198173426239721473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the poster, Kangana Ranaut looks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-undergoes-extensive-prep-for-jayalalithaa-biopic-thalaivi-250751">unrecognizable in the makeup</a> of stalwart politician Jayalalithaa as she can be seen posing just like the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B5NExAelMPg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">A superstar heroine, a revolutionary hero, and now it’s time to watch her story unfold! Presenting #KanganaRanaut, in &amp; as #Thalaivi. A film by #Vijay, arriving in cinemas on 26th June, 2020. . . . . @team_kangana_ranaut @vishnuinduri @shaaileshrsingh @brindaprasad @karmamediaent @tseries.official @vibrimedia</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/team_kangana_ranaut/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kangana Ranaut</a> (@team_kangana_ranaut) on <time datetime="2019-11-23T10:19:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 23, 2019 at 2:19am PST</time></p>
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<p>Earlier, to give leading lady Kangana the perfect look as glamourous politician Jayalalithaa, makers of the biopic roped in Hollywood makeup expert Jason Collins, a master of the make-up artist, who has films like 'Captain Marvel'&nbsp;and 'Blade Runner 2049'&nbsp;to his credit.<br />
<br />
In order to adapt the character well, Kangana was also spotted taking<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-puts-on-dancing-shoes-for-thalaivi-253948"> Bharatnatyam classes </a>regularly as she will shoot a grand song for the film with over 100 background dancers.<br />
<br />
'Thalaivi'&nbsp;is being helmed by AL Vijay and has been written by 'Baahubali'&nbsp;and 'Manikarnika'&nbsp;writer KV Vijayendra Prasad and 'The Dirty Picture'&nbsp;and 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai'&nbsp;writer Rajat Arora. The movie is set to hit theatres on June 26, 2020.</p>


The intriguing teaser and poster for the much talked about biopic of actor-turned-politician J Jayalalithaa 'Thalaivi' starring Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, was released on Saturday.

The intriguing teaser and poster for the much talked about biopic of actor-turned-politician J Jayalalithaa 'Thalaivi' starring Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, was released on Saturday. Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the poster, as well as the teaser of 'Thalaivi' on Twitter, and captioned the post as "First look poster... Kangana Ranaut in #Jayalalitha biopic... Titled #Thalaivi... Directed by Vijay... Produced by Vishnu Induri and Shailesh R Singh... 26 June 2020 release. #ThalaiviFirstLook". First look poster... Kangana Ranaut in #Jayalalitha biopic... Titled #Thalaivi... Directed by Vijay... Produced by Vishnu Induri and Shaailesh R Singh... 26 June 2020 release. #ThalaiviFirstLook pic.twitter.com/WIoJTOxM45 — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) November 23, 2019 × In the poster, Kangana Ranaut looks unrecognizable in the makeup of stalwart politician Jayalalithaa as she can be seen posing just like the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu. View this post on Instagram A superstar heroine, a revolutionary hero, and now it’s time to watch her story unfold! Presenting #KanganaRanaut, in & as #Thalaivi. A film by #Vijay, arriving in cinemas on 26th June, 2020. . . . . @team_kangana_ranaut @vishnuinduri @shaaileshrsingh @brindaprasad @karmamediaent @tseries.official @vibrimedia A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@team_kangana_ranaut) on Nov 23, 2019 at 2:19am PST × Earlier, to give leading lady Kangana the perfect look as glamourous politician Jayalalithaa, makers of the biopic roped in Hollywood makeup expert Jason Collins, a master of the make-up artist, who has films like 'Captain Marvel' and 'Blade Runner 2049' to his credit. In order to adapt the character well, Kangana was also spotted taking Bharatnatyam classes regularly as she will shoot a grand song for the film with over 100 background dancers. 'Thalaivi' is being helmed by AL Vijay and has been written by 'Baahubali' and 'Manikarnika' writer KV Vijayendra Prasad and 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai' writer Rajat Arora. The movie is set to hit theatres on June 26, 2020.

