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The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to IPS officer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-kolkata-police-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-granted-anticipatory-bail-by-calcutta-high-court-253138">Rajeev Kumar </a>on an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking cancellation of an anticipatory bail granted to him by the Calcutta High Court in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde asked the probe agency to present before it facts and explain why custodial interrogation of Kumar is required.

A person can avail anticipatory bail from the court after the police register an FIR against them but before they are arrested by them in a case. The Calcutta High Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Kumar last month.

The CBI in its plea challenged the High Court`s order and urged the apex court to allow the custodial interrogation of Kumar asserting that it was needed to probe whether he sabotaged the investigation in the case.

"He is a high-rank police officer. Why do you require his custodial interrogation? You need to explain before us the reasons for it," the bench asked the CBI.

The 1989-batch IPS officer is accused of destroying evidence related to the scam when he headed the special investigation team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police to probe the matter. He is currently the Additional Director General (ADG) of the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID).&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to IPS officer Rajeev Kumar on an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking cancellation of an anticipatory bail granted to him by the Calcutta High Court in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to IPS officer Rajeev Kumar on an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking cancellation of an anticipatory bail granted to him by the Calcutta High Court in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde asked the probe agency to present before it facts and explain why custodial interrogation of Kumar is required. A person can avail anticipatory bail from the court after the police register an FIR against them but before they are arrested by them in a case. The Calcutta High Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Kumar last month. The CBI in its plea challenged the High Court`s order and urged the apex court to allow the custodial interrogation of Kumar asserting that it was needed to probe whether he sabotaged the investigation in the case. "He is a high-rank police officer. Why do you require his custodial interrogation? You need to explain before us the reasons for it," the bench asked the CBI. The 1989-batch IPS officer is accused of destroying evidence related to the scam when he headed the special investigation team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police to probe the matter. He is currently the Additional Director General (ADG) of the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Saradha scam: SC issues notice to IPS officer Rajeev Kumar on CBI''s plea challenging his pre-arrest bail

After an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-siddaramaiah-hd-kumaraswamy-booked-for-opposing-it-raids-sedition-265205">FIR </a>was registered against him for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties, Congress leader DK Shivakumar called it a "political vendetta" and said he is ready to go to jail.

"This is all a political vendetta. All cases are being done by these officers and friends of BJP. We know that. We will fight it out politically. We are ready to go to jail, no problem," Shivakumar said here.

An FIR was registered against Shivakumar, former Karnataka chief ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, and ex-Bengaluru city police commissioner Suneel Kumar among others under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including the charge of sedition, for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties.

Acting on a private complaint, a local court directed the Bengaluru police to file the FIR.&nbsp;Commercial Street police station has filed the case under several sections of the IPC.

Mallikarjuna, a social activist from Tumkur had alleged that on March 27, the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had issued statements to the media that he had received information that I-T officials were preparing to raid houses belonging to some JD(S) leaders.

On March 28 they held a protest opposing the raids on JD(S) and Congress leaders. This amounts to obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties and this also led to major traffic snarls in the area, the activist said. The police who were present at the spot did not do anything to stop the protest, he stated.&nbsp;

After an FIR was registered against him for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties, Congress leader DK Shivakumar called it a "political vendetta" and said he is ready to go to jail.

After an FIR was registered against him for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties, Congress leader DK Shivakumar called it a "political vendetta" and said he is ready to go to jail. "This is all a political vendetta. All cases are being done by these officers and friends of BJP. We know that. We will fight it out politically. We are ready to go to jail, no problem," Shivakumar said here. An FIR was registered against Shivakumar, former Karnataka chief ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, and ex-Bengaluru city police commissioner Suneel Kumar among others under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including the charge of sedition, for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties. Acting on a private complaint, a local court directed the Bengaluru police to file the FIR. Commercial Street police station has filed the case under several sections of the IPC. Mallikarjuna, a social activist from Tumkur had alleged that on March 27, the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had issued statements to the media that he had received information that I-T officials were preparing to raid houses belonging to some JD(S) leaders. On March 28 they held a protest opposing the raids on JD(S) and Congress leaders. This amounts to obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties and this also led to major traffic snarls in the area, the activist said. The police who were present at the spot did not do anything to stop the protest, he stated.

We are ready to go to jail: DK Shivakumar after FIR filed against him

With Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have sharpened their attacks on their past ally in the NDA.

With several leaders including cabinet ministers and spokespersons coming out openly against the former ally, it is now likely that the attacks on the Maharashtra alliance will intensify in the coming days. The BJP is seemingly upset with the fact that it lost out on forming a government in the state despite being the largest political party with 105 MLAs in the 288 member state Assembly.

Speaking to ANI, cabinet minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh targeted the Shiv Sena for its alleged attempts at getting a secular certification from the Congress, while at the same time deserting the NDA alliance."There are two people who give a certificate of secularism in this country. One is Congress and second is one who can abuse Hindus. Those who want the certificate should do the same," Singh said while alleging that Shiv Sena was desperate to seek validation from the Congress in its lust for power.

The minister also claimed that he had not compared the party with the Mughals in his tweets. "All I have said is that in lust for power, princely states and kings joined hands with Mughals. Mughal expanded in India through some princely states. Likewise, the Maharashtra government was formed with Congress," he clarified.

Further targeting the Shiv Sena, Singh said, "How can he (Uddhav Thackeray) get upset when asked about secularism. It is running on all TV channels. Definition of secular came here in 1976 but in Sanatan dharma, it has been there for ages. Secularism is in our DNA.''

The party is seemingly peeved at the attempt by the new Maharashtra alliance that had led to the removal of Devendra Fadnavis government, within days of BJP leaders taking oath as Maharashtra CM for a second time.

