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Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-import-polio-markers-from-india-price-of-89-medicines-reduced-by-15-270164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the figures compiled by Data and Media Cell, Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization, in Kashmir division, against the total target of 10,69,470 children, 10,64,941 children were administered oral polio vaccine against the crippling disease.

Whereas, in the Jammu division, against the target of 9,15,551 children, 9,20,439 children were given polio drops amounting to 100 per cent of the total target children.

Respective divisional and district administrations had made elaborate arrangements to cover all the children in the age group of 0-5 years. Furthermore, health workers and volunteers carried door-to-door visits in their allotted areas to ensure no child is left out of the vaccination programme.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children.

Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children. According to the figures compiled by Data and Media Cell, Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization, in Kashmir division, against the total target of 10,69,470 children, 10,64,941 children were administered oral polio vaccine against the crippling disease. Whereas, in the Jammu division, against the target of 9,15,551 children, 9,20,439 children were given polio drops amounting to 100 per cent of the total target children. Respective divisional and district administrations had made elaborate arrangements to cover all the children in the age group of 0-5 years. Furthermore, health workers and volunteers carried door-to-door visits in their allotted areas to ensure no child is left out of the vaccination programme.

Jammu and Kashmir: More than 19 lakh children registered for polio vaccination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism.

"On 23rd January 1897, Janakinath Bose wrote in his diary, 'A son was born at midday.' This son became a valorous freedom fighter and thinker who devoted his life towards one great cause - India's freedom. I refer to Netaji Bose, who we proudly remember on his Jayanti today," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

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India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians. <a href="https://t.co/otUlFanULs">pic.twitter.com/otUlFanULs</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1220177665203888128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians," he added.

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Netaji on his birth anniversary.

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Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. 
 
An exceptional freedom fighter &amp; leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. <a href="https://t.co/hPes3sD3rh">pic.twitter.com/hPes3sD3rh</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1220156191998906369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter and leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us," Goyal tweeted.

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My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement🙏 <a href="https://t.co/BAvJW2ywhF">pic.twitter.com/BAvJW2ywhF</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1220178287344771073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rijiju also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. "On 23rd January 1897, Janakinath Bose wrote in his diary, 'A son was born at midday.' This son became a valorous freedom fighter and thinker who devoted his life towards one great cause - India's freedom. I refer to Netaji Bose, who we proudly remember on his Jayanti today," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians. pic.twitter.com/otUlFanULs — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2020 × "India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians," he added. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Netaji on his birth anniversary. Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter & leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. pic.twitter.com/hPes3sD3rh — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 23, 2020 × "Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter and leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us," Goyal tweeted. My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement🙏 pic.twitter.com/BAvJW2ywhF — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 23, 2020 × Rijiju also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement."

'India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose': PM Narendra Modi

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Icy winds from the hills brought the mercury in the national capital down on Wednesday, the weather department said.

The city recorded a minimum of 7.1 degrees Celsius, two notches less than that recorded on Tuesday and a notch below normal for this time of the year, the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum temperature dropped to 17.9 degrees Celsius, from 20.2 degrees Celsius recorded on Tuesday. It was three notches less than normal.

The weather station at Mungeshpur recorded a maximum of 14.3 degrees Celsius.

In the morning, a dense layer of fog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas, disrupting train and flight operations.

Five flights were diverted and 22 trains delayed by up to eight hours, officials said.

A fresh western disturbance January 28 onwards is expected to trigger "fairly widespread" rainfall in the entire northwest India and "good" snowfall in the hills, the weatherman said.

Strong surface winds are expected on Thursday which will help improve air quality. On Wednesday, the overall air quality stood at 370 at 4 pm.

Icy winds from the hills brought the mercury in the national capital down on Wednesday, the weather department said. The city recorded a minimum of 7.1 degrees Celsius, two notches less than that recorded on Tuesday and a notch below normal for this time of the year, the India Meteorological Department said.

Icy winds from the hills brought the mercury in the national capital down on Wednesday, the weather department said. The city recorded a minimum of 7.1 degrees Celsius, two notches less than that recorded on Tuesday and a notch below normal for this time of the year, the India Meteorological Department said. The maximum temperature dropped to 17.9 degrees Celsius, from 20.2 degrees Celsius recorded on Tuesday. It was three notches less than normal. The weather station at Mungeshpur recorded a maximum of 14.3 degrees Celsius. In the morning, a dense layer of fog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas, disrupting train and flight operations. Five flights were diverted and 22 trains delayed by up to eight hours, officials said. A fresh western disturbance January 28 onwards is expected to trigger "fairly widespread" rainfall in the entire northwest India and "good" snowfall in the hills, the weatherman said. Strong surface winds are expected on Thursday which will help improve air quality. On Wednesday, the overall air quality stood at 370 at 4 pm.

Cold northwesterly winds bring temp down in Delhi

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The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday.

Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Director-General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh had on Monday said that the Bangladesh visits of Davinder Singh, who was arrested with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists a few days back, are being investigated.

The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Davinder Singh after it was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16. 
&nbsp;

The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday. Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday. Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir. Director-General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh had on Monday said that the Bangladesh visits of Davinder Singh, who was arrested with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists a few days back, are being investigated. The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Davinder Singh after it was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16.

Suspended cop Davinder Singh brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year.

These projects, worth over Rs 24,000 crore, are spread over Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

These include three from Railways, five from the Road Transport and Highways and one from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Modi also reviewed the performance related to insurance schemes, 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' (PMJJBY) and 'Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana' (PMSBY).

The progress under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, which is a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-governance, also came up for review.

In the last 31 'Pragati' interactions, Modi has reviewed a total of 269 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.30 lakh crore.

He has also reviewed the resolution of grievance redressal related to 47 government programmes and schemes across 17 diverse sectors.

'Pragati' is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for 'Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year. These projects, worth over Rs 24,000 crore, are spread over Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. These include three from Railways, five from the Road Transport and Highways and one from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Modi also reviewed the performance related to insurance schemes, 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' (PMJJBY) and 'Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana' (PMSBY). The progress under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, which is a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-governance, also came up for review. In the last 31 'Pragati' interactions, Modi has reviewed a total of 269 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.30 lakh crore. He has also reviewed the resolution of grievance redressal related to 47 government programmes and schemes across 17 diverse sectors. 'Pragati' is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for 'Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.'

