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Over 6,000 trees will be cut down for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dial-zurich-airport-3-others-bid-to-develop-airport-in-noida-260509">Jewar Airport </a>in Gautam Buddha Nagar, according to an official of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.

"We had given an application for the environmental clearance for the construction of Jewar Airport. Forest department has given permission to cut 6,800 trees, we will give them money to plant 68,000 trees," Arunvir Singh, CEO of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority said.

"Around Rs 1 crore 60 lakh would be given to the Forest Department. The department will give us a work plan for the trees to be planted," he added.

In November, Zurich Airport International AG was selected as the concessionaire for developing the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh.

The Switzerland-headquartered company made the highest per-passenger bid for the airport, outbidding competitors like Delhi International Airport Ltd, Adani Enterprises and Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Ltd, said Shailendra Bhatia of the project's nodal office.

The Jewar Airport or the Noida International Greenfield Airport will come up in the 5,000-hectare area when fully constructed and is estimated to cost Rs 29,560 crore, said Bhatia.

The first phase of the airport will be spread over 1,334 hectares and cost Rs 4,588 crore. It is expected to be completed by 2023.&nbsp;

Over 6,000 trees will be cut down for the Jewar Airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar, according to an official of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.

Over 6,000 trees will be cut down for the Jewar Airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar, according to an official of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority. "We had given an application for the environmental clearance for the construction of Jewar Airport. Forest department has given permission to cut 6,800 trees, we will give them money to plant 68,000 trees," Arunvir Singh, CEO of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority said. "Around Rs 1 crore 60 lakh would be given to the Forest Department. The department will give us a work plan for the trees to be planted," he added. In November, Zurich Airport International AG was selected as the concessionaire for developing the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh. The Switzerland-headquartered company made the highest per-passenger bid for the airport, outbidding competitors like Delhi International Airport Ltd, Adani Enterprises and Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Ltd, said Shailendra Bhatia of the project's nodal office. The Jewar Airport or the Noida International Greenfield Airport will come up in the 5,000-hectare area when fully constructed and is estimated to cost Rs 29,560 crore, said Bhatia. The first phase of the airport will be spread over 1,334 hectares and cost Rs 4,588 crore. It is expected to be completed by 2023.

Over 6,000 trees to be cut for international airport in Noida

Speaker of People's Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday and reaffirmed his government's unwavering support to the 'India First'&nbsp;policy.

Nasheed, also the former President of Maldives, is on a visit to India at the joint invitation of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

"Speaker Nasheed reaffirmed his unwavering support to the 'India First'&nbsp;policy of the Government of Maldives and noted that the visit of the Parliamentary delegation will help further strengthen the fraternal bonds and friendly relations between the two countries," said an official statement.

The statement informed that welcoming Speaker Nasheed, Prime Minister noted that "engagement between the two Parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship and expressed confidence that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two sides."

The Prime Minister recalled his last visit to the Male earlier this year when he also addressed the People's Majlis and lauded the continued strong leadership of Speaker Nasheed to the cause of deepening and strengthening democracy in the Maldives.

"The Prime Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to continue to work closely with the Government of the Maldives for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives wherein the aspirations of the friendly Maldivian are fulfilled," said the statement.

On his part, Nasheed thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support for a stronger India-Maldives relationship since the formation of the new government in the Maldives last year.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for the "development cooperation initiatives undertaken in the Maldives for the welfare of the Maldivian people."

The meeting comes at a time when the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid is on a visit to India.

Earlier today, India and Maldives signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and agreements during the sixth Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

On December 9, a parliamentary delegation from the Maldives led by Speaker Nasheed met Rajya Sabha Chairman Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and deliberated on the close bilateral ties and India's 'Neighbourhood First'&nbsp;policy

Speaker of People's Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday and reaffirmed his government's unwavering support to the 'India First' policy.

Speaker of People's Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday and reaffirmed his government's unwavering support to the 'India First' policy. Nasheed, also the former President of Maldives, is on a visit to India at the joint invitation of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. "Speaker Nasheed reaffirmed his unwavering support to the 'India First' policy of the Government of Maldives and noted that the visit of the Parliamentary delegation will help further strengthen the fraternal bonds and friendly relations between the two countries," said an official statement. The statement informed that welcoming Speaker Nasheed, Prime Minister noted that "engagement between the two Parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship and expressed confidence that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two sides." The Prime Minister recalled his last visit to the Male earlier this year when he also addressed the People's Majlis and lauded the continued strong leadership of Speaker Nasheed to the cause of deepening and strengthening democracy in the Maldives. "The Prime Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to continue to work closely with the Government of the Maldives for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives wherein the aspirations of the friendly Maldivian are fulfilled," said the statement. On his part, Nasheed thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support for a stronger India-Maldives relationship since the formation of the new government in the Maldives last year. He also thanked the Prime Minister for the "development cooperation initiatives undertaken in the Maldives for the welfare of the Maldivian people." The meeting comes at a time when the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid is on a visit to India. Earlier today, India and Maldives signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and agreements during the sixth Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. On December 9, a parliamentary delegation from the Maldives led by Speaker Nasheed met Rajya Sabha Chairman Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and deliberated on the close bilateral ties and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy

Maldives' Mohamed Nasheed calls on PM Modi, reaffirms 'unwavering support' to 'India First' policy

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is still planning to visit India next week, according to Bloomberg as a Japanese media report said he may consider cancelling the visit amid violent protests in the northeast over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Japan PM's  India visit postponed officially due to protests after CAB

Indonesian foreign minister Retno LP&nbsp;Marsudi arrived here Friday morning for a two-day visit to attend key talks on Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The visiting dignitary is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar in the evening and the two ministers will also simultaneously attend the sixth Joint Commission Meeting between India and Indonesia at the Hyderabad House here.&nbsp;

Later, Marsudi will deliver a keynote address at the two combined dialogues in the presence of Jaishankar.

