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All the four men who were accused of raping and killing a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad were killed on wee hours of Friday during an encounter with Telangana police. The reports said that they were trying to escape while being taken to the crime spot during which the accused were shot dead.

Soon after the reports of encounter, the veterinarian's family and citizens outraged over crimes against women, applauded the Telangana police.&nbsp;

Her father expressed his gratitude towards the police and the government and said&nbsp;his "daughter's soul must be at peace now".

''It has been 10 days to the day my daughter died. I express my gratitude towards the police and the government for this. My daughter's soul must be at peace now,'' he said.

Watch: Hyderabad rape and murder case -&nbsp;huge crowd gather at encounter site

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Senior political leaders and celebrities&nbsp;also lauded the local police.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, "When a criminal tries to escape, police are left with no other option, it can be said that justice has been done."

While former sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that this would set a precedent in the country and will give out the message that in India, good always prevails over evil.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "people are in anger whether it is Unnao or Hyderabad, so people are expressing happiness over the encounter," adding "It is also something to be worried about, the way people have lost their faith in the criminal justice system."

"It is also something to be worried about, the way people have lost their faith in the criminal justice system. Together all the governments will have to take action on how to strengthen criminal justice system," news agency ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying.

Slamming the Telangana police, Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Maneka Gandhi, "whatever happened was horrifying for the country. You can't take law in your hands"

She also said, "They (accused) would've been hanged by court anyhow. If you're going to shoot them before due process of law has been followed, then what's the point of having courts, law and police?"

Badminton player, Saina Nehwal also took Twitter to&nbsp;laud the police. "We salute you", she wrote on microblogging site.

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Great work <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hyderabadpolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hyderabadpolice</a> ..we salute u 🙏
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On November 27, the lady doctor of Hyderabad was brutally gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Shamshabad area.

The burnt body of the 26-year-old veterinary doctor was found on November 28 under a culvert on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

All the four men who were accused of raping and killing a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad were killed on wee hours of Friday during an encounter with Telangana police.

All the four men who were accused of raping and killing a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad were killed on wee hours of Friday during an encounter with Telangana police. The reports said that they were trying to escape while being taken to the crime spot during which the accused were shot dead. Soon after the reports of encounter, the veterinarian's family and citizens outraged over crimes against women, applauded the Telangana police. Her father expressed his gratitude towards the police and the government and said his "daughter's soul must be at peace now". ''It has been 10 days to the day my daughter died. I express my gratitude towards the police and the government for this. My daughter's soul must be at peace now,'' he said. Watch: Hyderabad rape and murder case - huge crowd gather at encounter site × Senior political leaders and celebrities also lauded the local police. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, "When a criminal tries to escape, police are left with no other option, it can be said that justice has been done." While former sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that this would set a precedent in the country and will give out the message that in India, good always prevails over evil. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "people are in anger whether it is Unnao or Hyderabad, so people are expressing happiness over the encounter," adding "It is also something to be worried about, the way people have lost their faith in the criminal justice system." "It is also something to be worried about, the way people have lost their faith in the criminal justice system. Together all the governments will have to take action on how to strengthen criminal justice system," news agency ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying. Slamming the Telangana police, Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Maneka Gandhi, "whatever happened was horrifying for the country. You can't take law in your hands" She also said, "They (accused) would've been hanged by court anyhow. If you're going to shoot them before due process of law has been followed, then what's the point of having courts, law and police?" Badminton player, Saina Nehwal also took Twitter to laud the police. "We salute you", she wrote on microblogging site. Great work #hyderabadpolice ..we salute u 🙏 — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) December 6, 2019 × On November 27, the lady doctor of Hyderabad was brutally gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Shamshabad area. The burnt body of the 26-year-old veterinary doctor was found on November 28 under a culvert on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway.

Mixed reactions to Hyderabad rape and murder accused encounter

According to the statistics, in India, rape happens every 19 minutes. Why is it that in world's biggest democracy women are scared of venturing out?

India no country for women?

Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar.

The royal couple, who are on a five-day visit to India to strengthen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sweden-to-work-together-on-sustainable-energy-artificial-intelligence-265775">bilateral ties</a>, was received by Uttarakhand's Protocol Minister Dhan Singh Rawat at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

In keeping with the King's interest to explore opportunities for Swedish companies in Namami Gange programme, he will also visit the Serai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar for water treatment technologies later today, a statement said.

Swedish companies are working on a pilot project in Mohali, where the stubble from the farms is being converted to bio-coal.

On Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swedish-king-hubertus-queen-silvia-meet-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-265728">Swedish couple</a> took part in a cleanliness campaign at the Versova beach in Mumbai, along with young lawyer and Mumbai-based climate activist Afroz Shah.

After completing her engagements there, the Swedish King and Queen returned to Delhi, where the two visited the United Nations office to attend a seminar on human trafficking in India and South Asia.

Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.

Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar.

Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden and his wife Queen Silvia arrived in Uttarkhand on Thursday to visit the Ram Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh and Bathing Ghat in Haridwar. The royal couple, who are on a five-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties, was received by Uttarakhand's Protocol Minister Dhan Singh Rawat at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. In keeping with the King's interest to explore opportunities for Swedish companies in Namami Gange programme, he will also visit the Serai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar for water treatment technologies later today, a statement said. Swedish companies are working on a pilot project in Mohali, where the stubble from the farms is being converted to bio-coal. On Wednesday, the Swedish couple took part in a cleanliness campaign at the Versova beach in Mumbai, along with young lawyer and Mumbai-based climate activist Afroz Shah. After completing her engagements there, the Swedish King and Queen returned to Delhi, where the two visited the United Nations office to attend a seminar on human trafficking in India and South Asia. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.

Swedish royals reach Uttarakhand to visit Ram Jhula Bridge

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who was released from Delhi's Tihar Jail on Wednesday after being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-p-chidambaram-gets-bail-from-supreme-court-266087">granted bail</a> in the INX Media money laundering case, on Thursday reached Parliament to attend the ongoing Winter Session.

The senior Congress leader had on Wednesday said that he was happy to have stepped out from the jail and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days.

"I am happy that I have stepped out and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days," he said after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here.

The apex court set aside the Delhi High Court's order which had refused to grant bail to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-to-attend-parliament-from-thursday-karti-chidambaram-266188">Chidambaram</a> and directed him not to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case.

