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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday slammed Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over the death of infants in Kota hospital and said that the latter should focus on the children dying in his state rather than opposing Citizenship Amendment Act.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday slammed Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over the death of infants in Kota hospital and said that the latter should focus on the children dying in his state rather than opposing Citizenship Amendment Act. "Gehlot ji, instead of opposing CAA, first focus on the children who are dying in Kota every day, show some concern, mothers are cursing you," said Shah addressing a rally here. The death toll in the JK Lone hospital in Rajasthan`s Kota district has mounted to 105 as two more infants died on January 2 and 3, a hospital official said. Shah also targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for instigating refugees from Bangladesh against the CAA. "Mamta didi is saying that you will stand in queues and you will be asked for proof. I want to tell all the refugee brothers settled in Bengal that you will not have to face any torture, you will be given citizenship with honour. There is no need to fear from didi," he said. The BJP president asked Banerjee that "why is she speaking against Bengali speaking refugee Hindus, what have the Dalits done to you, why are you opposing their citizenship ?" He appealed people to show their support to Citizenship law by giving a missed call on 88662-88662 from their mobile. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Instead of opposing CAA, focus on children dying in Kota: Shah tells Gehlot

A two-day meeting of union council of ministers is all set to get underway in New Delhi on Friday. Working of all ministries will be reviewed during the meeting so that the priorities and strategies for the future can be formulated, a source said.

A two-day meeting of union council of ministers is all set to get underway in New Delhi on Friday. Working of all ministries will be reviewed during the meeting so that the priorities and strategies for the future can be formulated, a source said. Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Human Resources Development will make presentations at the meeting which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the source added. The meeting comes seven months after the Modi government returned to office with a bigger majority in the Lok Sabha elections held last year.

Union council of ministers' two-day meeting gets underway today

Six people have been arrested for attacking police personnel in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-is-well-says-nitish-kumar-on-bjp-jdu-alliance-in-bihar-271202">Patna </a>on Thursday. 
 
The incident took place when the police got the information that a group of persons are engaged in a fight at Rajendra Nagar and went there to control law and order. 
 
"We went there and try to control the situation but they attacked us. Six of them have been arrested," said Mukesh Kumar, Inspector, Kadam Kuan Police Station. 
 
In another incident, a cop got injured after he was allegedly attacked by a group of men who were listening to loud music on their mobile. They purportedly attacked him when he asked them not to do so. 
 
Further, an investigation is underway.

Six people have been arrested for attacking police personnel in Patna on Thursday. The incident took place when the police got the information that a group of persons are engaged in a fight at Rajendra Nagar and went there to control law and order.

Six people have been arrested for attacking police personnel in Patna on Thursday. The incident took place when the police got the information that a group of persons are engaged in a fight at Rajendra Nagar and went there to control law and order. "We went there and try to control the situation but they attacked us. Six of them have been arrested," said Mukesh Kumar, Inspector, Kadam Kuan Police Station. In another incident, a cop got injured after he was allegedly attacked by a group of men who were listening to loud music on their mobile. They purportedly attacked him when he asked them not to do so. Further, an investigation is underway.

Patna: Six arrested for attacking police officers

The crime rate against women in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-two-bangladeshi-two-turkish-nationals-sent-to-6-days-police-remand-for-atm-hacking-271804">Tripura</a> has reduced by seven per cent during the last two years of the BJP-IPFT rule in the state, said Ratanlal Nath, state Law Minister. 
 
"As statistics show a growth rate of crime against women in other parts of the country, in north-eastern Tripura state, it has come down by seven per cent. The crime rate against women in Tripura has reduced from 25 per cent in 2016-2017 to 18.23 per cent during the last two years of BJP-IPFT rule in the state," said Nath. 
 
According to Nath during the year 2016 and 2017 out of the total 7,888 criminal cases, the number of cases of crimes against women was 1,974 at a rate of 82.25 crimes per month. 
 
"However, during the following two years (2018 and 2019) out of a total, 10,521 criminal cases reported incidents of crime against women were 1,919 and at a rate 79 crimes registered per month," Nath added. 
 
Earlier Nath also gave detailed statistics along with the year-wise breakup of the crime figure of the state during the Left Front's last two years and the first two years BJP-IPFT government which came to power in early 2018. 
 
The Law Minister claimed that after the change in the regime in Tripura, the crime rate has gone down while the conviction rate has increased and it reveals that the state's law and order are improving. 
 
"All other crime indicators including incidents of murder, rape, molestation, torture in the state during the last two years have reduced, which is a healthy sign. However, the government is not happy with this as it wants to bring the crime rate to zero," said Nath.

The crime rate against women in Tripura has reduced by seven per cent during the last two years of the BJP-IPFT rule in the state, said Ratanlal Nath, state Law Minister.