The two Track 1.5 dialogues will be held at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here consecutively on two days from December 13 aiming to build an inclusive approach for a "cooperative, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" region.

Hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs the dialogues, which are key elements of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the India-ASEAN calendars respectively-will be held consecutively and on similar, Indo-Pacific themes.

The 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue on December 13 on the theme "Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography". It is being organised with the assistance of the Indian Council for World Affairs.

Delhi Dialogue XI will start on the evening of December 13 and will run through to the evening of December 14. The theme for this year's Delhi Dialogue is "Advancing Partnership in Indo-Pacific", and is being organised with the assistance of the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries.

The announcement of an ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific at the ASEAN Summit in June 2019 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's enunciation of India's vision of the Indo-Pacific at the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018 are important drivers of MEA's current effort to locate the Indian Ocean Dialogue and the Delhi Dialogue within the concept of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, the MEA said in a statement.

Other distinguished guests include special envoys, deputy ministers and senior officials from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN at the Delhi Dialogue as well as the Foreign Secretaries of Seychelles and Maldives, the IORA Secretary-General and senior officials from South Africa and UAE, at the Indian Ocean Dialogue.

Through these processes, India intends to emphasise its open and inclusive approach to fostering a cooperative, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific domain, in which all nations and their aspirations for development have equal space to find expression, the statement said.

&nbsp;

Indonesian foreign minister Retno LP Marsudi arrived here Friday morning for a two-day visit to attend key talks on Indo-Pacific region. The visiting dignitary is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the evening and the two ministers will also simultaneously attend the sixth Joint Commission Meeting between India and Indonesia at the Hyderabad House here.

Indonesian foreign minister Retno LP Marsudi arrived here Friday morning for a two-day visit to attend key talks on Indo-Pacific region. The visiting dignitary is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the evening and the two ministers will also simultaneously attend the sixth Joint Commission Meeting between India and Indonesia at the Hyderabad House here. Later, Marsudi will deliver a keynote address at the two combined dialogues in the presence of Jaishankar. The two Track 1.5 dialogues will be held at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here consecutively on two days from December 13 aiming to build an inclusive approach for a "cooperative, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" region. Hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs the dialogues, which are key elements of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the India-ASEAN calendars respectively-will be held consecutively and on similar, Indo-Pacific themes. The 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue on December 13 on the theme "Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography". It is being organised with the assistance of the Indian Council for World Affairs. Delhi Dialogue XI will start on the evening of December 13 and will run through to the evening of December 14. The theme for this year's Delhi Dialogue is "Advancing Partnership in Indo-Pacific", and is being organised with the assistance of the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries. The announcement of an ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific at the ASEAN Summit in June 2019 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's enunciation of India's vision of the Indo-Pacific at the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018 are important drivers of MEA's current effort to locate the Indian Ocean Dialogue and the Delhi Dialogue within the concept of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, the MEA said in a statement. Other distinguished guests include special envoys, deputy ministers and senior officials from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN at the Delhi Dialogue as well as the Foreign Secretaries of Seychelles and Maldives, the IORA Secretary-General and senior officials from South Africa and UAE, at the Indian Ocean Dialogue. Through these processes, India intends to emphasise its open and inclusive approach to fostering a cooperative, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific domain, in which all nations and their aspirations for development have equal space to find expression, the statement said.

Indonesia foreign minister arrives in India to attend key talks on Indo-Pacific region

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">rape in India" remark</a>.

"We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.&nbsp;

"We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated.

Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter.

This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

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Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. <a href="https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6">https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205461525357449218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'.

Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?".

Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today. "We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated. Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter. This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'. Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?". Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark. Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.

Have requested Election Commission to take action: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's rape remark 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible".

The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day. Sitharaman said that the price of onions has "started going down at several places" in the country.&nbsp;

"It is not completely less, but it is going down. We've had a group of ministers' meeting which is reviewing on almost every 1-2 days' gap and deciding on how to further take up the import-related issues," Sitharaman told media today.&nbsp;

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FM: Onions are a fast perishable commodity. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this it has gone out of certain reasonable level. Govt is taking steps to import &amp; bring onions to the market as soon as possible <a href="https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK">https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205454080937582593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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She explained how the onion crop was affected this year due to rains and flooding in some part of the country.&nbsp;

"Onions are a fast perishable. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this, it has gone out of a certain reasonable level. The government is taking steps to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible," she said.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the government had said that it would import an additional 12,660 metric tonnes of onions, which shall begin arriving in the country from December 27 onwards.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had also written to all Chief Ministers, asking them to carry out immediate anti-hoarding operations to ensure the supplies in the markets are augmented and stock holding limits are strictly enforced.

At various places, the rates of the kitchen commodity have breached the Rs 100 mark, with the prices reaching as high as Rs 200 at some places like Madurai in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible". The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible". The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day. Sitharaman said that the price of onions has "started going down at several places" in the country. "It is not completely less, but it is going down. We've had a group of ministers' meeting which is reviewing on almost every 1-2 days' gap and deciding on how to further take up the import-related issues," Sitharaman told media today. FM: Onions are a fast perishable commodity. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this it has gone out of certain reasonable level. Govt is taking steps to import & bring onions to the market as soon as possible https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × She explained how the onion crop was affected this year due to rains and flooding in some part of the country. "Onions are a fast perishable. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this, it has gone out of a certain reasonable level. The government is taking steps to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible," she said. On Thursday, the government had said that it would import an additional 12,660 metric tonnes of onions, which shall begin arriving in the country from December 27 onwards. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had also written to all Chief Ministers, asking them to carry out immediate anti-hoarding operations to ensure the supplies in the markets are augmented and stock holding limits are strictly enforced. At various places, the rates of the kitchen commodity have breached the Rs 100 mark, with the prices reaching as high as Rs 200 at some places like Madurai in Tamil Nadu. (With inputs from ANI)

Government is taking steps to import and bring onions to market as soon as possible: Sitharaman 

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported.