The court has directed Chidambaram not to give press interviews and make public statements with regard to this case. The court also directed him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh plus two sureties of the same amount.

Chidambaram had sought the bail in a case pertaining to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as the Finance Minister.

The CBI had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case against him. The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 this year in the INX

Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later.

He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who was released from Delhi's Tihar Jail on Wednesday after being granted bail in the INX Media money laundering case, on Thursday reached Parliament to attend the ongoing Winter Session.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who was released from Delhi's Tihar Jail on Wednesday after being granted bail in the INX Media money laundering case, on Thursday reached Parliament to attend the ongoing Winter Session. The senior Congress leader had on Wednesday said that he was happy to have stepped out from the jail and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days. "I am happy that I have stepped out and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days," he said after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here. The apex court set aside the Delhi High Court's order which had refused to grant bail to Chidambaram and directed him not to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case. The court has directed Chidambaram not to give press interviews and make public statements with regard to this case. The court also directed him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh plus two sureties of the same amount. Chidambaram had sought the bail in a case pertaining to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as the Finance Minister. The CBI had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case against him. The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 this year in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16.

P Chidambaram reaches Parliament day after bail grant

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coast-gaurds-and-merchant-vessels-together-recued-264-distressed-fisherman-266325"> Coast Guard</a> to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf.

"In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 121 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (30 of 1978) the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-government-involved-in-big-onion-scam-aap-mp-sanjay-singh-265934">Central Government</a> hereby authorize every member of the Coast Guard, constituted under section 4 of the said Act to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf," Ministry of Defence said in a notification.

"or any underwater object, involved or suspected to be used or likely to be used in the commission of any offence punishable under any of the central acts within the area of Maritime Zone of India, extending up to Exclusive Economic Zone," it added.

The step has been taken to empower the Coast Guard and enhancing Coastal security.

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the Coast Guard to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf.

Ministry of Defence on Thursday authorised every member of the Coast Guard to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf. "In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 121 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (30 of 1978) the Central Government hereby authorize every member of the Coast Guard, constituted under section 4 of the said Act to "visit, board, search and seize" suspicious vessels within an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its continental shelf," Ministry of Defence said in a notification. "or any underwater object, involved or suspected to be used or likely to be used in the commission of any offence punishable under any of the central acts within the area of Maritime Zone of India, extending up to Exclusive Economic Zone," it added. The step has been taken to empower the Coast Guard and enhancing Coastal security.

Government authorises Coast Guard members to search and seize suspicious vessels within EEZ

A rape survivor was set ablaze in Bihar area of Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Thursday morning.

The victim has been referred to Lucknow, said Vikrant Vir, Superintendent of Police, Unnao.

"The victim has been referred to a hospital in Lucknow for better treatment. We have rounded up the three accused, search for the other two is underway. The victim had earlier filed a rape case, one accused in that case has also been rounded up," Vir told media here.

A rape survivor was set ablaze in Bihar area of Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Thursday morning. The victim has been referred to Lucknow, said Vikrant Vir, Superintendent of Police, Unnao.

A rape survivor was set ablaze in Bihar area of Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Thursday morning. The victim has been referred to Lucknow, said Vikrant Vir, Superintendent of Police, Unnao. "The victim has been referred to a hospital in Lucknow for better treatment. We have rounded up the three accused, search for the other two is underway. The victim had earlier filed a rape case, one accused in that case has also been rounded up," Vir told media here.

Rape survivor set ablaze in Unnao

A high-level meeting on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-to-focus-more-on-women-children-safety-in-2018-26922"> Women and Children's safety</a> was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/k-chandrasekhar-rao-takes-oath-as-the-chief-minister-of-telangana-183711">Mohammed Mahmood Ali</a> at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad.

The meeting comes a few days after a woman veterinary doctor was raped and murdered in the Ranga Reddy district.

During the meeting, the Home Minister was apprised about the status in the rape and murder case of veterinary doctors and steps to be taken to ensure the safety of women in the state.

Earlier the Home Minister had said that the female veterinary doctor could have been prevented had she called up the police rather than her sister, upon sensing danger. 
After being targeted on social media for saying that the 'female doctor called up her sister instead of the police despite being educated, Ali had clarified that his intention was to make the public aware of help coming from the police and not to hurt the sentiments of any person.

The minister had added that efforts would be made to spread awareness about the use of police helpline numbers in the future. "We will try to spread awareness about the use of '100' number. It is for the help of the public," said Ali.

The Hyderabad Police arrested the four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the doctor in Telangana.

On November 28, the burnt body of the doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district.

A high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad.

A high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety was held late on Wednesday night at the chamber of the state's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad. The meeting comes a few days after a woman veterinary doctor was raped and murdered in the Ranga Reddy district. During the meeting, the Home Minister was apprised about the status in the rape and murder case of veterinary doctors and steps to be taken to ensure the safety of women in the state. Earlier the Home Minister had said that the female veterinary doctor could have been prevented had she called up the police rather than her sister, upon sensing danger. After being targeted on social media for saying that the 'female doctor called up her sister instead of the police despite being educated, Ali had clarified that his intention was to make the public aware of help coming from the police and not to hurt the sentiments of any person. The minister had added that efforts would be made to spread awareness about the use of police helpline numbers in the future. "We will try to spread awareness about the use of '100' number. It is for the help of the public," said Ali. The Hyderabad Police arrested the four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the doctor in Telangana. On November 28, the burnt body of the doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district.

Telangana HM holds high-level meeting on Women and Children's safety

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE. Before represting India in the 2021 T20 WC, Shami's last appearance in the format came in December 2020.

Before the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia, Shami has reportedly been informed by the BCCI selection committee that he isn't in consideration for T20Is. As per a report in Inside Sport, the selectors want to continue with Shami in Tests and ODIs, however, they want to try youngsters in the shortest format of the game.