The crime rate against women in Tripura has reduced by seven per cent during the last two years of the BJP-IPFT rule in the state, said Ratanlal Nath, state Law Minister. "As statistics show a growth rate of crime against women in other parts of the country, in north-eastern Tripura state, it has come down by seven per cent. The crime rate against women in Tripura has reduced from 25 per cent in 2016-2017 to 18.23 per cent during the last two years of BJP-IPFT rule in the state," said Nath. According to Nath during the year 2016 and 2017 out of the total 7,888 criminal cases, the number of cases of crimes against women was 1,974 at a rate of 82.25 crimes per month. "However, during the following two years (2018 and 2019) out of a total, 10,521 criminal cases reported incidents of crime against women were 1,919 and at a rate 79 crimes registered per month," Nath added. Earlier Nath also gave detailed statistics along with the year-wise breakup of the crime figure of the state during the Left Front's last two years and the first two years BJP-IPFT government which came to power in early 2018. The Law Minister claimed that after the change in the regime in Tripura, the crime rate has gone down while the conviction rate has increased and it reveals that the state's law and order are improving. "All other crime indicators including incidents of murder, rape, molestation, torture in the state during the last two years have reduced, which is a healthy sign. However, the government is not happy with this as it wants to bring the crime rate to zero," said Nath.

Crime against women reduced 7% in Tripura: Law Minister Ratanlal Nath

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-extends-new-year-greetings-to-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-271462">Narendra Modi</a> on Friday said that he will always remember the manner in which the nation "celebrated science, the space program and the strengths of scientists" during the Chandrayaan-2 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-to-launch-in-november-2020-isro-271367">mission</a> in September last year. 
 
"I am very happy that one of my first programmes at the start of the New Year and new decade is linked to science, technology and innovation. This programme is happening in Bengaluru, a city associated with science and innovation," Prime Minister Modi said here while addressing the 107th session of Indian Science Congress. 
 
"The last time I had come to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaan-mission-four-astronauts-selected-to-undergo-training-in-russia-says-isro-chief-k-sivan-271425">Bengaluru</a> was when the eyes of the nation were set on Chandrayaan-2. That time, the manner in which our nation celebrated science, our space program and the strengths of our scientists will always be a part of my memory," he said. 
 
He went on to add, "When we start the year 2020 with positivity and optimism of science and technology-driven development, we take one more step in fulfilling our dream." 
 
In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the nation from ISRO Control Centre here, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-planning-to-launch-satellite-aditya-to-study-sun-pm-modi-270841">ISRO</a> lost communication with 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 moments before it was preparing to make a soft-landing on the south pole region of the Moon. 
 
"Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister had told the scientists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will always remember the manner in which the nation "celebrated science, the space program and the strengths of scientists" during the Chandrayaan-2 mission in September last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will always remember the manner in which the nation "celebrated science, the space program and the strengths of scientists" during the Chandrayaan-2 mission in September last year. "I am very happy that one of my first programmes at the start of the New Year and new decade is linked to science, technology and innovation. This programme is happening in Bengaluru, a city associated with science and innovation," Prime Minister Modi said here while addressing the 107th session of Indian Science Congress. "The last time I had come to Bengaluru was when the eyes of the nation were set on Chandrayaan-2. That time, the manner in which our nation celebrated science, our space program and the strengths of our scientists will always be a part of my memory," he said. He went on to add, "When we start the year 2020 with positivity and optimism of science and technology-driven development, we take one more step in fulfilling our dream." In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the nation from ISRO Control Centre here, after ISRO lost communication with 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 moments before it was preparing to make a soft-landing on the south pole region of the Moon. "Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister had told the scientists.

Nation celebrated science, space program and strength of scientists during Chandrayan mission-2: PM Modi

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-continues-in-delhi-dense-fog-hampers-visibility-270958">cold wave</a> conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city. 
 
Today morning, a temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in the national capital. However, on Thursday, it was 5.8 degree Celsius in Safdarjung area at 5.30 am, as per the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-trains-running-late-due-to-low-visibility-in-northern-railway-region-271802">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD). 
 
Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, the caretaker of a shelter home on Lodhi Road, said: "The government has provided all the facilities such as mattresses, blankets, drinking water, first-aid box and medicines etc. There are over 20 homeless people from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar etc." 
 
Adding that all the facilities are for free, Jaiswal said that no document is required to stay in these shelter homes.

As cold wave conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city.

As cold wave conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city. Today morning, a temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in the national capital. However, on Thursday, it was 5.8 degree Celsius in Safdarjung area at 5.30 am, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, the caretaker of a shelter home on Lodhi Road, said: "The government has provided all the facilities such as mattresses, blankets, drinking water, first-aid box and medicines etc. There are over 20 homeless people from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar etc." Adding that all the facilities are for free, Jaiswal said that no document is required to stay in these shelter homes.