'Thalaivi' teaser: Kangana Ranaut looks awe-inspiring in her look as Jayalalithaa

<p>Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar.</p>

<p>They made the remarks at a joint press conference addressed by Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The press conference was held hours after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively.</p>

<p>NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane said Ajit Pawar had called him to discuss something. "From there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan," he said.</p>

<p>"Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete, I rushed to Pawar sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP. I was taken there without any prior information," he said.</p>

<p>NCP MLAs, Sandip Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara, also echoed Shingane's allegations and affirmed their support to Sharad Pawar.</p>

<p>The NCP supremo said that the party will take action against his nephew for lending support to BJP for government formation in the state.</p>

<p>He also said that NCP will elect its new legislative party leader at 4 pm today.</p>

<p>"Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline. No NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government. All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high," Sharad Pawar said.</p>

<p>He said that NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena, which have been in talks will form the government and Fadnavis will not be able to prove his majority.</p>

<p>"I am sure that the Governor has given them time to prove majority but they won't be able to prove it. After that, our three parties will form the government as we had decided earlier," he added.</p>

<p>In a sudden turn of events, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.</p>

<p>Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office to the two leaders.</p>

<p>The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached a final stage.</p>

<p>The BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post.</p>

<p>The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar.

Three Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators alleged they were not aware of an oath-ceremony when "they were taken" to Maharashtra Raj Bhavan earlier on Saturday morning and they were with party chief Sharad Pawar. They made the remarks at a joint press conference addressed by Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The press conference was held hours after Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane said Ajit Pawar had called him to discuss something. "From there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan," he said. "Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete, I rushed to Pawar sahab and told him I am with Sharad Pawar and NCP. I was taken there without any prior information," he said. NCP MLAs, Sandip Kshirsagar and Sunil Bhusara, also echoed Shingane's allegations and affirmed their support to Sharad Pawar. The NCP supremo said that the party will take action against his nephew for lending support to BJP for government formation in the state. He also said that NCP will elect its new legislative party leader at 4 pm today. "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline. No NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government. All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high," Sharad Pawar said. He said that NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena, which have been in talks will form the government and Fadnavis will not be able to prove his majority. "I am sure that the Governor has given them time to prove majority but they won't be able to prove it. After that, our three parties will form the government as we had decided earlier," he added. In a sudden turn of events, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister while Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office to the two leaders. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached a final stage. The BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Not aware of oath ceremony at Raj Bhavan, say three NCP MLAs

<p>Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress.</p>

<p>"I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister again. The mandate was given to BJP. Shiv Sena was a part of our alliance and also got votes because of us. But they betrayed the people's mandate. In the last 15 days, they were ready to forge an alliance with Congress, a party that spread malice against Savarkar, brought Emergency and looted the country," he told reporters.</p>

<p>Javadekar said that Shiv Sena has learnt a lesson after betraying the mandate and it has cost them dearly.</p>

<p>"Today is the victory of truth. The mandate of BJP has been respected," he added.</p>

<p>In a major development, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.</p>

<p>The two leaders were administered the oath by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.</p>

<p>The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.</p>

<p>The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday congratulated BJP's Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and took a swipe at its former ally, saying Shiv Sena betrayed the mandate by going ahead to form a government with the support of Congress. "I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for becoming Maharashtra Chief Minister again. The mandate was given to BJP. Shiv Sena was a part of our alliance and also got votes because of us. But they betrayed the people's mandate. In the last 15 days, they were ready to forge an alliance with Congress, a party that spread malice against Savarkar, brought Emergency and looted the country," he told reporters. Javadekar said that Shiv Sena has learnt a lesson after betraying the mandate and it has cost them dearly. "Today is the victory of truth. The mandate of BJP has been respected," he added. In a major development, Fadnavis earlier this morning took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The two leaders were administered the oath by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Shiv Sena betrayed people's mandate by forging alliance with Congress: Javadekar

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Maharashtra</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fadnavis added that it is possible under PM Modi's leadership.</p>

<p>"Modi hai toh mumkin hai!!" Fadnavis said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, in a dramatic turn of events, Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai: We will provide a stable government. Modi hai toh mumkin hai!! <a href="https://t.co/vpIWe7fl6h">pic.twitter.com/vpIWe7fl6h</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198191964019015682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>The development came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajits-decision-to-support-bjp-against-the-party-line-sharad-pawar-264066">NCP chief Sharad Pawar</a> on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut said that Thackeray has given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor. <a href="https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc">https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198179903079768064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that "it was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor".</p>

<p>"Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates," Prasad told media today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra to a Congress-ruled state, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>


Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday arrived at the state BJP office and said that a stable government will be provided to Maharashtra. Fadnavis added that it is possible under PM Modi's leadership. "Modi hai toh mumkin hai!!" Fadnavis said. Earlier in the day, in a dramatic turn of events, Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai: We will provide a stable government. Modi hai toh mumkin hai!! pic.twitter.com/vpIWe7fl6h — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. The development came after NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday, after concluding discussions with the Congress and the Shiv Sena, told reporters that the parties have a consensus on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's name for the post of Maharashtra CM. Shiv Sena senior leader Sanjay Raut said that Thackeray has given his consent to lead Maharashtra as the chief minister. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and Maharashtra is a big state. It was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor. https://t.co/74D2yK5nDc — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that "it was a conspiracy (by NCP-Shiv Sena-Congress) to control Mumbai through the backdoor". "Throughout the election campaign, Devendra Fadnavis' name was projected as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Support base of BJP and the prospect of Devendra Fadnavis becoming CM, played a crucial role in success of Shiv Sena candidates," Prasad told media today. Meanwhile, the Congress is planning to move its MLAs out of Maharashtra to a Congress-ruled state, news agency ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)

Modi hai to mumkin hai: Devendra Fadnavis assures stable government in Maharashtra

<p>Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister &amp; BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraGovtFormation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraGovtFormation</a>: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. <a href="https://t.co/Lv9Gc65tKQ">pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1198167942006857728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Maharashtra's Chief Minister</a> for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar</a>.</p>

<p>The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday reacted to the dramatic chain of events in Maharashtra. The minister said that he had earlier said that anything can happen in cricket and politics and the recent chain of events in Maharashtra exhibits the same. "I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant," Gadkari said. On Friday the minister had said that ideological differences exist among the Congress, the Shiv Sena and the NCP and that even if the triad forms a government, "it will not go much ahead". Union Minister & BJP leader, Nitin Gadkari on #MaharashtraGovtFormation: I had earlier said anything can happen in cricket and politics, now you can understand what I meant. pic.twitter.com/Lv9Gc65tKQ — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × "This (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress) is an alliance of opportunism, they will not be able to give Maharashtra a stable Government," Gadkari said as reported by news agency ANI. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the second consecutive term after BJP pulled off a coup of sorts by forming the government in Maharashtra with the support of NCP's Ajit Pawar. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. Accusing BJP of manipulating EVMs during polls, Uddhav Thackeray said everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from the back. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of an NCP-BJP government and added that Ajit Pawar's decision was against the party line.

I had said anything can happen in politics, now you know what I meant: Gadkari on Maharashtra turmoil

<p>Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".</p>

<p>He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government.</p>

<p>"Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said.</p>

<p>The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development.</p>

<p>The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law.</p>

<p>"All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said.</p>

<p>NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place.</p>

<p>"Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said.</p>

<p>Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added.</p>

<p>NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines".

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that his nephew Ajit Pawar's decision to lend support to BJP to form government in Maharashtra was "indiscipline" and "against the party lines". He also cautioned party MLAs backing Ajit Pawar that they may lose their membership under the anti-defection law. Pawar, who addressed a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, said no NCP leader or worker is in favour of BJP-NCP government. "Ajit Pawar's decision is against the party line and is indiscipline," he said. The press conference came hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in a dramatic early morning development. The President's Rule in the state was revoked hours earlier. Pawar said NCP MLAs who have landed support to BJP or were thinking of doing so in the future will lose their membership under "anti-defection" law. "All the MLAs who are going must know that there is an anti-defection law and the possibility of them losing their assembly membership is high. Even the voters of their respective constituency will also be angry with them," he said. NCP MLA Rajendra Shingane, who was present at the presser, said he went to Raj Bhavan but was not aware that oath-taking ceremony was to take place. "Ajit Pawar had called me to discuss something and from there I was taken with other MLAs to Raj Bhavan. Before we could understand the oath ceremony was complete. I rushed to Pawar Sahab and told him that I am with him," he said. Pawar said Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP had come together to form a government. "We have the numbers to form the government. Several independent are also with us," Pawar added. NCP won 54 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 and Congress 44. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on a rotating Chief Minister.

