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The national capital on Tuesday recorded its lowest maximum temperature in 22 years.

At 12.2 degrees, Delhi experienced its lowest maximum temperature with a forecast of cold conditions to continue for another day.&nbsp;

"A fresh western disturbance will obstruct the flow of icy winds from the north by 19th. Temperatures will rise," Mahesh Palawat, Vice president (Climate Change and Meteorology) of Skymet Weather tweeted out.&nbsp;

Cold wave conditions are very likely to hit isolated parts in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and east Rajasthan for the next two days.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Delhi woke up to a cold morning with the temperature hovering around 7 degrees.&nbsp;

The national capital on Tuesday recorded its lowest maximum temperature in 22 years. At 12.2 degrees, Delhi experienced its lowest maximum temperature with a forecast of cold conditions to continue for another day.

The national capital on Tuesday recorded its lowest maximum temperature in 22 years. At 12.2 degrees, Delhi experienced its lowest maximum temperature with a forecast of cold conditions to continue for another day. "A fresh western disturbance will obstruct the flow of icy winds from the north by 19th. Temperatures will rise," Mahesh Palawat, Vice president (Climate Change and Meteorology) of Skymet Weather tweeted out. Cold wave conditions are very likely to hit isolated parts in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and east Rajasthan for the next two days. On Wednesday, Delhi woke up to a cold morning with the temperature hovering around 7 degrees.

Delhi: Temperature dips to lowest maximum in over two decades

Bollywood stars have broken their silence on the protests against amended Citizenship Act in India.

WION Dispatch: Bollywood stars remain divided on Citizenship Act protests

At least 59 petitions has been filed by political parties, students and, lawyers in Supreme Court against the Amended Citizenship Act in India.

WION Dispatch: 59 petitions filed in Supreme Court against Amended Citizenship Act

A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

"We have a lot of video footage through which people are being identified. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found accused in this case," Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said.

Meanwhile, police conducted flag march in Mustafabad and Ghonda areas of the National capital today.

"We want to give a message that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt law and order in the area. Section 144 has been imposed. The situation is completely under control and peaceful," Kumar said.

Earlier, RP Meena, the Additional DCP of the North-East Delhi had confirmed the arrest of six people, all of whom were locals, and said that multiple FIRs had been registered in Seelampur, Jafrabad, and Dayalpur areas of the National capital.

Protests escalated in Delhi on Sunday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant 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.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday. "We have a lot of video footage through which people are being identified. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found accused in this case," Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said. Meanwhile, police conducted flag march in Mustafabad and Ghonda areas of the National capital today. "We want to give a message that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt law and order in the area. Section 144 has been imposed. The situation is completely under control and peaceful," Kumar said. Earlier, RP Meena, the Additional DCP of the North-East Delhi had confirmed the arrest of six people, all of whom were locals, and said that multiple FIRs had been registered in Seelampur, Jafrabad, and Dayalpur areas of the National capital. Protests escalated in Delhi on Sunday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant 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.

Anti-CAA protests: 8 arrested for violence in Delhi's Seelampur, Zafarabad areas

After remaining closed for 134 days, the gates of historic Jamia Masjid in the old city of Srinagar were thrown open for the public.&nbsp;

Dozens of people from the surrounding areas gathered as the call for prayer - Azaan - was heard in the vicinity, a local told WION.

The authorities had imposed restrictions in the valley following the abrogation of J&amp;K special status on August 5 this year. These restrictions were severe in Srinagar as protests mostly escalate in the area.&nbsp;

“We are very happy. This is the place of God and worship. They (authorities) had closed the mosque which shouldn’t have been done,” said a local who came to offer prayers at the mosque.

As the restrictions were eased with the improvement in the situation, the committee looking after the grand mosque had demanded authorities to remove the security forces outside the area.&nbsp;

“We had requested authorities to remove the forces deployed outside the mosque. We also had to sanitise the praying areas as it was closed for four months,” said a committee member.

However, it remains to be seen if the authorities allow Friday congressional prayers to happen in the mosque as clashes between protestors and security forces are frequent on the day.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head priest, delivers the sermon from the same mosque. Umar was detained and later kept under house detention by the authorities in Srinagar.&nbsp;

After remaining closed for 134 days, the gates of historic Jamia Masjid in the old city of Srinagar were thrown open for the public. Dozens of people from the surrounding areas gathered as the call for prayer - Azaan - was heard in the vicinity, a local told WION.

After remaining closed for 134 days, the gates of historic Jamia Masjid in the old city of Srinagar were thrown open for the public. Dozens of people from the surrounding areas gathered as the call for prayer - Azaan - was heard in the vicinity, a local told WION. The authorities had imposed restrictions in the valley following the abrogation of J&K special status on August 5 this year. These restrictions were severe in Srinagar as protests mostly escalate in the area. “We are very happy. This is the place of God and worship. They (authorities) had closed the mosque which shouldn’t have been done,” said a local who came to offer prayers at the mosque. As the restrictions were eased with the improvement in the situation, the committee looking after the grand mosque had demanded authorities to remove the security forces outside the area. “We had requested authorities to remove the forces deployed outside the mosque. We also had to sanitise the praying areas as it was closed for four months,” said a committee member. However, it remains to be seen if the authorities allow Friday congressional prayers to happen in the mosque as clashes between protestors and security forces are frequent on the day. On Friday, the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head priest, delivers the sermon from the same mosque. Umar was detained and later kept under house detention by the authorities in Srinagar.

Jammu and Kashmir: After 134 days, people pray at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar

A Delhi Patiala Court on Wednesday directed Tihar Jail authorities to grant a week to &nbsp;2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case convicts to file mercy petitions. &nbsp;The court order comes hours after Supreme Court rejected the review petition filed by one of the death-row convicts Akshay Kumar Singh.

Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora, who was hearing the plea of Delhi government seeking issuance of death warrants for, said that it will wait for the Supreme Court order's copy and posted the matter for next hearing on January 7, 2020.&nbsp;

The court issued the order after the parents of the gangrape and murder victim sought immediate execution of death-row convicts.

''Have full sympathy with you. We know someone has died but there are their(convicts) rights too. We are here to listen to you but are also bound by the law,'' said the judge expressing his sympathy for the victim's mother Asha Devi, mother of 2012 gangrape victim, who broke down in court upon hearing the order.

Earlier public prosecutor argued that pendency of mercy petitions or fact that convicts want to file mercy petitions does not preclude the court from issuing death warrant.&nbsp;

A Delhi Patiala Court on Wednesday directed Tihar Jail authorities to grant a week to 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case convicts to file mercy petitions. The court order comes hours after Supreme Court rejected the review petition filed by one of the death-row convicts Akshay Kumar Singh.

A Delhi Patiala Court on Wednesday directed Tihar Jail authorities to grant a week to 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case convicts to file mercy petitions. The court order comes hours after Supreme Court rejected the review petition filed by one of the death-row convicts Akshay Kumar Singh. Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora, who was hearing the plea of Delhi government seeking issuance of death warrants for, said that it will wait for the Supreme Court order's copy and posted the matter for next hearing on January 7, 2020. The court issued the order after the parents of the gangrape and murder victim sought immediate execution of death-row convicts. ''Have full sympathy with you. We know someone has died but there are their(convicts) rights too. We are here to listen to you but are also bound by the law,'' said the judge expressing his sympathy for the victim's mother Asha Devi, mother of 2012 gangrape victim, who broke down in court upon hearing the order. Earlier public prosecutor argued that pendency of mercy petitions or fact that convicts want to file mercy petitions does not preclude the court from issuing death warrant.

Nirbhaya 's mother breaks down after court defers death warrants of convicts 

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition party DMK and their allies Congress, Left parties have been protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, over how it has been ignorant of the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils who are a persecuted minority in the island nation.&nbsp;

DMK leaders held protests in Chennai and various other districts against the Citizenship Act. Leading an agitation in Kanchipuram district, DMK President MK Stalin stated that the DMK would support the CAA if the Centre expanded its ambit and included Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims.&nbsp;

“The Indian Constitution is secular and the government cannot enact any law that will discriminate against people based on religion. By excluding the Sri Lankan Tamils, the BJP has shown that it is not only against the Muslims, but also the Sri Lankan Tamils” Stalin said.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Salem, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hit back at the DMK and Stalin by saying that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had assured that the CAA does not threaten Indians living in India, irrespective of their religion.&nbsp;

“After the 2016 elections, Late CM Jayalalithaa had requested PM Modi regarding the provision of dual-citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils. After her demise, I had emphasized the same issue to our PM” he said.&nbsp;

Accusing Stalin of spreading lies and falsehoods, Palaniswami stated that, “In 2009 during the war in Sri Lanka, them CM Karunanidhi, whose DMK was in an alliance with the UPA government went on a hunger strike, to ensure that the war ended. However, he called off his hunger strike within an hour and announced publicly that the Sri Lankan Tamils need not worry. It was believing this assurance that the Sri Lankan Tamils came out of hiding, only to have been killed&nbsp;by the Lankan forces. Over 1.5lakh Tamis were killed as they came out of hiding after believing Karunanidhi.”

Palaniswami questioned the DMK on why they did not protest back then (in 2009) and raise their voice against the then Congress-led UPA government. He accused the DMK of being power-hungry as many in their family were hiding important Central government portfolios. “When they ruled as a part of the Central Government for 13 years, why didn’t they ensure citizenship for the Lankan Tamils ?”

Adding that DMK MPs Kanimozhi and TR Baalu had met former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse after the war and had accepted his gifts, the AIADMK leader slammed the DMK saying that they had no right to speak for the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Stating that there were over 59714 Sri Lankan Tamils living in 107 camps across Tamil Nadu, he added that they were being given government benefits on par with the people of Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, the DMK and its allies have decided to hold a rally against the CAA in Chennai city on Monday, December 23rd. Speaking to reporters DMK President MK Stalin said, “The CAA act must be revoked as it disrupts peace across the country. We want to know why Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils are being excluded ?”

The DMK leader also accused the 12 MPs from Tamil Nadu for having supported the bill in the Upper House of Parliament. “It was because of the 11 AIADMK MPs and lone PMK member that the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha”. He stated that Chief Minister Palaniswami was only obediently parroting the lines of the Prime Minister and Home Minister on CAA.&nbsp;

When asked about the allegations made by the Chief Minister about the DMK’s poor handling of the Sri Lankan war, Stalin said that he did not want to indulge in loose talk over such issues and that he wants to focus on the current issues, work towards a solution.

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition party DMK and their allies Congress, Left parties have been protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, over how it has been ignorant of the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils who are a persecuted minority in the island nation.