"The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources.

The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government.&nbsp;

Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law.

This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states.

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Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. <a href="https://t.co/yxMTVjHseI">pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205427604901154816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.

Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented.

"The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet.

President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act.

Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources. The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government. Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law. This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states. Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement #CitizenshipAmendmentAct: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent. Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented. "The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet. President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act. Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Applicable to all: Government sources on states denying implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'.&nbsp;

Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump stands at the 42nd&nbsp;spot. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is at the bottom of the listing at 100.&nbsp;

The ranking is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel followed by former IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.&nbsp;

Nirmala Sitharaman is India's first female finance minister. In PM Modi's last cabinet (2014-19) she served as the defence minister. &nbsp;

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'. Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot.

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'. Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot. US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump stands at the 42nd spot. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is at the bottom of the listing at 100. The ranking is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel followed by former IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Nirmala Sitharaman is India's first female finance minister. In PM Modi's last cabinet (2014-19) she served as the defence minister.

Ahead of Ivanka Trump and Queen Elizabeth II, Sitharaman is world's 34th most powerful woman

The United Nations human rights office voiced concern on Friday that India's new citizenship law is "fundamentally discriminatory in nature" by excluding Muslims and called for it to be reviewed.

Violent clashes erupted in Delhi between police and thousands of university students on Friday protesting the enactment of the new law.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has said the Citizenship Amendment Bill, approved by parliament on Wednesday, was meant to protect minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"We are concerned that India’s new Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 is fundamentally discriminatory in nature," UN&nbsp;human rights spokesman Jeremy Laurence told a Geneva news briefing.

The new law does not extend the same protection to Muslim migrants as to six other religious minorities fleeing persecution.

"We understand the new law will be reviewed by the Supreme Court of India and hope it will consider carefully the compatibility of the law with India's international human rights obligations," Laurence said.

The United Nations human rights office voiced concern on Friday that India's new citizenship law is "fundamentally discriminatory in nature" by excluding Muslims and called for it to be reviewed.

The United Nations human rights office voiced concern on Friday that India's new citizenship law is "fundamentally discriminatory in nature" by excluding Muslims and called for it to be reviewed. Violent clashes erupted in Delhi between police and thousands of university students on Friday protesting the enactment of the new law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has said the Citizenship Amendment Bill, approved by parliament on Wednesday, was meant to protect minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We are concerned that India’s new Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 is fundamentally discriminatory in nature," UN human rights spokesman Jeremy Laurence told a Geneva news briefing. The new law does not extend the same protection to Muslim migrants as to six other religious minorities fleeing persecution. "We understand the new law will be reviewed by the Supreme Court of India and hope it will consider carefully the compatibility of the law with India's international human rights obligations," Laurence said.

New Indian citizenship law 'discriminatory': United Nations

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill'&nbsp;also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019.

The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days.

Earlier on Wednesday. the Cabinet under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the enactment of the Disha Bill.

The passage of the Bill comes in the wake of the incident where a woman veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana's Shamshabad on November 27.

Her charred body was recovered a day later. On December 6, all the four accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill' also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019. The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed the 'Disha Bill' also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019. The bill provides for awarding death sentence for offences of rape and gang rape and expediting verdict in trials of such cases within 21 days. Earlier on Wednesday. the Cabinet under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the enactment of the Disha Bill. The passage of the Bill comes in the wake of the incident where a woman veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana's Shamshabad on November 27. Her charred body was recovered a day later. On December 6, all the four accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter.

Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists -- Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S -- seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine.

"There is a judgment [allowing women entry] in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court observed.

The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists.

In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine.

The court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter.

The top court had last year allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed.

Allowing their review petitions, the court had last month referred the matter to a seven-judge bench. It is yet to be constituted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists -- Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S -- seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. "There is a judgment [allowing women entry] in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court observed. The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. The court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. The top court had last year allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. Allowing their review petitions, the court had last month referred the matter to a seven-judge bench. It is yet to be constituted.

Sabarimala case: Seven-judge bench to be constituted soon, says Supreme Court

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday reacted to reports of the postponement of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abes-visit-to-india-postponed-268081">Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India</a>.

"It will be a blot on our country," Banerjee said.

The external affairs ministry on Friday confirmed that Abe's visit to India has been postponed and will take place later on a mutually convenient date.

According to reports, Abe's visit was to take place in India's Northeast region. The northeast has been rocked by massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on India, Japan defer Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's visit to mutually convenient date in near future: It will be a blot on our country. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/hTkzPPtiCC">pic.twitter.com/hTkzPPtiCC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205417930457935872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, at least two people were killed in police firing as mobs continued to protest against the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from&nbsp;Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-minister-has-given-explanation-for-cancelling-his-india-visit-mea-267936">also cancelled their trips to India</a> amid protests against a citizenship bill.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday reacted to reports of the postponement of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India. "It will be a blot on our country," Banerjee said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday reacted to reports of the postponement of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India. "It will be a blot on our country," Banerjee said. The external affairs ministry on Friday confirmed that Abe's visit to India has been postponed and will take place later on a mutually convenient date. According to reports, Abe's visit was to take place in India's Northeast region. The northeast has been rocked by massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on India, Japan defer Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's visit to mutually convenient date in near future: It will be a blot on our country. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/hTkzPPtiCC — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × On Thursday, at least two people were killed in police firing as mobs continued to protest against the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal have also cancelled their trips to India amid protests against a citizenship bill.