Ajit's decision to support BJP 'against the party line': Sharad Pawar

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday registered his 27th century in the longest format of the game.</p>

<p>He achieved the feat in the ongoing day two of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-2nd-test-hosts-finish-day-1-on-strong-note-after-pace-trio-skittles-bangladesh-cheaply-263946">day-night Test</a> against Bangladesh here at the Eden Gardens.</p>

<p>This is Kohli's 20th Test ton as the skipper of the side.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old Kohli brought up his century off 159 balls in the 68th over.</p>

<p>On Friday, he had become the first Indian to register 5000 runs as the Test skipper.</p>

<p>In the same match, Ajinkya Rahane also brought up his fourth-successive half-century. But he was sent back to the pavilion by Taijul Islam after playing a knock of 51 runs.</p>

<p>Before the start of day two, chess players Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen had rung the bell at Eden Gardens to kick start the proceedings.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kolkata-turns-pink-for-historic-india-bangladesh-test-match-263812"><strong>In pictures:&nbsp;Kolkata turns pink for historic India-Bangladesh Test match</strong></a></p>

<p>In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pink-ball-test-bangladesh-win-toss-elect-to-bat-first-263846">pink-ball Test</a>, India had ended the first day at 174/3 after bundling out Bangladesh for 106 in the first innings.</p>

<p>Ishant Sharma had picked up five wickets for the hosts on day one.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday registered his 27th century in the longest format of the game. He achieved the feat in the ongoing day two of the day-night Test against Bangladesh here at the Eden Gardens.

Skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday registered his 27th century in the longest format of the game. He achieved the feat in the ongoing day two of the day-night Test against Bangladesh here at the Eden Gardens. This is Kohli's 20th Test ton as the skipper of the side. The 31-year-old Kohli brought up his century off 159 balls in the 68th over. On Friday, he had become the first Indian to register 5000 runs as the Test skipper. In the same match, Ajinkya Rahane also brought up his fourth-successive half-century. But he was sent back to the pavilion by Taijul Islam after playing a knock of 51 runs. Before the start of day two, chess players Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen had rung the bell at Eden Gardens to kick start the proceedings. In pictures: Kolkata turns pink for historic India-Bangladesh Test match In the pink-ball Test, India had ended the first day at 174/3 after bundling out Bangladesh for 106 in the first innings. Ishant Sharma had picked up five wickets for the hosts on day one.

India versus Bangladesh 2nd Test: Virat Kohli registers 27th century

<p>Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday expressed confidence that air pollution in the national capital will be reduced in lesser time than taken by China to address the problem of pollution in Beijing and called for the people`s movement to deal with the problem.</p>

<p>Replying to debate over air pollution in the Lok Sabha, Javadekar said that a national knowledge network has been created and scientists meet daily to find new ways to deal with the problem of pollution.</p>

<p>The minister said that India will provide leadership on climate change and will be able to deal with the problem of pollution soon.</p>

<p>He said every individual has to make a contribution to combating pollution as part of the people`s movement.</p>

<p>"The government will also take everyone along. I have confidence that if it took 15 years to tackle the problem of pollution in Beijing, we will do it in lesser time and do it collectively," he said.</p>

<p>He said that there is only one earth and resources are depleting. Pointing to difference between climate change and air pollution, Javadekar said there has been excessive emission of carbon dioxide during the industralisation of the western world and this gas remains in the atmosphere for a very long time and impedes the flow of heat generated by the sun.</p>

<p>"This is leading to a rise in temperature of the earth," he said. Javadekar said that in contrast, pollutants which cause air pollution disappear in a short time.</p>

<p>He said India is not responsible for climate change and its carbon emissions are far less than the developed world.</p>

<p>"We are not a cause of the problem, but ultimately we are suffering and everybody is suffering. So, as a responsible country, India has decided to become a part of the solution," he said.</p>

<p>The minister said that India was committed to increasing the share of renewable power in its energy mix to 40 per cent and has already scaled up the production target from 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy to 4,50,000 MW.</p>

<p>He said that India will also reduce its emission intensity by 35 per cent and steps have been taken in this direction. Stressing on afforestation, he said trees absorb carbon and produce wood.</p>

<p>"In the coming 10 years, we will create forests on a large scale. We have the highest target in the world. The green cover has increased by 13,000 square kilometres in the last four years," he said.</p>

<p>The minister said that India has also announced that it will make 26 million hectare barren land green in the next 10 years. Javadekar said he will visit Spain next month for CoP 25 and India`s position is straight.</p>

<p>"India is doing what it had said and every country has to fulfill its promise made in the Paris Climate Agreement. The developing world should get finance, 100 billion dollars that were committed. Technology should be given at an affordable cost. If technology is not given, the change will not happen soon," he said.</p>

<p>Stressing on sustainable development, he cited the instance of Delhi metro and said both that "development and environment protection have to go hand-in-hand."</p>

<p>Javadekar said that five times more trees have been planted than the trees cut for the construction of the metro. The minister said that the government has prepared the National Clean Air programme and released funds according to the needs of the cities to reduce the pollution level.</p>