PM Modi reviews nine delayed projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore of three Union ministries

Pakistan wants peace with India by addressing all conflicts including border issues through talks, country's Prime Minister said on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-gone-through-very-tough-economic-period-pm-imran-khan-at-davos-275974">during his address at the World Economic Forum.</a>

"I've always believed that the only way forward is via peace settlements. We want to mend our fences with Iran. We had some border issues with them. And then with India," Khan said while delivering a keynote address at Davos.

"You cannot have two nuclear-armed nations at such sensitive relations. This is why I asked for international overseers to come to the Line of Control," Khan also said.

Talking about India's growing economy, Khan said, "Howdy Modi doesn't bother me. I understand the relationship between the US and India. India is a huge market."

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been tensed since last year after a &nbsp;Pakistan based terrorist group attacked an Indian Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Around 40 soldiers were killed in the incident.

The relations further spiralled after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Meanwhile, India has been calling on Pakistan to crack down on the terror groups based on its territory and take immediate, irreversible action against them.

In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, despite extending a "hand of friendship" India has got "betrayal" from Pakistan.

"I invited Pakistan's PM for oath-taking ceremony in 2014. We had extended a hand of friendship towards Pakistan. I visited Lahore, but we got betrayal," PM Modi had said.

Pakistan wants peace with India by addressing all conflicts including border issues through talks, country's Prime Minister said on Wednesday during his address at the World Economic Forum.

Pakistan wants peace with India by addressing all conflicts including border issues through talks, country's Prime Minister said on Wednesday during his address at the World Economic Forum. "I've always believed that the only way forward is via peace settlements. We want to mend our fences with Iran. We had some border issues with them. And then with India," Khan said while delivering a keynote address at Davos. "You cannot have two nuclear-armed nations at such sensitive relations. This is why I asked for international overseers to come to the Line of Control," Khan also said. Talking about India's growing economy, Khan said, "Howdy Modi doesn't bother me. I understand the relationship between the US and India. India is a huge market." Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event. Relations between India and Pakistan have been tensed since last year after a Pakistan based terrorist group attacked an Indian Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Around 40 soldiers were killed in the incident. The relations further spiralled after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps. Meanwhile, India has been calling on Pakistan to crack down on the terror groups based on its territory and take immediate, irreversible action against them. In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, despite extending a "hand of friendship" India has got "betrayal" from Pakistan. "I invited Pakistan's PM for oath-taking ceremony in 2014. We had extended a hand of friendship towards Pakistan. I visited Lahore, but we got betrayal," PM Modi had said.

'Only way forward is via peace settlements': Pak PM Imran Khan calls for talks with India

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

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<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

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Under the directions of the Union health ministry, the Civil Aviation Ministry is conducting the health screening for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-mayor-asks-citizens-not-to-travel-outside-as-chinas-coronavirus-spreads-275911">coronavirus illness </a>of over 9000 passengers arriving from China, news agency ANI reported on Wednesday.

As a preventive measure against the outbreak of deadly coronavirus, a total number of 43 flights and over 9100 passengers are being screened, however, no case has been detected so far,&nbsp;news agency ANI quoted Union Health Secretary as saying.

"As of 21st January, a total of 43 flights and 9156 passengers have been screened for Novel Coronavirus. Till now no case has been reported/detected during the screenings," Preeti Sudan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-virus-us-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-nine-275853">Also Read:&nbsp;US confirms first case of coronavirus, death toll reaches nine</a>

The airports include Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in animals including camels, cats and bats.

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can also evolve and infect people.&nbsp;

So far, authorities in China have confirmed over 300 cases of the virus mostly in Wuhan, meanwhile, at least nine people have already died of the mysterious SARS-like virus.

&nbsp;According to WHO, the situation is still evolving and preliminary investigations suggest a link to the seafood market.&nbsp;

The United States also reported its first case of coronavirus victim today in Washington.

Meanwhile, the union health ministry has issued a health advisory for travellers against the threat of 'Novel Corona Virus Disease (nCoV) in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Under the directions of the Union health ministry, the Civil Aviation Ministry is conducting the health screening for coronavirus illness of over 9000 passengers arriving from China, news agency ANI reported on Wednesday.

Under the directions of the Union health ministry, the Civil Aviation Ministry is conducting the health screening for coronavirus illness of over 9000 passengers arriving from China, news agency ANI reported on Wednesday. As a preventive measure against the outbreak of deadly coronavirus, a total number of 43 flights and over 9100 passengers are being screened, however, no case has been detected so far, news agency ANI quoted Union Health Secretary as saying. "As of 21st January, a total of 43 flights and 9156 passengers have been screened for Novel Coronavirus. Till now no case has been reported/detected during the screenings," Preeti Sudan said. Also Read: US confirms first case of coronavirus, death toll reaches nine The airports include Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in animals including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can also evolve and infect people. So far, authorities in China have confirmed over 300 cases of the virus mostly in Wuhan, meanwhile, at least nine people have already died of the mysterious SARS-like virus. According to WHO, the situation is still evolving and preliminary investigations suggest a link to the seafood market. The United States also reported its first case of coronavirus victim today in Washington. Meanwhile, the union health ministry has issued a health advisory for travellers against the threat of 'Novel Corona Virus Disease (nCoV) in the neighbouring country. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus outbreak: Airport authorities screen passengers, flights coming from China

Through timely measures and change in wind directions, India prevented a desert locust invasion, officials said on Wednesday. The authorities are now trying to asses the crop damage.

"The swarms came from Iran and Pakistan, but the situation has been brought under control with the help of pesticides and specialist equipment. Although we're trying to figure out the extent of damage, I can tell you that there's no major loss," Reuters quoted a farm ministry official as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-faces-deadly-locust-attack-panic-grips-across-western-india-270447">Panic gripped Gujarat and Rajasthan </a>last year after swarms of locust outbreak began and destroyed crops.

Three villages in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, which shares a border with Pakistan's desert areas, came under fresh locust attacks this month.