Blot on our country: Mamata reacts as Japanese PM's India visit gets deferred

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that he wants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhayas-mother-appeals-to-supreme-court-centre-to-execute-the-convicts-immediately-267911">convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest</a> and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported.

"I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Friday adjourned hearing in the Nirbhaya rape case till next week.&nbsp;

Nirbhaya's parents seek immediate execution of all death-row convicts at the earliest.&nbsp;The matter will be heard at 2 pm on Wednesday.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: I want the convicts(in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately <a href="https://t.co/FsmKdrWEtV">pic.twitter.com/FsmKdrWEtV</a>
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Additional Session Judge Satish Kumar Arora adjourned the hearing on the petition seeking issuance of death warrant and execution till December 18, ANI reported.&nbsp;

"My view is that we need to wait for the Supreme Court where the date is pending on December 17 where one review will be heard," the judge said.

Nirbhaya's parents, earlier today, alleged that the convicts are doing "delay tactics".

The apex court will hear the review petition of one of the convicts, Akshay Kumar Singh, in the rape-and-murder case on December 17.

All six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, another accused committed suicide in Tihar jail. The rest of the convicts are facing death row.

The top court had confirmed capital punishment for the accused in 2017. One of the convicts, Vinay, moved a mercy petition last month but has now sought to withdraw it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported. "I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Friday adjourned hearing in the Nirbhaya rape case till next week. Nirbhaya's parents seek immediate execution of all death-row convicts at the earliest. The matter will be heard at 2 pm on Wednesday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: I want the convicts(in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately pic.twitter.com/FsmKdrWEtV — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Additional Session Judge Satish Kumar Arora adjourned the hearing on the petition seeking issuance of death warrant and execution till December 18, ANI reported. "My view is that we need to wait for the Supreme Court where the date is pending on December 17 where one review will be heard," the judge said. Nirbhaya's parents, earlier today, alleged that the convicts are doing "delay tactics". The apex court will hear the review petition of one of the convicts, Akshay Kumar Singh, in the rape-and-murder case on December 17. All six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, another accused committed suicide in Tihar jail. The rest of the convicts are facing death row. The top court had confirmed capital punishment for the accused in 2017. One of the convicts, Vinay, moved a mercy petition last month but has now sought to withdraw it. (With inputs from ANI)

Want convicts in Nirbhaya case to be hanged at earliest: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 

Amid the uproar in India's northeast region over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-protests-continue-to-rage-in-assam-cm-appeals-for-peace-267894">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019</a>, the curfew imposed in some of the areas have been lifted due to a halt in violence, officials said.&nbsp;

The police officials said that the curfew was relaxed in areas of Shillong on Friday for 12 hours as no "untoward incident" was reported in these regions. &nbsp;

"The curfew has been relaxed from 10 am to 10 pm in the areas under Sadar and Lumdiengjri police station limits," East Khasi Hills district deputy commissioner MW Nongbri said.&nbsp;

The commissioner, however, added that mobile internet and messaging services would remain suspended in these areas. The curfew in some areas of Shillong was imposed at 9 pm on Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier, curfew was also relaxed for five hours till 1 pm in Assam's Dibrugarh, the epicentre of the protest. However, protests continued in Guwahati in Assam by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU).&nbsp;

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Assam: All Assam Students' Union (AASU) holds protest in Guwahati against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>. <a href="https://t.co/B7xzpywyME">pic.twitter.com/B7xzpywyME</a>
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Assam CM Sarbanada Sonowal said that the government will not tolerate any act of violence and "strong action will be taken against anyone who is involved in vandalism”. The Assam chief minister also said that he was “committed to protect the rights of indigenous people” of Assam and urged parents to persuade their children to avoid joining violent demonstrators. &nbsp;

&nbsp;The mobile services in the state of Meghalaya also remained suspended. &nbsp;

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-gives-nod-to-citizenship-amendment-bill-267991">Ram Nath Kovind</a>, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into law, despite the killing of two people in Guwahati and vandalism in northeastern states.&nbsp;

The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution.

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court over the citizenship bill, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the uproar in India's northeast region over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, the curfew imposed in some of the areas have been lifted due to a halt in violence, officials said.

Amid the uproar in India's northeast region over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, the curfew imposed in some of the areas have been lifted due to a halt in violence, officials said. The police officials said that the curfew was relaxed in areas of Shillong on Friday for 12 hours as no "untoward incident" was reported in these regions. "The curfew has been relaxed from 10 am to 10 pm in the areas under Sadar and Lumdiengjri police station limits," East Khasi Hills district deputy commissioner MW Nongbri said. The commissioner, however, added that mobile internet and messaging services would remain suspended in these areas. The curfew in some areas of Shillong was imposed at 9 pm on Thursday. Earlier, curfew was also relaxed for five hours till 1 pm in Assam's Dibrugarh, the epicentre of the protest. However, protests continued in Guwahati in Assam by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU). Assam: All Assam Students' Union (AASU) holds protest in Guwahati against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct. pic.twitter.com/B7xzpywyME — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Assam CM Sarbanada Sonowal said that the government will not tolerate any act of violence and "strong action will be taken against anyone who is involved in vandalism”. The Assam chief minister also said that he was “committed to protect the rights of indigenous people” of Assam and urged parents to persuade their children to avoid joining violent demonstrators. The mobile services in the state of Meghalaya also remained suspended. President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into law, despite the killing of two people in Guwahati and vandalism in northeastern states. The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court over the citizenship bill, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. (with inputs from agencies)

Curfew lifted from few regions in India's Northeast as protests continue against Citizenship Bill

The Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">Shinzo Abe's </a>visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday.

