What is the real meaning behind Pete Hegseth's tattoos?

Man marries off wife of 17 years to her lover in Uttar Pradesh

Boeing 737 MAX10 gets FAA certification, deliveries expected to begin in 2027

Shastri backs Shami comeback; lauds Bhuvi and warns Bumrah on format workload ahead of World Cup

US Midterm 2026: What do opinion polls and prediction markets say less than two weeks before voting

US midterms 2026: Red seats once deemed safe now appear shaky as Republicans spend big on ads

WATCH | Albania protesters set Supreme Court on fire as anti-Rama riots escalate

'Tap dancing through a minefield': Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger as AI boom fuels rocket firm's first profit

Dandiya Nite ’26: Indian High Commissioner hails diaspora as bridge between India and Nigeria

Trump says Ilhan Omar 'could go to jail' amid federal probe, calls Somalia a 's***house'

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann allegedly detained for three hours at Delhi airport, fined ₹50,000: AAP

What the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement says about withdrawal and military support. Read full text of the pact here

Musk ordered Starlink restrictions that caught Ukraine off guard amid escalating tensions: Report

Far-left parties, global networks among 54 groups linked to France protests, only 16 are youth outfits: Report

Trump calls Le Pen France’s ‘conservative voice’ after riots, but holds back on endorsement

Trump considers removing White House press corps to restore historic indoor swimming pool

Tiger Shroff firing incident: Four arrested in arms supply probe, two women allegedly sent weapons to Mumbai

Priyanka Chopra to Shilpa Shetty: 6 Bollywood actresses and their fitness secrets

'US will never part with niche technology' former IAF assistant chief on India's fighter jet ambitions

Pujara says 'Samson and Vaibhav cannot be in Playing XI' for India on NZ tour

'What's wrong with you? Are you a sick person?': Trump at it again as he snaps at reporters, faces backlash

Over 100 US lawmakers urge FBI to probe foiled Hindu temple shooting as hate crime

New OTT releases this week (October 19-25, 2026): Gajab Raat to Chaar Yaar-8 titles to watch during Dussehra week on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Ukrainian drone airlifts wounded soldier in what is likely a world first

Trump says he wants Zelensky to 'make a deal' with Russia, asks Putin to release American prisoner Stephen Hubbard

The Verdict | Trump, Putin and Xi: A superpower triangle that could reshape global diplomacy

India moves to buy 10,000 more AI chips for a national compute pool open to startups

After France unrest, Italy tightens security amid violent protests in Milan

'They are not even telling us' - Mysterious metallic object discovered in Minnesota field

Cattle-feed bran in biscuits, detergent in milk: FSSAI acts against 3 companies

US midterms 2026: With Republicans spending big, Bloomberg opens his wallet for Democrats. Here's how much he is pouring

Iran rejects US talks until demands are met, rules out moving enriched uranium out of the country

Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report

Ramayana advance booking: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash's film cross $500K ahead of Diwali release

The cabinet on Tuesday approved funding for the Census and the National Population Register (NPR), to be conducted next year. #India #WION #NPR #Census

Cabinet approves Census of India 2021 and NPR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low.

"New India has to be prepared to deal with any situation of the water crisis," PM Modi said at the launch event.

Earlier, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a central sector scheme with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be implemented over five years (2020-2021 to 2024-2025).

The scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states.

The States have been selected according to several criteria, including the degree of groundwater exploitation and degradation, established legal and regulatory instruments, institutional readiness, and experience in implementing initiatives related to groundwater management.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched an official plan to tackle water scarcity in the country, focussing on seven states where groundwater levels are critically low. "New India has to be prepared to deal with any situation of the water crisis," PM Modi said at the launch event. Earlier, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a central sector scheme with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be implemented over five years (2020-2021 to 2024-2025). The scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states. The States have been selected according to several criteria, including the degree of groundwater exploitation and degradation, established legal and regulatory instruments, institutional readiness, and experience in implementing initiatives related to groundwater management. (With inputs from ANI)

Centre launches Rs 6000 crore Atal Bhujal Yojana to improve groundwater management 

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

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

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

Four months after the abrogation of Article 370 that revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, government sources said a decision has been taken to recall troops in the valley with immediate effect. Around 72,000 troops of the paramilitary has been recalled. The decision was taken after a full security review of the Kashmir situation on December 24. The high-level review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir discussed the security situation in the newly carved out Union Territory besides development matters. #JammuAndKashmir #J&K #ParamilitaryTroops

WION Dispatch: 7,200 para troops recalled from J&K, move after security meet on J&K

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

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

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

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

Tourists enjoy Christmas in Kashmir valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world.

"Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his nationalistic thinking, impeccable image and dedicated his life to the nation. In the life of Atal Ji, based on ideology and principles, there was no mere fascination of power. Under his leadership, the country saw good governance," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

"Atal Ji, on the one hand, strengthened the party as an efficient organiser, while on the other hand, decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War created a strong image of India in the world. On the occasion of Atal Ji's birth anniversary, heartiest tributes to him," he said in a follow-up tweet.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Known for his eloquence, oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009.

The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister.

He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.

During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999.

Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health.

In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour.

The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day'&nbsp;in honour of Vajpayee.&nbsp;

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the latter's 95th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present during the occasion.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Vajpayee's statue.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan, on Vajpayee's birth anniversary, today. <a href="https://t.co/D3IcC222Ga">pic.twitter.com/D3IcC222Ga</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209770843301019648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We have made special security arrangements. The city has been sectored into four parts and security personnel have been deputed there. The officers are not only patrolling but are keeping a hawk-eye on any untoward movement," said Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
देशवासियों के दिलों में बसे पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री भारत रत्न अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। <a href="https://t.co/9tCkmEUxnf">pic.twitter.com/9tCkmEUxnf</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1209667468886605824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.&nbsp;

On the occasion, PM Modi launched 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' - a scheme for the better management of groundwater.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'.

Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world.

"Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised the spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world," Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Merry Christmas! 
 
We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. 
 
His teachings inspire millions across the world.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1209667097468342272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is commemorated by the Christian community and others across the globe by singing carols and exchanging gifts as the festival aims to spread the message of peace and prosperity.

December 25 is also celebrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Good Governance Day in memory of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth anniversary also falls on the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world. "Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised the spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world," Modi tweeted. Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2019 × Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is commemorated by the Christian community and others across the globe by singing carols and exchanging gifts as the festival aims to spread the message of peace and prosperity. December 25 is also celebrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Good Governance Day in memory of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth anniversary also falls on the same day.

Merry Christmas: PM Modi greets nation

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Bone-chilling cold winds have affected isolated places in Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim.

"Dense to very dense fog is very likely in many pockets over East Uttar Pradesh; in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

According to the weather forecast agency, fog is also likely in isolated pockets of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram, and Tripura in the morning hours.

Thunderstorm accompanied with hail and lightning is very likely at isolated places over East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also in few parts of Jharkhand and Coastal and south interior Karnataka.

Most of the northern parts of India have been engulfed by fog. According to IMD, visibility recorded at 5:30 am today was 200 meters and less in several parts.

For instance, in Churu, Lucknow, Baharaich and Dibrugarh the visibility was 25 meters each while in Patiala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gwalior and Guwahati it was only 50 meters each.

In Ambala, Bareilly, Bikaner, Sultanpur and Purnea the visibility was only 200 meters each.&nbsp;

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Bone-chilling cold winds have affected isolated places in Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. "Dense to very dense fog is very likely in many pockets over East Uttar Pradesh; in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. According to the weather forecast agency, fog is also likely in isolated pockets of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram, and Tripura in the morning hours. Thunderstorm accompanied with hail and lightning is very likely at isolated places over East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also in few parts of Jharkhand and Coastal and south interior Karnataka. Most of the northern parts of India have been engulfed by fog. According to IMD, visibility recorded at 5:30 am today was 200 meters and less in several parts. For instance, in Churu, Lucknow, Baharaich and Dibrugarh the visibility was 25 meters each while in Patiala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gwalior and Guwahati it was only 50 meters each. In Ambala, Bareilly, Bikaner, Sultanpur and Purnea the visibility was only 200 meters each.

Cold wave continues in North India

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren will meet Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday to invite her for the swearing-in ceremony.

Soren had yesterday told media persons that the oath-taking ceremony will take place on December 29.

"We have requested the Governor to invite us to form government in the state," he added.

JMM fought the election in alliance with Congress and Lalu Prasad`s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) to win a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house.

While the JMM won thirty seats, Congress and RJD secured sixteen and one seat in the recently concluded assembly polls.&nbsp;

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren will meet Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday to invite her for the swearing-in ceremony. Soren had yesterday told media persons that the oath-taking ceremony will take place on December 29.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren will meet Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday to invite her for the swearing-in ceremony. Soren had yesterday told media persons that the oath-taking ceremony will take place on December 29. "We have requested the Governor to invite us to form government in the state," he added. JMM fought the election in alliance with Congress and Lalu Prasad`s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) to win a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house. While the JMM won thirty seats, Congress and RJD secured sixteen and one seat in the recently concluded assembly polls.