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition party DMK and their allies Congress, Left parties have been protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, over how it has been ignorant of the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils who are a persecuted minority in the island nation. DMK leaders held protests in Chennai and various other districts against the Citizenship Act. Leading an agitation in Kanchipuram district, DMK President MK Stalin stated that the DMK would support the CAA if the Centre expanded its ambit and included Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims. “The Indian Constitution is secular and the government cannot enact any law that will discriminate against people based on religion. By excluding the Sri Lankan Tamils, the BJP has shown that it is not only against the Muslims, but also the Sri Lankan Tamils” Stalin said. Speaking to reporters in Salem, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hit back at the DMK and Stalin by saying that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had assured that the CAA does not threaten Indians living in India, irrespective of their religion. “After the 2016 elections, Late CM Jayalalithaa had requested PM Modi regarding the provision of dual-citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils. After her demise, I had emphasized the same issue to our PM” he said. Accusing Stalin of spreading lies and falsehoods, Palaniswami stated that, “In 2009 during the war in Sri Lanka, them CM Karunanidhi, whose DMK was in an alliance with the UPA government went on a hunger strike, to ensure that the war ended. However, he called off his hunger strike within an hour and announced publicly that the Sri Lankan Tamils need not worry. It was believing this assurance that the Sri Lankan Tamils came out of hiding, only to have been killed by the Lankan forces. Over 1.5lakh Tamis were killed as they came out of hiding after believing Karunanidhi.” Palaniswami questioned the DMK on why they did not protest back then (in 2009) and raise their voice against the then Congress-led UPA government. He accused the DMK of being power-hungry as many in their family were hiding important Central government portfolios. “When they ruled as a part of the Central Government for 13 years, why didn’t they ensure citizenship for the Lankan Tamils ?” Adding that DMK MPs Kanimozhi and TR Baalu had met former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse after the war and had accepted his gifts, the AIADMK leader slammed the DMK saying that they had no right to speak for the Sri Lankan Tamils. Stating that there were over 59714 Sri Lankan Tamils living in 107 camps across Tamil Nadu, he added that they were being given government benefits on par with the people of Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the DMK and its allies have decided to hold a rally against the CAA in Chennai city on Monday, December 23rd. Speaking to reporters DMK President MK Stalin said, “The CAA act must be revoked as it disrupts peace across the country. We want to know why Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils are being excluded ?” The DMK leader also accused the 12 MPs from Tamil Nadu for having supported the bill in the Upper House of Parliament. “It was because of the 11 AIADMK MPs and lone PMK member that the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha”. He stated that Chief Minister Palaniswami was only obediently parroting the lines of the Prime Minister and Home Minister on CAA. When asked about the allegations made by the Chief Minister about the DMK’s poor handling of the Sri Lankan war, Stalin said that he did not want to indulge in loose talk over such issues and that he wants to focus on the current issues, work towards a solution.

Citizenship Amendment Act not a threat to Indians, irrespective of their religion: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami

Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the review petition filed by Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the death-row convicts, in the 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case. Earlier during proceedings, Senior advocate AP Singh, representing Akshay, told a newly-constituted bench headed by Justice R Banumathi that his client has been "falsely implicated" in the case and argued against the death penalty awarded to him.

Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the review petition filed by Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the death-row convicts, in the 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case. Earlier during proceedings, Senior advocate AP Singh, representing Akshay, told a newly-constituted bench headed by Justice R Banumathi that his client has been "falsely implicated" in the case and argued against the death penalty awarded to him. "Death penalty is a primitive method of punishment. Execution kills the criminal not the crime. Use of the death penalty did not seem to have a deterrent effect on criminals and convicts," Singh contended. The counsel said that the victim died of septicaemia and drug overdose and wrong reports were made to falsely implicate his client. "The dying declaration was doubtful. This was tutored. This was not voluntary. She has not named Akshay as the accused who had committed the offence," he added. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi state, said that no mercy should be granted. "There are crimes where humanity is put to shame...crimes when God cries...there should be no mercy," he said. Akshay has moved the top court seeking review of its 2017 verdict which upheld the death penalty awarded to him and three others in the case.

2012 Delhi gangrape: Supreme Court rejects review petition of Akshay Kumar Singh

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act.&nbsp;

Up to 60 petitions have been filed so far questioning the legal validity of the Act that has stirred violent protests throughout the country.

The court also issued a notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA, asking the Centre to file its response by the second week of January.&nbsp;

The petitioners come from all walks of life including Political parties like Indian union of Muslim League, Asom Gana Parishad, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam; leading politicians Jairam Ramesh, Mahua Moitra and Asaduddin Owaisi; a lawyers association from Assam and student movements like Democratic Youth Federation of India and All Assam Students Union.&nbsp;

The petitioners want the newly enforced law to be struck down as violative of Fundamental Rights (Article 14), opposed to Secularism that forms a basic feature of our Constitution and also wants the Court to decide whether religion can be the basis to declare someone a citizen as it has never happened in the past.

The petitioners want to know the basis on which Centre has concluded that non-Muslim migrants need to be included as citizens while denying it to Muslim migrants along with questioning the discretion of Centre to exclude Sri Lanka and Burma where religious persecution has forced many to take shelter in India.

They question the assumption that Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh face no discrimination and list out Shias and Ahmediyas in Pakistan and Hazaras in Afghanistan as examples.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13.&nbsp;

The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014.

&nbsp;It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship.

&nbsp;Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b).

The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government.

The apex court said it would hear petitions challenging the law on January 22 as December 18 is the last working day of the Supreme Court before it reopens January 1 after winter break.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act. Up to 60 petitions have been filed so far questioning the legal validity of the Act that has stirred violent protests throughout the country. The court also issued a notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA, asking the Centre to file its response by the second week of January. The petitioners come from all walks of life including Political parties like Indian union of Muslim League, Asom Gana Parishad, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam; leading politicians Jairam Ramesh, Mahua Moitra and Asaduddin Owaisi; a lawyers association from Assam and student movements like Democratic Youth Federation of India and All Assam Students Union. The petitioners want the newly enforced law to be struck down as violative of Fundamental Rights (Article 14), opposed to Secularism that forms a basic feature of our Constitution and also wants the Court to decide whether religion can be the basis to declare someone a citizen as it has never happened in the past. The petitioners want to know the basis on which Centre has concluded that non-Muslim migrants need to be included as citizens while denying it to Muslim migrants along with questioning the discretion of Centre to exclude Sri Lanka and Burma where religious persecution has forced many to take shelter in India. They question the assumption that Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh face no discrimination and list out Shias and Ahmediyas in Pakistan and Hazaras in Afghanistan as examples. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13. The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014. It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship. Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b). The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government. The apex court said it would hear petitions challenging the law on January 22 as December 18 is the last working day of the Supreme Court before it reopens January 1 after winter break.