“Shami isn’t getting any younger and we need him fresh for Tests. That is why he is not being considered for T20s. We have had a chat with him post-T20 World Cup on his workload management. This is how it is going to be now. For now, he is not in plans for T20s and the focus will be on youngsters,” a member of the selection committee told the portal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saw-the-same-with-gavaskar-kapil-ganguly-sachin-bcci-treasurer-shares-take-on-kohli-vs-rohit-debate-503869">'Saw the same with Gavaskar-Kapil, Ganguly-Sachin' - BCCI treasurer shares take on Kohli vs Rohit debate</a>

Shami last played T20 cricket during IPL 2022, where he was part of the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) camp. The 31-year-old returned with 20 wickets in 16 games, at an average of 18.30, and ended with sixth-most wickets overall.&nbsp;

The Indian seamer has so far played just 17 T20Is in his international career since 2014. Shami's case is similar to that of opener Shikhar Dhawan, who has also been sidelined from Tests and T20Is but remains in the scheme of things in ODIs. The idea behind such a decision also has to do with the players' workload management.

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE.

Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest pacers in the modern era. A regular in the Test and ODI line-up, Shami hasn't played a lot of T20Is prior to and even before the last year's World Cup, held in the UAE. Before represting India in the 2021 T20 WC, Shami's last appearance in the format came in December 2020. Before the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia, Shami has reportedly been informed by the BCCI selection committee that he isn't in consideration for T20Is. As per a report in Inside Sport, the selectors want to continue with Shami in Tests and ODIs, however, they want to try youngsters in the shortest format of the game. “Shami isn’t getting any younger and we need him fresh for Tests. That is why he is not being considered for T20s. We have had a chat with him post-T20 World Cup on his workload management. This is how it is going to be now. For now, he is not in plans for T20s and the focus will be on youngsters,” a member of the selection committee told the portal. ALSO READ | 'Saw the same with Gavaskar-Kapil, Ganguly-Sachin' - BCCI treasurer shares take on Kohli vs Rohit debate Shami last played T20 cricket during IPL 2022, where he was part of the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) camp. The 31-year-old returned with 20 wickets in 16 games, at an average of 18.30, and ended with sixth-most wickets overall. The Indian seamer has so far played just 17 T20Is in his international career since 2014. Shami's case is similar to that of opener Shikhar Dhawan, who has also been sidelined from Tests and T20Is but remains in the scheme of things in ODIs. The idea behind such a decision also has to do with the players' workload management.

Maharashtra: Upset over Thackeray's move, 400 Shiv Sena workers join BJP

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai on December 5 declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/red-corner-notice-against-nirav-modis-brother-remains-valid-cbi-260646">Nirav Modi</a>, prime accused in the over $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam a fugitive economic offender.

He is the second person, after Vijay Mallya, to be charged under the newly-promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act that was passed last year.

The Special court passed the order on the plea of Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Watch: Why is Nirav Modi threatening suicide?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-nirav-modi-threatening-suicide-260631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are accused in the multi-crore scam that has rattled the country and economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-national-bank-fraud-case-british-court-rejects-fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modis-fresh-bail-application-260364">The scam started in 2011</a> and was detected in the third week of January this year, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies.

Meanwhile, the PNB filed a second complaint with the CBI on February 13.

The CBI had received the complaint from the PNB on January 28 and a case was registered in the case on January 31.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai on December 5 declared Nirav Modi, prime accused in the over $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam a fugitive economic offender.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai on December 5 declared Nirav Modi, prime accused in the over $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam a fugitive economic offender. He is the second person, after Vijay Mallya, to be charged under the newly-promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act that was passed last year. The Special court passed the order on the plea of Enforcement Directorate (ED). Watch: Why is Nirav Modi threatening suicide? Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are accused in the multi-crore scam that has rattled the country and economy. The scam started in 2011 and was detected in the third week of January this year, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies. Meanwhile, the PNB filed a second complaint with the CBI on February 13. The CBI had received the complaint from the PNB on January 28 and a case was registered in the case on January 31. (With inputs from ANI)

Punjab National Bank fraud case: Nirav Modi declared fugitive economic offender

Karnataka recorded 18.50 per cent polling till 12 pm in the by-elections on Thursday, said the Election Commission of India.

The polling in the 15 assembly constituencies in the state began peacefully at 0700 hrs on Thursday.

The voting began on slow peace and it would be pick up later in the day.

As many as 37.78 lakh people were expected to cast their votes in 4,185 polling stations. There are also 4,711 service voters.

The constituencies going to by-polls were Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapur, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijayanagar, Chikballapur, KR Puram, Yeshwanthpur, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagar, Hoskote, KR Pet and Hunsur.

These by-polls are crucial for all three major parties - BJP, Congress and JD(S) - contesting them. Apart from BJP and Congress which have fielded candidates in each of the 15 seats, there are over 100 independents. JD(S) is contesting on 12 seats going to the by-polls today.

In July, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy collapsed after 17 of its MLAs resigned. The resignations also reduced the majority mark in the 224-strong Assembly to 104.

The BJP with its 105 MLAs formed the government in the state. Now with by-polls on these vacant seats, the majority mark would increase.

At present, there are 207 MLAs in Karnataka Assembly with 104 required for a majority. With the election of 15 MLAs, the number of MLAs in the Assembly would go to 222. With that, the ruling party would require 112 MLAs for a majority in the Assembly.

Elections for two other seats will be held in the future which will take the majority mark to 113.

(With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka recorded 18.50 per cent polling till 12 pm in the by-elections on Thursday, said the Election Commission of India. The polling in the 15 assembly constituencies in the state began peacefully at 0700 hrs on Thursday.

Karnataka recorded 18.50 per cent polling till 12 pm in the by-elections on Thursday, said the Election Commission of India. The polling in the 15 assembly constituencies in the state began peacefully at 0700 hrs on Thursday. The voting began on slow peace and it would be pick up later in the day. As many as 37.78 lakh people were expected to cast their votes in 4,185 polling stations. There are also 4,711 service voters. The constituencies going to by-polls were Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapur, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijayanagar, Chikballapur, KR Puram, Yeshwanthpur, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagar, Hoskote, KR Pet and Hunsur. These by-polls are crucial for all three major parties - BJP, Congress and JD(S) - contesting them. Apart from BJP and Congress which have fielded candidates in each of the 15 seats, there are over 100 independents. JD(S) is contesting on 12 seats going to the by-polls today. In July, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy collapsed after 17 of its MLAs resigned. The resignations also reduced the majority mark in the 224-strong Assembly to 104. The BJP with its 105 MLAs formed the government in the state. Now with by-polls on these vacant seats, the majority mark would increase. At present, there are 207 MLAs in Karnataka Assembly with 104 required for a majority. With the election of 15 MLAs, the number of MLAs in the Assembly would go to 222. With that, the ruling party would require 112 MLAs for a majority in the Assembly. Elections for two other seats will be held in the future which will take the majority mark to 113. (With inputs from ANI)

Karnataka Assembly Elections 2019: Voter turnout 18.50% till 12 PM

Indian Coast guards with help from merchant vessels transiting in the Arabian sea rescued over 250 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-15-dead-as-wall-caves-in-at-mettupalayam-due-to-heavy-rains-265650">fishermen</a> who were in distress owing to rough sea conditions. 
 