<p>He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Air Quality Index in 2015 and devices for measuring air quality have been installed at 730 places in 344 cities.</p>

<p>Javadekar said that poor air quality of Delhi was also related to its geography and noted that Indo-Gangetic plain has the highest level of pollution.</p>

<p>"Because there is moisture from Ganga, from the Himalayas, there are cold winds or slow winds. Delhi is like a bowl. If the wind speed is 20 km, the air will get clean but if it is less than 20 km, the air stays there and that is the reason for more pollution," he said.</p>

<p>Reading from the report of a scientist, he said, "Meteorology plays a dominant role in Delhi`s air quality and also other places` air quality. Ventilation Index defined as a product of wind speed and mixing height is a significant factor affecting air quality."</p>

<p>"Winters are dominated by cold dry air and ground-based inversions with low wind conditions which make the air stagnant and creates an unfavourable condition for dispersion," he said.</p>

<p>He said that air pollution is caused by industry, vehicles, dust and bio-mass and listed the steps taken by the government to address each aspect including the closure of coal-based power plant in the capital, expansion of metro network and construction of peripheral highways.</p>

<p>He urged the people to create their own oxygen bank by planting seven trees. Javadekar said that they had started a school nursery programme and the child will take a sapling home when results are declared.</p>

<p>The minister said higher awareness had led to fewer bursting of crackers during Diwali. He also laid stress on using electric-vehicles.</p>

<p>The minister said that the Indian tradition teaches to live with nature and cited examples of clothes being dried in sun and not through an electric dryer and clothes of children being passed from generation to generation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
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Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday expressed confidence that air pollution in the national capital will be reduced in lesser time than taken by China to address the problem of pollution in Beijing and called for the people`s movement to deal with the problem.

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday expressed confidence that air pollution in the national capital will be reduced in lesser time than taken by China to address the problem of pollution in Beijing and called for the people`s movement to deal with the problem. Replying to debate over air pollution in the Lok Sabha, Javadekar said that a national knowledge network has been created and scientists meet daily to find new ways to deal with the problem of pollution. The minister said that India will provide leadership on climate change and will be able to deal with the problem of pollution soon. He said every individual has to make a contribution to combating pollution as part of the people`s movement. "The government will also take everyone along. I have confidence that if it took 15 years to tackle the problem of pollution in Beijing, we will do it in lesser time and do it collectively," he said. He said that there is only one earth and resources are depleting. Pointing to difference between climate change and air pollution, Javadekar said there has been excessive emission of carbon dioxide during the industralisation of the western world and this gas remains in the atmosphere for a very long time and impedes the flow of heat generated by the sun. "This is leading to a rise in temperature of the earth," he said. Javadekar said that in contrast, pollutants which cause air pollution disappear in a short time. He said India is not responsible for climate change and its carbon emissions are far less than the developed world. "We are not a cause of the problem, but ultimately we are suffering and everybody is suffering. So, as a responsible country, India has decided to become a part of the solution," he said. The minister said that India was committed to increasing the share of renewable power in its energy mix to 40 per cent and has already scaled up the production target from 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy to 4,50,000 MW. He said that India will also reduce its emission intensity by 35 per cent and steps have been taken in this direction. Stressing on afforestation, he said trees absorb carbon and produce wood. "In the coming 10 years, we will create forests on a large scale. We have the highest target in the world. The green cover has increased by 13,000 square kilometres in the last four years," he said. The minister said that India has also announced that it will make 26 million hectare barren land green in the next 10 years. Javadekar said he will visit Spain next month for CoP 25 and India`s position is straight. "India is doing what it had said and every country has to fulfill its promise made in the Paris Climate Agreement. The developing world should get finance, 100 billion dollars that were committed. Technology should be given at an affordable cost. If technology is not given, the change will not happen soon," he said. Stressing on sustainable development, he cited the instance of Delhi metro and said both that "development and environment protection have to go hand-in-hand." Javadekar said that five times more trees have been planted than the trees cut for the construction of the metro. The minister said that the government has prepared the National Clean Air programme and released funds according to the needs of the cities to reduce the pollution level. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Air Quality Index in 2015 and devices for measuring air quality have been installed at 730 places in 344 cities. Javadekar said that poor air quality of Delhi was also related to its geography and noted that Indo-Gangetic plain has the highest level of pollution. "Because there is moisture from Ganga, from the Himalayas, there are cold winds or slow winds. Delhi is like a bowl. If the wind speed is 20 km, the air will get clean but if it is less than 20 km, the air stays there and that is the reason for more pollution," he said. Reading from the report of a scientist, he said, "Meteorology plays a dominant role in Delhi`s air quality and also other places` air quality. Ventilation Index defined as a product of wind speed and mixing height is a significant factor affecting air quality." "Winters are dominated by cold dry air and ground-based inversions with low wind conditions which make the air stagnant and creates an unfavourable condition for dispersion," he said. He said that air pollution is caused by industry, vehicles, dust and bio-mass and listed the steps taken by the government to address each aspect including the closure of coal-based power plant in the capital, expansion of metro network and construction of peripheral highways. He urged the people to create their own oxygen bank by planting seven trees. Javadekar said that they had started a school nursery programme and the child will take a sapling home when results are declared. The minister said higher awareness had led to fewer bursting of crackers during Diwali. He also laid stress on using electric-vehicles. The minister said that the Indian tradition teaches to live with nature and cited examples of clothes being dried in sun and not through an electric dryer and clothes of children being passed from generation to generation.

