China's counter-surveillance industry booms amid heightened espionage fears | Gravitas

Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 forms of Goddess Durga and 9 colours- Check the complete list

Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms, warns of consequences

Russian woman and Bihar boy's love story goes viral after she reaches India to marry him

US Midterms 2026: In Alaska, cost-of-living anxiety meets strangest ballot in high-stakes Senate race

Arijit Singh 9-city India stadium tour to start from January: Check venue and ticket prices

F1 set to return to Africa for first time since 1993 

'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute

CMs Vijay-Naidu meet in Vijayawada, discuss water sharing, river-linking

Air India Flight from Frankfurt diverted to Jaipur after hijack alert, probe on

1,500 drones illuminate Mumbai sky as Cordelia Cruises unveils second ship, Cordelia Sky

Delhi Police arrest Cockroach Janta Party's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde in Jantar Mantar case, to be produced before court

Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay calls on US to 'get back to' being defender of human rights

France accuses Musk of ‘online harassment’ of European leaders, warns of poll interference

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow

At least 80 newborns die at Madhya Pradesh Hospital over six months, BJP MLA demands probe

Trump reconsidering calling off Nidal Hasan's execution livestream. Here's why

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

‘How many people did she illegally bring from Somalia?’ Trump targets Ilhan Omar, questions her net worth

Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties

US politicians mistakenly use Indian, Russian warship images for Navy's birthday posts

'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row

Girl 'dead' for 8 hours wakes up at her own funeral, dad insists she wasn't breathing

Sidhu Moose Wala’s younger brother wins hearts by recreating late singer’s signature move at Toronto Hologram Show

UK school ditches technology, shifts from screen to pen and paper for learning

Durga Puja 2026: Kolkata roads get a splash of colours

New OTT releases this week (October 12-18, 2026): Sacrifice, Koffee with Karan S9, Roadies Rebirth- 6 titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

Inside Aneet Padda's 24th birthday bash with rumoured boyfriend Ahaan Panday and Alia Bhatt

New Cold War: Why is China buying more gold? Explained

Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

Anupam Kher joins Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana as Jatayu, new poster unveiled

Measles kills again: 6 dead in Pennsylvania as America faces its worst outbreak in decades | Gravitas

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials".

Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now.

European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance".

Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month.&nbsp;

Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil.&nbsp;

The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India.

The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs.

This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said. The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday. The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials". Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now. European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance". Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month. Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil. The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India. The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs. This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as US sanctions weigh in

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-challenges-opposition-to-prove-if-he-amassed-assets-kept-money-in-foreign-bank-218697">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyril-ramaphosas-anc-win-closely-watched-south-africa-poll-with-absolute-majority-217627">South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being&nbsp;re-elected</a>, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger.

"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger," Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1128239437836455937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election last week with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts.

The African National Congress (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-election-ramaphosa-celebrates-election-victory-218237/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being re-elected, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on being re-elected, and also said that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow deeper and stronger. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger," Modi tweeted. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to President @CyrilRamaphosa on his re-election. India and South Africa are close partners with many shared values and common interests. I am confident that our relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 14, 2019 × Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election last week with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts. The African National Congress (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote. President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline.

PM Modi congratulates South African President Ramaphosa on being re-elected

The Bombay High Court has sought to know from the Maharashtra government what measures it proposes to tackle "serious" issues like drought in the state.

A vacation bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and N J Jamadar was hearing a petition filed by activist Sanjay Lakhe Patil, seeking setting up of independent disaster management committees in each district of the state.

Patil sought for implementation of the 2016 disaster management guidelines which listed several measures to be undertaken by the state government to tackle natural calamities and disasters, including drought.

When the petition was heard on Monday, Patil produced records before the court to show that water levels in dams and other resources had gone down in the state's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.

"The issue is serious. We want some lawyer from the state government to inform us what measures the government proposes to take (to tackle the issue)," the court said.

The bench then posted the petition for further hearing on May 20.&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court has sought to know from the Maharashtra government what measures it proposes to tackle "serious" issues like drought in the state. A vacation bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and N J Jamadar was hearing a petition filed by activist Sanjay Lakhe Patil, seeking setting up of independent disaster management committees in each district of the state.

The Bombay High Court has sought to know from the Maharashtra government what measures it proposes to tackle "serious" issues like drought in the state. A vacation bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and N J Jamadar was hearing a petition filed by activist Sanjay Lakhe Patil, seeking setting up of independent disaster management committees in each district of the state. Patil sought for implementation of the 2016 disaster management guidelines which listed several measures to be undertaken by the state government to tackle natural calamities and disasters, including drought. When the petition was heard on Monday, Patil produced records before the court to show that water levels in dams and other resources had gone down in the state's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. "The issue is serious. We want some lawyer from the state government to inform us what measures the government proposes to take (to tackle the issue)," the court said. The bench then posted the petition for further hearing on May 20.

High Court asks Maharashtra government about steps taken to tackle drought

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-may-revive-operation-kamala-post-ls-polls-but-it-will-not-succeed-siddaramaiah-210843">Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters.

"I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?"&nbsp;

"Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked.

However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls.

"I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion.

"I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said.

Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see".

"What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked.&nbsp;

He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?"&nbsp;

Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election.

Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls.

For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy.

The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people.

"He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority.

He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said.

Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results.

On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again.

"I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter."&nbsp;

Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls. The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters. "I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?" "Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked. However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls. "I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion. "I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said. Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see". "What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked. He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?" Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election. Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls. For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy. The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people. "He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority. He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said. Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results. On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again. "I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter." Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Still stand by my word not to contest next assembly polls: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Deployed in the old city of Srinagar to maintain law and order, Iqbal says he noticed the child asking him for food after which he offered all his food to him.&nbsp;

On noticing that the child wasn't able to eat on his own, Singh made him eat by his own hands.&nbsp;

"He couldn't move his hands but wanted food. While I was making him eat the food, someone recorded the video and later it became viral," he said in an exclusive chat with WION.&nbsp;

However, this isn't for the first time that Iqbal Singh has shown sympathy and valour. In February this year, when Jaish terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar rammed his explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus in Pulwama, Iqbal was instrumental in rescuing the injured from the spot, hence saving many lives.&nbsp;

"I was part of that CRPF convoy. When the blast happened, I used my vehicle to ferry the injured jawans and later helped to identify many dead also," he says while his senior keenly listened to him.&nbsp;

He has been awarded DG's Disc and Commendation Certificate for his act.