As Supreme Court refuses to stall implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, here is what petitioners are seeking

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act that lays out a path for non-Muslim minorities from some neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan to apply for Indian citizenship, despite violent protests across the country.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act that lays out a path for non-Muslim minorities from some neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan to apply for Indian citizenship, despite violent protests across the country. A Bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant refused to stay the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The court also issued a notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The apex court has asked the Centre to file it response by the second week of January. The apex court said it would hear petitions challenging the law on January 22. The petitioners argue that it violates India's secular constitution.

Supreme Court refuses to stall implementation of CAA, issues notice to Centre  

After Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government stated that it was satisfied with the investigations carried out in connection with the Vyapam scam, Congress MLA Kunal Chaudhary has said he will push for a white paper to be issued in the matter.

"I had raised an issue in the Madhya Pradesh assembly that a white paper be issued, in connection with Vyapam scam. I will talk to the state`s home minister and the chief minister that action should be taken and everything should be clarified. People should get to know how they were cheated," Chaudhary told ANI on Tuesday.

The Congress MLA said that he was dissatisfied with the fact that discussions were not held in the state Assembly due to the adjournment of the House.

On the other hand, media-in-charge of BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Lokendra Parashar said that the former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government had already proven that there was no scam and added that the results of the SIT could not be politically influenced.&nbsp;

"The Congress is used to lying when they were in the opposition they used to falsely rake up the issue of Vyapam scam. They (Congress) should now tell the people that the Shivraj Singh government had already settled the matter by forming an SIT in the matter," Parashar told.

"Any investigation should not be influenced politically. The results of the SIT cannot be moulded to suit an MLA`s interests," he added.&nbsp;

The alleged Vyapam scam was an entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam that was unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013. It involved 13 different exams conducted by Vyapam, for selection of medical students and state government employees.

After Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government stated that it was satisfied with the investigations carried out in connection with the Vyapam scam, Congress MLA Kunal Chaudhary has said he will push for a white paper to be issued in the matter.

After Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government stated that it was satisfied with the investigations carried out in connection with the Vyapam scam, Congress MLA Kunal Chaudhary has said he will push for a white paper to be issued in the matter. "I had raised an issue in the Madhya Pradesh assembly that a white paper be issued, in connection with Vyapam scam. I will talk to the state`s home minister and the chief minister that action should be taken and everything should be clarified. People should get to know how they were cheated," Chaudhary told ANI on Tuesday. The Congress MLA said that he was dissatisfied with the fact that discussions were not held in the state Assembly due to the adjournment of the House. On the other hand, media-in-charge of BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Lokendra Parashar said that the former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government had already proven that there was no scam and added that the results of the SIT could not be politically influenced. "The Congress is used to lying when they were in the opposition they used to falsely rake up the issue of Vyapam scam. They (Congress) should now tell the people that the Shivraj Singh government had already settled the matter by forming an SIT in the matter," Parashar told. "Any investigation should not be influenced politically. The results of the SIT cannot be moulded to suit an MLA`s interests," he added. The alleged Vyapam scam was an entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam that was unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013. It involved 13 different exams conducted by Vyapam, for selection of medical students and state government employees.

Congress MLA to seek white paper from Madhya Pradesh govt on Vyapam scam 

Latest From The Ongoing Protests Against Citizenship Amendment Act Across India Protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act continues across India. Protests against the law turned violent in Northeast Delhi even as opposition seeks a judicial probe into police action in Jamia University. #Gravitas #CAA #CAAprotest #India

Gravitas: Citizenship Amendment Act: Protests Continue Across India

The world is watching the violence that has erupted after the passing of Citizenship Act in Indian Parliament. The reactions received from all over the world are not favourable. A UN agency has termed the new law 'fundamentally discriminatory'. #CAAProtest #CAB #CitizenshipLaw

India's new citizenship law sparks protest, gets global responses

Twenty-one people were injured including 12 police personnel on Tuesday after&nbsp;protests over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-act-situation-under-control-says-delhi-police-after-protests-turn-violent-in-delhis-seelampur-268766">Citizenship Act turned violent in Delhi </a>resulting in police firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

"Total 21 people were injured, of which 12 are Delhi Police personnel and three are from the Rapid Action Force," news agency ANI quoted Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police as saying.

An angry mob clashed with police in Seelampur as they were holding protest against the new Citizenship Act. According to reports, the protestors vandalised two public transport buses, some bikes and pelted stones at police.

To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Vehicular movement on the 66-feet road which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad has also been restricted. Five persons have also been detained after the clashes.

The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said after the clashes.

"Situation is under control in Seelampur. We are monitoring the situation. We are taking CCTV footage from areas where any incident is taking place. Video recording is also being done. None of the people, involved in such incidents, will be spared."

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies) 
&nbsp;

Twenty-one people were injured including 12 police personnel on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship Act turned violent in Delhi resulting in police firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Twenty-one people were injured including 12 police personnel on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship Act turned violent in Delhi resulting in police firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. "Total 21 people were injured, of which 12 are Delhi Police personnel and three are from the Rapid Action Force," news agency ANI quoted Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police as saying. An angry mob clashed with police in Seelampur as they were holding protest against the new Citizenship Act. According to reports, the protestors vandalised two public transport buses, some bikes and pelted stones at police. To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Vehicular movement on the 66-feet road which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad has also been restricted. Five persons have also been detained after the clashes. The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said after the clashes. "Situation is under control in Seelampur. We are monitoring the situation. We are taking CCTV footage from areas where any incident is taking place. Video recording is also being done. None of the people, involved in such incidents, will be spared." The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi: 22 people injured, 5 detained after protest against citizenship law turns violent

A Delhi court on Tuesday sent six accused to 14 days judicial custody in connection with the violence, which ensued in the city-state's Jamia Nagar area on Sunday.