Another BJP leader and spokesperson of the party, GVL Narasimha Rao also tweeted taking a dig at the alliance of the erstwhile Hindu nationalist party with the Congress."Congratulations to 'Godse Bhakt'&nbsp;Uddhav Thackeray on taking over as CM of Maharashtra. You and your MLAs have pledged loyalty to Sultanete. Complete this surrender by renaming Saamna 'Sonia Nama'. They won't tolerate your nonsensical editorials dished out in your third rate paper," he tweeted soon after the oath taking ceremony," Rao wrote.

&nbsp;

With Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have sharpened their attacks on their past ally in the NDA.

With Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have sharpened their attacks on their past ally in the NDA. With several leaders including cabinet ministers and spokespersons coming out openly against the former ally, it is now likely that the attacks on the Maharashtra alliance will intensify in the coming days. The BJP is seemingly upset with the fact that it lost out on forming a government in the state despite being the largest political party with 105 MLAs in the 288 member state Assembly. Speaking to ANI, cabinet minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh targeted the Shiv Sena for its alleged attempts at getting a secular certification from the Congress, while at the same time deserting the NDA alliance."There are two people who give a certificate of secularism in this country. One is Congress and second is one who can abuse Hindus. Those who want the certificate should do the same," Singh said while alleging that Shiv Sena was desperate to seek validation from the Congress in its lust for power. The minister also claimed that he had not compared the party with the Mughals in his tweets. "All I have said is that in lust for power, princely states and kings joined hands with Mughals. Mughal expanded in India through some princely states. Likewise, the Maharashtra government was formed with Congress," he clarified. Further targeting the Shiv Sena, Singh said, "How can he (Uddhav Thackeray) get upset when asked about secularism. It is running on all TV channels. Definition of secular came here in 1976 but in Sanatan dharma, it has been there for ages. Secularism is in our DNA.'' The party is seemingly peeved at the attempt by the new Maharashtra alliance that had led to the removal of Devendra Fadnavis government, within days of BJP leaders taking oath as Maharashtra CM for a second time. Another BJP leader and spokesperson of the party, GVL Narasimha Rao also tweeted taking a dig at the alliance of the erstwhile Hindu nationalist party with the Congress."Congratulations to 'Godse Bhakt' Uddhav Thackeray on taking over as CM of Maharashtra. You and your MLAs have pledged loyalty to Sultanete. Complete this surrender by renaming Saamna 'Sonia Nama'. They won't tolerate your nonsensical editorials dished out in your third rate paper," he tweeted soon after the oath taking ceremony," Rao wrote.

BJP leaders slams Uddhav Thackeray over 'secularism', allying with Congress

Cases have been filed against former Karnataka chief ministers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-kumaraswamy-visits-flood-affected-belagavi-interacts-with-locals-258367">HD Kumaraswamy </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-tears-into-karnataka-minister-for-claiming-state-has-no-funds-for-flood-victims-258296">Siddaramaiah</a>, former ministers G Parmeshwara and DK Shivakumar, and ex-Bengaluru city police commissioner Suneel Kumar under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sedition charge, for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties.

Acting on a private complaint, a local court directed the Bengaluru police to file the FIR. Commercial Street police station has filed the case under several Sections of the IPC including 217, 176, 121, 177, 506, 153A, 503, 414, 149, 143, 505(2), 124A, 353, 409, 350, 405, 417, 120(A), 416, 171C, 119, 141, 142 and 499.

Mallikarjuna, a social activist from Tumkur had alleged that on March 27, the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had issued statements to the media that he had received information that I-T officials were preparing to raid houses belonging to some JD(S) leaders.

On March 28, they held a protest opposing the raids on JD(S) and Congress leaders. This amounts to obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties and this also led to major traffic snarls in the area. The police who were present at the spot did not do anything to stop the protest, the activist stated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cases have been filed against former Karnataka chief ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, former ministers G Parmeshwara and DK Shivakumar, and ex-Bengaluru city police commissioner Suneel Kumar under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sedition charge, for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties.

Cases have been filed against former Karnataka chief ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, former ministers G Parmeshwara and DK Shivakumar, and ex-Bengaluru city police commissioner Suneel Kumar under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sedition charge, for allegedly obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties. Acting on a private complaint, a local court directed the Bengaluru police to file the FIR. Commercial Street police station has filed the case under several Sections of the IPC including 217, 176, 121, 177, 506, 153A, 503, 414, 149, 143, 505(2), 124A, 353, 409, 350, 405, 417, 120(A), 416, 171C, 119, 141, 142 and 499. Mallikarjuna, a social activist from Tumkur had alleged that on March 27, the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had issued statements to the media that he had received information that I-T officials were preparing to raid houses belonging to some JD(S) leaders. On March 28, they held a protest opposing the raids on JD(S) and Congress leaders. This amounts to obstructing I-T officials from discharging their duties and this also led to major traffic snarls in the area. The police who were present at the spot did not do anything to stop the protest, the activist stated.

Karnataka: Siddaramaiah, HD Kumaraswamy booked for opposing IT raids, sedition

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday told the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-floor-test-in-maharashtra-assembly-to-be-held-on-wednesday-264543">Supreme Court</a> that former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/tale-of-two-political-stalwarts-arun-jaitley-and-p-chidambaram-248575">P Chidambaram</a>`s Benami properties outside India can be traced to him. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, told the apex court, "There are Benami properties outside India which can be traced to him.

Sixteen companies were involved in laundering and modifying the shareholding pattern. Twelve foreign bank accounts were connected, twelve foreign properties were identified and properties were found in sixteen countries which can be linked to Chidambaram."