Severe cold grips Delhi, homeless take refuge in shelter homes

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav on Friday accused the Opposition parties of spreading falsehood about the important humanitarian gesture of the government in the form of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) for narrow political gains.

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav on Friday accused the Opposition parties of spreading falsehood about the important humanitarian gesture of the government in the form of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) for narrow political gains. "Opposition parties are trying to spread falsehood about this important humanitarian gesture of our government in the form of CAA for narrow political gains. They are trying to provoke communal sentiments and the Muslim community," he was quoted as saying. On the violence during the protests against NRC and CAA, he said: "We consider violent activities of groups like PFI as those against the law of the land. They should be dealt with strictly by State governments." Speaking about the Congress` remarks on CAA, he said India never questioned the religious credentials when Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and singer Adnan Sami were given citizenship.

Opposition parties spreading falsehood about CAA for narrow political gains: Ram Madhav

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">S Jaishankar</a> to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6.

In a letter to Indian High Commission dated December 31, Pakistan Foreign Ministry informed that repatriation of fishermen will take place on January 6 via Wagah Border. The ministry has asked the high commission to nominate a representative to receive the fishermen.

The 20 fishermen are from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts and were captured by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) off Gujarat coast by breaching into Indian waters. They are among the 483 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan in December 2018.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Pakistan presents its compliments to the High Commission of Republic of India in Islamabad and has the honour to convey the decision of the Government of Pakistan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-releases-100-indian-fishermen-as-goodwill-gesture-208631">release</a> and repatriate following twenty fishermen to India via Wagah Border on 06.01.2020," the ministry letter stated, along with a list of names of fishermen.

India has called for early release and repatriation of the prisoners, missing defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats from Pakistan's custody.

Reddy, in August, had written a letter to Jaishankar urging him to expedite the process of repatriation of fishermen captured by Pakistan. In his letter, he had noted that the fishermen were illegally captured by PMSA by entering into "our territorial waters".

The MP has said that he along with the family members of the captured fishermen had met the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue and was assured by her that she would try through diplomatic channels to get the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-indian-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-for-poaching-270884">fishermen</a> released.

"I request you to kindly use your good office to expedite the process of bringing them (fishermen) back to India," Reddy wrote in his letter.

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6.

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6. In a letter to Indian High Commission dated December 31, Pakistan Foreign Ministry informed that repatriation of fishermen will take place on January 6 via Wagah Border. The ministry has asked the high commission to nominate a representative to receive the fishermen. The 20 fishermen are from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts and were captured by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) off Gujarat coast by breaching into Indian waters. They are among the 483 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan in December 2018. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Pakistan presents its compliments to the High Commission of Republic of India in Islamabad and has the honour to convey the decision of the Government of Pakistan to release and repatriate following twenty fishermen to India via Wagah Border on 06.01.2020," the ministry letter stated, along with a list of names of fishermen. India has called for early release and repatriation of the prisoners, missing defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats from Pakistan's custody. Reddy, in August, had written a letter to Jaishankar urging him to expedite the process of repatriation of fishermen captured by Pakistan. In his letter, he had noted that the fishermen were illegally captured by PMSA by entering into "our territorial waters". The MP has said that he along with the family members of the captured fishermen had met the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue and was assured by her that she would try through diplomatic channels to get the fishermen released. "I request you to kindly use your good office to expedite the process of bringing them (fishermen) back to India," Reddy wrote in his letter.

After MP's letter to Jaishankar, Islamabad to release 20 fishermen

General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday took over as the 28th Chief of Army Staff, helming the 1.3 million-strong force at a time India faces evolving security challenges such as cross-border terrorism and an assertive Chinese military along the border.

Army Chief MM Naravane cautions on China on day 1

The Internet services in all Government-run hospitals and SMS to all mobile phones restored to normal in the Kashmir Valley.

Internet services in all Govt hospitals in Kashmir restored to normal

A look at the uniform and role of The Chief Of Defence Staff (C.D.S). #CDS #BipinRawat

Gravitas: A sneak peek into C.D.S. uniform and insignia

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Gravitas: Car sales slump to a 2-decade low in India

Terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan, the new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane told WION on Tuesday. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, India and China forces have developed greater understanding.

Terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan, the new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane told WION on Tuesday. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, India and China forces have developed greater understanding. WION: What will be your key priorities as the new Army Chief? Army Chief: Happy new year and thanks for having me here. After taking over as Army Chief, my priority is to ensure the operational preparedness of the Army and make sure that we are never found wanting and we are able to meet any threat as and when it arises. WION: We saw the Wuhan informal summit after the Dokalm. How do you see the situation evolving on India-China border now? Army Chief: After the Wuhan summit, certain strategic guidelines were formulated and these have been decimated to the armies on both sides. As a result, there has been greater understanding and bonhomie at the ground level. We have regular border personnel meetings. This kind of interaction has gone a long way in dispelling misperceptions and fostering greater understanding among ourselves. WION: Hopefully, there won't be another Doklam, one can rest assured? Army Chief: That is one hopes for. WION: How big is the issue of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan? Army Chief: This problem of terrorism is not something new. We have been tackling this for many years now, we have very strong counter-terrorist and counter-infiltration bid to deal with this situation. But, the fact remains that terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to be where it used to be. We are keeping a close eye on this to make sure nothing untoward takes place on our side. WION: If another Pulwama happens, can we see the Indian Army doing another surgical strike? Army Chief: You see, every response is dynamic in nature and what response will be in the future it will be not correct to speculate it right now. What the response will be, what dimension it will be, that will remain to be seen as and when it happens. WION: Pakistan Foreign Minister said, India is removing fences; any reaction? Army Chief: I think, reports that say certain fencing has been removed or some troops have been positioned or stationed, those were just false propaganda on his part to raise the level and divert the attention of his own countrymen from the situation that is prevailing in his own country. There is nothing, that sort from our side. WION: What has been the situation on the ground post removal of Article 370 for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir? Army Chief: Post abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definitive improvement in the situation on the ground. I say this based on facts and figures of various indices. The incident of violence, be it stone-pelting, terrorist-related violence, all have seen a sharp decline. There is a great improvement in law and order situation and hope it augers well for J&K. WION: Has there been a reduction in infiltration level from across the LoC? Army Chief: As I mentioned little while earlier, terror camps and infrastructure remain intact on the other side of the Line of Control and we are keeping a close eye on that. Attempts at infiltration continue to be made and we have been successful in foiling these attempts and this high level of alertness and preparedness on our side will continue. We will not let our guard down. WION: How do you see women's role in the Army? Army Chief: We have been inducting women in the armed forces. As you know, earlier, women were only in the Army Medical Corps and gradually we opened it up for the services, that is the Army service corp. Then we broadened the avenues like the supporting arms such as the engineers. There is a continues transition that is taking place.

Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan': Army Chief MM Naravane to WION

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-7200-paramilitary-troops-to-be-withdrawn-from-jammu-and-kashmir-270142">Ministry of Home Affairs</a> has re-organized the Divisions and allocation of work at the level of Joint Secretary. The Internal Security, Internal Security-I&nbsp;division has been merged with Internal Security-II&nbsp;and its nomenclature will now be known as Internal Security (IS) Division. 
 
They were divided a few years back for the betterment of the division but now have been merged. 
 
"Joint Secretary (Women Safety) will look after the work of Internal Security Division in addition to own charge of Woman Safety (WS) Division; Officer will be designated as JS (WS&amp;IS)," the letter stated. 
 
The letter also stated that matters pertaining to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-section-144-extended-for-security-in-ayodhya-till-25-february-270783">Ayodhya</a> and related court judgments will be put up by DS (National Integration) to AS-Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh (JKL) through JS JKL. 
 
From now on, all the files of AS (Police Modernisation) will be routed through Secretary (Border Management).

The Ministry of Home Affairs has re-organized the Divisions and allocation of work at the level of Joint Secretary. The Internal Security, Internal Security-I division has been merged with Internal Security-II and its nomenclature will now be known as Internal Security (IS) Division.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has re-organized the Divisions and allocation of work at the level of Joint Secretary. The Internal Security, Internal Security-I division has been merged with Internal Security-II and its nomenclature will now be known as Internal Security (IS) Division. They were divided a few years back for the betterment of the division but now have been merged. "Joint Secretary (Women Safety) will look after the work of Internal Security Division in addition to own charge of Woman Safety (WS) Division; Officer will be designated as JS (WS&IS)," the letter stated. The letter also stated that matters pertaining to Ayodhya and related court judgments will be put up by DS (National Integration) to AS-Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh (JKL) through JS JKL. From now on, all the files of AS (Police Modernisation) will be routed through Secretary (Border Management).

MHA merged work divisions, IS-I and IS-II, to form Internal Security (IS) Division

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-took-false-documents-to-raj-bhawan-yesterday-sanjay-raut-264162">Income Tax Department</a> is conducting searches at 25 locations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-notices-issued-to-163-people-ahead-of-202nd-anniversary-of-bhima-koregaon-269744">Pune</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-continues-in-delhi-dense-fog-hampers-visibility-270958">Delhi-NCR</a> at properties belonging to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-enforcement-directorate-seeks-custody-of-ratul-puri-accuses-him-of-influencing-witnesses-239702">Sushen Mohan Gupta</a> and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-allows-ed-to-record-christian-michels-statement-in-agustawestland-case-259504">VVIP AgustaWestland</a> chopper deal, sources said on Thursday. 
 