The Delhi Police had arrested ten people with criminal backgrounds in connection with the violence. According to police, no student from the Jamia Millia Islamia has been arrested.

A major controversy had broken out after the police personnel resorted to lathi-charge and firing of tear gas shells to deal with the violence during protests against the newly amended citizenship law.

Several educational institutions across the country had come out in support of the students of Jamia Millia Islamia after the incident.

According to Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar, as many as 200 people were injured in the incident, of which many were students of the university.

Akhtar has also said that the university administration will file an FIR against the Delhi Police for forcibly entering the campus and allegedly destroying property.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Tuesday sent six accused to 14 days judicial custody in connection with the violence, which ensued in the city-state's Jamia Nagar area on Sunday.

A Delhi court on Tuesday sent six accused to 14 days judicial custody in connection with the violence, which ensued in the city-state's Jamia Nagar area on Sunday. The Delhi Police had arrested ten people with criminal backgrounds in connection with the violence. According to police, no student from the Jamia Millia Islamia has been arrested. A major controversy had broken out after the police personnel resorted to lathi-charge and firing of tear gas shells to deal with the violence during protests against the newly amended citizenship law. Several educational institutions across the country had come out in support of the students of Jamia Millia Islamia after the incident. According to Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar, as many as 200 people were injured in the incident, of which many were students of the university. Akhtar has also said that the university administration will file an FIR against the Delhi Police for forcibly entering the campus and allegedly destroying property.

Jamia violence: Court sends 6 persons to judicial custody for 14 days

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday plea of a convict seeking review of the court`s earlier judgment upholding his death penalty in the Nirbhaya gang rape-and-murder case.

The new bench has been constituted to hear Akshay Kumar Singh's review petition after Chief Justice SA Bobde recused himself on personal grounds from a bench, which also comprised Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan, from hearing the case earlier today.

Justice SA Bopanna has replaced the Chief Justice in the new bench. Notably, Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan were part of the court's bench which rejected the review petitions of other three convicts in the case.

Akshay had moved the court seeking review of its 2017 verdict which had upheld the death penalty awarded to him and three others in the case. Singh has sought modification and leniency in the sentence.

In May 2017, Mukesh, Akshay, Pawan and Vinay had knocked the doors of the apex court against a Delhi High Court order which confirmed the capital punishment awarded to them by the trial court in September 2013.

The top court also upheld their death penalty.

In a voluminous judgement, the bench of the top court had held the attitude of offenders as "bestial proclivity" and said, "It sounds like a story from a different world where humanity is treated with irreverence."

Subsequently, the three convicts besides Akshay sought review of the judgment but it was dismissed.

They are facing the gallows for rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012.

Besides four convicts, prime accused Ram Singh had committed suicide in the Tihar jail during the trial of the case. Another accused appeared was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday plea of a convict seeking review of the court`s earlier judgment upholding his death penalty in the Nirbhaya gang rape-and-murder case.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday plea of a convict seeking review of the court`s earlier judgment upholding his death penalty in the Nirbhaya gang rape-and-murder case. The new bench has been constituted to hear Akshay Kumar Singh's review petition after Chief Justice SA Bobde recused himself on personal grounds from a bench, which also comprised Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan, from hearing the case earlier today. Justice SA Bopanna has replaced the Chief Justice in the new bench. Notably, Justices R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan were part of the court's bench which rejected the review petitions of other three convicts in the case. Akshay had moved the court seeking review of its 2017 verdict which had upheld the death penalty awarded to him and three others in the case. Singh has sought modification and leniency in the sentence. In May 2017, Mukesh, Akshay, Pawan and Vinay had knocked the doors of the apex court against a Delhi High Court order which confirmed the capital punishment awarded to them by the trial court in September 2013. The top court also upheld their death penalty. In a voluminous judgement, the bench of the top court had held the attitude of offenders as "bestial proclivity" and said, "It sounds like a story from a different world where humanity is treated with irreverence." Subsequently, the three convicts besides Akshay sought review of the judgment but it was dismissed. They are facing the gallows for rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012. Besides four convicts, prime accused Ram Singh had committed suicide in the Tihar jail during the trial of the case. Another accused appeared was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court.

New Supreme Court bench to hear convict's review plea in Nirbhaya gangrape case on Wednesday

The much-anticipated and pending organisational overhaul of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to take place post-Makar Sankranti which is considered as an auspicious period according to the Hindu calendar.

Sources said that among likely changes, would be relinquishing of the post of BJP president by Amit Shah and the induction of national working president JP Nadda to the top job.

The changes are likely to take place in the middle of January after Makar Sankranti ( January 14), the period considered to be particularly auspicious to embark on new assignments and projects, sources told ANI.

The organisational changes were delayed as the party wanted to consolidate itself in the Lok Sabha polls and also the assembly elections in various states.

"Decisions like the abrogation of Article 370, criminalisation of triple talaq and Citizenship Amendment Act had also delayed the organisational overhaul. The senior leadership did not want to make any hasty announcements or decisions, which could affect the party and its morale," sources said.

Since the tough decisions have been taken and implemented conclusively, the party`s central leadership would now concentrate at revamping and strengthening the party unit further, said sources.

They said the core team of the BJP is also expected to undergo changes as many leaders would either be replaced or given different roles in the new set up.

A senior party leader said that Nadda is expected to bring in his confidantes into the organisational setup, with the blessings of outgoing party chief Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This will give him a free hand in managing party affairs in his own way ahead of Assembly polls in the national capital and Bihar.

"The change of the guard on many fronts would be the first step towards making organisation ready for the next round of assembly elections," said sources.

The party is also expected to see major changes in states many state heads are likely to be replaced along with various chiefs of different wings.