JMM's Hemant Soren to meet Sonia Gandhi to invite her for swearing-in ceremony

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India'&nbsp;will have to work together to tackle water issues.

"New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis. For this, we are working together on five levels," he said after inaugurating the Atal Bhujal Yojana here to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also said that the Rohtang Tunnel, connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, and connecting Manali with Leh, will now be known as Atal Tunnel, in honour of the late BJP leader.

"On the one hand there is Jal Jeevan Mission, which will ensure that piped potable water will reach every household while on the other side is the Atal Jal Yojana, which will put prime focus on places where the groundwater level is low," Modi said.

He said that during the tenure of the previous NDA government, water issues were a priority for Vajpayee.

"Whether it is the Atal Jal Yojana or the guidelines related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, these are major steps in proving the resolve to ensure that water reaches to every household in the country by 2024," the Prime Minister said.

He said that only three crore houses have access to piped water even after the country gained independence in 1947.

"Imagine, out of 18 crore rural households, only 3 crore houses get piped water. This was achieved in 70 years. Now we have to deliver clean drinking water to 15 crore households in the next three years," the Prime Minister said.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states.

The initiative will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.&nbsp;

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India' will have to work together to tackle water issues. "New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis.

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India' will have to work together to tackle water issues. "New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis. For this, we are working together on five levels," he said after inaugurating the Atal Bhujal Yojana here to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also said that the Rohtang Tunnel, connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, and connecting Manali with Leh, will now be known as Atal Tunnel, in honour of the late BJP leader. "On the one hand there is Jal Jeevan Mission, which will ensure that piped potable water will reach every household while on the other side is the Atal Jal Yojana, which will put prime focus on places where the groundwater level is low," Modi said. He said that during the tenure of the previous NDA government, water issues were a priority for Vajpayee. "Whether it is the Atal Jal Yojana or the guidelines related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, these are major steps in proving the resolve to ensure that water reaches to every household in the country by 2024," the Prime Minister said. He said that only three crore houses have access to piped water even after the country gained independence in 1947. "Imagine, out of 18 crore rural households, only 3 crore houses get piped water. This was achieved in 70 years. Now we have to deliver clean drinking water to 15 crore households in the next three years," the Prime Minister said. The Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states. The initiative will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.

New India should come forward to tackle water issues: PM Modi

CDS, A Concept Discussed For Decades In India Will Now Become A Reality. #Gravitas #CDS #India #WION

Gravitas: India To Get Its First Chief Of Defence Staff

WION Edit: How To Revive Economic Growth In India Many Prescriptions, But No Solutions To Ongoing Slowdown In Indian Economy. #Gravitas #WIONEdit #IMF #IndianEconomy

WION Edit: How To Revive Economic Growth In India

IMF Calls For Structural Reforms To Arrest The Economic Growth Slowdown In India. #Gravitas #IMF #IndianEconomy

Gravitas: India's Economic Slowdown: IMF Raises A Red Flag

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's 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>that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”.

In a meeting on Monday in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani said despite the "current conditions that the US is imposing unilateral sanctions against other nations", India and Iran "have to attempt to maintain good relations and cooperation".

Iran also shared the proposed Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) Initiative which aims to provide free maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was shared by the Iranian President from the annual United General Assembly meeting in September.

Chabahar remained the main focus of the meeting, President Rouhani said, "Finalising the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and connecting it to the nationwide railway system can develop trade in the region."

Earlier, Iran President Rouhani met Jaishankar which lasted for half an hour. During the meet, EAM delivered greetings of PM Modi and called for developing relations between Iranian and Indian banks.

India plans to build a railway network from&nbsp;Zahedan, which is a border city of Iran and Afghanistan and connect it to Chabahar and which will help in the transportation of goods from Afghanistan to the port.

Both the countries have agreed to speed up the Chabahar project with externtal affairs minister S Jaishankar saying, "cooperation between the two countries in Chabahar region has a very good pace and we should accelerate the implementation of projects."

The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co last December and since then over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled which includes exports from Afghanistan which began in February.&nbsp;

In a meet last week, India, Afghanistan and Iran agreed to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the 19th India-Iran joint commission meeting took place and was chaired by extrnal affairs minister Jaishankar and his counterpart Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif. During the meet, the issue of state sponsorship of terror came up.

Without taking the name of Pakistan, a ministry of external affairs release said, "Both sides shared concerns at the grave threat posed by terrorism and called for an immediate end to all support to terror sanctuaries. They agreed that state aid, abetment and support to terrorism should be condemned."