He was driving a vehicle in the CRPF convoy on February 14 at the time of Pulwama terrorist attack.&nbsp;

Standing with a broad chest as he faced the camera, he said despite stone pelting, they want to help the residents of Kashmir valley, any day. His work is being appreciated by his officers.&nbsp;

The social media has been abuzz with praises for the CRPF man. Some said it was the sweetest gesture of love and peace while others lauded Iqbal Singh.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"Humanity is the mother of all religions" 
 
HC Driver Iqbal Singh of 49 Bn Srinagar Sector CRPF deployed on LO duty feeds a paralysed Kashmiri kid in Nawakadal area of Srinagar. In the end, asks him "Do you need water?" 
 
"Valour and compassion are two sides of the same coin" <a href="https://t.co/zYQ60ZPYjJ">pic.twitter.com/zYQ60ZPYjJ</a>
— Srinagar Sector CRPF 🇮🇳 (@crpf_srinagar) <a href="https://twitter.com/crpf_srinagar/status/1128164097982287872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a statement, CRPF said that Iqbal also shared his cup of tea with the kid.

"He also shared his cup of tea with the kid on the same afternoon. IG Srinagar CRPF appreciates the noble gesture of HC Iqbal Singh for going beyond the call of duty," the statement said.&nbsp;

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir.

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir. Deployed in the old city of Srinagar to maintain law and order, Iqbal says he noticed the child asking him for food after which he offered all his food to him. On noticing that the child wasn't able to eat on his own, Singh made him eat by his own hands. "He couldn't move his hands but wanted food. While I was making him eat the food, someone recorded the video and later it became viral," he said in an exclusive chat with WION. However, this isn't for the first time that Iqbal Singh has shown sympathy and valour. In February this year, when Jaish terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar rammed his explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus in Pulwama, Iqbal was instrumental in rescuing the injured from the spot, hence saving many lives. "I was part of that CRPF convoy. When the blast happened, I used my vehicle to ferry the injured jawans and later helped to identify many dead also," he says while his senior keenly listened to him. He has been awarded DG's Disc and Commendation Certificate for his act. He was driving a vehicle in the CRPF convoy on February 14 at the time of Pulwama terrorist attack. Standing with a broad chest as he faced the camera, he said despite stone pelting, they want to help the residents of Kashmir valley, any day. His work is being appreciated by his officers. The social media has been abuzz with praises for the CRPF man. Some said it was the sweetest gesture of love and peace while others lauded Iqbal Singh. "Humanity is the mother of all religions" HC Driver Iqbal Singh of 49 Bn Srinagar Sector CRPF deployed on LO duty feeds a paralysed Kashmiri kid in Nawakadal area of Srinagar. In the end, asks him "Do you need water?" "Valour and compassion are two sides of the same coin" pic.twitter.com/zYQ60ZPYjJ — Srinagar Sector CRPF 🇮🇳 (@crpf_srinagar) May 14, 2019 × In a statement, CRPF said that Iqbal also shared his cup of tea with the kid. "He also shared his cup of tea with the kid on the same afternoon. IG Srinagar CRPF appreciates the noble gesture of HC Iqbal Singh for going beyond the call of duty," the statement said.

J&K: CRPF man feeds his lunch to differently-abled, awarded

A heart-warming video is doing the rounds on Twitter, in which a CRPF jawan in Jammu and Kashmir is seen feeding a child with special needs on the streets.

Video showing CRPF jawan feeding a differently abled child in Jammu Kashmir wins heart, goes viral

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792"> the Indian Army is planning to deploy</a> a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan.

"Some of the fighting formations including air defence and other defensive formations are now planned to be moved closer to the borders," top Army sources told ANI.

"With these air defence units deployed closer to the border, we would be able to tackle any possible aerial strike from enemy side and thwart it close to the border itself," they said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-indias-balakot-airstrikes-new-report-uncovers-fresh-insights-217094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sources said the location of the air defence units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed by the force and it was felt that a number of them can be moved to forward locations to thwart enemy aerial strikes close to the borders itself.

The air defence assets of the Indian Army include the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems along with the Russian Kvadrat and other old legacy systems. The force is also set to receive the latest MR-SAM air defence system which has been produced by the DRD-Israel joint venture.

After India hit the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan, the neighbouring country launched a big aerial attack in Jammu sector along the Line of Control.

Even though the attack was thwarted by the Air Force air defence fighters including the MiG-21s and the Su-30MKIs and one Pakistani F-16 was also shot down, it was felt that presence of air defence units in the area could have caused more damage to the Pakistanis.

Due to the aggressive response of the Air Force, the Pakistanis could come only a couple of kilometres inside the Indian territory.

The Pakistani air attack on February 27 was in response to the Balakot hits by the Indian Air Force a day earlier.

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Army is planning to deploy a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan.

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Army is planning to deploy a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan. "Some of the fighting formations including air defence and other defensive formations are now planned to be moved closer to the borders," top Army sources told ANI. "With these air defence units deployed closer to the border, we would be able to tackle any possible aerial strike from enemy side and thwart it close to the border itself," they said. The sources said the location of the air defence units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed by the force and it was felt that a number of them can be moved to forward locations to thwart enemy aerial strikes close to the borders itself. The air defence assets of the Indian Army include the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems along with the Russian Kvadrat and other old legacy systems. The force is also set to receive the latest MR-SAM air defence system which has been produced by the DRD-Israel joint venture. After India hit the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan, the neighbouring country launched a big aerial attack in Jammu sector along the Line of Control. Even though the attack was thwarted by the Air Force air defence fighters including the MiG-21s and the Su-30MKIs and one Pakistani F-16 was also shot down, it was felt that presence of air defence units in the area could have caused more damage to the Pakistanis. Due to the aggressive response of the Air Force, the Pakistanis could come only a couple of kilometres inside the Indian territory. The Pakistani air attack on February 27 was in response to the Balakot hits by the Indian Air Force a day earlier.

Indian Army to move air defence units closer to Pakistan border post-Balakot strikes

The Home Ministry on Tuesday issued a notification&nbsp;extending a ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for another five years.

The ban was extended with immediate effect&nbsp;under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

LTTE's continued violent and disruptive activities are prejudicial to the integrity and sovereignty of India, the notification said.

The outfit continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture and poses a grave threat to the security of Indian nationals, the notification said.