The top court was hearing Chidambaram`s petition challenging the Delhi High Court November 15 verdict which denied him bail in the case being probed by the ED. He sought 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.

Mehta further told the court that besides INX Media "there are other companies that also applied for FIPB approvals".Opposing his bail plea, Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj also said that there is "direct involvement" of Chidambaram in the case and he influenced witnesses not to participate in the investigation.

"Gravity of offence must be taken into the note; he has control over very crucial witnesses. The witnesses are not ready to come face to face." Mehta told the top court. He also said that the High court`s findings that he has not influenced the witnesses are "factually incorrect"."Witnesses are vulnerable if Chidambaram is granted bail.

They did not turn up for confrontation with P Chidambaram, because of the power he used, fear he invoked in the mind of witnesses," Mehta added. The Solicitor General further added that the charge sheet in the case will soon be filed.

"Investigation in the present case is undergoing and at a very crucial stage," he added. The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 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.

A special court yesterday extended his judicial custody in Tihar jail till December 11.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that former finance minister P Chidambaram`s Benami properties outside India can be traced to him.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that former finance minister P Chidambaram`s Benami properties outside India can be traced to him. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, told the apex court, "There are Benami properties outside India which can be traced to him. Sixteen companies were involved in laundering and modifying the shareholding pattern. Twelve foreign bank accounts were connected, twelve foreign properties were identified and properties were found in sixteen countries which can be linked to Chidambaram." The top court was hearing Chidambaram`s petition challenging the Delhi High Court November 15 verdict which denied him bail in the case being probed by the ED. He sought 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. Mehta further told the court that besides INX Media "there are other companies that also applied for FIPB approvals".Opposing his bail plea, Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj also said that there is "direct involvement" of Chidambaram in the case and he influenced witnesses not to participate in the investigation. "Gravity of offence must be taken into the note; he has control over very crucial witnesses. The witnesses are not ready to come face to face." Mehta told the top court. He also said that the High court`s findings that he has not influenced the witnesses are "factually incorrect"."Witnesses are vulnerable if Chidambaram is granted bail. They did not turn up for confrontation with P Chidambaram, because of the power he used, fear he invoked in the mind of witnesses," Mehta added. The Solicitor General further added that the charge sheet in the case will soon be filed. "Investigation in the present case is undergoing and at a very crucial stage," he added. The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 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. A special court yesterday extended his judicial custody in Tihar jail till December 11.

There are benami properties outside India which can be traced to Chidambaram: ED to SC

MLAs of opposition parties staged a walkout from on Thursday, on the first day of the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly that began here Thursday and staged a protest demanding cancellation of the question hour and holding a discussion on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-will-be-brought-before-implementation-of-nrc-in-west-bengal-says-amit-shah-253082">Citizenship Amendment Bill </a>and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"The reason behind the protest is the Citizenship Amendment bill that the union government is proposing to table in the parliament. That bill would definitely violate the Assam accord 1971," former chief minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters here.

"The bill`s motive is against the spirit of the constitution. It is against the right to equality and secularism which are enshrined in the constitution. We have seen mass agitations across the state on this issue but Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is silent on this matter. He has no moral right to continue as the Chief Minister. The BJP government has sacrificed the culture of the state for the sake of power," he added.

Both Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) demanded the cancellation of the question hour and to hold a discussion on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and NRC.

Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami said that Question Hour session could not be called off despite the noisy scene. The Speaker did not cancel the Question Hour and subsequently, the Congress and AIUDF party staged a walkout.

There have been protests in Assam against the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill as the Centre is going to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/winter-session-of-parliament-government-set-to-push-citizenship-amendment-bill-263005">table the bill</a> in the parliament.

MLAs of opposition parties staged a walkout from on Thursday, on the first day of the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly that began here Thursday and staged a protest demanding cancellation of the question hour and holding a discussion on Citizenship Amendment Bill and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

MLAs of opposition parties staged a walkout from on Thursday, on the first day of the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly that began here Thursday and staged a protest demanding cancellation of the question hour and holding a discussion on Citizenship Amendment Bill and National Register of Citizens (NRC). "The reason behind the protest is the Citizenship Amendment bill that the union government is proposing to table in the parliament. That bill would definitely violate the Assam accord 1971," former chief minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters here. "The bill`s motive is against the spirit of the constitution. It is against the right to equality and secularism which are enshrined in the constitution. We have seen mass agitations across the state on this issue but Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is silent on this matter. He has no moral right to continue as the Chief Minister. The BJP government has sacrificed the culture of the state for the sake of power," he added. Both Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) demanded the cancellation of the question hour and to hold a discussion on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and NRC. Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami said that Question Hour session could not be called off despite the noisy scene. The Speaker did not cancel the Question Hour and subsequently, the Congress and AIUDF party staged a walkout. There have been protests in Assam against the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill as the Centre is going to table the bill in the parliament.

Opposition MLAs stage walkout from Assembly over Citizenship Amendment Bill

Congress interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-attacks-bjp-over-shameless-efforts-to-form-the-government-in-maharashtra-264991">Sonia Gandhi</a> is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-invites-pm-modi-for-oath-taking-ceremony-264970">Uddhav Thackeray</a> in Mumbai on Thursday.

On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided."

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday met Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-manmohan-singh-pay-tribute-to-indira-gandhi-on-birth-anniversary-263061">Manmohan Singh</a> and invited them for the swearing-in ceremony.

"We met Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh as their guidance and blessings are necessary. Now we are returning to Mumbai," Aaditya told media here.