Responding to a message from Tamil Nadu Fisheries authority Kolachel intimating about the distress of 50 stranded Fishing Boats at a distance of 250 Nautical Miles West of Goa, Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Centre facilitated the rescue of 264 fishermen by activating the International Safety Net.

The distress call was received on December 3 and a total of seven Merchant Vessels transiting through the area responded to the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Centre and were requested to provide assistance to the distressed fishing boats in the vicinity till the arrival of ICG ships in the area, a statement said.

As a result, Indian Merchant Vessel Navdhenu Purna rescued 86 fishermen from 07 IFBs and a Japanese flag vessel MV Towada rescued around 34 fishermen from the distressed fishing boats.

Soon on request from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-rescues-516-indian-fishermen-32-fishing-boats-stranded-in-bay-of-bengal-236509">Indian Coast Guard</a>, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, five more merchant vessels joined the rescue operation and as many as 264 fishermen were rescued.

The survivors are being provided with food and first aid, all of them are reported to be healthy, the statement added.

Presently, Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari, Samar, Savitribai Phule, Amal, and Apoorva are augmenting the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meghalaya-mine-indian-air-force-joins-rescue-operation-20-high-power-pumps-to-be-used-in-process-187044">Rescue Operation</a> at sea along with Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft for Sea-Air coordinated operations.

Eight Coast Guard ships have been tasked and three Dornier have flown during the day. The Maritime Safety Information through International SafetyNET and NAVTEX is being continuously updated to the merchantmen transiting the area.

On November 30, Coast Guard Region (West), Operation Centre located at Mumbai while monitoring the weather at sea had issued a rough weather warning at sea off central and southeastern Arabian sea to all stakeholders and initiated actions as per its Standard Operating Procedure which include issuance of advisories to concerned Coastal States and other stakeholders.

Consequent to the issuance of advisory Kerala State Government had also enforced two days' ban on fishing- for December 2 and 3 and Lakshadweep Administration had also issued prohibition orders restricting fishing boats to venture out in the sea.

Indian Coast guards with help from merchant vessels transiting in the Arabian sea rescued over 250 fishermen who were in distress owing to rough sea conditions. Responding to a message from Tamil Nadu Fisheries authority Kolachel intimating about the distress of 50 stranded Fishing Boats at a distance of 250 Nautical Miles West of Goa, Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Centre facilitated the rescue of 264 fishermen by activating the International Safety Net.

Indian Coast guards with help from merchant vessels transiting in the Arabian sea rescued over 250 fishermen who were in distress owing to rough sea conditions. Responding to a message from Tamil Nadu Fisheries authority Kolachel intimating about the distress of 50 stranded Fishing Boats at a distance of 250 Nautical Miles West of Goa, Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Centre facilitated the rescue of 264 fishermen by activating the International Safety Net. The distress call was received on December 3 and a total of seven Merchant Vessels transiting through the area responded to the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Centre and were requested to provide assistance to the distressed fishing boats in the vicinity till the arrival of ICG ships in the area, a statement said. As a result, Indian Merchant Vessel Navdhenu Purna rescued 86 fishermen from 07 IFBs and a Japanese flag vessel MV Towada rescued around 34 fishermen from the distressed fishing boats. Soon on request from Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, five more merchant vessels joined the rescue operation and as many as 264 fishermen were rescued. The survivors are being provided with food and first aid, all of them are reported to be healthy, the statement added. Presently, Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari, Samar, Savitribai Phule, Amal, and Apoorva are augmenting the ongoing Rescue Operation at sea along with Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft for Sea-Air coordinated operations. Eight Coast Guard ships have been tasked and three Dornier have flown during the day. The Maritime Safety Information through International SafetyNET and NAVTEX is being continuously updated to the merchantmen transiting the area. On November 30, Coast Guard Region (West), Operation Centre located at Mumbai while monitoring the weather at sea had issued a rough weather warning at sea off central and southeastern Arabian sea to all stakeholders and initiated actions as per its Standard Operating Procedure which include issuance of advisories to concerned Coastal States and other stakeholders. Consequent to the issuance of advisory Kerala State Government had also enforced two days' ban on fishing- for December 2 and 3 and Lakshadweep Administration had also issued prohibition orders restricting fishing boats to venture out in the sea.

Coast guards and merchant vessels together rescued 264 distressed fisherman

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-launch-first-debt-exchange-traded-fund-266182">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> on Wednesday elaborated on key measures being adopted by the center to bring prices under control. The minister dismissed opposition charges about fear factor in the economy and said that that government has taken a series of steps to check the steep rise in onion prices including imports.

Sitharaman, who was replying to the debate on the first batch of supplementary demands for grants for 2019-20, said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-government-involved-in-big-onion-scam-aap-mp-sanjay-singh-265934">onion price</a> surge was due to factors such as a reduction in the area of cultivation and production.

The minister, who laid stress on greater scientific storage of onions also said in response to opposition interruptions, that she does not eats much of onions and garlic and comes from a family where there is not much consumption of the two kitchen ingredients.

She also blamed the UPA government for non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks and alleged that loans were given over recommendations made on phone calls between 2008 and 2014.

The House passed the demands for grants allowing the government to spend an additional Rs 21,246 crore, including over Rs 8,820 crore for the newly formed Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in the current fiscal.

She also said that more devolution of funds to the union territories will take place through the 15th Finance Commission.

The minister said FDI inflows were growing and "fear factor does not exist" for investments.

Noting that both revenue expenditure and capital expenditure of government had gone up, she said the government has been able to save Rs 1.41 lakh crore due to the implementation of a direct benefit transfer scheme.