This is the fourth meeting between external affairs minister Jaishankar and foreign minister Zarif. They had earlier met in Dushanbe, New York and Baku on the sidelines of multilateral events. They will next meet in January in Delhi during Iran FM's India visit. &nbsp;Next year marks 70 years of ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”. In a meeting on Monday in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani said despite the "current conditions that the US is imposing unilateral sanctions against other nations", India and Iran "have to attempt to maintain good relations and cooperation". Iran also shared the proposed Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) Initiative which aims to provide free maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was shared by the Iranian President from the annual United General Assembly meeting in September. Chabahar remained the main focus of the meeting, President Rouhani said, "Finalising the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and connecting it to the nationwide railway system can develop trade in the region." Earlier, Iran President Rouhani met Jaishankar which lasted for half an hour. During the meet, EAM delivered greetings of PM Modi and called for developing relations between Iranian and Indian banks. India plans to build a railway network from Zahedan, which is a border city of Iran and Afghanistan and connect it to Chabahar and which will help in the transportation of goods from Afghanistan to the port. Both the countries have agreed to speed up the Chabahar project with externtal affairs minister S Jaishankar saying, "cooperation between the two countries in Chabahar region has a very good pace and we should accelerate the implementation of projects." The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co last December and since then over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled which includes exports from Afghanistan which began in February. In a meet last week, India, Afghanistan and Iran agreed to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement. On Sunday, the 19th India-Iran joint commission meeting took place and was chaired by extrnal affairs minister Jaishankar and his counterpart Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif. During the meet, the issue of state sponsorship of terror came up. Without taking the name of Pakistan, a ministry of external affairs release said, "Both sides shared concerns at the grave threat posed by terrorism and called for an immediate end to all support to terror sanctuaries. They agreed that state aid, abetment and support to terrorism should be condemned." This is the fourth meeting between external affairs minister Jaishankar and foreign minister Zarif. They had earlier met in Dushanbe, New York and Baku on the sidelines of multilateral events. They will next meet in January in Delhi during Iran FM's India visit. Next year marks 70 years of ties between the two countries.

US will have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure after presidential elections: Iran to India

Summarising The Challenges Faced By Indian Economy. #Gravitas #IMF #IndianEconomy

Gravitas: Indian Economy: The Pain Points

There is no connection between the detention centre and NRC or CAA. The centre has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an interview on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Detention of illegal immigrants is a continuous process. Detention centres have nothing to do with NRC. If a foreigner is arrested without documents, he is kept at detention centres and they are deported later," Shah said.&nbsp;

"We have not kept anybody in detention centres. People left out in NRC in Assam are living in their homes. There is only one detention centre in Assam, and it's been there for years. No detention centre has been built under the Prime Minister Modi government," he asserted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Home Minister Amit Shah to ANI: There is no connection between detention center and NRC or CAA. The center has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this. <a href="https://t.co/OAHlt8V96e">pic.twitter.com/OAHlt8V96e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1209479113502642177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Shah's remarks came on a day the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2021 and updation of National Population Register.&nbsp;

He assured that no person should have any reason to be concerned about the exercise and data collected under NPR exercise is helpful for the government to formulate schemes for people.

"The data collected under NPR will be used to formulate plans for the betterment of the public through central government schemes. It is not an exercise to decide citizenship of any person," Shah said.

(With inputs from ANI)

There is no connection between the detention centre and NRC or CAA. The centre has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an interview on Tuesday.

There is no connection between the detention centre and NRC or CAA. The centre has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an interview on Tuesday. "Detention of illegal immigrants is a continuous process. Detention centres have nothing to do with NRC. If a foreigner is arrested without documents, he is kept at detention centres and they are deported later," Shah said. "We have not kept anybody in detention centres. People left out in NRC in Assam are living in their homes. There is only one detention centre in Assam, and it's been there for years. No detention centre has been built under the Prime Minister Modi government," he asserted. Home Minister Amit Shah to ANI: There is no connection between detention center and NRC or CAA. The center has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this. pic.twitter.com/OAHlt8V96e — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2019 × Shah's remarks came on a day the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2021 and updation of National Population Register. He assured that no person should have any reason to be concerned about the exercise and data collected under NPR exercise is helpful for the government to formulate schemes for people. "The data collected under NPR will be used to formulate plans for the betterment of the public through central government schemes. It is not an exercise to decide citizenship of any person," Shah said. (With inputs from ANI)

Detention centres have nothing to do with NRC: Amit Shah

The elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand is underway. The opposition alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and the RJD is set to form the next government in Jharkhand displacing the BJP which ruled the state for the last 5 years. #Jharkhand #JharkhandElectionResults #JharkhandElections #JMM #HemantSoren

WION Dispatch: JMM-Congress all set to form government in Jharkhand

Home Minister Amit Shah in an interview to news agency ANI sought to allay fears by categorically stating that there is no link between National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). His clarification comes amidst widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 and general fear of nationwide implementation of National Register of Citizens. #NPR #NRC

Fineprint: No link between NPR and NRC, says Home Minister Amit Shah

With protests held in several parts of the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Home Minister said on Tuesday that there might have been some communication gap on the part of the government in reaching out to people.