Apart from Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the party has been busy with assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand.&nbsp;

The much-anticipated and pending organisational overhaul of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to take place post-Makar Sankranti which is considered as an auspicious period according to the Hindu calendar.

The much-anticipated and pending organisational overhaul of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to take place post-Makar Sankranti which is considered as an auspicious period according to the Hindu calendar. Sources said that among likely changes, would be relinquishing of the post of BJP president by Amit Shah and the induction of national working president JP Nadda to the top job. The changes are likely to take place in the middle of January after Makar Sankranti ( January 14), the period considered to be particularly auspicious to embark on new assignments and projects, sources told ANI. The organisational changes were delayed as the party wanted to consolidate itself in the Lok Sabha polls and also the assembly elections in various states. "Decisions like the abrogation of Article 370, criminalisation of triple talaq and Citizenship Amendment Act had also delayed the organisational overhaul. The senior leadership did not want to make any hasty announcements or decisions, which could affect the party and its morale," sources said. Since the tough decisions have been taken and implemented conclusively, the party`s central leadership would now concentrate at revamping and strengthening the party unit further, said sources. They said the core team of the BJP is also expected to undergo changes as many leaders would either be replaced or given different roles in the new set up. A senior party leader said that Nadda is expected to bring in his confidantes into the organisational setup, with the blessings of outgoing party chief Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will give him a free hand in managing party affairs in his own way ahead of Assembly polls in the national capital and Bihar. "The change of the guard on many fronts would be the first step towards making organisation ready for the next round of assembly elections," said sources. The party is also expected to see major changes in states many state heads are likely to be replaced along with various chiefs of different wings. Apart from Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the party has been busy with assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand.

BJP likely to go for organisational overhaul after Makar Sankranti

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21.

The main areas of discussion during the meeting included agricultural marketing reforms, organic and natural farming, agricultural commodity markets and future trading, storage infrastructure for agricultural produce, animal husbandry, agro-processing industry, ideas for reducing food subsidy among others.

Along with the Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur.

Representatives of the agro-processing and rural development sectors submitted various suggestions to boost investment in the agricultural sector and enhance market access to farmers.

Significant suggestions received from the stakeholders included building brands of Indian agricultural products abroad, giving processing industry benefits, importance equivalent to agriculture, accelerate depreciation benefit to the agri-processing industry, revamping of PMFBY and encouraging the development of farm eco-system services and market intelligence systems.

Representatives also felt the need for expansion of multi-dimensional research in agriculture for the development of new technologies and further suggested for promoting start-ups in institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agriculture Universities for young agricultural students.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21. The main areas of discussion during the meeting included agricultural marketing reforms, organic and natural farming, agricultural commodity markets and future trading, storage infrastructure for agricultural produce, animal husbandry, agro-processing industry, ideas for reducing food subsidy among others. Along with the Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur. Representatives of the agro-processing and rural development sectors submitted various suggestions to boost investment in the agricultural sector and enhance market access to farmers. Significant suggestions received from the stakeholders included building brands of Indian agricultural products abroad, giving processing industry benefits, importance equivalent to agriculture, accelerate depreciation benefit to the agri-processing industry, revamping of PMFBY and encouraging the development of farm eco-system services and market intelligence systems. Representatives also felt the need for expansion of multi-dimensional research in agriculture for the development of new technologies and further suggested for promoting start-ups in institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agriculture Universities for young agricultural students.

Finance Minister holds pre-budget consultation with representatives of agriculture, agro-processing sectors

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the opposition of misleading the country on recently enacted Citizenship Act. He also said that the law, which has triggered violent protests across the country, does not have any provision to strip people of their citizenship.

"Entire opposition is misleading the people of the country. I reiterate that there is no question of taking away the citizenship of any person from any minority community. There is no such provision in the bill," Shah said.

While speaking at a rally in Delhi, Shah also said, "Come what may, the Modi government will ensure that these refugees get Indian citizenship and live as Indians with honour".

Home Minister's comment came amid the violent protests that spread across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act which was passed by Parliament last and became a law after Presidential assent ton November 12.

The legislation grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, clashes broke out in east Delhi between police and the angry mob who was protesting against the bill. The police fired tear gas and while they were trying to disperse the crowd. According to the report, the protestors pelted stones at the police personnel and vandalised that three public buses and some bikes.&nbsp;

On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for peace as he said "No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence."&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the opposition of misleading the country on recently enacted Citizenship Act. He also said that the law, which has triggered violent protests across the country, does not have any provision to strip people of their citizenship.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the opposition of misleading the country on recently enacted Citizenship Act. He also said that the law, which has triggered violent protests across the country, does not have any provision to strip people of their citizenship. "Entire opposition is misleading the people of the country. I reiterate that there is no question of taking away the citizenship of any person from any minority community. There is no such provision in the bill," Shah said. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, Shah also said, "Come what may, the Modi government will ensure that these refugees get Indian citizenship and live as Indians with honour". Home Minister's comment came amid the violent protests that spread across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act which was passed by Parliament last and became a law after Presidential assent ton November 12. The legislation grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Earlier in the day, clashes broke out in east Delhi between police and the angry mob who was protesting against the bill. The police fired tear gas and while they were trying to disperse the crowd. According to the report, the protestors pelted stones at the police personnel and vandalised that three public buses and some bikes. On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for peace as he said "No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence."

Come what may, government will ensure that refugees get Indian citizenship: Amit Shah on CAA

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Delhi,&nbsp;External Affairs Ministry's official&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India."

"The Resolution adopted by Pakistan’s National Assembly yesterday (on Citizenship Amendment Act) makes references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India. We categorically reject the Resolution,"&nbsp;Kumar said.

On Monday, Pakistan National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The resolution claimed that it is "discriminated" and enacted to "suppress" the minorities in the country.

The resolution moved by Pakistan's Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, also called upon the international community including the United Nations, Human Rights Council to urge India to revoke it.