In Gujarat, locust attacks in December damaged crops, mainly rapeseed and cumin seed, planted on about 17,000 hectares.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-desert-locust-swarms-in-ethiopia-kenya-and-somalia-threaten-to-ravage-east-africa-275577#food-security-threat-275570">In pics: Desert Locust swarms in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia threaten to ravage East Africa</a>

In the neighbouring Rajasthan, 360,000 hectares came under the attack.

Locusts belong to the grasshopper family. Plague of locusts is a natural disaster, a locust swarm can fly up to 90 miles per day.

Just one swarm can cover up to 20% of the land surface of the earth, affecting the livelihood of 10% of the world’s population.

They can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetation a day. The locusts in a swarm tend to move in the same direction while avoiding collision with each other.

Rainfall can increase locusts by 20-fold in 3 months. Adult locust can eat equivalent to their weight every day. There can be 80 million locusts in a swarm. Locusts can also turn cannibal.

The last major upsurge was in 2007, when heavy rains created favourable breeding conditions for locusts along the India-Pakistan border. 
&nbsp;

Through timely measures and change in wind directions, India prevented a desert locust invasion, officials said on Wednesday. The authorities are now trying to asses the crop damage.

Through timely measures and change in wind directions, India prevented a desert locust invasion, officials said on Wednesday. The authorities are now trying to asses the crop damage. "The swarms came from Iran and Pakistan, but the situation has been brought under control with the help of pesticides and specialist equipment. Although we're trying to figure out the extent of damage, I can tell you that there's no major loss," Reuters quoted a farm ministry official as saying. Panic gripped Gujarat and Rajasthan last year after swarms of locust outbreak began and destroyed crops. Three villages in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, which shares a border with Pakistan's desert areas, came under fresh locust attacks this month. In Gujarat, locust attacks in December damaged crops, mainly rapeseed and cumin seed, planted on about 17,000 hectares. In pics: Desert Locust swarms in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia threaten to ravage East Africa In the neighbouring Rajasthan, 360,000 hectares came under the attack. Locusts belong to the grasshopper family. Plague of locusts is a natural disaster, a locust swarm can fly up to 90 miles per day. Just one swarm can cover up to 20% of the land surface of the earth, affecting the livelihood of 10% of the world’s population. They can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetation a day. The locusts in a swarm tend to move in the same direction while avoiding collision with each other. Rainfall can increase locusts by 20-fold in 3 months. Adult locust can eat equivalent to their weight every day. There can be 80 million locusts in a swarm. Locusts can also turn cannibal. The last major upsurge was in 2007, when heavy rains created favourable breeding conditions for locusts along the India-Pakistan border.

Desert locust invasion prevented after timely measures, change in wind directions

India on Wednesday expressed interest in raising the import of crude oil from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-trade-brazillian-president-jair-bolsonaro-to-arrive-in-india-on-friday-275818"> Brazil</a> as the world's third-largest oil consumer is looking at diversifying its import basket beyond the highly volatile Middle East region.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met visiting Brazilian Minister for Mines and Energy Bento Albuqueroque to review cooperation between the two countries.

"India is diversifying its crude oil supply and our oil companies have expressed interest in sourcing more crude from Brazil if offered favourable commercial terms," Pradhan tweeted after the meeting.

India imports 84 per cent of its oil needs and two-thirds of its import come from the Middle East with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being the top suppliers.

Pradhan said he also sought intervention for the early monetization of India's existing investments in the Brazilian energy sector.

ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), has two exploration blocks in Brazil - BC-10 and BM Seal-4 and is looking at monetizing discoveries made there.

Pradhan said during the meeting the agreements/MoUs to be signed in bioenergy and oil &amp; gas sector during the Summit level meeting with the visiting Brazilian President were also reviewed.

Separately, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil on cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas.

"The MoU will enhance cooperation between the two sides in the oil and natural gas sector. Under the MoU, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in the exploration and production (E&amp;P) initiatives in Brazil and India, research &amp; development in this sector, explore collaboration in Liquefied Natural Gas projects in Brazil, India and third countries, and also encourage collaboration in oil energy and environmental issues, including energy policies such as energy efficiency, energy research development and expansion of the regional energy infrastructure networks," an official statement said.

The MoU will be signed during the visit of the Brazilian President.

"We further discussed to collaborate our efforts in the field of Biofuels. We are targeting to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol &amp; 5% bio-diesel blending capacity by 2030. In this regard expressed India's interest to work with Brazil in the field of Bioenergy," Pradhan tweeted after meeting his Brazilian counterpart.

Also discussed was developing cooperation in technologies, particularly in the areas of mining and pelletization, he added.

India on Wednesday expressed interest in raising the import of crude oil from Brazil as the world's third-largest oil consumer is looking at diversifying its import basket beyond the highly volatile Middle East region.

India on Wednesday expressed interest in raising the import of crude oil from Brazil as the world's third-largest oil consumer is looking at diversifying its import basket beyond the highly volatile Middle East region. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met visiting Brazilian Minister for Mines and Energy Bento Albuqueroque to review cooperation between the two countries. "India is diversifying its crude oil supply and our oil companies have expressed interest in sourcing more crude from Brazil if offered favourable commercial terms," Pradhan tweeted after the meeting. India imports 84 per cent of its oil needs and two-thirds of its import come from the Middle East with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being the top suppliers. Pradhan said he also sought intervention for the early monetization of India's existing investments in the Brazilian energy sector. ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), has two exploration blocks in Brazil - BC-10 and BM Seal-4 and is looking at monetizing discoveries made there. Pradhan said during the meeting the agreements/MoUs to be signed in bioenergy and oil & gas sector during the Summit level meeting with the visiting Brazilian President were also reviewed. Separately, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil on cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas. "The MoU will enhance cooperation between the two sides in the oil and natural gas sector. Under the MoU, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in the exploration and production (E&P) initiatives in Brazil and India, research & development in this sector, explore collaboration in Liquefied Natural Gas projects in Brazil, India and third countries, and also encourage collaboration in oil energy and environmental issues, including energy policies such as energy efficiency, energy research development and expansion of the regional energy infrastructure networks," an official statement said. The MoU will be signed during the visit of the Brazilian President. "We further discussed to collaborate our efforts in the field of Biofuels. We are targeting to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol & 5% bio-diesel blending capacity by 2030. In this regard expressed India's interest to work with Brazil in the field of Bioenergy," Pradhan tweeted after meeting his Brazilian counterpart. Also discussed was developing cooperation in technologies, particularly in the areas of mining and pelletization, he added.