The LTTE group emerged in Sri Lanka as an outcome of the&nbsp;growing resentment of the Tamil group in the country.

Hundreds of thousands of Tamils lost their jobs after Sinhala was selected as the national language in 1956.

The group soon became the strongest of all rebel groups, based on its unswerving demand for a separate Tamil homeland.

Tensions ran high between the government and the rebel group in July 1983, leading to a full-blown civil war.

In a massive anti-Tamil pogrom that followed, Tamils were hunted and slaughtered. This further led to a spate of attacks by the LTTE. The group carried out a slew of brutal suicide attacks in the 90s.

Sri Lanka has come a long way since the decimation of the Tamil liberation group.

&nbsp;

The Home Ministry on Tuesday issued a notification extending a ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for another five years. The ban was extended with immediate effect under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Home Ministry on Tuesday issued a notification extending a ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for another five years. The ban was extended with immediate effect under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. LTTE's continued violent and disruptive activities are prejudicial to the integrity and sovereignty of India, the notification said. The outfit continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture and poses a grave threat to the security of Indian nationals, the notification said. The LTTE group emerged in Sri Lanka as an outcome of the growing resentment of the Tamil group in the country. Hundreds of thousands of Tamils lost their jobs after Sinhala was selected as the national language in 1956. The group soon became the strongest of all rebel groups, based on its unswerving demand for a separate Tamil homeland. Tensions ran high between the government and the rebel group in July 1983, leading to a full-blown civil war. In a massive anti-Tamil pogrom that followed, Tamils were hunted and slaughtered. This further led to a spate of attacks by the LTTE. The group carried out a slew of brutal suicide attacks in the 90s. Sri Lanka has come a long way since the decimation of the Tamil liberation group.

Government extends ban on LTTE for five more years: Home Ministry

Rainfall in parts of the national capital Monday night brought some relief to Delhiites from scorching heat even as dust storms hit some areas of the city.&nbsp;

By 8:30 pm, traces of rainfall were recorded by the Met department but by 9 pm, parts of Delhi saw heavy showers.&nbsp;

Before the rainfall, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature settled at 25 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

"Areas falling under the Palam Observatory and parts of the area falling under the Safdarjung Observatory saw dust storm with high-speed winds," a Met department official said.

The relative humidity recorded at 5.30 pm was 45 per cent.

On Sunday, the maximum temperature had settled at 39 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall in parts of the national capital Monday night brought some relief to Delhiites from scorching heat even as dust storms hit some areas of the city. By 8:30 pm, traces of rainfall were recorded by the Met department but by 9 pm, parts of Delhi saw heavy showers.

Rainfall in parts of the national capital Monday night brought some relief to Delhiites from scorching heat even as dust storms hit some areas of the city. By 8:30 pm, traces of rainfall were recorded by the Met department but by 9 pm, parts of Delhi saw heavy showers. Before the rainfall, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature settled at 25 degrees Celsius. "Areas falling under the Palam Observatory and parts of the area falling under the Safdarjung Observatory saw dust storm with high-speed winds," a Met department official said. The relative humidity recorded at 5.30 pm was 45 per cent. On Sunday, the maximum temperature had settled at 39 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius.

Rain brings some relief from scorching heat, dust storm in parts of Delhi

Tihar jail authorities on Monday told a Special CBI court that the contentions put forth by AgustaWestland "middleman" Christian Michel over a loss of 16 kilos in jail are false.

In the last hearing, Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar had directed jail authorities to file a reply on the allegations levelled by Michel.

The Dubai-based businessman had stated that he is being fed only boiled vegetables in jail, as a result of which he lost 16 kilograms.

Appearing before the court today, jail authorities, however, contended that Michel has lost only 1.2 kilograms since he was lodged in jail.

Denying the allegations that he is being fed only boiled vegetables, the jail authorities said, "Non-vegetarian food is not allowed as per jail rules. But he can buy fruits and cottage cheese from the canteen."

Following this, Special CBI judge Kumar directed the jail authorities to provide him with food as per the jail manual.

Tihar jail authorities also presented another accused in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper scam, Sushen Mohan Gupta, before the court as his judicial custody ended today. His judicial custody has now been extended till May 23.

Gupta was arrested on March 26 by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering.

On April 20, the special court had dismissed his bail plea.

Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.

While CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

The ED had, on April 4, filed a charge sheet against Michel in the court, in which it claimed to have traced the trail of 70 million Euros that had come allegedly in the form of "kickbacks" in the Rs 3600-crore VVIP chopper deal.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tihar jail authorities on Monday told a Special CBI court that the contentions put forth by AgustaWestland "middleman" Christian Michel over a loss of 16 kilos in jail are false.

Tihar jail authorities on Monday told a Special CBI court that the contentions put forth by AgustaWestland "middleman" Christian Michel over a loss of 16 kilos in jail are false. In the last hearing, Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar had directed jail authorities to file a reply on the allegations levelled by Michel. The Dubai-based businessman had stated that he is being fed only boiled vegetables in jail, as a result of which he lost 16 kilograms. Appearing before the court today, jail authorities, however, contended that Michel has lost only 1.2 kilograms since he was lodged in jail. Denying the allegations that he is being fed only boiled vegetables, the jail authorities said, "Non-vegetarian food is not allowed as per jail rules. But he can buy fruits and cottage cheese from the canteen." Following this, Special CBI judge Kumar directed the jail authorities to provide him with food as per the jail manual. Tihar jail authorities also presented another accused in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper scam, Sushen Mohan Gupta, before the court as his judicial custody ended today. His judicial custody has now been extended till May 23. Gupta was arrested on March 26 by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering. On April 20, the special court had dismissed his bail plea. Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal. While CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, ED is investigating money laundering charges against him. The ED had, on April 4, filed a charge sheet against Michel in the court, in which it claimed to have traced the trail of 70 million Euros that had come allegedly in the form of "kickbacks" in the Rs 3600-crore VVIP chopper deal.

Christian Michel is not being fed boiled food, hasn't lost 16 kilograms: Tihar Jail authorities

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted a successful flight test of ABHYAS - high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) from Interim Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha.

"The flight test was tracked by various radars and electro-optic systems and proved its performance in fully autonomous waypoint navigation mode," a Defence Ministry release said.

The pilotless target aircraft are used by the DRDO and the three services for testing their different types of missiles including air-to-air missiles and surface to air missiles.