As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed the postponement through a tweet, adding that a mutually convenient date would be decided in the future.&nbsp;

"With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future,"the MEA spokseperson said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1205404342196424710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Abe was scheduled to arrive in India on December 15 for the seond annual bilateral summit between India and Japan. It was also expected that Japanese PM will pay a visit to northeast's Imphal and thereby becoming first Japanese PM to visit the region.&nbsp;

The protests in the northeastern region, especially in Assam continue against the Bill that intends to give citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Thursday, two people were killed in Assam's Guwahati, while in many states police and other vehicles were set on fire.&nbsp;

The citizenship bill provides Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to India due to religious persecution.

(with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday. As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday. As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed the postponement through a tweet, adding that a mutually convenient date would be decided in the future. "With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future,"the MEA spokseperson said in a tweet. With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM @AbeShinzo to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future. — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 13, 2019 × Abe was scheduled to arrive in India on December 15 for the seond annual bilateral summit between India and Japan. It was also expected that Japanese PM will pay a visit to northeast's Imphal and thereby becoming first Japanese PM to visit the region. The protests in the northeastern region, especially in Assam continue against the Bill that intends to give citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Thursday, two people were killed in Assam's Guwahati, while in many states police and other vehicles were set on fire. The citizenship bill provides Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to India due to religious persecution. (with inputs from agencies)

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's visit to India postponed

This is what Indians searched most on Google in 2019

Japanese Prime Minister Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering postponing his trip to India scheduled to begin on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported quoting Japan`s Jiji Press.

Japanese Prime Minister Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering postponing his trip to India scheduled to begin on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported quoting Japan`s Jiji Press. Guwahati, the planned venue for a summit between Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been engulfed in violent protests over a controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) passed in the parliament recently. President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the bill on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill. The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to India due to religious persecution. Earlier Bangladesh foreign minister and home minister cancelled India visit. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen cancelled his scheduled visit to India due to "increasing demand at home". Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan has also cancelled a visit. Khan was to visit Shillong to attend an event by the freedom fighters welfare trust for the support by people in the region for Bangladesh liberation in the war of 1971.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might postpone India visit: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Boris Johnson </a>on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
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Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit.&nbsp;

The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987.&nbsp;

Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said.

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Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205368801438707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit. The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987. Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935. US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019 × After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Boris Johnson for win in UK election

By: Mallika Singh

After a heated nine hour-long debate, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-citizenship-amendment-bill-267747">Citizenship Amendment Bill</a>, 2019 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was earlier introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, by 311-80 votes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six hours of debate time had been originally allocated in the Upper House to the highly contentious Bill that 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 
&nbsp;the date of December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Besides the Bhartiya Janata Party, the Bill was supported by members of JD(U), SAD, AIADMK, BJD, TDP and YSR - Congress with Shiv Sena choosing to boycott voting.&nbsp;

The Bill is now set to become a law after it receives the formal assent of President Ram Nath Kovind.&nbsp;

The Bill seeks to amend 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&nbsp;shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship.&nbsp;

Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted time period of stay. Implying that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned&nbsp;for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

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).&nbsp;

The Bill exempts certain areas of the North-East region of the country, including tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura as per the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

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.&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Bill has been on the agenda for the BJP government since 2016 when it was first tabled the Bill in the Lower House of the Parliament on July 16. The Bill was then referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on August 12, 2016.&nbsp;

The Committee had submitted its report on January 7, 2019, and the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, 2019. However, the Bill could not be introduced in the Rajya Sabha before it adjourned sine die on February 13, 2019, causing the Bill to lapse.&nbsp;

According to Legislative Procedures regarding Lapsing of Bills “A Bill pending in Rajya Sabha which has not been passed by Lok Sabha does not lapse on the dissolution of Lok Sabha but a Bill which is passed by Lok Sabha and is pending in Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of Lok Sabha.”

The Bill has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community, the fundamental criticism being that it specifically targets Muslims, making the Bill in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality.&nbsp;

The government, however, states that the constitutions of the three specific state religion countries do not protect the mentioned communities, leading them to face persecution on grounds of religion, which the Indian government wishes to safeguard them from by&nbsp;granting them immunity. &nbsp;

Claiming that some of them also have fears about such persecution in their day-to-day life where the right to practice, profess and propagate their religion has been obstructed and restricted. Many such persons have fled to India to seek shelter and continued to stay in India despite inadequate documentation.&nbsp;

Leaders of various opposition parties voiced their discontent over the passage of the Bill in the Upper and Lower Houses, saying that it was against national interest.&nbsp;

Assam came to a standstill in an 11 hour statewide ‘bandh’ on Tuesday in protest against the Bill.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of Assam that no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture, amid protests in parts of the state against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

"I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of #CAB. I want to assure them- no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow," the Prime Minister tweeted.

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I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAB</a>. 
 
I want to assure them- no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1204981291730341888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Opposition leader, Sonia Gandhi condemned the passage of the Bill calling it a “dark day in the Constitution of India,” with several other party leaders indicating that they might move to the Supreme Court for intervention.&nbsp;

The Indian Union Muslim League on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India questioning the legality of the passed Bill and demanding a stay on it.

By: Mallika Singh After a heated nine hour-long debate, the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was earlier introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, by 311-80 votes.