India keen on importing more oil from Brazil: Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

The work of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/we-expect-chandrayaan-3-to-be-a-success-isro-chief-k-sivan-to-wion-274078">Chandrayaan-3</a> has started and is in full force according to K Sivan, the founder of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Its configuration will be similar to that of the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/recalling-chandrayaan-2-launch-pm-modi-tells-students-every-failure-is-a-step-towards-success-275485">Chandrayaan-2</a> and will land on the exact same location where the Vikram-lander had crashed for the previous mission.

Greenlight has been given to the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/new-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-to-launch-in-november-2020-isro-271367">Chandrayaan-3 </a>lunar mission by the central government.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/we-expect-chandrayaan-3-to-be-a-success-isro-chief-k-sivan-to-wion-274078">Also read:&nbsp;We expect Chandrayaan-3 to be a success: ISRO chief K Sivan to WION</a>

The land acquisition for a second spaceport has been initiated and the port will be in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Sivan also said that although there is a possibility to send a manned mission but it will not happen ''immediately''.

For this mission, four astronauts have been shortlisted and training to them will be provided to them in <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russia </a>at the end of January.

The astronauts will go to space in an Indian module this time.

''This mission will provide us opportunities to build a framework for both long term national and international cooperation and collaborations,'' he added.

The key focus of this mission is to send astronauts into space for a minimum period of seven days till 2022 in spacecraft.

India will become the 4th country after Russia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-virus-us-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-nine-275853">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-myanmar-economic-corridor-turning-out-to-be-another-cpec-275688">China </a>to to send humans in space after the completion of this mission.

The work of Chandrayaan-3 has started and is in full force according to K Sivan, the founder of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Its configuration will be similar to that of the Chandrayaan-2 and will land on the exact same location where the Vikram-lander had crashed for the previous mission.

The work of Chandrayaan-3 has started and is in full force according to K Sivan, the founder of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Its configuration will be similar to that of the Chandrayaan-2 and will land on the exact same location where the Vikram-lander had crashed for the previous mission. Greenlight has been given to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission by the central government. Also read: We expect Chandrayaan-3 to be a success: ISRO chief K Sivan to WION The land acquisition for a second spaceport has been initiated and the port will be in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Sivan also said that although there is a possibility to send a manned mission but it will not happen ''immediately''. For this mission, four astronauts have been shortlisted and training to them will be provided to them in Russia at the end of January. The astronauts will go to space in an Indian module this time. ''This mission will provide us opportunities to build a framework for both long term national and international cooperation and collaborations,'' he added. The key focus of this mission is to send astronauts into space for a minimum period of seven days till 2022 in spacecraft. India will become the 4th country after Russia, US and China to to send humans in space after the completion of this mission.

Work on Chandrayaan 3 moving along rapidly: Sivan

Amid the outrage row over delay in death penalty of Nirbhaya, gang-rape and murder case convicts, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday moved to Supreme Court to seeking modifications of the "convict-centric" guidelines to make them more "victim-centric".

In the plea, the government sought a direction from the top court in fixing the deadline for filing of curative pleas after the rejection of review petitions.

According to the plea filed in the top court today, the modifications are needed to reinforce the "people's faith in the rule of law". It also asked to set a time-limit for convicts using their available legal options.

The government also wanted the court to direct that a death row convict can only file a mercy plea within seven days of receiving the death warrant; while the state governments and authorities should issue death warrant within seven days of the mercy plea being rejected.

"If the convict of death sentence wants to file mercy petition, it would be mandatory for a convict of death sentence to do so only within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of death warrant issued by the competent court", the government stated in the plea.

The top court, on January 20, had rejected the plea of a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case challenging the Delhi High Court order which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of offence saying he cannot re-agitate the issue by filing a fresh application.

A Delhi court has recently issued fresh death warrants for February 1 against the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Kumar Singh (31), Mukesh Kumar Singh (32) and Pawan (26) -- in the case after their hanging got delayed from January 22 due to pending petitions.

The 23-year-old paramedic student, referred to as Nirbhaya, was gang-raped and brutally assaulted on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012, in a moving bus in south Delhi by six people before she was thrown out on the road.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Amid the outrage row over delay in death penalty of Nirbhaya, gang-rape and murder case convicts, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday moved to Supreme Court to seeking modifications of the "convict-centric" guidelines to make them more "victim-centric".

Amid the outrage row over delay in death penalty of Nirbhaya, gang-rape and murder case convicts, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday moved to Supreme Court to seeking modifications of the "convict-centric" guidelines to make them more "victim-centric". In the plea, the government sought a direction from the top court in fixing the deadline for filing of curative pleas after the rejection of review petitions. According to the plea filed in the top court today, the modifications are needed to reinforce the "people's faith in the rule of law". It also asked to set a time-limit for convicts using their available legal options. The government also wanted the court to direct that a death row convict can only file a mercy plea within seven days of receiving the death warrant; while the state governments and authorities should issue death warrant within seven days of the mercy plea being rejected. "If the convict of death sentence wants to file mercy petition, it would be mandatory for a convict of death sentence to do so only within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of death warrant issued by the competent court", the government stated in the plea. The top court, on January 20, had rejected the plea of a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case challenging the Delhi High Court order which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of offence saying he cannot re-agitate the issue by filing a fresh application. A Delhi court has recently issued fresh death warrants for February 1 against the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma (26), Akshay Kumar Singh (31), Mukesh Kumar Singh (32) and Pawan (26) -- in the case after their hanging got delayed from January 22 due to pending petitions. The 23-year-old paramedic student, referred to as Nirbhaya, was gang-raped and brutally assaulted on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012, in a moving bus in south Delhi by six people before she was thrown out on the road. (With inputs from agencies)

Government moves to Supreme Court seeking more 'victim-centric' death penalty guidelines

One terrorist was gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after an encounter with security forces.

The encounter had broken out on Tuesday and continued till today.

"#Awantipora encounter update: 01 #terrorist has been killed. #Operation is in progress. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awantipora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Awantipora</a> encounter update: 01 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorist</a> has been killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Operation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Operation</a> is in progress. Further details shall follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1219910424126087168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An Indian Army jawan and a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday have lost their lives during the encounter.&nbsp;

The gunbattle had started after cordon and search operation were launched by security forces in the district on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh had told reporters that there were reports of the presence of two militants in the area.