The searches are currently underway. Gupta was arrested on March 26 this year by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-adjourns-hearing-on-enforcement-directorates-plea-seeking-cancellation-of-robert-vadras-anticipatory-bail-269750">Enforcement Directorate</a> (ED) on charges of money laundering. 
 
A special CBI court had in June granted him bail in connection with the case. 
 
In 2014, India had scrapped a contract with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-attempts-to-tamper-with-evidence-influence-witnesses-christian-michel-in-bail-plea-in-agustawestland-case-257771">Finmeccanica's British</a> subsidiary, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-examine-agustawestland-middleman-christian-michel-in-another-defence-deal-case-265457">AgustaWestland</a>, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks worth Rs 423 crore being paid to secure the deal.

The Income Tax Department is conducting searches at 25 locations in Pune and Delhi-NCR at properties belonging to Sushen Mohan Gupta and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP AgustaWestland chopper deal, sources said on Thursday.

The Income Tax Department is conducting searches at 25 locations in Pune and Delhi-NCR at properties belonging to Sushen Mohan Gupta and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP AgustaWestland chopper deal, sources said on Thursday. The searches are currently underway. Gupta was arrested on March 26 this year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of money laundering. A special CBI court had in June granted him bail in connection with the case. In 2014, India had scrapped a contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary, AgustaWestland, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks worth Rs 423 crore being paid to secure the deal.

AgustaWestland deal: IT department conducts raids at 25 properties in Pune, NCR-Delhi

Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">BS Yediyurappa</a> on Thursday urged Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-extends-new-year-greetings-to-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-271462">Narendra Modi</a> to release Rs 50,000 crore for development of the state which was recently affected by floods. 
 
"I request Prime Minister to release more funds for the state and seek Rs 50,000 crore for the development of the state as it was recently affected by severe floods," Yediyurappa said while addressing the event here," he said. 
 
The Chief Minister said he has raised the demands earlier too. As many as 40 lakh families were affected by floods in August last year and 22 districts were severely affected.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 50,000 crore for development of the state which was recently affected by floods.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 50,000 crore for development of the state which was recently affected by floods. "I request Prime Minister to release more funds for the state and seek Rs 50,000 crore for the development of the state as it was recently affected by severe floods," Yediyurappa said while addressing the event here," he said. The Chief Minister said he has raised the demands earlier too. As many as 40 lakh families were affected by floods in August last year and 22 districts were severely affected.

Karnataka: CM BS Yediyurappa seeks funds from PM for development of state

At least nine more infants have died at a government hospital in Kota, India. The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights. #WION #Kota #KotaHospital

WION Dispatch: Infant deaths in Kota hospital hits 100

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'.

"The reports are entirely speculative. We are not aware of any such meetings of OIC on India related matter," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that an OIC meeting of the Foreign Ministers is envisaged, the comments were made by Aisha Farooqui, the newly-appointed spokeswoman of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.&nbsp;

The comments come after a series of reports in Pakistani media quoting diplomatic sources that Saudi Arabia is told to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the matter of Kashmir and that it could be held as early as April 2020 in Islamabad.

The move was being looked at as a concession or reward to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia for not participating in the Kuala Lumpur summit.&nbsp;

Diplomatic sources in Pakistan told WION that the dates could fluctuate on the matter as it would depend upon the scheduling and availability of Foreign Ministers of the member countries.

Diplomatic sources told WION that the matter was discussed last week during the visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister to Islamabad.

The possibility to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers was conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office.

Prince Faisal was on a day-long visit to Pakistan to convey the Saudi leadership’s gratitude for not participating in the recently held Kuala Lumpur summit in view of the kingdom’s reservations and dispelling the impression that Riyadh’s attitude towards Islamabad was patronising.

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'.

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'. "The reports are entirely speculative. We are not aware of any such meetings of OIC on India related matter," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing. Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that an OIC meeting of the Foreign Ministers is envisaged, the comments were made by Aisha Farooqui, the newly-appointed spokeswoman of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. The comments come after a series of reports in Pakistani media quoting diplomatic sources that Saudi Arabia is told to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the matter of Kashmir and that it could be held as early as April 2020 in Islamabad. The move was being looked at as a concession or reward to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia for not participating in the Kuala Lumpur summit. Diplomatic sources in Pakistan told WION that the dates could fluctuate on the matter as it would depend upon the scheduling and availability of Foreign Ministers of the member countries. Diplomatic sources told WION that the matter was discussed last week during the visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister to Islamabad. The possibility to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers was conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office. Prince Faisal was on a day-long visit to Pakistan to convey the Saudi leadership’s gratitude for not participating in the recently held Kuala Lumpur summit in view of the kingdom’s reservations and dispelling the impression that Riyadh’s attitude towards Islamabad was patronising.