Uddhav Thackeray, Sena chief and the leader of `Maha Vikas Aghadi` led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-ncp-to-get-deputy-cm-portfolio-assembly-speaker-to-be-from-congress-264935">Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress</a> will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm.

Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony.

On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance.

The political development came after BJP leader Devendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Fadnavis submitted his resignation</a> as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Thursday. On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Thursday. On being asked if she will participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray today, Gandhi said: "Not decided." Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday met Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh and invited them for the swearing-in ceremony. "We met Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh as their guidance and blessings are necessary. Now we are returning to Mumbai," Aaditya told media here. Uddhav Thackeray, Sena chief and the leader of `Maha Vikas Aghadi` led by Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm. Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony. On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. The political development came after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test".

Sonia Gandhi unlikely to attend Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony

Shiv Sena chief and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray</a> on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister.&nbsp;

In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy".

"I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Thackeray said.&nbsp;

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Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray after first cabinet meeting, in Mumbai: I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1200099279152410624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The chief minister assured good government to Maharashtra and assistance to farmers.

"I want to assure the people of the state that we will give a good government. I want to help the farmers in a manner which will make them happy," he said.&nbsp;

Thackeray said that he has asked officials to provide him with complete information on state and centre schemes for farmers in the next two days.&nbsp;

"Once I get all the details, I will take a decision accordingly," Thackeray told media.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-will-work-diligently-for-bright-future-of-maharashtra-pm-modi-congratulates-uddhav-thackeray-on-oath-taking-265114">Modi congratulated Uddhav Thackeray</a> for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

Thackeray's first cabinet meeting was held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai.

Earlier, in the day, six leaders - two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP - took oath as ministers in Maharashtra's alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Thackeray.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park.

Congress' Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP's Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister. In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy".

Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday held his first cabinet meeting shortly after taking oath as the chief minister. In one of the first decisions taken during the meet, Thackeray's cabinet decided to approve Rs 20 crores for the development of Raigad Fort, Thackeray announced, adding that his government will help the farmers "in a manner which will them happy". "I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Thackeray said. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray after first cabinet meeting, in Mumbai: I am happy to tell you all that the first decision that this cabinet has taken is to approve Rs 20 Crores for the development of Raigad which was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019 × The chief minister assured good government to Maharashtra and assistance to farmers. "I want to assure the people of the state that we will give a good government. I want to help the farmers in a manner which will make them happy," he said. Thackeray said that he has asked officials to provide him with complete information on state and centre schemes for farmers in the next two days. "Once I get all the details, I will take a decision accordingly," Thackeray told media. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". Thackeray's first cabinet meeting was held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Earlier, in the day, six leaders - two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP - took oath as ministers in Maharashtra's alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Thackeray. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park. Congress' Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP's Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Farmers' issue, Raigad fort on Uddhav's priority after first cabinet meeting

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Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing attack on ruling BJP and said Narendra Modi-led government made ''shameless efforts'' in Maharashtra referring to BJP's attempt to form the government in the state without having the required numbers.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing attack on ruling BJP and said Narendra Modi-led government made ''shameless efforts'' in Maharashtra referring to BJP's attempt to form the government in the state without having the required numbers. Sonia Gandhi was addressing the Congress parliamentary party meet in New Delhi on Thursday. Referring to a group of 27 members of European Parliament private visit to Kashmir on October 28, Gandhi said political leaders of India were not allowed in Jammu & Kashmir but some European MPs were, it was a shameful act by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. On WhatsApp privacy breach issue, she said Narendra Modi government was taking away fundamental rights of the citizens. She also accused the government of selling profit-making Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) to ''Narendra Modi's friends''. On BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur's reported reference to Nathuram Godse as 'deshbhakt', in Lok Sabha, she said ''Our party has said everything that needs to be said on the issue''. On Pragya Singh Thakur's reported reference to Nathuram Godse as 'deshbhakt', in Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said ''what she is saying, that is the heart of the RSS & BJP, what can I say? It cannot be hidden. I don't need to waste my time demanding action against that woman''.

Sonia Gandhi attacks BJP's 'shameless efforts' to form government in Maharashtra 

BJP on Thursday condemned party's Bhopal MPs reported remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and said party never supports such statement or ideology.

BJP on Thursday condemned party's Bhopal MPs reported remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and said party never supports such statement or ideology. The party also dropped Thakur from the consultative committee of defence. BJP Working President JP Nadda reportedly told news agency ANI that her (Pragya Singh Thakur) statement on Wednesday in the parliament was condemnable and BJP never supports such statement or ideology. Nadda further said that Thakur will be removed from the consultative committee of defence and will not be allowed to participate in the parliamentary party meetings. Thakur's reported reference to Nathuram Godse as 'deshbhakt' drew condemnation from political parties across the spectrum. Thakur made the comment after interrupting DMK MP A Raja who was citing a statement by Godse on why he killed Gandhi, during a discussion on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill. "You cannot give example of a deshbhakt," Thakur told Raja. Raja said Godse himself admitted that he had nursed a grudge against Gandhi for 32 years before finally deciding to assassinate him. Godse, Raja said, killed Gandhi because he believed in a particular philosophy. While the opposition members protested the interruption by Thakur, the BJP members persuaded her to sit down. Asked about her statement outside Parliament, Thakur said she would reply on Thursday. “Pehle usko poora suniye, mai kal dungi jawab (Listen to the whole thing first, I will reply tomorrow),” she said.

BJP condemns Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks on Nathuram Godse, drops her from defence committee  

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday.

The Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT-In) "sought submission of information from WhatsApp on November 9, 2019, including a need to conduct an audit and inspection of WhatsApp's security systems and processes," Ravi Shankar Prasad told parliament in a statement.

WhatsApp declined to comment.