Meanwhile, since taking over as the Chief of the Indian Army, MM Naravane will make his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the area.

During the visit, Naravane is scheduled to visit Army positions close to the Line of Control with Pakistan to review the security operations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

One terrorist was gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after an encounter with security forces. The encounter had broken out on Tuesday and continued till today.

One terrorist was gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after an encounter with security forces. The encounter had broken out on Tuesday and continued till today. "#Awantipora encounter update: 01 #terrorist has been killed. #Operation is in progress. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted. #Awantipora encounter update: 01 #terrorist has been killed. #Operation is in progress. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) January 22, 2020 × An Indian Army jawan and a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday have lost their lives during the encounter. The gunbattle had started after cordon and search operation were launched by security forces in the district on Tuesday. Earlier in the day Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh had told reporters that there were reports of the presence of two militants in the area. Meanwhile, since taking over as the Chief of the Indian Army, MM Naravane will make his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the area. During the visit, Naravane is scheduled to visit Army positions close to the Line of Control with Pakistan to review the security operations.

J&K: One terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Pulwama

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday lowered growth estimate for India to 4.8% for FY20, citing stress in the non-bank financial sector and weak rural income growth as the major factors for the downward revision.

IMF lowers India growth estimate to 4.8% for FY20

Speaking to the media in presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump said, "We are talking about Kashmir in relation to what is going on with Pakistan and India. If we can help, we certainly will be helping."

Imran Khan, Trump discuss Kashmir at Davos

Every nation has been attempting to safeguarding its citizens from the deadly coronavirus, India included.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia to begin screening passengers from China</a>

The Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered the passengers arriving in India from China and Hong Kong to undergo a thermal screening process.

International airports across the nation have been ordered to screen passengers, including the ones located in cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin as well as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

The order comes in continuation of the advisory from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Center for Disease Control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-we-know-about-new-coronavirus-outbreak-in-chinese-city-of-wuhan-275295">In pics: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan</a> 
 
Airlines are instructed by the government to make in-flight announcements requesting passengers with a history of fever and cough to declare so to State Health Authorities.

<img alt="Chinese coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4dd79acd-20a4-4b50-9d9e-72b9346a35de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_4.jpg" />

[&nbsp;A woman wears a mask as she walks past a health warning poster at hospital in Hong Kong, China (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Passengers visiting Wuhan in the last fortnight are also urged to declare it. Passengers are required to fill up the self-reporting forms before departure to facilitate review upon arrival.

Thermal screening of passengers will be conducted. Airline staff will be responsible for bringing passengers to health counters before the immigration check.

All healthy passengers and crew members will be allowed to continue their journey.&nbsp;Public Health Authorities will be notified in case any ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of coronavirus.

Travellers who develop symptoms after visiting affected cities within 28 days are urged to visit the nearest hospital facility. They are also urged to notify the concerned Airport Health Office and State or District Health Authorities.

Every nation has been attempting to safeguarding its citizens from the deadly coronavirus, India included. Also Read: Australia to begin screening passengers from China The Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered the passengers arriving in India from China and Hong Kong to undergo a thermal screening process.

Every nation has been attempting to safeguarding its citizens from the deadly coronavirus, India included. Also Read: Australia to begin screening passengers from China The Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered the passengers arriving in India from China and Hong Kong to undergo a thermal screening process. International airports across the nation have been ordered to screen passengers, including the ones located in cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin as well as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The order comes in continuation of the advisory from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Center for Disease Control. In pics: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan Airlines are instructed by the government to make in-flight announcements requesting passengers with a history of fever and cough to declare so to State Health Authorities. [ A woman wears a mask as she walks past a health warning poster at hospital in Hong Kong, China (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Passengers visiting Wuhan in the last fortnight are also urged to declare it. Passengers are required to fill up the self-reporting forms before departure to facilitate review upon arrival. Thermal screening of passengers will be conducted. Airline staff will be responsible for bringing passengers to health counters before the immigration check. All healthy passengers and crew members will be allowed to continue their journey. Public Health Authorities will be notified in case any ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of coronavirus. Travellers who develop symptoms after visiting affected cities within 28 days are urged to visit the nearest hospital facility. They are also urged to notify the concerned Airport Health Office and State or District Health Authorities.

China coronavirus: Viral outbreak forces India to strengthen airport safety laws

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-centre-over-schemes-for-minorities-275461">Supreme Court of India </a>on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-protests-citizenship-amendment-act-will-not-be-withdrawn-amit-shah-275742">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) without hearing the Central government.&nbsp;

The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks.

<a href="Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah">Also read:&nbsp;Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah</a>

The Apex Court said that it will take a look at the requests identified with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/today-in-history-from-first-auction-of-assam-tea-to-india-and-pakistan-sign-tashkent-agreement-and-more-273317">Assam </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crime-against-women-reduced-by-7-per-cent-in-new-govts-regime-in-tripura-law-minister-ratanlal-nath-271843">Tripura </a>diversely as both these states have separate concurrences with the Central government in regards to the safeguarding of local clans and ethnic individuals. Anyway, it explained that the equivalent is for the court's advantage and every one of the issues will be heard together.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-centre-over-schemes-for-minorities-275461">Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over schemes for minorities</a>

The top legal body has indicated making of Constitution Bench to hear the all petitions challenging Citizenship Amendment Act. The bench will work out the schedule for hearing the cases and take up the cases after 5 weeks to pass interim orders.