MEA rejects reports of OIC meet on Kashmir, calls it 'entirely speculative'

India has reached out to all countries across the globe and written to its missions to share its perspective on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/69-people-who-were-held-during-anti-caa-protests-in-varanasi-get-bail-271479">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-to-prevail-in-sambhal-till-january-31-271476">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, refuting reports that some embassies were not engaged on the matter.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Foreign Ministry briefs media

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"We did reach out to countries across all geographical regions. We did write to our missions to share our perspective on CAA and NRC with the host government," MEA spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-call-on-pakistan-to-arrest-and-prosecute-perpetrators-of-cross-border-terror-attacks-269230">Raveesh Kumar</a> told reporters at a weekly briefing when asked on reports that some countries were not apprised on the matter. 
 
"Yes, there were such reports. But the reports are factually incorrect," the spokesperson added. 
 
Kumar said that the engagement undergoes a certain internal process. 
 
"Firstly, this matter is entirely internal to India so we ask them (Indian missions abroad) to convey the government there that the act provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-confidence-in-india-bangladesh-ties-says-both-working-shoulder-to-shoulder-269579">persecuted minorities</a> already in India from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh," he said. 
 
"We also convey to them that it does not affect other communities from seeking citizenship. It does not seek to strip anybody of Indian citizenship, practising any faith. Neither do they alter the basic structures of the Constitution," the spokesperson continued. 
 
These are the points, Kumar said, are conveyed to the consulate generals and ambassadors settled abroad and are asked to reach out not only to the governments but also to the media there as well. 
 
"After we realised that a lot of explaining was involved, we adopted a two-pronged setting for the process," he further said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mother-of-toddler-released-after-being-jailed-for-14-days-for-protesting-against-caa-271588">Protests</a> have erupted in several parts of the country over the CAA which grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

India has reached out to all countries across the globe and written to its missions to share its perspective on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, refuting reports that some embassies were not engaged on the matter.

India has reached out to all countries across the globe and written to its missions to share its perspective on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, refuting reports that some embassies were not engaged on the matter. Watch: Indian Foreign Ministry briefs media × "We did reach out to countries across all geographical regions. We did write to our missions to share our perspective on CAA and NRC with the host government," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters at a weekly briefing when asked on reports that some countries were not apprised on the matter. "Yes, there were such reports. But the reports are factually incorrect," the spokesperson added. Kumar said that the engagement undergoes a certain internal process. "Firstly, this matter is entirely internal to India so we ask them (Indian missions abroad) to convey the government there that the act provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities already in India from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh," he said. "We also convey to them that it does not affect other communities from seeking citizenship. It does not seek to strip anybody of Indian citizenship, practising any faith. Neither do they alter the basic structures of the Constitution," the spokesperson continued. These are the points, Kumar said, are conveyed to the consulate generals and ambassadors settled abroad and are asked to reach out not only to the governments but also to the media there as well. "After we realised that a lot of explaining was involved, we adopted a two-pronged setting for the process," he further said. Protests have erupted in several parts of the country over the CAA which grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

MEA: All countries, Indian missions across the globe informed about India's perspective on CAA, NRC

Seven people were killed and fifteen others were injured after a bus rolled down from a highway and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Thursday, police said. 
 
The incident occurred near the Sunderbani town of the district, they added. 
 
The bus was traveling on the Jammu-Poonch Highway. 
 
Further details are awaited.

Seven people were killed and fifteen others were injured after a bus rolled down from a highway and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Thursday, police said.

Seven people were killed and fifteen others were injured after a bus rolled down from a highway and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Thursday, police said. The incident occurred near the Sunderbani town of the district, they added. The bus was traveling on the Jammu-Poonch Highway. Further details are awaited.

7 dead and many injured as bus falls into gorge in J&K's Rajouri

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">Kota</a> sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hemant-soren-takes-oath-as-jharkhand-chief-minister-270844">Ashok Gehlot,</a> urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city. 
 
"In view of the increasing number of untimely deaths of infants at JK Lon Mother and Child Hospital in Kota, I have sent a reminder letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and urged him to strengthen medical facilities with awareness," tweeted Birla. 
 
Three more children died on December 30 and five more on December 31. 
 
Dr Amrit Bairwa, Head of the Pediatric Department of the hospital, has stated that the newborns had 'low-birth-weight and hypothermia.' 
 
Seventy-seven children had died in the hospital till December 24 and the toll has now gone up to 103.

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in Kota sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city.