"The Resolution is a poorly disguised effort to divert attention from Pakistan’s appalling treatment and persecution of its own religious minorities," said Kumar, adding, "The demographics of these minorities, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or other faiths, in Pakistan, speak for themselves."

"It's a thinly-veiled attempt by Pakistan to further its false narrative on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It seeks to provide justification for Pakistan’s unrelenting support for cross-border terrorist activities in India. We're confident that such attempts will fail," Kumar also said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.&nbsp;

The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The External Affairs Ministry also said that it was "laughable" that the National Assembly that has itself passed discriminatory legislation against religious minorities, should point fingers at others.

"We call upon Pakistan to engage in serious self-introspection rather than to falsely accuse others of what they themselves are guilty of," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, External Affairs Ministry's official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India.

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, External Affairs Ministry's official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India." "The Resolution adopted by Pakistan’s National Assembly yesterday (on Citizenship Amendment Act) makes references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India. We categorically reject the Resolution," Kumar said. On Monday, Pakistan National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The resolution claimed that it is "discriminated" and enacted to "suppress" the minorities in the country. The resolution moved by Pakistan's Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, also called upon the international community including the United Nations, Human Rights Council to urge India to revoke it. "The Resolution is a poorly disguised effort to divert attention from Pakistan’s appalling treatment and persecution of its own religious minorities," said Kumar, adding, "The demographics of these minorities, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or other faiths, in Pakistan, speak for themselves." "It's a thinly-veiled attempt by Pakistan to further its false narrative on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It seeks to provide justification for Pakistan’s unrelenting support for cross-border terrorist activities in India. We're confident that such attempts will fail," Kumar also said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The External Affairs Ministry also said that it was "laughable" that the National Assembly that has itself passed discriminatory legislation against religious minorities, should point fingers at others. "We call upon Pakistan to engage in serious self-introspection rather than to falsely accuse others of what they themselves are guilty of," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

India 'categorically' rejects Pakistan resolution on Citizenship Amendment Act

India successfully test-fires supersonic BrahMos missile

Watch in WION Dispatch: Protest in East Delhi turns violent over CAA. Watch this video as WION's Principle Diplomatic Siddhant Sibbal tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: Protest in East Delhi turns violent over CAA

The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship turned violent resulting in police using tear gas.&nbsp;

"Situation is under control in Seelampur. We are monitoring the situation. We are taking CCTV footage from areas where any incident is taking place. Video recording is also being done. None of the people, involved in such incidents, will be spared."

An angry mob clashed with police in Seelampur as they were holding protest against the new Citizenship Act. According to reports, the protestors vandalised two public transport buses, some bikes and pelted stones at police.

To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Vehicular movement on the 66-feet road which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad has also been restricted.

During the clashes, some police personnel were also injured, Delhi police Joint Commissioner said.

"No bullet has been fired. Only tear gas shells used. The situation is under control now. Some police personnel are injured. 2 public transport buses, 1 Rapid Action Force bus and some bikes damaged during the protest," The Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police &nbsp;Alok Kumar said.

The latest Seelampur clash comes amid the ongoing protests across the country over the newly enacted Citizenship Act.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for peace as he&nbsp;said "No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence."&nbsp;

"I make an appeal to all the citizens of Delhi to maintain peace. No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence. We should put forth our opinion peacefully, " he said.

Delhi&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor also appealed people to not get involved in any kind of violence and urged people to"&nbsp;immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements."

"Don't get involved in any kind of violence and immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements. Violence is not only illegal but also inhuman. Express your concerns through peaceful democratic means."

The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship turned violent resulting in police using tear gas.

The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship turned violent resulting in police using tear gas. "Situation is under control in Seelampur. We are monitoring the situation. We are taking CCTV footage from areas where any incident is taking place. Video recording is also being done. None of the people, involved in such incidents, will be spared." An angry mob clashed with police in Seelampur as they were holding protest against the new Citizenship Act. According to reports, the protestors vandalised two public transport buses, some bikes and pelted stones at police. To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Vehicular movement on the 66-feet road which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad has also been restricted. During the clashes, some police personnel were also injured, Delhi police Joint Commissioner said. "No bullet has been fired. Only tear gas shells used. The situation is under control now. Some police personnel are injured. 2 public transport buses, 1 Rapid Action Force bus and some bikes damaged during the protest," The Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said. The latest Seelampur clash comes amid the ongoing protests across the country over the newly enacted Citizenship Act. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for peace as he said "No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence." "I make an appeal to all the citizens of Delhi to maintain peace. No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence. We should put forth our opinion peacefully, " he said. Delhi Lieutenant Governor also appealed people to not get involved in any kind of violence and urged people to" immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements." "Don't get involved in any kind of violence and immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements. Violence is not only illegal but also inhuman. Express your concerns through peaceful democratic means."

Citizenship Act: 'Situation under control,' says Delhi police after protests turn violent in Delhi's Seelampur

In Anti-CAA Protests, SC refused to probe into police action on the protesters and asked to approach High Court for the same. Watch this video to know more.#CAA #SupremeCourt #HighCourt

Anti-CAA Protests: SC refused to probe into police action, asked to approach High Court

The air quality in Delhi improved from the 'poor' to 'moderate' category on Tuesday as the cold wave starts to grip the national capital.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the overall air quality was 109 at 9:00 am which falls in the "moderate" category.

The major pollutant PM 2.5 was at 116 and PM 10 at 91 (Satisfactory category), in the Lodhi Road area, according to the AQI data.

Meanwhile, Delhi experienced its coldest December day in last 16 years on Tuesday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 12.9 degrees Celsius,&nbsp;making it the season coldest day.

On Tuesday, the minimum temperature is forecasted to be at 7 degrees Celsius while the maximum would be around 19 degrees Celsius.