Will take lesser time than Beijing: Javadekar on tackling Delhi's air pollution

<p>Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Friday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a review of its October 24 ruling ordering telecom companies to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Centre on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had rejected their appeal against the Centre`s definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), ordering to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).</p>

<p>The apex court, while passing the order, termed the issues raised by telecom companies with respect to AGR as "frivolous".</p>

<p>The court also made it clear that not only the original charges, but principal interest and penalties on delayed payments would also have to be paid by telecom companies.</p>

<p>As per the order, Vodafone Idea has to pay Rs 28,000 crore (license fees of Rs 6,900 crore and the balance is interest and penalty) over the next three months to the government.</p>

<p>The telecom sector, which is reeling under stress due to the AGR norms and predatory pricing, got relief from the government when it announced a moratorium of two years for spectrum payments.</p>

<p>Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel will raise prices of their services starting next month.&nbsp;</p>

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Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Friday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a review of its October 24 ruling ordering telecom companies to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Centre on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Friday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a review of its October 24 ruling ordering telecom companies to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Centre on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The Supreme Court had rejected their appeal against the Centre`s definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), ordering to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The apex court, while passing the order, termed the issues raised by telecom companies with respect to AGR as "frivolous". The court also made it clear that not only the original charges, but principal interest and penalties on delayed payments would also have to be paid by telecom companies. As per the order, Vodafone Idea has to pay Rs 28,000 crore (license fees of Rs 6,900 crore and the balance is interest and penalty) over the next three months to the government. The telecom sector, which is reeling under stress due to the AGR norms and predatory pricing, got relief from the government when it announced a moratorium of two years for spectrum payments. Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel will raise prices of their services starting next month.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata Teleservices file review plea in SC in AGR case

<p>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-2nd-test-hosts-finish-day-1-on-strong-note-after-pace-trio-skittles-bangladesh-cheaply-263946">first-ever pink ball Test match</a> between the two nations.</p>

<p>"I came here on the invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first-ever pink-ball Test match between India and Bangladesh, so I came to witness the occasion," Hasina said.</p>

<p>The Bangladeshi Prime Minister thanked the Indian audience and said that she gets a lot of "support and love" here.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina:I came here on invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first ever pink-ball Test b/w India &amp;Bangladesh,so I came to witness the occasion.I'd like to thank the Indian audience.I get a lot of support&amp;love here. India is important neighbour of Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/MD5VeyFfPU">pic.twitter.com/MD5VeyFfPU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197883165043376128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After attending the cricket match, Hasina held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Hasina arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day and inaugurated the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh along with West Bengal CM.</p>

<p>Hasina was received by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport today.</p>


Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the first-ever pink ball Test match between the two nations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the first-ever pink ball Test match between the two nations. "I came here on the invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first-ever pink-ball Test match between India and Bangladesh, so I came to witness the occasion," Hasina said. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister thanked the Indian audience and said that she gets a lot of "support and love" here. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina:I came here on invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first ever pink-ball Test b/w India &Bangladesh,so I came to witness the occasion.I'd like to thank the Indian audience.I get a lot of support&love here. India is important neighbour of Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/MD5VeyFfPU — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × After attending the cricket match, Hasina held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. PM Hasina arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day and inaugurated the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh along with West Bengal CM. Hasina was received by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport today.

India is an important neighbour, I get support and love here: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina 

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