By: Mallika Singh After a heated nine hour-long debate, the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was earlier introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, by 311-80 votes. Six hours of debate time had been originally allocated in the Upper House to the highly contentious Bill that 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. Besides the Bhartiya Janata Party, the Bill was supported by members of JD(U), SAD, AIADMK, BJD, TDP and YSR - Congress with Shiv Sena choosing to boycott voting. The Bill is now set to become a law after it receives the formal assent of President Ram Nath Kovind. The Bill seeks to amend 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. Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted time period of stay. Implying that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. 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 exempts certain areas of the North-East region of the country, including tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura as per the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. 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 Citizenship Amendment Bill has been on the agenda for the BJP government since 2016 when it was first tabled the Bill in the Lower House of the Parliament on July 16. The Bill was then referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on August 12, 2016. The Committee had submitted its report on January 7, 2019, and the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, 2019. However, the Bill could not be introduced in the Rajya Sabha before it adjourned sine die on February 13, 2019, causing the Bill to lapse. According to Legislative Procedures regarding Lapsing of Bills “A Bill pending in Rajya Sabha which has not been passed by Lok Sabha does not lapse on the dissolution of Lok Sabha but a Bill which is passed by Lok Sabha and is pending in Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of Lok Sabha.” The Bill has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community, the fundamental criticism being that it specifically targets Muslims, making the Bill in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality. The government, however, states that the constitutions of the three specific state religion countries do not protect the mentioned communities, leading them to face persecution on grounds of religion, which the Indian government wishes to safeguard them from by granting them immunity. Claiming that some of them also have fears about such persecution in their day-to-day life where the right to practice, profess and propagate their religion has been obstructed and restricted. Many such persons have fled to India to seek shelter and continued to stay in India despite inadequate documentation. Leaders of various opposition parties voiced their discontent over the passage of the Bill in the Upper and Lower Houses, saying that it was against national interest. Assam came to a standstill in an 11 hour statewide ‘bandh’ on Tuesday in protest against the Bill. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of Assam that no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture, amid protests in parts of the state against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. "I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of #CAB. I want to assure them- no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow," the Prime Minister tweeted. I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of #CAB. I want to assure them- no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2019 × Opposition leader, Sonia Gandhi condemned the passage of the Bill calling it a “dark day in the Constitution of India,” with several other party leaders indicating that they might move to the Supreme Court for intervention. The Indian Union Muslim League on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India questioning the legality of the passed Bill and demanding a stay on it.

As Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 is set to become law, what all is there to know about CAB?

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-finish-terrorism-in-a-years-time-jitendra-singh-to-wion-245005">Jitendra Singh</a> on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts.

"The misleading statement made by Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-to-meet-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-tomorrow-264716">Rahul Gandhi</a> yesterday regarding the North Eastern region tends to the fact that Congress is trying to fish in the troubled waters of Brahmaputra. They are trying to revive their fortunes through that but it is not going to happen. They tried to leverage the support of certain disgruntled elements of society," the Minister told ANI.

"In certain sections, there is a lack of understanding about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iuml-to-file-plea-in-supreme-court-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-267775"> Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>. The people who went to protest are our own people. They will be taken care of. The new law is not going to affect anybody adversely. Our elected representatives are trying to allay their concerns," he added.

Assam's capital city Guwahati and its district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The administration has also suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state - Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup.

The decision came in the wake of protests in the state against the CAB.

Also, the Indian Army said that two columns of Assam Rifles troops have been deployed in Tripura and the third column in Assam is on standby at the request of the civil administration in Tripura and Assam.

The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts. "The misleading statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi yesterday regarding the North Eastern region tends to the fact that Congress is trying to fish in the troubled waters of Brahmaputra. They are trying to revive their fortunes through that but it is not going to happen. They tried to leverage the support of certain disgruntled elements of society," the Minister told ANI. "In certain sections, there is a lack of understanding about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The people who went to protest are our own people. They will be taken care of. The new law is not going to affect anybody adversely. Our elected representatives are trying to allay their concerns," he added. Assam's capital city Guwahati and its district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The administration has also suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state - Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup. The decision came in the wake of protests in the state against the CAB. Also, the Indian Army said that two columns of Assam Rifles troops have been deployed in Tripura and the third column in Assam is on standby at the request of the civil administration in Tripura and Assam. The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill : Jitendra Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iuml-to-file-plea-in-supreme-court-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-267775">Indian Union Muslim League</a> (IUML) on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court on the question of legality of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-take-away-your-rights-unique-identity-prime-minister-assures-assam-on-citizenship-amendment-bill-267780">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament.

IUML, in its petition, requested the apex court to stay the Bill and its operation. The Muslim League also pleaded to declare it "illegal and void" for violating Article 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.

In a copy made available to ANI, the league requested the court to pass and grant an interim stay on the operation of the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015; and decision arising from the aforesaid rules.

"Kapil Sibal will be representing us in the court. We are confident that we will win the case as it is strong both legally and morally. The Bill violates Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution," said Mohammad Bashir, IUML member and Lok Sabha lawmaker from Ponnani.

The lawmaker said the Constitution of India is being "ruthlessly ignored" by the government.

The Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, faced its first legal challenge with the filing of the petition.

IUML national secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">P K Kunhalikutty </a>also said that since the Bill discriminates on the grounds of religion, it will not stand any ground in the top court.

The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favor of the Bill while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 
&nbsp;

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court on the question of legality of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court on the question of legality of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament. IUML, in its petition, requested the apex court to stay the Bill and its operation. The Muslim League also pleaded to declare it "illegal and void" for violating Article 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. In a copy made available to ANI, the league requested the court to pass and grant an interim stay on the operation of the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015; and decision arising from the aforesaid rules. "Kapil Sibal will be representing us in the court. We are confident that we will win the case as it is strong both legally and morally. The Bill violates Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution," said Mohammad Bashir, IUML member and Lok Sabha lawmaker from Ponnani. The lawmaker said the Constitution of India is being "ruthlessly ignored" by the government. The Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, faced its first legal challenge with the filing of the petition. IUML national secretary P K Kunhalikutty also said that since the Bill discriminates on the grounds of religion, it will not stand any ground in the top court. The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favor of the Bill while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Indian Union Muslim League moves Supreme Court against Citizenship Amendment Bill

In view of the protests against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-citizenship-amendment-bill-267747">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee.