A Bench of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sharad-arvind-bobde-47th-chief-justice-of-india-who-advocates-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-courts-262959">Chief Justice of India</a> (CJI) SA Bobde, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the pleas against CAA listed for today.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Central government. The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Central government. The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks. Also read: Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah The Apex Court said that it will take a look at the requests identified with Assam and Tripura diversely as both these states have separate concurrences with the Central government in regards to the safeguarding of local clans and ethnic individuals. Anyway, it explained that the equivalent is for the court's advantage and every one of the issues will be heard together.' Also read: Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over schemes for minorities The top legal body has indicated making of Constitution Bench to hear the all petitions challenging Citizenship Amendment Act. The bench will work out the schedule for hearing the cases and take up the cases after 5 weeks to pass interim orders. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the pleas against CAA listed for today. (With inputs from ANI)

Supreme Court hearing on CAA: No stay on Citizenship Act, apex court gives Centre 4 weeks to respond

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.&nbsp;

On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms.&nbsp;

The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region.&nbsp;

<img alt="drugs" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f2e6217-8092-459b-a6dc-4f91001d1812" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Drug.jpeg" />

Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart.&nbsp;

”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF.&nbsp;

The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur.&nbsp;

”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday. On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms. The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region. Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart. ”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF. The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur. ”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

North East's biggest drug bust: Drugs worth Rs 100 crores seized, two arrested

A massive fire, which broke out at Raghuveer textile Market in Gujarat's Surat on Monday, was brought under control.&nbsp;

No casualty was reported so far said the officials. The blaze was spread from the bottom floor after the fire in one of the shops.&nbsp;

Brigade call was declared by the Surat municipal corporation's fire and emergency department, reported by Times of India.&nbsp;

40 fire tenders were rushed to the spot when the incident took place. The exact reason behind the fire was yet to be ascertained but it&nbsp;spread due to polyester fabrics.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Textile fabrics worth around crores of rupees have been gutted in the fire, said the officials.&nbsp;

A fire took place at Raghuveer market on January 8 after which the fire department issued a notice for setting up safety equipment.&nbsp;

( Inputs from ANI)

A massive fire, which broke out at Raghuveer textile Market in Gujarat's Surat on Monday, was brought under control. No casualty was reported so far said the officials.

A massive fire, which broke out at Raghuveer textile Market in Gujarat's Surat on Monday, was brought under control. No casualty was reported so far said the officials. The blaze was spread from the bottom floor after the fire in one of the shops. Brigade call was declared by the Surat municipal corporation's fire and emergency department, reported by Times of India. 40 fire tenders were rushed to the spot when the incident took place. The exact reason behind the fire was yet to be ascertained but it spread due to polyester fabrics. Textile fabrics worth around crores of rupees have been gutted in the fire, said the officials. A fire took place at Raghuveer market on January 8 after which the fire department issued a notice for setting up safety equipment. ( Inputs from ANI)

Another fire reported in Surat at Raghuveer Market, situation under control

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/could-congress-reverse-trumps-decision-to-pull-troops-out-of-syria-259451">Congress</a> on Tuesday released another list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls.

The party has fielded Jai Prakash Panwar from Madipur, Mukesh Sharma from Vikaspuri, Parveen Rana from Bijwasan, Mohinder Chaudhary from Mehrauli and Parvez Hashmi from Okhla.

Polling on 70 Assembly seats in Delhi will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

The Congress on Tuesday released another list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls. The party has fielded Jai Prakash Panwar from Madipur, Mukesh Sharma from Vikaspuri, Parveen Rana from Bijwasan, Mohinder Chaudhary from Mehrauli and Parvez Hashmi from Okhla.

The Congress on Tuesday released another list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls. The party has fielded Jai Prakash Panwar from Madipur, Mukesh Sharma from Vikaspuri, Parveen Rana from Bijwasan, Mohinder Chaudhary from Mehrauli and Parvez Hashmi from Okhla. Polling on 70 Assembly seats in Delhi will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Congress releases another list of 5 candidates for Delhi polls

India Meteorological Department (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-red-warning-for-delhi-as-cold-wave-conditions-continue-270768">IMD</a>) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours.

"The Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over Afghanistan and neighbourhood between 2.1 and 3.6 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain/snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during the next 24 hours. It is very likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi during the same period," IMD said in its bulletin.

The weather department also predicted dense fog in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim during the next 24 hours.

"Dense fog likely in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during next 24 hours and over Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during 48 hours in night/morning hours," read the bulletin.

A few regions in Himachal, including Shimla city, received snowfall today. Snow clearance work is underway on National Highway - 5 between Charabra and Kufri in Shimla district.

The air quality in the national capital today plunged to 'very poor' category with overall <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reels-under-bouts-of-air-pollution-as-aqi-crosses-350-mark-267343">AQI</a> docked at 322 at 8:50 am, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-expected-to-deteriorate-significantly-on-sunday-safar-180240">SAFAR</a>).

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours. "The Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over Afghanistan and neighbourhood between 2.1 and 3.6 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain/snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during the next 24 hours. It is very likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi during the same period," IMD said in its bulletin. The weather department also predicted dense fog in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim during the next 24 hours. "Dense fog likely in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during next 24 hours and over Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during 48 hours in night/morning hours," read the bulletin. A few regions in Himachal, including Shimla city, received snowfall today. Snow clearance work is underway on National Highway - 5 between Charabra and Kufri in Shimla district. The air quality in the national capital today plunged to 'very poor' category with overall AQI docked at 322 at 8:50 am, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous.

India Meteorological Department predicts light rain over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi in next 24 hours

The Hooghly or Kati-Ganga flows south for about 260 km into the Bay of Bengal, through a heavy industrialised area with more than half of West Bengal's population.

Household wastewater and industrial effluents flowing directly into the river are the major causes of its pollution.

Tolly Nullah, a British-era canal, discharges a large quantity of sewage waste into the river.

Under the pollution abatement and rehabilitation works, three sewage treatment plants will be set up with funds from the Namami Gange to stop the flow of sewage from Tolly Nullah into the Hooghly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-mission-for-clean-ganga-conserves-wetlands-in-ganga-basin-275172">Rajiv Ranjan Mishra</a>, Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga said, "It has been converted into a big nullah. At one point it was called Adi Ganga. So, it was the king of the river. But, it has degenerated over a period of time. We have some problems with that project. 26 MLD STP we want to construct and then intercept this sewage to that STP and clean it up. We have sanctioned the project and the state is calling up tender".

He added, "There are certain issues of encroachment and people settling along that nullah, so I think all these things are taken care up by the state and local authorities and we will ground this project".

A few kilometres from Kolkota is Barrackpur, the site of the first cantonment of British East India Company.

Located on the banks of Hooghly, Barrackpur is now a densely populated city. It lacks sewage treatment plants, and consequently, its wastewater flows directly into the river.