She said 6.21 crore people have been given MNREGA employment this year.

Referring to points made by opposition members during the debate, she said "stressed accounts were not recognized as NPAs" during the UPA government. 
 
She said the opposition was shedding "crocodile tears" over the problems of IDBI bank and its advances shot up due to "aggressive lending" from 2008-2014.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday elaborated on key measures being adopted by the center to bring prices under control. The minister dismissed opposition charges about fear factor in the economy and said that that government has taken a series of steps to check the steep rise in onion prices including imports.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday elaborated on key measures being adopted by the center to bring prices under control. The minister dismissed opposition charges about fear factor in the economy and said that that government has taken a series of steps to check the steep rise in onion prices including imports. Sitharaman, who was replying to the debate on the first batch of supplementary demands for grants for 2019-20, said that onion price surge was due to factors such as a reduction in the area of cultivation and production. The minister, who laid stress on greater scientific storage of onions also said in response to opposition interruptions, that she does not eats much of onions and garlic and comes from a family where there is not much consumption of the two kitchen ingredients. She also blamed the UPA government for non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks and alleged that loans were given over recommendations made on phone calls between 2008 and 2014. The House passed the demands for grants allowing the government to spend an additional Rs 21,246 crore, including over Rs 8,820 crore for the newly formed Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in the current fiscal. She also said that more devolution of funds to the union territories will take place through the 15th Finance Commission. The minister said FDI inflows were growing and "fear factor does not exist" for investments. Noting that both revenue expenditure and capital expenditure of government had gone up, she said the government has been able to save Rs 1.41 lakh crore due to the implementation of a direct benefit transfer scheme. She said 6.21 crore people have been given MNREGA employment this year. Referring to points made by opposition members during the debate, she said "stressed accounts were not recognized as NPAs" during the UPA government. She said the opposition was shedding "crocodile tears" over the problems of IDBI bank and its advances shot up due to "aggressive lending" from 2008-2014.

Government taking measures to curb price rise in onion: Sitharaman

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-create-its-own-club-focus-on-indian-ocean-region-ram-madhav-at-wion-world-order-event-266452">WION's World Order event</a> in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

"The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said.

Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away".

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role.&nbsp;

Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily."

India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. 
&nbsp; 
Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all".

"We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said.&nbsp;

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Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high."

Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats.

Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country.&nbsp;

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire".

President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today.

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today. "The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said. Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away". India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role. Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily." India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all". "We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said. × Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high." Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats. Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country. US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire". President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.

If Taliban engages with Afghan government, India can drop its hesitations: Former ambassador to Afghanistan

Tension between the West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar and the state government further escalated on Thursday after the Legislative Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee stayed away during his visit.

On his arrival at the Assembly on Thursday morning, the Governor observed that the Assembly gate designated for his entry was closed and had been locked up. Neither the speaker his deputy was present at the gates to receive him.

“My secretary received a call from the assembly secretary that the Speaker wants to have lunch with me. They even extended the invite to my wife. I may not agree with the speaker, but I was happy with the invite. But what happened suddenly that the speaker could not be present here. Everything happened in one and a half hours when I was informed that the speaker will not remain available,” said the Governor.

With none to receive him at the gate and his designated gate being locked up, he alleged it was a total collapse of democracy in the state.

“There was not a single person to show me around the Assembly premises, let alone offering me anything. The Assembly may not be in session but it doesn’t mean it will remain closed. The departments stay open. As a Governor, I’m here to ensure the Constitution is respected but I can see a total failure of the democracy in the state,” he added.

On the other hand, Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said that the Governor was paying such visits merely for photo ops.

“None of the Governors in the country are doing what he is doing. He is visiting places only for photo ops. If he really wanted to visit the assembly, why didn’t he do it when the session was on? He visited when the assembly was not in session. If he really bothered about upholding the constitution, he should have signed the bills,” said Chatterjee.

Tension between the West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar and the state government further escalated on Thursday after the Legislative Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee stayed away during his visit.

Tension between the West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar and the state government further escalated on Thursday after the Legislative Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee stayed away during his visit. On his arrival at the Assembly on Thursday morning, the Governor observed that the Assembly gate designated for his entry was closed and had been locked up. Neither the speaker his deputy was present at the gates to receive him. “My secretary received a call from the assembly secretary that the Speaker wants to have lunch with me. They even extended the invite to my wife. I may not agree with the speaker, but I was happy with the invite. But what happened suddenly that the speaker could not be present here. Everything happened in one and a half hours when I was informed that the speaker will not remain available,” said the Governor. With none to receive him at the gate and his designated gate being locked up, he alleged it was a total collapse of democracy in the state. “There was not a single person to show me around the Assembly premises, let alone offering me anything. The Assembly may not be in session but it doesn’t mean it will remain closed. The departments stay open. As a Governor, I’m here to ensure the Constitution is respected but I can see a total failure of the democracy in the state,” he added. On the other hand, Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said that the Governor was paying such visits merely for photo ops. “None of the Governors in the country are doing what he is doing. He is visiting places only for photo ops. If he really wanted to visit the assembly, why didn’t he do it when the session was on? He visited when the assembly was not in session. If he really bothered about upholding the constitution, he should have signed the bills,” said Chatterjee.

West Bengal: Tension escalates as Assembly speaker stays away during Governor’s visit

How Indian Navy is calibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy

Speaking as the guest of honour at the WION <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-wion-world-order-talking-diplomacy-event-ambassadors-and-top-experts-discuss-growth-climate-change-development-and-more-266443">World Order -Talking Diplomacy event</a>, Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary Ram Madhav said that one of India's strategic goals is to achieve&nbsp;its own club.

"We have to accomplish strategic goals in the next five years. The most important thing is that India needs to have its own club, we are somehow missing this point. India needs to form its own club," Madhav said as the event wrapped up.

Madhav said that "every government adds its own flavour to its foreign policy" and that having its own club will further a dimension in country's foreign policy.

"PM Modi has met with academics, Nobel laureates and several other dignitaries. It has helped shape our foreign policy. In this way, PM Modi has helped in engaging with other countries," he said.

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He said that India is a country that has kept in mind the sentiments of other countries and that "cultural dimension" has been a vital factor in India's foreign policy. "Diaspora diplomacy is key to our foreign policy," Madhav added.