IndiGo announced that all its flights to and from Dibrugarh in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-take-away-your-rights-unique-identity-prime-minister-assures-assam-on-citizenship-amendment-bill-267780">Assam</a> are cancelled for Thursday due to unrest in the state.

"Due to the prevailing situation in Assam, flights to/from Dibrugarh are cancelled for today. Flyers can choose an alternate flight or get a refund," IndiGo said.

SpiceJet also said it is offering refund and waiver of cancellation or change fees for all flights to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Friday.

Other airlines like Vistara and GoAir also announced the cancellation of flights to these two cities and waiving of cancellation or rescheduling fee.

"Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you," Vistara tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravelUpdate</a> Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you.
— Vistara (@airvistara) <a href="https://twitter.com/airvistara/status/1204777122499190784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any, will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999," GoAir said in a tweet.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAlert</a>: Due to the ongoing unrest situation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a>, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any,will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GAU</a> till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999.
— GoAir (@goairlinesindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/goairlinesindia/status/1204831879796445184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

An official at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport said that all flights between Kolkata to Dibrugarh sector have been cancelled due to the current situation in Assam.

In Assam, Guwahati and Dibrugarh districts have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state&nbsp;Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup.

Amid the unrest in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of the state that "no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 sailed through the Parliament after Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee. IndiGo announced that all its flights to and from Dibrugarh in Assam are cancelled for Thursday due to unrest in the state. "Due to the prevailing situation in Assam, flights to/from Dibrugarh are cancelled for today. Flyers can choose an alternate flight or get a refund," IndiGo said. SpiceJet also said it is offering refund and waiver of cancellation or change fees for all flights to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Friday. Other airlines like Vistara and GoAir also announced the cancellation of flights to these two cities and waiving of cancellation or rescheduling fee. "Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you," Vistara tweeted. #TravelUpdate Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you. — Vistara (@airvistara) December 11, 2019 × "Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any, will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999," GoAir said in a tweet. #GoAlert: Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any,will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999. — GoAir (@goairlinesindia) December 11, 2019 × An official at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport said that all flights between Kolkata to Dibrugarh sector have been cancelled due to the current situation in Assam. In Assam, Guwahati and Dibrugarh districts have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup. Amid the unrest in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of the state that "no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture". The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 sailed through the Parliament after Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Flights to and from Dibrugarh, Guwahati cancelled due to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill protests

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday will&nbsp;file a writ petition in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament.

Four petitioners including Lok Sabha MPs Kunhalikutty PK, Navas Kani, ET Mohammed Basheer and Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab of IUML will also speak to media after filing the plea.

Opposition parties and locals in northeastern states are staging protest against the passage of the CAB.

Indefinite curfew has been imposed in few districts of Assam in the wake of protests after the passage of the CAB in Rajya Sabha.

The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour of the Bill while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday will file a writ petition in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Thursday will file a writ petition in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has been passed by both houses of Parliament. Four petitioners including Lok Sabha MPs Kunhalikutty PK, Navas Kani, ET Mohammed Basheer and Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab of IUML will also speak to media after filing the plea. Opposition parties and locals in northeastern states are staging protest against the passage of the CAB. Indefinite curfew has been imposed in few districts of Assam in the wake of protests after the passage of the CAB in Rajya Sabha. The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour of the Bill while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

IUML to file plea in Supreme Court against Citizenship Amendment Bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/1000-confident-telugu-desam-party-will-win-elections-in-andhra-pradesh-naidu-220123">Telugu Desam Party</a> (TDP) leaders under the aegis of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/andhra-chief-minister-n-chandrababu-naidu-to-meet-election-commission-today-219381">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> protested against the YSRCP led state government and Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/press-council-of-india-expresses-concern-over-andhra-govts-order-granting-permission-to-initiate-action-against-defamatory-news-259596">Jagan Mohan Reddy</a>, alleging that the state dispensation has curtailed the press-freedom by "not allowing some media channels to cover the proceedings of the Assembly".

"Today it is a black day for democracy. The very freedom for what we fought during independence is being curtailed. The ruling party here has stopped almost three Press from not entering the premises.

However, those who listen to the government are being allowed while those who give way to the truth are not being allowed. This is targeting basic freedom of expression," said Deepak Reddy, TDP, MLC.

"In a democracy, the press has got a lot of importance. In Andhra Pradesh democracy is regularly threatened by Jagan Mohan Reddy. In assembly proceedings, they have banned three TV from covering. TDP is protesting to lift the ban," said Gadde Rammohan, TDP MLA.

The TDP leaders also held a protest march led by party chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who refused to comment on the matter.

The winter session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly started on Monday.

&nbsp;

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders under the aegis of N Chandrababu Naidu protested against the YSRCP led state government and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging that the state dispensation has curtailed the press-freedom by "not allowing some media channels to cover the proceedings of the Assembly".

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders under the aegis of N Chandrababu Naidu protested against the YSRCP led state government and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging that the state dispensation has curtailed the press-freedom by "not allowing some media channels to cover the proceedings of the Assembly". "Today it is a black day for democracy. The very freedom for what we fought during independence is being curtailed. The ruling party here has stopped almost three Press from not entering the premises. However, those who listen to the government are being allowed while those who give way to the truth are not being allowed. This is targeting basic freedom of expression," said Deepak Reddy, TDP, MLC. "In a democracy, the press has got a lot of importance. In Andhra Pradesh democracy is regularly threatened by Jagan Mohan Reddy. In assembly proceedings, they have banned three TV from covering. TDP is protesting to lift the ban," said Gadde Rammohan, TDP MLA. The TDP leaders also held a protest march led by party chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who refused to comment on the matter. The winter session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly started on Monday.