Under the Namami Gange programme, work on a 150 km long sewage network is going on at a rapid pace. It will connect over 35,000 households.

The city's household wastewater will be diverted to sewage treatment plants with capacities of 18 MLD and 6 MLD, which are under construction.

The sewage treatment plants are expected to be operational by early 2020.

Chandranath Mukherjee, Asst. Construction Manager, L&amp;T said, "Dirty wastewater was flowing directly into the Ganga. After completion of this project, this will not happen. Sewage will be treated and solid waste will be used for agricultural purpose as organic manure. Treated water will be diverted to the Ganga through a canal".

Rohit Yadav, Sr. Engineer at the site said, "When we were talking to people about the benefits of this project - cleanliness, and eradication of mosquitoes by treating wastewater - they were positive about it. The locals are cooperating with us".

As part of its pollution abatement initiatives, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-ganga-clean-up-in-shambles-modi-intervenes-14229/amp">National Mission for Clean Ganga</a> has also constructed and renovated old Ganga ghats in Barrackpur and its adjoining areas.

Under the Namami Gange programme, various activities such as treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluent, river surface cleaning, ghats, and crematoria work have been taken up.

All these efforts aim towards fulfilling the objective of Namami Gange, which is a continuous flow and unpolluted flow of the Ganga.

The Hooghly or Kati-Ganga flows south for about 260 km into the Bay of Bengal, through a heavy industrialised area with more than half of West Bengal's population.

The Hooghly or Kati-Ganga flows south for about 260 km into the Bay of Bengal, through a heavy industrialised area with more than half of West Bengal's population. Household wastewater and industrial effluents flowing directly into the river are the major causes of its pollution. Tolly Nullah, a British-era canal, discharges a large quantity of sewage waste into the river. Under the pollution abatement and rehabilitation works, three sewage treatment plants will be set up with funds from the Namami Gange to stop the flow of sewage from Tolly Nullah into the Hooghly. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga said, "It has been converted into a big nullah. At one point it was called Adi Ganga. So, it was the king of the river. But, it has degenerated over a period of time. We have some problems with that project. 26 MLD STP we want to construct and then intercept this sewage to that STP and clean it up. We have sanctioned the project and the state is calling up tender". He added, "There are certain issues of encroachment and people settling along that nullah, so I think all these things are taken care up by the state and local authorities and we will ground this project". A few kilometres from Kolkota is Barrackpur, the site of the first cantonment of British East India Company. Located on the banks of Hooghly, Barrackpur is now a densely populated city. It lacks sewage treatment plants, and consequently, its wastewater flows directly into the river. Under the Namami Gange programme, work on a 150 km long sewage network is going on at a rapid pace. It will connect over 35,000 households. The city's household wastewater will be diverted to sewage treatment plants with capacities of 18 MLD and 6 MLD, which are under construction. The sewage treatment plants are expected to be operational by early 2020. Chandranath Mukherjee, Asst. Construction Manager, L&T said, "Dirty wastewater was flowing directly into the Ganga. After completion of this project, this will not happen. Sewage will be treated and solid waste will be used for agricultural purpose as organic manure. Treated water will be diverted to the Ganga through a canal". Rohit Yadav, Sr. Engineer at the site said, "When we were talking to people about the benefits of this project - cleanliness, and eradication of mosquitoes by treating wastewater - they were positive about it. The locals are cooperating with us". As part of its pollution abatement initiatives, the National Mission for Clean Ganga has also constructed and renovated old Ganga ghats in Barrackpur and its adjoining areas. Under the Namami Gange programme, various activities such as treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluent, river surface cleaning, ghats, and crematoria work have been taken up. All these efforts aim towards fulfilling the objective of Namami Gange, which is a continuous flow and unpolluted flow of the Ganga.

West Bengal: Pollution abatement projects to prevent sewage flow into Ganga

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, BJP's Vijender Gupta and Congress's Arvinder Singh Lovely are among over 600 candidates in fray for next month's Delhi Assembly polls.

On the last day of filing of nomination, nearly 200 candidates, including Kejriwal, filed their papers. With a long queue at the New Delhi returning officer's office at the Jamnagar House in central Delhi, Kejriwal had to wait for over six hours for his turn.

According to information shared by the Delhi CEO Office, till 9 pm, 592 nominations were received on Tuesday for 55 constituencies.

"The total number of nominations at this time stands at 1,353. The number will be updated as and when the documents are processed," a senior official of the Delhi CEO Office said.

The scene at the nomination offices across the national capital was chaotic as candidates, flanked by their supporters, rushed to file their papers on the last day.

Nominations for some seats were announced as late as Tuesday morning, hours before the deadline to file the papers ended.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the BJP announced candidates for 10 seats, while the Congress declared candidature for five seats around 10.40 am.

At the Jamnagar House, where 66 candidates queued up for filing papers, Kejriwal was seen waiting to file his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly seat.

"Waiting to file my nomination. My token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy," Kejriwal said before his turn came.

AAP leaders claimed that 35 candidates with incomplete papers were insisting that they will not allow the chief minister to file unless their nominations are taken care of and alleged a "conspiracy".

A statement issued in the evening by the office of the Delhi CEO said, "Today being the last date for nomination, there was a huge rush of candidates. Since 3 pm was the deadline, a total of 66 candidates presented before the New Delhi constituencies Returning Officer.

"Due to the huge rush, the nomination process has taken time beyond 3 pm," it added.

In the battle for supremacy for the 70 seats, the AAP has been wooing the voters through host of populist schemes.

Kejriwal has guaranteed free bus ride for students, deployment of mohalla marshals for women security, 24-hour supply of power and clean piped water to every household and reducing pollution to one-third.

He said schemes like free 200 units of electricity, 20,000 litres of water and healthcare services will continue for the next five years if his party is voted to power again and also promised basic infrastructure in unauthorised colonies as well as "a pukka house for all slum dwellers".

"On one hand - BJP, JD(U), LJP, JJP, Congress, RJD. On the other - school, hospital, water, electricity, free bus travel for women. My aim - to defeat corruption and take Delhi forward, their aim- to defeat me," he said in a tweet.