"Nehru tried to create a club but at one point it had to be abandoned after the 1962 war," Madhav noted.

He also underlined the significance of the Indian Ocean in the country's foreign policy strategy and said that India needs to invest heavily in the region.

"We have to look at China. So we have to devise a new strategy to engage with a strong neighbour," Madhav said.

The BJP leader also called for a conscious effort towards de-hyphenation of Pakistan with regards to India's foreign policy.

WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event witnessed top experts and diplomats converge their ideas and thoughts on a range of issues.

The event marked an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track-2 forum that will promote multilateralism and its allied benefits to counter the emerging trend of unilateralism, which threatens to become the new normal.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the WION World Order -Talking Diplomacy event, Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary Ram Madhav said that one of India's strategic goals is to achieve its own club.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the WION World Order -Talking Diplomacy event, Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary Ram Madhav said that one of India's strategic goals is to achieve its own club. "We have to accomplish strategic goals in the next five years. The most important thing is that India needs to have its own club, we are somehow missing this point. India needs to form its own club," Madhav said as the event wrapped up. Madhav said that "every government adds its own flavour to its foreign policy" and that having its own club will further a dimension in country's foreign policy. "PM Modi has met with academics, Nobel laureates and several other dignitaries. It has helped shape our foreign policy. In this way, PM Modi has helped in engaging with other countries," he said. × He said that India is a country that has kept in mind the sentiments of other countries and that "cultural dimension" has been a vital factor in India's foreign policy. "Diaspora diplomacy is key to our foreign policy," Madhav added. "Nehru tried to create a club but at one point it had to be abandoned after the 1962 war," Madhav noted. He also underlined the significance of the Indian Ocean in the country's foreign policy strategy and said that India needs to invest heavily in the region. "We have to look at China. So we have to devise a new strategy to engage with a strong neighbour," Madhav said. The BJP leader also called for a conscious effort towards de-hyphenation of Pakistan with regards to India's foreign policy. WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event witnessed top experts and diplomats converge their ideas and thoughts on a range of issues. The event marked an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track-2 forum that will promote multilateralism and its allied benefits to counter the emerging trend of unilateralism, which threatens to become the new normal.

India needs to create its own club, focus on Indian Ocean region: Ram Madhav at WION World Order event

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-hosts-ambassadors-and-experts-at-wion-world-order-talking-diplomacy-event-in-delhi-266266">WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event</a> witnessed top experts and diplomats converge their ideas and thoughts on a range of issues. When it came to discussing 'Balancing growth and development', Brazilian ambassador to India André Aranha Correa do Lago said the need is to "change unsustainable patterns of development".

The Indonesian envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro, said that his country is most vulnerable to climate change.&nbsp;

Eduardo Sánchez, Chargé D'affaires, Embassy of Spain, said that "quick transitions are needed to address change and new sources of wealth and income should be addressed".&nbsp;

Another pressing issue of global significance which saw great deliberations during the event was that of climate change.&nbsp;

Session two of the event saw diplomats and experts share views on climate energy and climate action plan.&nbsp;

Tunisian ambassador Nejmeddine Lakhal said the "world is witnessing first implications of climate change".

"Climate change is undeniable," opined Tahina Rasamoelina, Chargé d'affaires of Madagascar to India.

All this and much more was discussed at the WION World Order - Talking Diplomacy event.&nbsp;

The event marks an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track-2 forum that will promote multilateralism and its allied benefits to counter the emerging trend of unilateralism, which threatens to become the new normal.

WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event witnessed top experts and diplomats converge their ideas and thoughts on a range of issues. When it came to discussing 'Balancing growth and development', Brazilian ambassador to India André Aranha Correa do Lago said the need is to "change unsustainable patterns of development".

WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event witnessed top experts and diplomats converge their ideas and thoughts on a range of issues. When it came to discussing 'Balancing growth and development', Brazilian ambassador to India André Aranha Correa do Lago said the need is to "change unsustainable patterns of development". The Indonesian envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro, said that his country is most vulnerable to climate change. Eduardo Sánchez, Chargé D'affaires, Embassy of Spain, said that "quick transitions are needed to address change and new sources of wealth and income should be addressed". Another pressing issue of global significance which saw great deliberations during the event was that of climate change. Session two of the event saw diplomats and experts share views on climate energy and climate action plan. Tunisian ambassador Nejmeddine Lakhal said the "world is witnessing first implications of climate change". "Climate change is undeniable," opined Tahina Rasamoelina, Chargé d'affaires of Madagascar to India. All this and much more was discussed at the WION World Order - Talking Diplomacy event. The event marks an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track-2 forum that will promote multilateralism and its allied benefits to counter the emerging trend of unilateralism, which threatens to become the new normal.

WION World Order - Talking Diplomacy event: Envoys and top experts discuss climate change, development and more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district.

NGT had sought a report from District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board with reference to the allegation of pollution being caused by fly ash dump set up by thermal power plant at Village Kanti Nagar, District Muzaffarpur, Bihar causing damage to the public health, animal health and ecology in the area.

The report was required to be furnished within two months vide order dated April 16, 2019. The matter was deferred in various instances due to no response filed from Bihar state PCB.

"In view of the above, case is made out for taking coercive measures as provided under Section 25 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 read with 51 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, including directing imprisonment of the Member Secretary of the State PCB or to issue arrest warrants for appearance," NGT said.

"However, before taking such measures, we give the last opportunity to the State PCB to furnish a factual and action taken report within one month."

The NGT, which was hearing a petition filed by Satyanarayan Sahni alleging that the thermal power is causing damage to the public health and ecology in the area, has listed the matter for further hearing on February 3 next year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district. NGT had sought a report from District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board with reference to the allegation of pollution being caused by fly ash dump set up by thermal power plant at Village Kanti Nagar, District Muzaffarpur, Bihar causing damage to the public health, animal health and ecology in the area. The report was required to be furnished within two months vide order dated April 16, 2019. The matter was deferred in various instances due to no response filed from Bihar state PCB. "In view of the above, case is made out for taking coercive measures as provided under Section 25 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 read with 51 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, including directing imprisonment of the Member Secretary of the State PCB or to issue arrest warrants for appearance," NGT said. "However, before taking such measures, we give the last opportunity to the State PCB to furnish a factual and action taken report within one month." The NGT, which was hearing a petition filed by Satyanarayan Sahni alleging that the thermal power is causing damage to the public health and ecology in the area, has listed the matter for further hearing on February 3 next year.