WhatsApp last month sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group, accusing it of helping clients break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents. The targets of the hacking included diplomats, political dissidents, journalists, along with military and government officials.

Of those allegedly affected by NSO's Pegasus spyware, 121 are based in India, WhatsApp's biggest market with over 400 million users, two sources told Reuters previously.

WhatsApp has responded to CERT's queries but further clarifications have been sought, Prasad said, adding that the agency had also asked NSO Group to provide information about the malware and its impact on Indian users.

NSO has previously denied snooping allegations and said it sells technology to governments to counter-terrorism.

WhatsApp executives including CEO Will Cathcart made no mention of the spyware when they met Indian technology ministry officials in July and September, the minister said.

WhatsApp had, however, informed CERT of an incident in May in which the firm had identified and fixed a "vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices," Prasad said.

A group of Indians including journalists and lawyers whose phones were hacked via WhatsApp have asked the government to make public its ties with the Israeli firm accused of deploying the spyware.

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday.

India wants to conduct an audit of WhatsApp's security systems following revelations that spyware exploited vulnerabilities in the Facebook-owned messaging platform, the country's technology minister said on Thursday. The Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT-In) "sought submission of information from WhatsApp on November 9, 2019, including a need to conduct an audit and inspection of WhatsApp's security systems and processes," Ravi Shankar Prasad told parliament in a statement. WhatsApp declined to comment. WhatsApp last month sued Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group, accusing it of helping clients break into the phones of roughly 1,400 users across four continents. The targets of the hacking included diplomats, political dissidents, journalists, along with military and government officials. Of those allegedly affected by NSO's Pegasus spyware, 121 are based in India, WhatsApp's biggest market with over 400 million users, two sources told Reuters previously. WhatsApp has responded to CERT's queries but further clarifications have been sought, Prasad said, adding that the agency had also asked NSO Group to provide information about the malware and its impact on Indian users. NSO has previously denied snooping allegations and said it sells technology to governments to counter-terrorism. WhatsApp executives including CEO Will Cathcart made no mention of the spyware when they met Indian technology ministry officials in July and September, the minister said. WhatsApp had, however, informed CERT of an incident in May in which the firm had identified and fixed a "vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices," Prasad said. A group of Indians including journalists and lawyers whose phones were hacked via WhatsApp have asked the government to make public its ties with the Israeli firm accused of deploying the spyware.

India plans security audit of WhatsApp after hacking attempt

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park.

Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers.

Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane.

He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony.

On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

&nbsp;

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Six leaders -- two each from Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- took oath as ministers in Maharashtra`s alliance government on Thursday led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Shivaji Park. Congress` Balasaheb Thorat and Nitin Raut, NCP`s Jayant Rajaram Patil, and Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal took oath as ministers. From Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde and Subhash Desai were sworn in as ministers. Uddhav is the first member of the Thackeray family to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the top post after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane. He is leading a government of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibbal, KTS Tulsi, MK Stalin, SK Shinde, Sanjay Raut, and Prithviraj Chavan, MNS leader and Uddhav`s cousin Raj Thackeray were among several leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony. On Tuesday, Thackeray had been unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Maharashtra: Six others take oath as ministers of Uddhav-led 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Congress-NCP-Sena alliance has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/pKaAjqYvWM">pic.twitter.com/pKaAjqYvWM</a>
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The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony.

Shiv Sena party sources confirmed the news and said that Thackeray spoke to the Prime Minister over the phone and invited him.

Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony, the ANI report added.&nbsp;

Both Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Other non-BJP regional satraps like MK Stalin and Mamta Banerjee are also absent from the swearing-in ceremony which stands in stark contrast to the way opposition leaders came to see Kumaraswamy's swearing ceremony in Bengaluru in 2017.

The three-party alliance has agreed on a common minimum programme and have agreed to insert the word secular in its preamble.

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena president and leader of Sena-NCP-Congress alliance Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This ceremony has put an end to a month-long political drama following the assembly elections in Maharashtra. Congress-NCP-Sena alliance has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. #WATCH Uddhav Thackeray takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/pKaAjqYvWM — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2019 × The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony. Shiv Sena party sources confirmed the news and said that Thackeray spoke to the Prime Minister over the phone and invited him. Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony, the ANI report added. Both Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Other non-BJP regional satraps like MK Stalin and Mamta Banerjee are also absent from the swearing-in ceremony which stands in stark contrast to the way opposition leaders came to see Kumaraswamy's swearing ceremony in Bengaluru in 2017. The three-party alliance has agreed on a common minimum programme and have agreed to insert the word secular in its preamble.

Uddhav Thackeray sworn in as the chief minister of Maharashtra

Delhi Police women's patrol unit is riding colour-coded pink scooters with pink helmets to spread awareness on women safety.

The initiative by Delhi Police was launched in September where 16 women constables, trained in armed combat, were handpicked for the job.

The patrolling timing of the team are 11 am-1 pm and 5 pm-7 pm and the constables' arsenal include chilli powder, spy camera, and pepper spray.

Home to some 26 million people - nearly half of them women - Delhi recorded the highest rate of crimes against women in India, according to the most recent federal crime records data released in 2017.

Gender crime has become a serious political issue in Delhi since 2012 when the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman brought thousands of people on to city streets in protest.

Delhi Police women's patrol unit is riding colour-coded pink scooters with pink helmets to spread awareness on women safety. The initiative by Delhi Police was launched in September where 16 women constables, trained in armed combat, were handpicked for the job.