After the death of over 100 infants at a hospital in Kota sparked concern among many in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that he has sent a letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, urging him to strengthen medical facilities in the city. "In view of the increasing number of untimely deaths of infants at JK Lon Mother and Child Hospital in Kota, I have sent a reminder letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and urged him to strengthen medical facilities with awareness," tweeted Birla. Three more children died on December 30 and five more on December 31. Dr Amrit Bairwa, Head of the Pediatric Department of the hospital, has stated that the newborns had 'low-birth-weight and hypothermia.' Seventy-seven children had died in the hospital till December 24 and the toll has now gone up to 103.

Kota infant deaths: Speaker Om Birla writes to CM, urges him to strengthen medical facilities

A fire broke out in a camping coach near the Kalaburagi railway station in the wee hours of Thursday. 
 
Two fire tenders rushed to the spot, and the fire was doused till 3:30 am. 
 
Speaking to media, AS Prasad Rao, the station manager of the railway station, said,&nbsp;"I received a message at 1:40 am about the fire at the camping coach. We rushed to the spot and fire tenders were called upon to control the situation." 
 
He also said that all six people sleeping inside the camping coach were safe and sound. 
 
"The fire was under control at 2:50 am and it was totally doused by 3:30 am. Two cylinders were kept inside the coach, which thankfully did not burst. They were safely taken out after the fire was extinguished," he added. 
 
An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire.

A fire broke out in a camping coach near the Kalaburagi railway station in the wee hours of Thursday. Two fire tenders rushed to the spot, and the fire was doused till 3:30 am.

A fire broke out in a camping coach near the Kalaburagi railway station in the wee hours of Thursday. Two fire tenders rushed to the spot, and the fire was doused till 3:30 am. Speaking to media, AS Prasad Rao, the station manager of the railway station, said, "I received a message at 1:40 am about the fire at the camping coach. We rushed to the spot and fire tenders were called upon to control the situation." He also said that all six people sleeping inside the camping coach were safe and sound. "The fire was under control at 2:50 am and it was totally doused by 3:30 am. Two cylinders were kept inside the coach, which thankfully did not burst. They were safely taken out after the fire was extinguished," he added. An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Karnataka: Fire breaks out at camping coach near Kalaburagi railway station

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-extends-new-year-greetings-to-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-271462">Narendra Modi</a> on Thursday said that agriculture has a key role to play in helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-gains-by-321-points-as-nifty-closes-on-high-record-tata-motors-on-top-winner-271672">five trillion dollar economy</a> and the government was focusing on formulating a cash crop and export-centric farming system. 
 
Addressing a gathering here after distributing Krishi Karman Awards, Modi said that the effort of the Central government has led to an increase in the production and export of spices in the country. 
 
"The agriculture sector has a very important role to play in making India a five trillion dollar economy. For this, our government is focusing on formulating a cash crop and export centric farming system," he said. 
 
Modi said that production of spices has crossed 25 lakh tonne and their export has risen from Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 19,000 crore. 
 
He said the government was not only solving problems of farmers but also working towards a better future for them. 
 
"We have made arrangements so that farmers can sell their produce at any e-mandi across the country through the e-NAM network. We've also made facilities for cold storage," he said. 
 
Modi also said the government has started an immunization program for cattle. 
 
"We have started an immunization program for the cattle to ensure they do not have to spend a lot of money. We have also started PM KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan) scheme so that the farmers can also become energy-producers and sell it to the grid," he said. 
 
The Prime Minister also talked about efforts being made by the Centre to solve specific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jharkhand-in-charge-rpn-singh-calls-meeting-of-mlas-in-ranchi-269947">issues of farmers</a> producing crops such as coconut, cashew, rubber, and coffee. 
 
Modi said that the government is working at three levels to strengthen fisheries - promoting fisheries in villages with financial assistance, modernization of boats under blue revolution scheme and construction of modern fishing infrastructure. 
 
He said that the Central government has also put aside Rs 7,500 crore as a special fund for building modern fishing infrastructure. 
 
He said people in the fishing trade have been connected to Kisan Credit Cards. 
 