NGT warns pollution board of action; seeks response on Muzaffarpur's thermal power plant

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress.

Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country. Earlier customers used to buy onion in large quantities, but now that scenario has changed."

"I think the prices would go like this for the next 1-2 months as it will take some time for the new stock of onions to come in the market," he added.

Rahul, a cook, said, "We are forced to use less onions in dishes as it is very expensive. For salads, we have started to offer more carrot, cucumber, and radish than the onion."

Meanwhile, Yusuf Khan, a customer, told ANI, "Onions cost Rs 150-180 per kilogram. We are left with no option than buying these high-priced onions as we have to feed our families.The price of onions has been on the rise in many states of the country, which has even sparked protests among the people. (ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress. Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country.

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress. Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country. Earlier customers used to buy onion in large quantities, but now that scenario has changed." "I think the prices would go like this for the next 1-2 months as it will take some time for the new stock of onions to come in the market," he added. Rahul, a cook, said, "We are forced to use less onions in dishes as it is very expensive. For salads, we have started to offer more carrot, cucumber, and radish than the onion." Meanwhile, Yusuf Khan, a customer, told ANI, "Onions cost Rs 150-180 per kilogram. We are left with no option than buying these high-priced onions as we have to feed our families.The price of onions has been on the rise in many states of the country, which has even sparked protests among the people. (ANI)

Mumbai: Onions prices continue to surge leaving customers in distress

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria.

The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC.

The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers are comprised of 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national.

The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.

No group has said it carried out the kidnapping.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria. The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC.

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria. The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC. The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers are comprised of 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained. No group has said it carried out the kidnapping. (With inputs from ANI)

Eighteen Indian crewmen kidnapped by pirates near Nigeria

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday sought a detailed action taken report from the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-survivor-set-ablaze-in-unnao-266330">a rape survivor was set ablaze in Unnao</a> by a group of men which included those accused of raping her.

In a letter to DGP OP Singh, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said,&nbsp;"The Commission is disturbed by the rise in the crime against women in the state despite the enactment of several laws to safeguard the rights of women."

The Commission also requested the police officer to send a detailed action taken report in the Unnao matter and urged him to take strict action against the erring officials for not providing protection to the rape victim, if found guilty.

Moreover, the Commission sought a detailed report regarding the number of reported heinous crimes committed against women and bail granted in such cases in Uttar Pradesh in the last three years, at the earliest.

A rape survivor was set ablaze in the Bihar area of Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Thursday morning. The victim has been referred to Lucknow, said Vikrant Vir, Superintendent of Police, Unnao.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a statement, said that the treatment of the victim will be carried out on government expenses and strict action will be taken against the accused.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday sought a detailed action taken report from the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) after a rape survivor was set ablaze in Unnao by a group of men which included those accused of raping her.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday sought a detailed action taken report from the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) after a rape survivor was set ablaze in Unnao by a group of men which included those accused of raping her. In a letter to DGP OP Singh, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said, "The Commission is disturbed by the rise in the crime against women in the state despite the enactment of several laws to safeguard the rights of women." The Commission also requested the police officer to send a detailed action taken report in the Unnao matter and urged him to take strict action against the erring officials for not providing protection to the rape victim, if found guilty. Moreover, the Commission sought a detailed report regarding the number of reported heinous crimes committed against women and bail granted in such cases in Uttar Pradesh in the last three years, at the earliest. A rape survivor was set ablaze in the Bihar area of Uttar Pradesh's Unnao on Thursday morning. The victim has been referred to Lucknow, said Vikrant Vir, Superintendent of Police, Unnao. Taking cognizance of the matter, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a statement, said that the treatment of the victim will be carried out on government expenses and strict action will be taken against the accused.

National Commission for Women seeks report from UP DGP after Unnao rape survivor set ablaze

Security has been tightened in Ayodhya ahead of the 27th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, which falls on December 6.

"Security arrangements have been made for Friday like we had done in November ahead of Supreme Court verdict. 25 companies of PAC were already stationed here and 14 more companies have also come. 400 constables, 1500 home guards, ATS, LIU and fire teams have been deployed. CCTV and drones cameras are also used for vigilance. We are also keeping an eye on social media," SSP Ashish Kumar Tiwari told ANI.

Last month, the Supreme Court had awarded the disputed land to the deity Ram Lalla and asked the Centre and the state government to give the Sunni Waqf Board an alternative five-acre plot in Ayodhya to build a mosque.

The apex court called the demolition of Babri Masjid as "an egregious violation of the rule of law".

"On 6 December 1992, the structure of the mosque was brought down and the mosque was destroyed. The destruction of the mosque took place in breach of the order of status quo and an assurance given to this Court. The destruction of the mosque and the obliteration of the Islamic structure was an egregious violation of the rule of law," the court said in its judgment on the Ayodhya dispute.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Security has been tightened in Ayodhya ahead of the 27th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, which falls on December 6. "Security arrangements have been made for Friday like we had done in November ahead of Supreme Court verdict.

Security has been tightened in Ayodhya ahead of the 27th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, which falls on December 6. "Security arrangements have been made for Friday like we had done in November ahead of Supreme Court verdict. 25 companies of PAC were already stationed here and 14 more companies have also come. 400 constables, 1500 home guards, ATS, LIU and fire teams have been deployed. CCTV and drones cameras are also used for vigilance. We are also keeping an eye on social media," SSP Ashish Kumar Tiwari told ANI. Last month, the Supreme Court had awarded the disputed land to the deity Ram Lalla and asked the Centre and the state government to give the Sunni Waqf Board an alternative five-acre plot in Ayodhya to build a mosque. The apex court called the demolition of Babri Masjid as "an egregious violation of the rule of law". "On 6 December 1992, the structure of the mosque was brought down and the mosque was destroyed. The destruction of the mosque took place in breach of the order of status quo and an assurance given to this Court. The destruction of the mosque and the obliteration of the Islamic structure was an egregious violation of the rule of law," the court said in its judgment on the Ayodhya dispute.