The ABHYAS is an advanced expendable target which can be used for simulating different types of aircraft and missiles.

"The configuration of ABHYAS is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine and uses indigenously developed MEMS-based navigation system for its navigation and guidance," the release said.

The performance of the system was as per simulations carried out and demonstrated the capability of ABHYAS to meet the mission requirement for a cost-effective HEAT.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted a successful flight test of ABHYAS - high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) from Interim Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted a successful flight test of ABHYAS - high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) from Interim Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha. "The flight test was tracked by various radars and electro-optic systems and proved its performance in fully autonomous waypoint navigation mode," a Defence Ministry release said. The pilotless target aircraft are used by the DRDO and the three services for testing their different types of missiles including air-to-air missiles and surface to air missiles. The ABHYAS is an advanced expendable target which can be used for simulating different types of aircraft and missiles. "The configuration of ABHYAS is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine and uses indigenously developed MEMS-based navigation system for its navigation and guidance," the release said. The performance of the system was as per simulations carried out and demonstrated the capability of ABHYAS to meet the mission requirement for a cost-effective HEAT.

DRDO conducts successful flight test of high-speed expendable aerial target

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday.

A Cyclone Situation Report released from the office of Special Relief Commissioner said that while 39 deaths have been reported from worst-affected Puri district, nine deaths occurred in Khurdha and six in Cuttack.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state.&nbsp;

Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported.&nbsp;

5030 Kilometers of 33 KV lines, 38613 Km of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 Km of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state.

"In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said.

"Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added.&nbsp;

The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue.&nbsp;

Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni.&nbsp;

Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply. Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday.

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday. A Cyclone Situation Report released from the office of Special Relief Commissioner said that while 39 deaths have been reported from worst-affected Puri district, nine deaths occurred in Khurdha and six in Cuttack. According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state. Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported. 5030 Kilometers of 33 KV lines, 38613 Km of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 Km of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state. "In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said. "Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added. The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue. Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni. Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply. Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

Death toll from Cyclone Fani rises to 64 after Odisha confirms fresh casualties

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.&nbsp;

The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added.&nbsp;

The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. <a href="https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk">https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127953107755970561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official.

The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said. The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added. The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country. West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × "The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official. The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights delayed at Kolkata airport as Internet server goes down

Former ICICI Bank CEO and MD, Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/icici-videocon-loan-case-chanda-kochhar-husband-appear-before-enforment-directorate-218321">called by the Enforcement Directorate</a> (ED) again on Tuesday for questioning in connection with ICICI-Videocon loan case.

They were summoned by the ED earlier today.&nbsp;

The couple arrived at the Enforcement Directorate's headquarters in Delhi's Khan Market shortly before their scheduled appearance time of 11 am, official sources said.

They said the two were required to assist the investigating officer (IO) in taking the probe forward and their statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The couple was supposed to depose before the agency early this month but they had then sought an extension of time and were allowed.

Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law (Deepak's brother) Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case a few days ago here.

The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former ICICI Bank CEO and MD, Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar have been called by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) again on Tuesday for questioning in connection with ICICI-Videocon loan case.

Former ICICI Bank CEO and MD, Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar have been called by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) again on Tuesday for questioning in connection with ICICI-Videocon loan case. They were summoned by the ED earlier today. The couple arrived at the Enforcement Directorate's headquarters in Delhi's Khan Market shortly before their scheduled appearance time of 11 am, official sources said. They said the two were required to assist the investigating officer (IO) in taking the probe forward and their statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The couple was supposed to depose before the agency early this month but they had then sought an extension of time and were allowed. Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law (Deepak's brother) Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case a few days ago here. The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group. (With inputs from PTI)

ICICI-Videocon loan case: Chanda Kochhar, husband to appear before Enforcement Directorate again on Tuesday

Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case registered against them.

The couple arrived at the Enforcement Directorate's headquarters in Khan Market here shortly before their scheduled appearance time of 11 am, official sources said.

They said the two were required to assist the investigating officer (IO) in taking the probe forward and their statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Kochhars were supposed to depose before the agency early this month but they had then sought an extension of time and were allowed, they said.

Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law (Deepak's brother) Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case a few days ago here.

"Rajiv Kochhar has been questioned by the CBI in the same case in the past as well. He is the founder of Singapore-based Avista Advisory and was questioned about the role of his company in the restructuring of the loan by the CBI,"&nbsp;the sources said.

Rajiv Kochhar was asked by the CBI sleuths about the help he had extended to Videocon in relation to the loan from ICICI Bank, which was part of a Rs 400-billion credit given by a consortium of 20 banks to the group of main promoter, Venugopal Dhoot.

The Kochhar couple have been questioned in the past too at the ED zonal office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids in this case on March 1.

The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon Group in Maharashtra's Mumbai and Aurangabad.

The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group.

This ED action was based on a CBI FIR. The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL) -- in its case.

The CBI also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR.

The CBI has slapped sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on all the accused.

It alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhar's company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy in a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009.

The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI alleged.

During its preliminary enquiry, the CBI found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between June, 2009 and October, 2011 in alleged violation of laid-down policies of ICICI Bank, which have now become part of the probe.

"Existing outstanding in the accounts of these private group companies were adjusted in Rupee Term Loan of Rs 1,730 crore sanctioned by ICICI Bank under refinance of domestic debt under consortium arrangement on April 26, 2012," a CBI spokesperson had said.

The loans were declared non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank, it alleged.

The ED, the sources said, is also probing at least two other instances of loans given by ICICI Bank (during Chanda Kochhar's tenure) to Gujarat-based pharmaceutical firm Sterling Biotech and to Bhushan Steel group.

Chanda and Deepak Kochhar are also expected to be asked questions about these loans as it is expected that their questioning may continue on Tuesday, they said.

The agency is investigating these two instances of alleged bank loan fraud under PMLA.

Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case registered against them.

Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case registered against them. The couple arrived at the Enforcement Directorate's headquarters in Khan Market here shortly before their scheduled appearance time of 11 am, official sources said. They said the two were required to assist the investigating officer (IO) in taking the probe forward and their statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Kochhars were supposed to depose before the agency early this month but they had then sought an extension of time and were allowed, they said. Chanda Kochhar's brother-in-law (Deepak's brother) Rajiv Kochhar has also been grilled by the ED multiple times in the case a few days ago here. "Rajiv Kochhar has been questioned by the CBI in the same case in the past as well. He is the founder of Singapore-based Avista Advisory and was questioned about the role of his company in the restructuring of the loan by the CBI," the sources said. Rajiv Kochhar was asked by the CBI sleuths about the help he had extended to Videocon in relation to the loan from ICICI Bank, which was part of a Rs 400-billion credit given by a consortium of 20 banks to the group of main promoter, Venugopal Dhoot. The Kochhar couple have been questioned in the past too at the ED zonal office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids in this case on March 1. The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon Group in Maharashtra's Mumbai and Aurangabad. The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group. This ED action was based on a CBI FIR. The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL) -- in its case. The CBI also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR. The CBI has slapped sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on all the accused. It alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhar's company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy in a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009. The ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot, the CBI alleged. During its preliminary enquiry, the CBI found that six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore were sanctioned to the Videocon Group and companies associated with it between June, 2009 and October, 2011 in alleged violation of laid-down policies of ICICI Bank, which have now become part of the probe. "Existing outstanding in the accounts of these private group companies were adjusted in Rupee Term Loan of Rs 1,730 crore sanctioned by ICICI Bank under refinance of domestic debt under consortium arrangement on April 26, 2012," a CBI spokesperson had said. The loans were declared non-performing assets in 2012, causing a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank, it alleged. The ED, the sources said, is also probing at least two other instances of loans given by ICICI Bank (during Chanda Kochhar's tenure) to Gujarat-based pharmaceutical firm Sterling Biotech and to Bhushan Steel group. Chanda and Deepak Kochhar are also expected to be asked questions about these loans as it is expected that their questioning may continue on Tuesday, they said. The agency is investigating these two instances of alleged bank loan fraud under PMLA.

ICICI-Videocon loan case: Chanda Kochhar, husband appear before Enforcement Directorate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/china-loves-ripping-off-america-says-us-president-donald-trump-218218">China loves ripping off America, says US President Donald Trump</a>

United States President Donald Trump on Monday said that China is "dreaming" that former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election as they "love ripping off America."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-says-four-ships-targeted-by-sabotage-operations-near-fujairah-port-218224">UAE says four ships targeted by 'sabotage operations' near Fujairah port</a>

Four commercial vessels were targeted by "sabotage operations" near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates without causing casualties, the foreign ministry said on Sunday in a statement tweeted by state news agency WAM.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/move-on-nuclear-curbs-shows-iran-not-in-position-of-weakness-says-lawmaker-218222">Move on nuclear curbs shows 'Iran not in position of weakness', says lawmaker</a>

Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-blocks-some-social-media-platforms-after-mosque-attack-in-chilaw-218230">Sri Lanka blocks some social media platforms after mosque attack in Chilaw</a>

The Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked some social media network and instant messaging apps after violent incidents marred the country in the fallout of Easter suicide bombings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-lift-4th-ipl-trophy-with-1-run-win-over-chennai-218193">Mumbai lift 4th IPL trophy with 1-run win over Chennai</a>

Lasith Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as Mumbai beat Chennai by one run to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title Sunday.

&nbsp;

China loves ripping off America, says US President Donald Trump United States President Donald Trump on Monday said that China is "dreaming" that former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election as they "love ripping off America.

China loves ripping off America, says US President Donald Trump United States President Donald Trump on Monday said that China is "dreaming" that former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election as they "love ripping off America." UAE says four ships targeted by 'sabotage operations' near Fujairah port Four commercial vessels were targeted by "sabotage operations" near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates without causing casualties, the foreign ministry said on Sunday in a statement tweeted by state news agency WAM. Move on nuclear curbs shows 'Iran not in position of weakness', says lawmaker Iran's move to stop respecting some of the agreed limits on its nuclear activities showed it is "not in a position of weakness", a deputy speaker of the Islamic republic's parliament said Sunday. Sri Lanka blocks some social media platforms after mosque attack in Chilaw The Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked some social media network and instant messaging apps after violent incidents marred the country in the fallout of Easter suicide bombings. Mumbai lift 4th IPL trophy with 1-run win over Chennai Lasith Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as Mumbai beat Chennai by one run to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000.

Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said.

He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists.

The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said.

"They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details.

A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region).

"Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said.

He said both the individuals are in their teens.

"The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.&nbsp;

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region. The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000. Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said. He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists. The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said. "They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details. A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region). "Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said. He said both the individuals are in their teens. "The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.

LeT plan to spread terror activity to Jammu region foiled, two terrorists held 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-around-20-lakh-trees-uprooted-in-odisha-218405">Cyclone Fani</a> in the coastal areas of the state.

The letter mainly sought relief for construction of houses given the widespread destruction caused by the severe cyclonic storm earlier this month.

"I would request you to kindly consider sanctioning 5 lakh (houses) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Special houses initially for the state of Odisha. As was mentioned during the presentation made on May 6, I reiterate our request for waiver of the Permanent Wait List (PWL) criterion for this particular allocation and also consider a Centre-State fund sharing pattern of 90:10 as a special case," the letter read.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief also said that his government is currently working on a detailed house damage assessment and would soon come out with a report.

"According to preliminary estimation, about 5 lakh houses have been completely or substantially damaged across 14 districts with the major loss occurring in Puri district. While the people of the affected districts have gone through immense hardship, the loss of shelter has been a devastating experience," he wrote.

The Chief Minister also thanked Modi for rendering support after the natural calamity hit the state.

Expressing concern over the approaching monsoon, he wrote about the urgency to provide 'pucca'&nbsp;houses to all those affected.

"The rainy season is fast approaching and the monsoon is likely to reach Odisha around June 10. Therefore, keeping in view the urgency to provide pucca houses to the affected people, we are going ahead with issuing of work orders from June 1, in anticipation of the approval of our proposal by Government of India."

Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, left a trail of destruction in the coastal areas of the state killing 64 people in the state.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by Cyclone Fani in the coastal areas of the state.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by Cyclone Fani in the coastal areas of the state. The letter mainly sought relief for construction of houses given the widespread destruction caused by the severe cyclonic storm earlier this month. "I would request you to kindly consider sanctioning 5 lakh (houses) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Special houses initially for the state of Odisha. As was mentioned during the presentation made on May 6, I reiterate our request for waiver of the Permanent Wait List (PWL) criterion for this particular allocation and also consider a Centre-State fund sharing pattern of 90:10 as a special case," the letter read. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief also said that his government is currently working on a detailed house damage assessment and would soon come out with a report. "According to preliminary estimation, about 5 lakh houses have been completely or substantially damaged across 14 districts with the major loss occurring in Puri district. While the people of the affected districts have gone through immense hardship, the loss of shelter has been a devastating experience," he wrote. The Chief Minister also thanked Modi for rendering support after the natural calamity hit the state. Expressing concern over the approaching monsoon, he wrote about the urgency to provide 'pucca' houses to all those affected. "The rainy season is fast approaching and the monsoon is likely to reach Odisha around June 10. Therefore, keeping in view the urgency to provide pucca houses to the affected people, we are going ahead with issuing of work orders from June 1, in anticipation of the approval of our proposal by Government of India." Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, left a trail of destruction in the coastal areas of the state killing 64 people in the state.

Cyclone Fani: CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi, seeks Centre's help

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-imposes-tariffs-on-60-billion-worth-of-us-goods-218421">Now, China imposes tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods</a>

Shortly after Donald Trump said China should not impose tariffs against the US, China on Monday said it will impose tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods from June 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-warns-of-conflict-by-accident-in-gulf-218331">Worried about risk of conflict happening by accident in Gulf region: UK foreign minister Jeremy Hunt</a>

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-rape-probe-against-assange-to-be-reopened-prosecutors-218320">Swedish rape probe against Julian Assange to be reopened: Prosecutors</a>

Swedish prosecutors on Monday announced that they will re-open the investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange, who is as of now stopped at a high-security jail in the UK, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/you-should-be-ashamed-rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-for-remarks-on-1984-riots-218338">You should be ashamed: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Sam Pitroda for remarks on 1984 riots</a>

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-intelligence-chief-caught-by-afghan-and-us-forces-in-baghlan-218333">Afghan Taliban intelligence chief caught in Baghlan</a>

US defence ministry said today that Afghan and US forces had caught Haji Mohammad Ramin, the intelligence chief of Taliban for northern Baghlan province.

Now, China imposes tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods Shortly after Donald Trump said China should not impose tariffs against the US, China on Monday said it will impose tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods from June 1.

Now, China imposes tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods Shortly after Donald Trump said China should not impose tariffs against the US, China on Monday said it will impose tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods from June 1. Worried about risk of conflict happening by accident in Gulf region: UK foreign minister Jeremy Hunt British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar. Swedish rape probe against Julian Assange to be reopened: Prosecutors Swedish prosecutors on Monday announced that they will re-open the investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange, who is as of now stopped at a high-security jail in the UK, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement. You should be ashamed: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Sam Pitroda for remarks on 1984 riots With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country. Afghan Taliban intelligence chief caught in Baghlan US defence ministry said today that Afghan and US forces had caught Haji Mohammad Ramin, the intelligence chief of Taliban for northern Baghlan province.

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees.

"It will take a long time to revive the greenery of these areas just like before the cyclone. It is a challenging task on the part of the forest department not only in terms of spending money for the efforts but also to provide the manpower for the same. The plan should be directed in such a way so that old greenery in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balukhad and other affected areas will come back," said Bijayshree Routray, Forest and Environment Minister Odisha.

"There has been a proposal for five years and more than 500 crores need to be spent in this regard. But, in effect, it is the question of how the funds will be distributed throughout the year. It also depends on many things - liveability of the saplings, planting and choosing the quality of trees. It will need massive plantation to get back the greenery that we have lost and it may take 20 years for the forest to look like what it was earlier," noted the forest department report.

Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-cyclone-fani-rises-to-64-after-odisha-confirms-fresh-casualties-218229">killed at least 64</a> with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 39 and left a trail of destruction in the state.

Huge numbers of trees were uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected in this regard.&nbsp;

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees.

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees. "It will take a long time to revive the greenery of these areas just like before the cyclone. It is a challenging task on the part of the forest department not only in terms of spending money for the efforts but also to provide the manpower for the same. The plan should be directed in such a way so that old greenery in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balukhad and other affected areas will come back," said Bijayshree Routray, Forest and Environment Minister Odisha. "There has been a proposal for five years and more than 500 crores need to be spent in this regard. But, in effect, it is the question of how the funds will be distributed throughout the year. It also depends on many things - liveability of the saplings, planting and choosing the quality of trees. It will need massive plantation to get back the greenery that we have lost and it may take 20 years for the forest to look like what it was earlier," noted the forest department report. Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, killed at least 64 with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 39 and left a trail of destruction in the state. Huge numbers of trees were uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected in this regard.

Cyclone Fani: Around 20 lakh trees uprooted in Odisha

The rape of a three-year-old girl in Sumbal area of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district has led to widespread protests across the Valley. Schools and business establishments in the area remained shut as protestors demanded the strongest punishment possible for the accused.

Anger erupts in Kashmir over rape of 3-year-old minor, Valley shuts down

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Protesters clashed with the local police at several locations forcing the police to hurl tear smoke shells. Schools and other business establishments are also shut in the state.&nbsp;

According to the family of the victim, she was lured by a local youth and later raped in the vicinity. Facing anger, the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident after arresting the accused.&nbsp;

People from all walks of life, including the mainstream parties in the state, have condemned the heinous incident and have appealed to the administration to investigate the case at the earliest. Governor Satya Pal Malik has also expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to speed up the probe.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case and are also looking to book the accused under the POCSO Act. The school principal who had issued a fake date of birth certificate to the accused has also been detained for the questioning by the police. 
&nbsp;

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Protesters clashed with the local police at several locations forcing the police to hurl tear smoke shells. Schools and other business establishments are also shut in the state. According to the family of the victim, she was lured by a local youth and later raped in the vicinity. Facing anger, the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident after arresting the accused. People from all walks of life, including the mainstream parties in the state, have condemned the heinous incident and have appealed to the administration to investigate the case at the earliest. Governor Satya Pal Malik has also expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to speed up the probe. Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case and are also looking to book the accused under the POCSO Act. The school principal who had issued a fake date of birth certificate to the accused has also been detained for the questioning by the police.

Protests in Jammu and Kashmir after alleged rape of three-year-old girl; accused arrested

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice DN Patel as the next Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.&nbsp;

Rajendra Menon, the current Chief Justice of Delhi, will be retiring in next month.&nbsp;

The apex court Collegium, last week, reiterated its recommendation to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-collegium-reiterates-names-of-justices-bose-bopanna-for-elevation-to-apex-court-217242">elevate Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna</a> to the top court, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice DN Patel as the next Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. The current Chief Justice of Delhi, Rajendra Menon will retire in June, 2019. <a href="https://t.co/2ggCqXqhI3">pic.twitter.com/2ggCqXqhI3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127862400517136385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Collegium observed that nothing adverse has been found regarding their competence, conduct or integrity. It also recommended names of Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant for the elevation.