"Fishing boats are also being modernized for deep-sea fishing and navigation devices are being installed on them with the help of ISRO," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that agriculture has a key role to play in helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a five trillion dollar economy and the government was focusing on formulating a cash crop and export-centric farming system.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that agriculture has a key role to play in helping the country achieve its goal of becoming a five trillion dollar economy and the government was focusing on formulating a cash crop and export-centric farming system. Addressing a gathering here after distributing Krishi Karman Awards, Modi said that the effort of the Central government has led to an increase in the production and export of spices in the country. "The agriculture sector has a very important role to play in making India a five trillion dollar economy. For this, our government is focusing on formulating a cash crop and export centric farming system," he said. Modi said that production of spices has crossed 25 lakh tonne and their export has risen from Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 19,000 crore. He said the government was not only solving problems of farmers but also working towards a better future for them. "We have made arrangements so that farmers can sell their produce at any e-mandi across the country through the e-NAM network. We've also made facilities for cold storage," he said. Modi also said the government has started an immunization program for cattle. "We have started an immunization program for the cattle to ensure they do not have to spend a lot of money. We have also started PM KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan) scheme so that the farmers can also become energy-producers and sell it to the grid," he said. The Prime Minister also talked about efforts being made by the Centre to solve specific issues of farmers producing crops such as coconut, cashew, rubber, and coffee. Modi said that the government is working at three levels to strengthen fisheries - promoting fisheries in villages with financial assistance, modernization of boats under blue revolution scheme and construction of modern fishing infrastructure. He said that the Central government has also put aside Rs 7,500 crore as a special fund for building modern fishing infrastructure. He said people in the fishing trade have been connected to Kisan Credit Cards. "Fishing boats are also being modernized for deep-sea fishing and navigation devices are being installed on them with the help of ISRO," he said.

Agriculture has major role in making India $ 5 trillion economy: PM Narendra Modi

Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-lauds-crpf-as-bravest-force-in-the-world-270873">Amit Shah</a> on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-rushed-to-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-at-anaj-mandi-building-again-267131">NDRF</a>), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management. 
 
"In 2016, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-broke-news-to-general-rawat-about-appointment-as-first-cds-271257">Narendra Modi</a> gave pace to the NDRF. Within four years, NDRF is giving its services by becoming a topmost organization in the world related to disaster management. Today the work to provide the services of NDRF to district and lower levels have been completed," he said while speaking at an event here. 
 
The Home Minister was here to lay the foundation stone of the NDRF Academy and dedicate the new campus of the National Fire Service College (NFSC). 
 
"The NFSC has been there in Nagpur since 1956. Today, there is an opportunity to dedicate to the country a college with a modern campus in accordance with all international standards, on a land of more than 42 acres," he said. 
 
He said that several short-term and long-term courses will be conducted here. 
 
The Home Minister recalled how during the Super <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-bulbul-home-minister-assures-west-bengal-government-of-all-possible-help-261178">Cyclone</a> in Odisha in 1999, around 10,000 people died while during the recent three cyclones, the toll stood at 66. 
 
Recalling that the Centre has launched the Subhash Chandra Bose award in disaster management, he said: "Today, NDRF is being acknowledged at international level. When the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-63-strikes-west-of-port-hardy-canada-270120">earthquake</a> struck Nepal, NDRF provided immediate help."

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management. "In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave pace to the NDRF. Within four years, NDRF is giving its services by becoming a topmost organization in the world related to disaster management. Today the work to provide the services of NDRF to district and lower levels have been completed," he said while speaking at an event here. The Home Minister was here to lay the foundation stone of the NDRF Academy and dedicate the new campus of the National Fire Service College (NFSC). "The NFSC has been there in Nagpur since 1956. Today, there is an opportunity to dedicate to the country a college with a modern campus in accordance with all international standards, on a land of more than 42 acres," he said. He said that several short-term and long-term courses will be conducted here. The Home Minister recalled how during the Super Cyclone in Odisha in 1999, around 10,000 people died while during the recent three cyclones, the toll stood at 66. Recalling that the Centre has launched the Subhash Chandra Bose award in disaster management, he said: "Today, NDRF is being acknowledged at international level. When the earthquake struck Nepal, NDRF provided immediate help."

Home Minister Amit Shah lauds PM Narendra Modi for giving pace to NDRF

Some of the areas of responsibility given to General Bipin Rawat, listed in the 24 December notification, are new, but most of what he is being asked to do is currently the responsibility of others.

CDS & NSA: Do the roles clash?

As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday.

A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning. Rescue operations by NDRF and fire personnel are underway.

"14 people have been injured in the incident, including 13 fire brigade personnel. The back portion of the building has collapsed. Fire though is under control now. Rescue operations continuing," said Rajendra Sagar, Additional DCP (Outer).

Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-not-to-attend-hemant-sorens-swearing-in-ceremony-270800">Arvind Kejriwal</a> had also expressed concerns over the fire and had tweeted, "Very sad to hear this. I am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped."

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V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped <a href="https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj">https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1212603019310710784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday. A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning.

As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday. A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning. Rescue operations by NDRF and fire personnel are underway. "14 people have been injured in the incident, including 13 fire brigade personnel. The back portion of the building has collapsed. Fire though is under control now. Rescue operations continuing," said Rajendra Sagar, Additional DCP (Outer). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also expressed concerns over the fire and had tweeted, "Very sad to hear this. I am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped." V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 2, 2020 ×

Delhi factory fire: 14 injured, rescue operations underway

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