"Due to low-level cloud cover and cold north-northwesterly winds, cold day conditions is very likely to persist over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and North Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours," the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in its weather forecast report said.

The IMD also issued a warning of severe cold day conditions at, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh. 
&nbsp; 
"Cold day conditions at few places with a severe cold day at isolated places very likely over Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi; Cold day conditions at a few places over East Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan."

Dense fog is also expected to prevail over Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, according to the IMD warning.

(With inputs from agencies)

The air quality in Delhi improved from the 'poor' to 'moderate' category on Tuesday as the cold wave starts to grip the national capital. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the overall air quality was 109 at 9:00 am which falls in the "moderate" category.

The air quality in Delhi improved from the 'poor' to 'moderate' category on Tuesday as the cold wave starts to grip the national capital. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the overall air quality was 109 at 9:00 am which falls in the "moderate" category. The major pollutant PM 2.5 was at 116 and PM 10 at 91 (Satisfactory category), in the Lodhi Road area, according to the AQI data. Meanwhile, Delhi experienced its coldest December day in last 16 years on Tuesday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 12.9 degrees Celsius, making it the season coldest day. On Tuesday, the minimum temperature is forecasted to be at 7 degrees Celsius while the maximum would be around 19 degrees Celsius. "Due to low-level cloud cover and cold north-northwesterly winds, cold day conditions is very likely to persist over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and North Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours," the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in its weather forecast report said. The IMD also issued a warning of severe cold day conditions at, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh. "Cold day conditions at few places with a severe cold day at isolated places very likely over Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi; Cold day conditions at a few places over East Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan." Dense fog is also expected to prevail over Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, according to the IMD warning. (With inputs from agencies)

Air quality improves to 'moderate' category as Delhi shivers in severe cold

A day after his party Makkal Needhi Maiam released a statement that they had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship amendment Act 2019, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan slammed the Centre and Tamil Nadu’s state government for having passed the bill.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters at the MNM party office in Chennai, he said, “India’s backbones are its villages and our farmers are dying, there is a slowdown in the economy and prices of essential commodities are rising but the government’s ploy is to divide based on religion. This is the beginning of the end of anti-national forces”(He used the phrase anti-national force without mentioning any party specifically and said that he meant to include all anti-nationals).

Haasan was also unsparing in his criticism of Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK, whose 11 Members of the Upper House Parliament had voted in favour of the bill, thus enabling its smooth passage. “Its a betrayal of the Tamil people and India. They(the state government) are only obedient to their masters and you know who their masters are.”

“When a Hindu from Pakistan is to get citizenship, what about Hindu’s from Sri Lanka? What answer do we have for Sri Lankan Tamils and Tamil refugees?” &nbsp;

Responding to questions on the pan-India protests by college students and the police action, ensuing violence, Haasan said, “it's so unfortunate that those in power did exactly the same thing many years back(student protests). The young will have to be politically aware, politics is omnipresent in students lives and students must understand, raise questions. When questions are stifled democracy is in danger.”&nbsp;

On the silence of various top personalities from the cinema industry that Haasan himself has contributed to for over 60 years, he said, “Most voices have been stifled and they have spread the fear.”

He also added that his party’s course of action against the CAA would be in the “right way and right direction” and that their fight would be towards a legal solution.&nbsp;

Haasan also added that he had been trying to get in touch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by sending him a letter and also a video, but that he hasn’t been able to meet him.&nbsp;

“He seems to be busy”, Haasan said.&nbsp;

The newly introduced CAA law aims to make it easy for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh to gain Indian citizenship. The law is being criticized for discriminating on grounds of religion and violating Article 14 of the Constitution. questions are also being raised about the hurried passage of the act when the economy is not in good shape.&nbsp;

A day after his party Makkal Needhi Maiam released a statement that they had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship amendment Act 2019, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan slammed the Centre and Tamil Nadu’s state government for having passed the bill.

A day after his party Makkal Needhi Maiam released a statement that they had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship amendment Act 2019, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan slammed the Centre and Tamil Nadu’s state government for having passed the bill. Speaking to reporters at the MNM party office in Chennai, he said, “India’s backbones are its villages and our farmers are dying, there is a slowdown in the economy and prices of essential commodities are rising but the government’s ploy is to divide based on religion. This is the beginning of the end of anti-national forces”(He used the phrase anti-national force without mentioning any party specifically and said that he meant to include all anti-nationals). Haasan was also unsparing in his criticism of Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK, whose 11 Members of the Upper House Parliament had voted in favour of the bill, thus enabling its smooth passage. “Its a betrayal of the Tamil people and India. They(the state government) are only obedient to their masters and you know who their masters are.” “When a Hindu from Pakistan is to get citizenship, what about Hindu’s from Sri Lanka? What answer do we have for Sri Lankan Tamils and Tamil refugees?” Responding to questions on the pan-India protests by college students and the police action, ensuing violence, Haasan said, “it's so unfortunate that those in power did exactly the same thing many years back(student protests). The young will have to be politically aware, politics is omnipresent in students lives and students must understand, raise questions. When questions are stifled democracy is in danger.” On the silence of various top personalities from the cinema industry that Haasan himself has contributed to for over 60 years, he said, “Most voices have been stifled and they have spread the fear.” He also added that his party’s course of action against the CAA would be in the “right way and right direction” and that their fight would be towards a legal solution. Haasan also added that he had been trying to get in touch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by sending him a letter and also a video, but that he hasn’t been able to meet him. “He seems to be busy”, Haasan said. The newly introduced CAA law aims to make it easy for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh to gain Indian citizenship. The law is being criticized for discriminating on grounds of religion and violating Article 14 of the Constitution. questions are also being raised about the hurried passage of the act when the economy is not in good shape.

When Hindus from Pakistan get citizenship, why not Hindus from Sri Lanka? asks Kamal Haasan

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