In an interview with ANI, Shah said he had made it clear in his speeches in parliament during the debate over the Citizenship Amendment Act that no member from minority community will lose citizenship.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to ANI on National Population Register, NRC/CAA and other issues. <a href="https://t.co/g4Wl8ldoVg">https://t.co/g4Wl8ldoVg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1209467911309426689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I have no issue in admitting that there may have been some deficiency. But you can see my speech in Parliament. In that, I have said clearly that there is no question of any member of minority community losing citizenship," Shah said.

"There is no connection between the detention centre and NRC or CAA. The centre has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this," Shah added.

He was asked if there was a lack of communication from the government on Citizenship Amendment Act whose passage was followed by protests in different parts of the country including Delhi. People also lost their lives during the protests.

The Act grants citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians who fled religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

With protests held in several parts of the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Home Minister said on Tuesday that there might have been some communication gap on the part of the government in reaching out to people.

With protests held in several parts of the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Home Minister said on Tuesday that there might have been some communication gap on the part of the government in reaching out to people. In an interview with ANI, Shah said he had made it clear in his speeches in parliament during the debate over the Citizenship Amendment Act that no member from minority community will lose citizenship. #WATCH Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to ANI on National Population Register, NRC/CAA and other issues. https://t.co/g4Wl8ldoVg — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2019 × "I have no issue in admitting that there may have been some deficiency. But you can see my speech in Parliament. In that, I have said clearly that there is no question of any member of minority community losing citizenship," Shah said. "There is no connection between the detention centre and NRC or CAA. The centre has been there for years and is for illegal migrants. Misinformation is being spread on this," Shah added. He was asked if there was a lack of communication from the government on Citizenship Amendment Act whose passage was followed by protests in different parts of the country including Delhi. People also lost their lives during the protests. The Act grants citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians who fled religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

"No issue in admitting": Amit Shah accepts communication gap over Citizenship Amendment Act

The Union Cabinet on December 24 approved over Rs 3,941.35 crore for updating the National Population Register. The updating exercise is to commence from April till September next year. The NPR is a list of "usual residents" of the country. A "usual resident" is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months or more. #NPR #UnionCabinet #BJP

Fineprint: Cabinet nod to exercise NPR, To commence from Apr-Sep 2020

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-we-say-the-sun-rises-from-east-then-owaisi-saab-would-say-it-rises-from-west-amit-shah-270056">Amit Shah</a> on Tuesday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to rethink their decision to stop work on updating National Population Register (NPR). 
 
"I want to tell chief ministers of both states (Kerala and West Bengal), don't take such step. They should rethink," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-chairs-high-level-meet-to-discuss-jammu-and-kashmir-issues-270008">Shah</a> said in an interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash. 
 
"This (NPR) is the base for welfare programmes for poor of Kerala and Bengal. Please don't keep poor people out of the developmental programme for politics, bring them in," he added. 
 
Shah said that there was no link between NPR exercise and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He added that information obtained through NPR cannot be used for NRC which was a separate process. 
 
The minister's remarks came on a day the union cabinet approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2021 and updating of NPR. 
He said Union Cabinet has not ever discussed NRC. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/state-governments-should-not-politicise-population-register-npr-and-nrc-are-different-amit-shah-270055">The minister</a> said that while Census was held every 10 years and NPR was started by the UPA government and the government was carrying it forward as it was a "good exercise".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to rethink their decision to stop work on updating National Population Register (NPR).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to rethink their decision to stop work on updating National Population Register (NPR). "I want to tell chief ministers of both states (Kerala and West Bengal), don't take such step. They should rethink," Shah said in an interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash. "This (NPR) is the base for welfare programmes for poor of Kerala and Bengal. Please don't keep poor people out of the developmental programme for politics, bring them in," he added. Shah said that there was no link between NPR exercise and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He added that information obtained through NPR cannot be used for NRC which was a separate process. The minister's remarks came on a day the union cabinet approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2021 and updating of NPR. He said Union Cabinet has not ever discussed NRC. The minister said that while Census was held every 10 years and NPR was started by the UPA government and the government was carrying it forward as it was a "good exercise".

Amit Shah urges state leaders Mamata, Vijayan to not stop updating NPR

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news