Delhi Police women's patrol unit is riding colour-coded pink scooters with pink helmets to spread awareness on women safety. The initiative by Delhi Police was launched in September where 16 women constables, trained in armed combat, were handpicked for the job. The patrolling timing of the team are 11 am-1 pm and 5 pm-7 pm and the constables' arsenal include chilli powder, spy camera, and pepper spray. Home to some 26 million people - nearly half of them women - Delhi recorded the highest rate of crimes against women in India, according to the most recent federal crime records data released in 2017. Gender crime has become a serious political issue in Delhi since 2012 when the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman brought thousands of people on to city streets in protest.

Pretty in pink: Delhi police's women patrol unit ride pink scooters

India and the United Kingdom (UK) strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated their commitment to work together to tackle the menace. Both sides committed during the 13th meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism held in London on November 25 and 26.

India and the United Kingdom (UK) strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated their commitment to work together to tackle the menace. Both sides committed during the 13th meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism held in London on November 25 and 26. "The 13th meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on #counterterrorism was held in London on 25-26 November. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to #combatterrorism," the Indian High Commission in London tweeted on Wednesday. "Indian delegation was led by Mr. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs & the UK delegation was led by Mr. Simon Shercliff, Director, National Security, Foreign and Commonwealth Office," it said. In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of terrorism and called for "effective steps to ward off the threats posed by radicalisation, violence, and intolerance, during a telephonic conversation with his British counterpart Boris Johnson.

India, UK reaffirm commitment on counter-terrorism cooperation

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony as Maharashtra`s new Chief Minister to be held in Mumbai on Thursday.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oath-taking ceremony as Maharashtra`s new Chief Minister to be held in Mumbai on Thursday. Shiv Sena party sources confirmed the news and said that Thackeray spoke to the Prime Minister over the phone and invited him. Thackeray is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at Shivaji Park at 6.40 pm. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray has also invited Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh for the ceremony. reported news agency ANI. Around 400 farmers from various districts of Maharashtra have been invited for Thackeray`s swearing-in ceremony, the ANI report added. On Tuesday, Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the tri-party alliance. The political development came after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis submitted his resignation as Chief Minister to the Governor on Tuesday as "the BJP fell short of the required number of MLAs to win the scheduled floor test". Supreme Court had asked the Fadnavis government to prove its majority in the 288-member Assembly before 5 pm on Wednesday. In a sudden turn of events, both Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were administered oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, respectively, on Saturday morning, nixing Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP`s bid to form government in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

Uddhav Thackeray invites PM Modi for oath-taking ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister</a> and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

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Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeofUT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeofUT</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1200048700556492802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that he is confident that Thackeray "will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". PM Modi took to microblogging site Twitter and posted, "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra". Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. @OfficeofUT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2019 × Thackeray took oath as Maharashtra CM, putting an end to the month-long political impasse in the state. Thackeray is the leader of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance which has been named 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Shivaji Park ground, which is located in Mumbai's Dadar, a ten-minute walk from the Shiv Sena Bhavan. Shivaji Park has a long association with the Shiv Sena. The 28-acres ground was the venue of the first public rally of Bal Thackeray in 1966.

He will work diligently for Maharashtra's bright future: PM Modi congratulates Uddhav Thackeray

Lionel Messi scored in his 700th match for Barcelona and also set up goals for Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann as the Catalans beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on Wednesday to seal a spot in the Champions League knockout stages as Group F winners.

Lionel Messi scored in his 700th match for Barcelona and also set up goals for Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann as the Catalans beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on Wednesday to seal a spot in the Champions League knockout stages as Group F winners. Messi set up Suarez to put Barca ahead at a packed Camp Nou in the 29th minute before the Uruguayan returned the compliment for the Argentine to establish another Champions League record on his landmark night four minutes later. Messi's left-foot strike meant he had scored against a 34th different team in the Champions League, surpassing the mark that he had shared with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul. "Messi moves so well between the lines and when he receives the ball he is almost unstoppable," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre, whose side struck a late consolation goal through substitute Jadon Sancho. "Sometimes all you can do is try to foul him because he is so explosive. He is also deadly whenever he makes a final ball." Substitute Griezmann finished off a defence-splitting pass from Messi to further stretch Barca's lead in the 67th minute, a much-needed goal for the Frenchman's confidence after failing to score in his previous six appearances for the club. Griezmann had been left out of the starting line-up but came on midway through the first half when his injury-prone compatriot Ousmane Dembele was forced off with a third muscle problem of the campaign. Dortmund's England forward Sancho also began the game on the bench but made an impact when introduced after halftime, firing in an impressive consolation strike for the Germans in the 77th minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the area. The 19-year-old then forced Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to turn a powerful shot on to the crossbar in a strong finish from the German side, whose coach Favre is under pressure due to the team's poor domestic results. But it did not tarnish what was a therapeutic win for Barca, who had come in for scathing criticism for their recent poor displays against Leganes, Levante and Slavia Prague, even though they are top of La Liga and their Champions League group. Ernesto Valverde's side lead the standings with 11 points from five games, Inter Milan are second on seven while Dortmund are third, also on seven, with Slavia bottom with two. "We were in the toughest group in the competition and once again we have qualified for the latter stages with a game to spare," said Valverde. "Our first objective was to qualify as group winners but we also wanted to show a real improvement in our play," added Suarez.

Champions League: Messi scores in 700th match as Barcelona ease into knockout stages

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah said here on Thursday that BJP government has "buried Naxalism in Jharkhand 20-foot beneath the ground" and promised to uproot Naxalism completely if returned to power.

"Today Jharkhand is on the path of development. In Palamu people were ravaged by Naxalism which was the biggest hurdle on the path of development. But under the aegis of BJP led government under Chief Minister Raghubar Das, the Naxalism has been buried 20-foot beneath the ground," said Shah while addressing a public rally here on Thursday.