The two resolutions of the Collegium were made public on the Supreme Court's website on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the 5-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had met and deliberated on the issue of elevation of the four high court judges.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice DN Patel as the next Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Rajendra Menon, the current Chief Justice of Delhi, will be retiring in next month.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice DN Patel as the next Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Rajendra Menon, the current Chief Justice of Delhi, will be retiring in next month. The apex court Collegium, last week, reiterated its recommendation to elevate Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna to the top court, news agency PTI reported. The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice DN Patel as the next Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. The current Chief Justice of Delhi, Rajendra Menon will retire in June, 2019. pic.twitter.com/2ggCqXqhI3 — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × The Collegium observed that nothing adverse has been found regarding their competence, conduct or integrity. It also recommended names of Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant for the elevation. The two resolutions of the Collegium were made public on the Supreme Court's website on Thursday. On Wednesday, the 5-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had met and deliberated on the issue of elevation of the four high court judges. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court Collegium recommends Justice DN Patel as next Chief Justice of Delhi High Court 

Praising Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for her "dedication" towards work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said that she was the only BJP leader who could admonish him.

Addressing an election rally here, Modi said, "As the Lok Sabha speaker, 'Tai' (as Mahajan is popularly known in the constituency) has carried out her duties in a skilful and controlled way. It is because of this, she has left an indelible impression on the minds of people."

"All of you know me as prime minister. But perhaps very few people know that in our party (BJP) if there is anybody who can admonish me, it is Tai," Modi said in the presence of Mahajan, who was seated on the dais.

"Tai and I have worked in the BJP together. The kind of dedication she has towards work, I assure the people of Indore that in terms of the development of the city, none of Tai's wishes will be left unfulfilled," the prime minister said.

Mahajan, an eight-time MP, had last month opted out of contesting the general elections saying she had freed the party to make its choice.

The veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who turned 76 last month, had said that there had been speculations whether the party would field someone who has crossed the 75-year age bar.

She had, however, maintained that she would continue to work for the BJP and campaign for it.

She is the first woman MP to win a record eight consecutive elections. In 2014, she had defeated her nearest rival, Satyanarayan Patel of the Congress, by a staggering margin of 4,66,901 votes.

The BJP had later announced the candidature of Shankar Lalwani for the Indore Lok Sabha seat.

Lalwani, who was earlier the chairman of the Indore Development Authority (IDA) chairman and president of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), is from the Sindhi community and is making his Lok Sabha poll debut.

He will be fighting against Congress's Pankaj Sanghvi.

Polling for the Indore seat will be held on May 19, in the last phase of parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Praising Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for her "dedication" towards work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said that she was the only BJP leader who could admonish him.

Praising Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for her "dedication" towards work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said that she was the only BJP leader who could admonish him. Addressing an election rally here, Modi said, "As the Lok Sabha speaker, 'Tai' (as Mahajan is popularly known in the constituency) has carried out her duties in a skilful and controlled way. It is because of this, she has left an indelible impression on the minds of people." "All of you know me as prime minister. But perhaps very few people know that in our party (BJP) if there is anybody who can admonish me, it is Tai," Modi said in the presence of Mahajan, who was seated on the dais. "Tai and I have worked in the BJP together. The kind of dedication she has towards work, I assure the people of Indore that in terms of the development of the city, none of Tai's wishes will be left unfulfilled," the prime minister said. Mahajan, an eight-time MP, had last month opted out of contesting the general elections saying she had freed the party to make its choice. The veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who turned 76 last month, had said that there had been speculations whether the party would field someone who has crossed the 75-year age bar. She had, however, maintained that she would continue to work for the BJP and campaign for it. She is the first woman MP to win a record eight consecutive elections. In 2014, she had defeated her nearest rival, Satyanarayan Patel of the Congress, by a staggering margin of 4,66,901 votes. The BJP had later announced the candidature of Shankar Lalwani for the Indore Lok Sabha seat. Lalwani, who was earlier the chairman of the Indore Development Authority (IDA) chairman and president of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), is from the Sindhi community and is making his Lok Sabha poll debut. He will be fighting against Congress's Pankaj Sanghvi. Polling for the Indore seat will be held on May 19, in the last phase of parliamentary polls.

Only 'Tai' can admonish me: PM Modi on Sumitra Mahajan

In the last leg of General Election campaign, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-bjp-slam-pitroda-over-remarks-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-distances-itself-217586">Modi stepped up his attack on opposition parties</a> while addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam city on Monday.

During his speech PM Modi said, the country is saying 'enough is enough to to the&nbsp;''mahamilavati'' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sp-bsp-incapable-of-handling-goons-how-will-they-combat-terrorism-pm-modi-218043">(highly adultered) people</a>&nbsp;while referring to Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sam-pitroda-was-out-of-line-he-should-apologise-rahul-gandhi-on-remark-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-217630">Sam Pitroda's 'hua to hua' remark</a> on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"These 'Mahamilavati' (highly adultered) people are saying 'hua toh hua'(happened, so what?), but the country is now saying 'mahamilavati logon ab bohot hua', (highly adultered people, enough is enough!)."

"Poor people who never got pucca houses, electricity, LPG, toilets during Congress era due to its hua to hua casual approach are now saying enough is enough,"&nbsp;he said.

"These three words, 'Hua to hua' (happened, so what?) are not just three words, they reflect the arrogance of Congress," PM Modi added.

Last week on Thursday, BJP, citing the Nanavati Commission report had said that "instructions to kill" came directly from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's office.

In response to that, Pitroda, while rubbishing the allegations, had said, "I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). &nbsp;PM Modi' comments were in reference to that.

Targeting the Kamal Nath government in MP over its alleged failure to implement its loan waiver promise in the state, Modi likened people to God and said, "The Congress cheated God."

He said the Congress had a problem saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', but was happily abusing him.

Modi also took a jibe at Congress veteran Digvijay Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bhopal, for not casting his vote.

The last phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state will be held on May 19 and the counting will be done on May 23. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the last leg of General Election campaign, Prime Minister Modi stepped up his attack on opposition parties while addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam city on Monday.