Andhra Pradesh: Telugu Desam Party protest against alleged ban on assembly proceedings coverage

A special cadre of 20 women officers of the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) has been undergoing training for over three weeks at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai, as a part of India’s efforts to improve bilateral ties with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Officers ranging from the&nbsp;Lieutenant to Captain ranks are being imparted field training, tactical knowledge, radiotelephony, weapons training and physical training at the Academy since November 24.

The Officers are also being coached in basic communicative English, computer training.&nbsp;

"We are being exposed to English classes, computer training, Ak-47 firing and much more. There is a major difference in the overall training regimen, as it is much more challenging and of higher standards in India. Here in the Indian Army, there is very strict discipline being maintained and there is an added emphasis on being punctual. India’s Army is very professional and there’s a lot of honour in doing one's duty", Captain Sonya Noori told WION.

In comparison, the officers also find differences in the marching style and the salute that is followed in India. While officers in Afghanistan stomp while marching, in India the feet must be raised at around 45 degrees, as the heel portion hits the ground. In terms of the salute, the Indian Army follows a salute that exposes one's palm to their superior, whereas the Afghan Army's salute is done in a manner where the palm faces downwards.&nbsp;

Imparting the training isn’t as simple as it seems, due to the language barrier, as most Afghan officers are not conversant in English or Hindi. That’s where the two interpreters from the Indian Army and the interpreter from the Afghan Army come into the picture. They ensure that the language barrier is bridged by ensuring that Pashto and Dari and translated to English, Hindi and vice versa.&nbsp;

Beyond the military training that hardens the body and mind, there’s also the Bollywood connect that draws Afghans towards India. With a smile, the officers stated that Bollywood movies were aired almost daily on Afghan television channels, and recalled names of their favourite actors, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif.

Thanks to the Hindi that they learnt from watching and observing Bollywood flicks, two Afghan Officers, even took questions from journalists in Hindi and responded in fluent Indian language.

With nearly 10 more days of training to go, the women officers from Afghanistan are a confident lot, hoping that they would be able to make the most of their training, by sharing the knowledge with their juniors and colleagues back in their home country.&nbsp;

With a sense of pride and responsibility, they said, "We chose a career in the Army as it is our nation’s necessity".&nbsp;

A special cadre of 20 women officers of the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) has been undergoing training for over three weeks at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai, as a part of India’s efforts to improve bilateral ties with Afghanistan.

A special cadre of 20 women officers of the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) has been undergoing training for over three weeks at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai, as a part of India’s efforts to improve bilateral ties with Afghanistan. Officers ranging from the Lieutenant to Captain ranks are being imparted field training, tactical knowledge, radiotelephony, weapons training and physical training at the Academy since November 24. The Officers are also being coached in basic communicative English, computer training. "We are being exposed to English classes, computer training, Ak-47 firing and much more. There is a major difference in the overall training regimen, as it is much more challenging and of higher standards in India. Here in the Indian Army, there is very strict discipline being maintained and there is an added emphasis on being punctual. India’s Army is very professional and there’s a lot of honour in doing one's duty", Captain Sonya Noori told WION. In comparison, the officers also find differences in the marching style and the salute that is followed in India. While officers in Afghanistan stomp while marching, in India the feet must be raised at around 45 degrees, as the heel portion hits the ground. In terms of the salute, the Indian Army follows a salute that exposes one's palm to their superior, whereas the Afghan Army's salute is done in a manner where the palm faces downwards. Imparting the training isn’t as simple as it seems, due to the language barrier, as most Afghan officers are not conversant in English or Hindi. That’s where the two interpreters from the Indian Army and the interpreter from the Afghan Army come into the picture. They ensure that the language barrier is bridged by ensuring that Pashto and Dari and translated to English, Hindi and vice versa. Beyond the military training that hardens the body and mind, there’s also the Bollywood connect that draws Afghans towards India. With a smile, the officers stated that Bollywood movies were aired almost daily on Afghan television channels, and recalled names of their favourite actors, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif. Thanks to the Hindi that they learnt from watching and observing Bollywood flicks, two Afghan Officers, even took questions from journalists in Hindi and responded in fluent Indian language. With nearly 10 more days of training to go, the women officers from Afghanistan are a confident lot, hoping that they would be able to make the most of their training, by sharing the knowledge with their juniors and colleagues back in their home country. With a sense of pride and responsibility, they said, "We chose a career in the Army as it is our nation’s necessity".

In In bid to improve bilateral relations, Afghan Army's women officers train in India

Congress parliamentarian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-mounts-to-28-due-to-floods-in-assam-236888">Ripun Bora</a> and AAP Rajya Sabha MP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-government-involved-in-big-onion-scam-aap-mp-sanjay-singh-265934">Sanjay Singh</a> on Thursday gave 'Suspension of Business Notice' in Rajya Sabha under rule 267, over 'current situation of Assam and northeast region'.

Assam's largest city Guwahati and district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

On Wednesday as many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-us-panel-over-statement-on-citizenship-amendment-bill-267496">CAB Bill</a> while 105 MPs voted against the Bill. It had been passed with a majority of 311 votes against 80 votes in the Lok Sabha earlier.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress parliamentarian Ripun Bora and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday gave 'Suspension of Business Notice' in Rajya Sabha under rule 267, over 'current situation of Assam and northeast region'.

Congress parliamentarian Ripun Bora and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday gave 'Suspension of Business Notice' in Rajya Sabha under rule 267, over 'current situation of Assam and northeast region'. Assam's largest city Guwahati and district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. On Wednesday as many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour of the CAB Bill while 105 MPs voted against the Bill. It had been passed with a majority of 311 votes against 80 votes in the Lok Sabha earlier. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress MP Ripun Bora, AAP's Sanjay Singh give suspension of business notice over CAB protests

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