"Recently, 4 police personnel have been martyred in Latehar. I want to say that when BJP government will come back in the state, we will completely uproot the Naxalism from here," he said.

"Where there are disturbance and trouble there can be no development. Development doesn`t come from the bullet but from the ballot," he urged voters to vote for his party.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20. The votes will be counted on December 23.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah said here on Thursday that BJP government has "buried Naxalism in Jharkhand 20-foot beneath the ground" and promised to uproot Naxalism completely if returned to power.

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah said here on Thursday that BJP government has "buried Naxalism in Jharkhand 20-foot beneath the ground" and promised to uproot Naxalism completely if returned to power. "Today Jharkhand is on the path of development. In Palamu people were ravaged by Naxalism which was the biggest hurdle on the path of development. But under the aegis of BJP led government under Chief Minister Raghubar Das, the Naxalism has been buried 20-foot beneath the ground," said Shah while addressing a public rally here on Thursday. "Recently, 4 police personnel have been martyred in Latehar. I want to say that when BJP government will come back in the state, we will completely uproot the Naxalism from here," he said. "Where there are disturbance and trouble there can be no development. Development doesn`t come from the bullet but from the ballot," he urged voters to vote for his party. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20. The votes will be counted on December 23.

BJP will completely uproot Naxalism in Jharkhand: Amit Shah

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram.

People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months.

"I bought onions today because we cannot avoid using it. It is difficult to buy onions for 100 rupees. We are labourers and something has to be done to reduce the price. For the last two months, the price of onions has been really high. We are trying to minimise its usage. The government is not intervening. It should take action to reduce the price," a customer Seethalekshmi told ANI.

In the market, the wholesale rate of onion is Rs 97- Rs 100 per kilogram. In retail shops, they sell for 100-110 a kilogram.

"The price of onions has crossed 100 rupees and shallots cost 55 rupees for 1/4 kilogram. People can't avoid it so they have reduced their consumption to half. Some people used to buy five kilograms a month, and now they buy only two kilograms," Noufal, a trader said.

The price of onions has shot up in many parts of the country. Earlier on November 20, the union cabinet approved the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes onion in view of its high prices in the market.

"The cabinet has given its approval to the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of onion," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet.

The government has also been holding regular meetings on ways to check the rising price of onions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram. People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months.

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram. People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months. "I bought onions today because we cannot avoid using it. It is difficult to buy onions for 100 rupees. We are labourers and something has to be done to reduce the price. For the last two months, the price of onions has been really high. We are trying to minimise its usage. The government is not intervening. It should take action to reduce the price," a customer Seethalekshmi told ANI. In the market, the wholesale rate of onion is Rs 97- Rs 100 per kilogram. In retail shops, they sell for 100-110 a kilogram. "The price of onions has crossed 100 rupees and shallots cost 55 rupees for 1/4 kilogram. People can't avoid it so they have reduced their consumption to half. Some people used to buy five kilograms a month, and now they buy only two kilograms," Noufal, a trader said. The price of onions has shot up in many parts of the country. Earlier on November 20, the union cabinet approved the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes onion in view of its high prices in the market. "The cabinet has given its approval to the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of onion," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet. The government has also been holding regular meetings on ways to check the rising price of onions.

Kerala: Onion prices shoot up in Thiruvananthapuram, consumers seek government action

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen strategic bilateral ties.

A ceremonial reception will be held in Rashtrapati Bhawan in his honour on Friday.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President will hold talks with Modi and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.

The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work very closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation.

"India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing on November 21.

Last week, Jaishankar had made a brief visit to Colombo where he met Rajapaksa and announced that the latter accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29.

70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president.

His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

(With inputs from ANI)

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month. Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen strategic bilateral ties. A ceremonial reception will be held in Rashtrapati Bhawan in his honour on Friday. Sri Lankan President will hold talks with Modi and also call on President Ram Nath Kovind. The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work very closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation. "India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a weekly briefing on November 21. Last week, Jaishankar had made a brief visit to Colombo where he met Rajapaksa and announced that the latter accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29. 70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in India

Equity benchmark indices ended near the day's high level on Thursday led by a spurt in public sector banks and metal stocks.

The bull run continued despite concerns that US President Donald Trump signing law support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong could become a sticking point in signing the US-China trade deal.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 110 points higher at 41,130 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 54 points to 12,154.

Except for Nifty auto, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green.

Nifty PSU bank added gains of 3.44 per cent while Nifty metal moved up by 1.98 per cent. Among stocks, Bharti Infratel jumped by 14.18 per cent to close the day at Rs 257.25 per share.

Metal majors JSW Steel and Tata Steel gained by 4.1 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively. Banking stocks witnessed stellar buying with Yes Bank edging up by 3.1 per cent along with ICICI Bank and IndusInd Bank which rose by 2.5 per cent each.

State Bank of India ticked up by 1.6 per cent. Reports said index heavyweight Reliance Industries became the first Indian company to hit Rs 10 lakh crore market capitalisation after the stock price hit a new high to close at Rs 1,579.95 per share.

The other losers were Hero MotoCorp, HDFC, Bajaj Auto and HDFC Bank. Meanwhile, Asian share markets wobbled as concerns mounted that tensions over Hong Kong may worsen fractious relations between Washington and Beijing.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and China's Foreign Ministry promptly warned of unspecified firm countermeasures in response.

As a result, Japan's Nikkei slipped by 0.12 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng by 0.22 per cent and South Korea's Kospi by 0.43 per cent. The Shanghai Composite was down by 0.87 per cent.&nbsp;

Equity benchmark indices ended near the day's high level on Thursday led by a spurt in public sector banks and metal stocks. The bull run continued despite concerns that US President Donald Trump signing law support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong could become a sticking point in signing the US-China trade deal.