Ayodhya: Security tightened ahead of Babri Masjid's demolition anniversary

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../will-visit-sabarimala-temple-as-it-is-our- constitutional-right-trupti-desai-264546">Sabarimala temple</a>.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said that the court will hear it likely next week, along with the one petition already pending before it.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the matter before the apex court on Thursday, seeking an urgent hearing into the case.

In the plea, MS Bindu, popularly known as Bindu Ammini, said she was allegedly attacked by a mob outside the police commissioner's office recently.

In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu Ammini's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple.

She was not given help and assistance to enter into the Sabarimala temple, the plea said.

The activist also said that the Supreme Court judgement allowing entry of women of menstruation age in the temple was being flouted.

To this, the CJI Bobde said, "There's a larger bench now on the issue. The September verdict is not the last word in this issue."

On Wednesday, the court agreed to hear next week the plea of one Fathima AS seeking directions to the Kerala government to provide safe passage to women into Sabarimala temple.

In September last year, the court allowed the women of menstruating ages to enter and offer prayers at the shrine.

Subsequently, a series of review petitions were filed challenging the order of the court. The petitioners asserted that the deity is a celibate and centuries-old beliefs should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers.

The top court had last month referred these review petitions to a larger seven-judge bench.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter Sabarimala temple.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter Sabarimala temple. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said that the court will hear it likely next week, along with the one petition already pending before it. Senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the matter before the apex court on Thursday, seeking an urgent hearing into the case. In the plea, MS Bindu, popularly known as Bindu Ammini, said she was allegedly attacked by a mob outside the police commissioner's office recently. In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu Ammini's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. She was not given help and assistance to enter into the Sabarimala temple, the plea said. The activist also said that the Supreme Court judgement allowing entry of women of menstruation age in the temple was being flouted. To this, the CJI Bobde said, "There's a larger bench now on the issue. The September verdict is not the last word in this issue." On Wednesday, the court agreed to hear next week the plea of one Fathima AS seeking directions to the Kerala government to provide safe passage to women into Sabarimala temple. In September last year, the court allowed the women of menstruating ages to enter and offer prayers at the shrine. Subsequently, a series of review petitions were filed challenging the order of the court. The petitioners asserted that the deity is a celibate and centuries-old beliefs should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. The top court had last month referred these review petitions to a larger seven-judge bench.

Supreme Court likely to hear Bindu Amini's plea on Sabarimala entry next week

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook</a> group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cyber-bullying-star-suicides-the-dark-side-of-south-koreas-k-pop-world-265173">cyber harassment</a> and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called.

On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. 
 
The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-survivor-set-ablaze-in-unnao-266330">safety of women</a> across the country.

Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media. The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss cyber harassment and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called. On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the safety of women across the country. Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary panel meets Facebook group over rising crime against women on social media

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-stopped-accepting-political-advertisements-in-singapore-month-before-the-elections-266126">fake news</a>", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday.

The requirement would likely raise a host of technical and policy issues for companies including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook</a> and its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-partnership-to-curb-false-messages-whatsapp-to-indian-government-148929"> WhatsApp</a> and Instagram units, Twitter and Chinese app <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-accused-in-california-lawsuit-of-sending-user-data-to-china-265867">TikTok</a>, all of which have millions of users in India.

Companies would have to offer a mechanism for users to prove their identities and display that verification publicly, akin to the blue check-mark that Twitter has used to confirm the authenticity of some high-profile accounts, including those belonging to celebrities and politicians.

Verification would be optional for users, the sources said.

The Personal Data Protection Bill, whose first draft was made public last year, is keenly awaited by top technology companies and industry stakeholders as it could alter the way all major internet companies process, store and transfer Indian consumers' data.

The identity verification requirement, introduced in the latest draft of the bill, would be one of the most ambitious efforts globally to battle disinformation and fake news, which is often spread by pseudonymous or fake accounts.

"The idea was to reduce the spread of fake news and online trolling," said one of the sources, a federal IT ministry official.

The privacy bill was cleared by the cabinet on Wednesday and will be presented to parliament soon, officials said. But passage is not imminent, one of the sources said, as the legislation will likely be referred to a parliamentary expert committee or a panel for further review.

Since 2017, fake news and rumor-mongering on social media in India has led to more than 30 deaths, data portal IndiaSpend said last year.

The companies have taken some measures to combat the problem&nbsp;including a move by WhatsApp to limit group-forwarding of messages.

But Facebook and other companies have resisted the idea that they should verify the identity of their users, partly on the grounds that people in many countries would struggle to provide sufficient documentation.

The voluntary verification scheme would give users more confidence in the validity of information on the verified accounts, though it would not eliminate fake accounts.

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "fake news", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday.

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "fake news", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday. The requirement would likely raise a host of technical and policy issues for companies including Facebook and its WhatsApp and Instagram units, Twitter and Chinese app TikTok, all of which have millions of users in India. Companies would have to offer a mechanism for users to prove their identities and display that verification publicly, akin to the blue check-mark that Twitter has used to confirm the authenticity of some high-profile accounts, including those belonging to celebrities and politicians. Verification would be optional for users, the sources said. The Personal Data Protection Bill, whose first draft was made public last year, is keenly awaited by top technology companies and industry stakeholders as it could alter the way all major internet companies process, store and transfer Indian consumers' data. The identity verification requirement, introduced in the latest draft of the bill, would be one of the most ambitious efforts globally to battle disinformation and fake news, which is often spread by pseudonymous or fake accounts. "The idea was to reduce the spread of fake news and online trolling," said one of the sources, a federal IT ministry official. The privacy bill was cleared by the cabinet on Wednesday and will be presented to parliament soon, officials said. But passage is not imminent, one of the sources said, as the legislation will likely be referred to a parliamentary expert committee or a panel for further review. Since 2017, fake news and rumor-mongering on social media in India has led to more than 30 deaths, data portal IndiaSpend said last year. The companies have taken some measures to combat the problem including a move by WhatsApp to limit group-forwarding of messages. But Facebook and other companies have resisted the idea that they should verify the identity of their users, partly on the grounds that people in many countries would struggle to provide sufficient documentation. The voluntary verification scheme would give users more confidence in the validity of information on the verified accounts, though it would not eliminate fake accounts.

India may force social media platforms to offer identity-verification option

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