The AAP has given tickets to 46 of its sitting MLAs besides 15 new faces. It has also fielded Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar), Dilip Pandey (Timarpur), Atishi (Kalkaji), the trio who had unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP, on the other hand, has been attempting to repeat its 2019 Lok Sabha performance where it won all seven seats with huge margins.

The saffron party has said it will contest the polls under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has put its bet on experienced candidates and works of the party-led government at the Centre, including bills like the Citizenship Amendment Act. Among the 67 BJP candidates, over 30 are former legislators or have contested the assembly elections in the past.

In this election, the BJP has accommodated its allies and given tickets to the JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Jan Shakti Party. However, its old ally the Shiromani

Akali Dal on Monday had announced that it will not be in the fray owing its differences over the CAA.

"Modi government has done many path-breaking works for the people living in unauthorised colonies and slums, besides coming up with peripheral expressways to reduce pollution in the city. On the other hand, the AAP whose government stalled schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojna," Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari said.

Banking on a mix of young and experienced candidates, the Congress, which drew a blank in the 2015 assembly elections, is looking to revive its fortunes in the polls by projecting the "good works" of the Sheila Dikshit government which led to "prosperous Delhi".

For the first time, the party has firmed up an alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD which will contest four assembly seats that have have a sizeable Poorvanchali population - Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam.

Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra said his party was fully confident of unseating the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in the February 8 election.

Besides Kejriwal, rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who has been fielded from Model Town seat by the BJP, Shivani Chopra, daughter of Delhi Pradesh Congress Shivani Chopra (Kalkaji seat), Delhi BJP spokesperson Tejinder Singh Pal Bagga (Hari Nagar), Congress' Rocky Tuseed (Rajinder Nagar) filed their candidature on Tuesday.

Before filing his nomination, Mishra also took out a roadshow which saw the participation of Chandni Chowk MP and Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

Candidates can withdraw their nomination until Friday, January 24. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, BJP's Vijender Gupta and Congress's Arvinder Singh Lovely are among over 600 candidates in fray for next month's Delhi Assembly polls.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, BJP's Vijender Gupta and Congress's Arvinder Singh Lovely are among over 600 candidates in fray for next month's Delhi Assembly polls. On the last day of filing of nomination, nearly 200 candidates, including Kejriwal, filed their papers. With a long queue at the New Delhi returning officer's office at the Jamnagar House in central Delhi, Kejriwal had to wait for over six hours for his turn. According to information shared by the Delhi CEO Office, till 9 pm, 592 nominations were received on Tuesday for 55 constituencies. "The total number of nominations at this time stands at 1,353. The number will be updated as and when the documents are processed," a senior official of the Delhi CEO Office said. The scene at the nomination offices across the national capital was chaotic as candidates, flanked by their supporters, rushed to file their papers on the last day. Nominations for some seats were announced as late as Tuesday morning, hours before the deadline to file the papers ended. In the early hours of Tuesday, the BJP announced candidates for 10 seats, while the Congress declared candidature for five seats around 10.40 am. At the Jamnagar House, where 66 candidates queued up for filing papers, Kejriwal was seen waiting to file his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly seat. "Waiting to file my nomination. My token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy," Kejriwal said before his turn came. AAP leaders claimed that 35 candidates with incomplete papers were insisting that they will not allow the chief minister to file unless their nominations are taken care of and alleged a "conspiracy". A statement issued in the evening by the office of the Delhi CEO said, "Today being the last date for nomination, there was a huge rush of candidates. Since 3 pm was the deadline, a total of 66 candidates presented before the New Delhi constituencies Returning Officer. "Due to the huge rush, the nomination process has taken time beyond 3 pm," it added. In the battle for supremacy for the 70 seats, the AAP has been wooing the voters through host of populist schemes. Kejriwal has guaranteed free bus ride for students, deployment of mohalla marshals for women security, 24-hour supply of power and clean piped water to every household and reducing pollution to one-third. He said schemes like free 200 units of electricity, 20,000 litres of water and healthcare services will continue for the next five years if his party is voted to power again and also promised basic infrastructure in unauthorised colonies as well as "a pukka house for all slum dwellers". "On one hand - BJP, JD(U), LJP, JJP, Congress, RJD. On the other - school, hospital, water, electricity, free bus travel for women. My aim - to defeat corruption and take Delhi forward, their aim- to defeat me," he said in a tweet. The AAP has given tickets to 46 of its sitting MLAs besides 15 new faces. It has also fielded Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar), Dilip Pandey (Timarpur), Atishi (Kalkaji), the trio who had unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls. The BJP, on the other hand, has been attempting to repeat its 2019 Lok Sabha performance where it won all seven seats with huge margins. The saffron party has said it will contest the polls under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has put its bet on experienced candidates and works of the party-led government at the Centre, including bills like the Citizenship Amendment Act. Among the 67 BJP candidates, over 30 are former legislators or have contested the assembly elections in the past. In this election, the BJP has accommodated its allies and given tickets to the JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Jan Shakti Party. However, its old ally the Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday had announced that it will not be in the fray owing its differences over the CAA. "Modi government has done many path-breaking works for the people living in unauthorised colonies and slums, besides coming up with peripheral expressways to reduce pollution in the city. On the other hand, the AAP whose government stalled schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojna," Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari said. Banking on a mix of young and experienced candidates, the Congress, which drew a blank in the 2015 assembly elections, is looking to revive its fortunes in the polls by projecting the "good works" of the Sheila Dikshit government which led to "prosperous Delhi". For the first time, the party has firmed up an alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD which will contest four assembly seats that have have a sizeable Poorvanchali population - Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam. Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra said his party was fully confident of unseating the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in the February 8 election. Besides Kejriwal, rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who has been fielded from Model Town seat by the BJP, Shivani Chopra, daughter of Delhi Pradesh Congress Shivani Chopra (Kalkaji seat), Delhi BJP spokesperson Tejinder Singh Pal Bagga (Hari Nagar), Congress' Rocky Tuseed (Rajinder Nagar) filed their candidature on Tuesday. Before filing his nomination, Mishra also took out a roadshow which saw the participation of Chandni Chowk MP and Union minister Harsh Vardhan. Candidates can withdraw their nomination until Friday, January 24. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Wednesday.

Assembly polls: After waiting for over 6 hours, Kejriwal files nomination from New Delhi seat

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