Equity benchmark indices ended near the day's high level on Thursday led by a spurt in public sector banks and metal stocks. The bull run continued despite concerns that US President Donald Trump signing law support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong could become a sticking point in signing the US-China trade deal. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 110 points higher at 41,130 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 54 points to 12,154. Except for Nifty auto, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green. Nifty PSU bank added gains of 3.44 per cent while Nifty metal moved up by 1.98 per cent. Among stocks, Bharti Infratel jumped by 14.18 per cent to close the day at Rs 257.25 per share. Metal majors JSW Steel and Tata Steel gained by 4.1 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively. Banking stocks witnessed stellar buying with Yes Bank edging up by 3.1 per cent along with ICICI Bank and IndusInd Bank which rose by 2.5 per cent each. State Bank of India ticked up by 1.6 per cent. Reports said index heavyweight Reliance Industries became the first Indian company to hit Rs 10 lakh crore market capitalisation after the stock price hit a new high to close at Rs 1,579.95 per share. The other losers were Hero MotoCorp, HDFC, Bajaj Auto and HDFC Bank. Meanwhile, Asian share markets wobbled as concerns mounted that tensions over Hong Kong may worsen fractious relations between Washington and Beijing. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and China's Foreign Ministry promptly warned of unspecified firm countermeasures in response. As a result, Japan's Nikkei slipped by 0.12 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng by 0.22 per cent and South Korea's Kospi by 0.43 per cent. The Shanghai Composite was down by 0.87 per cent.

Sensex scales up 110 points, Reliance's market cap ends above Rs 10 lakh crore

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.

According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea. BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from ships, aircraft, or land.

In September this year, the missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply, and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired from ITR, Chandipur in Odisha.

In May this year, the IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The air-launched BrahMos missile is a 2.5-tonne supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges of close to 300 km, designed and developed by BAPL.

The IAF became the first Air Force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017.

The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft.

The IAF has been involved in the activity from its inception. The software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers while HAL carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea. BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from ships, aircraft, or land. In September this year, the missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply, and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired from ITR, Chandipur in Odisha. In May this year, the IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The air-launched BrahMos missile is a 2.5-tonne supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges of close to 300 km, designed and developed by BAPL. The IAF became the first Air Force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017. The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft. The IAF has been involved in the activity from its inception. The software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers while HAL carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on the aircraft.

Indian Navy successfully test-fires BrahMos cruise missile

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

"I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said.

He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party."

The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office.

According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening.

Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24.

Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will not be sworn-in as a member of Uddhav Thackeray government today evening. Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, Pawar said that the NCP has yet to make a decision in this regard. "I am not taking oath today. Today six leaders will be taking oath two from each party," Ajit said. He further said, "The decision on deputy chief minister is yet to be taken by the party." The NCP leader was speaking to media after a meeting of Jayant Patil, Prafull Patel, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar here. Ajit resigned as the deputy chief minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government on Monday, three days after he took the oath of the office. According to sources, NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress are discussing to increase the number of leaders who will be taking oath at Shivaji Park today evening. Uddhav Thackeray will be taking oath as the chief minister more than a month after the declaration of Assembly election results on October 24. Political uncertainty continued for weeks after Shiv Sena, the then ally of the BJP, demanded rotation of the chief minister`s post and equal power-sharing, something rejected by the later.

Not taking oath today, says Ajit Pawar; 6 leaders form Sena, Congress, NCP to take oath

BSNL and MTNL are strategic assets for the country, therefore the Central Government has decided to revive them, said Union Minister for Communications, Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday in Rajya Sabha.

YSRCP's Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy raised a question in the Rajya Sabha, "In view of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) in BSNL and MTNL, many skilled and technical people are leaving the organisation so I would like to know whether technical and skilled people are going to be employed under contract basis to at least compete with the private operators.

"To which, Prasad reverted, "BSNL and MTNL are strategic assets for the country, therefore we have decided to revive them. The employee cost of BSNL was 75.06 per cent of revenue, MTNL was 87.15 per cent, Airtel was just 2.95 per cent, Vodafone-Idea 5.59 per cent and Jio 4.27 per cent."

"This load had to be revived by proper Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) package and we have given a very attractive VRS package, they are coming," he added.

"It is our government's desire and me in particular, to revive it and make it professional," Prasad said.&nbsp;

BSNL and MTNL are strategic assets for the country, therefore the Central Government has decided to revive them, said Union Minister for Communications, Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday in Rajya Sabha.

BSNL and MTNL are strategic assets for the country, therefore the Central Government has decided to revive them, said Union Minister for Communications, Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday in Rajya Sabha. YSRCP's Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy raised a question in the Rajya Sabha, "In view of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) in BSNL and MTNL, many skilled and technical people are leaving the organisation so I would like to know whether technical and skilled people are going to be employed under contract basis to at least compete with the private operators. "To which, Prasad reverted, "BSNL and MTNL are strategic assets for the country, therefore we have decided to revive them. The employee cost of BSNL was 75.06 per cent of revenue, MTNL was 87.15 per cent, Airtel was just 2.95 per cent, Vodafone-Idea 5.59 per cent and Jio 4.27 per cent." "This load had to be revived by proper Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) package and we have given a very attractive VRS package, they are coming," he added. "It is our government's desire and me in particular, to revive it and make it professional," Prasad said.

BSNL, MTNL strategic assets for country, we have decided to revive them: Ravi Shankar Prasad

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