In the last leg of General Election campaign, Prime Minister Modi stepped up his attack on opposition parties while addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam city on Monday. During his speech PM Modi said, the country is saying 'enough is enough to to the ''mahamilavati'' (highly adultered) people while referring to Congress leader Sam Pitroda's 'hua to hua' remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "These 'Mahamilavati' (highly adultered) people are saying 'hua toh hua'(happened, so what?), but the country is now saying 'mahamilavati logon ab bohot hua', (highly adultered people, enough is enough!)." "Poor people who never got pucca houses, electricity, LPG, toilets during Congress era due to its hua to hua casual approach are now saying enough is enough," he said. "These three words, 'Hua to hua' (happened, so what?) are not just three words, they reflect the arrogance of Congress," PM Modi added. Last week on Thursday, BJP, citing the Nanavati Commission report had said that "instructions to kill" came directly from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's office. In response to that, Pitroda, while rubbishing the allegations, had said, "I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). PM Modi' comments were in reference to that. Targeting the Kamal Nath government in MP over its alleged failure to implement its loan waiver promise in the state, Modi likened people to God and said, "The Congress cheated God." He said the Congress had a problem saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', but was happily abusing him. Modi also took a jibe at Congress veteran Digvijay Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bhopal, for not casting his vote. The last phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state will be held on May 19 and the counting will be done on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Poor people are saying 'enough is enough' to Congress due to its casual approach: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh rally

The Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear on May 17 the Centre's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict which had quashed cadre allocation of IAS and IPS officers of the 2018 batch.

The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the high court had asked the government to redo the entire exercise.

Mehta told the court that those selected under the cadre in the 2018 batch have undergone training and were supposed to start joining their respective cadres from May 10.

The Delhi High Court had recently quashed the Centre's cadre allocations of IAS and IPS officers of the 2018 batch under the new policy and ordered fresh cadre allocation.

It had noted that re-allocation of cadres by authorities should not take much time as it is done electronically, that is through computer program or software, and authorities already possess requisite data.

The high court had said that it was inclined to grant relief to petitioners considering that they have approached the court at the very earliest and at a stage when neither IAS nor IPS officers of the 2018 batch have commenced their on-site training which is cadre-specific.

The court's verdict came on four petitions filed by various officers challenging the notification of Central government allocating cadres to candidates of Indian Police Service (IPS) on the basis of results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2017.

They had sought direction to the Centre to issue a new list allocating respective cadres to selected IPS candidates in the CSE, 2017, purely on the basis of merit and preferences indicated in the online form, by correctly interpreting the Office Memorandum (OM) of September 5, 2017.

The pleas had claimed that the interpretation of Cadre Allocation Policy 2017 adopted by authorities was unreasonable and grossly unfair, unjust and arbitrary.

"The same is violative of the principle of equality in as much, as, the more meritorious candidates, who have ranked higher in CSE, 2017, have been denied allocation to cadres for which they had given their preferences, and less meritorious candidates have been allocated to the said cadres," the officers' counsel had argued.

As per the 2017 office memorandum on cadre allocation policy, states and joint cadres were divided into five zones.

According to that policy, candidates were required to first give their choice in the descending order of preference from amongst various zones.

Thereafter, candidates will indicate one preference of cadre from each preferred zone.

The candidates will indicate their second cadre preference for every preferred zone thereafter.

A similar process will continue until a preference for all cadres is indicated by the candidate.

If a candidate does not give any preference for any of zones/cadres, it will be presumed that he has no specific preference for those zones/cadres and accordingly, if he is not allocated to any one of the cadres for which he has indicated preference, he shall be allotted along with other such candidates in the order of rank to any of the remaining cadres, arranged in an alphabetical order, in which there are vacancies in his category after allocation of all candidates who can be allotted to cadres in accordance with their preference, it had stated.

The Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear on May 17 the Centre's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict which had quashed cadre allocation of IAS and IPS officers of the 2018 batch.

The Supreme Court Monday agreed to hear on May 17 the Centre's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict which had quashed cadre allocation of IAS and IPS officers of the 2018 batch. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the high court had asked the government to redo the entire exercise. Mehta told the court that those selected under the cadre in the 2018 batch have undergone training and were supposed to start joining their respective cadres from May 10. The Delhi High Court had recently quashed the Centre's cadre allocations of IAS and IPS officers of the 2018 batch under the new policy and ordered fresh cadre allocation. It had noted that re-allocation of cadres by authorities should not take much time as it is done electronically, that is through computer program or software, and authorities already possess requisite data. The high court had said that it was inclined to grant relief to petitioners considering that they have approached the court at the very earliest and at a stage when neither IAS nor IPS officers of the 2018 batch have commenced their on-site training which is cadre-specific. The court's verdict came on four petitions filed by various officers challenging the notification of Central government allocating cadres to candidates of Indian Police Service (IPS) on the basis of results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2017. They had sought direction to the Centre to issue a new list allocating respective cadres to selected IPS candidates in the CSE, 2017, purely on the basis of merit and preferences indicated in the online form, by correctly interpreting the Office Memorandum (OM) of September 5, 2017. The pleas had claimed that the interpretation of Cadre Allocation Policy 2017 adopted by authorities was unreasonable and grossly unfair, unjust and arbitrary. "The same is violative of the principle of equality in as much, as, the more meritorious candidates, who have ranked higher in CSE, 2017, have been denied allocation to cadres for which they had given their preferences, and less meritorious candidates have been allocated to the said cadres," the officers' counsel had argued. As per the 2017 office memorandum on cadre allocation policy, states and joint cadres were divided into five zones. According to that policy, candidates were required to first give their choice in the descending order of preference from amongst various zones. Thereafter, candidates will indicate one preference of cadre from each preferred zone. The candidates will indicate their second cadre preference for every preferred zone thereafter. A similar process will continue until a preference for all cadres is indicated by the candidate. If a candidate does not give any preference for any of zones/cadres, it will be presumed that he has no specific preference for those zones/cadres and accordingly, if he is not allocated to any one of the cadres for which he has indicated preference, he shall be allotted along with other such candidates in the order of rank to any of the remaining cadres, arranged in an alphabetical order, in which there are vacancies in his category after allocation of all candidates who can be allotted to cadres in accordance with their preference, it had stated.

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Delhi HC verdict quashing cadre allocation of IAS, IPS officers

india-news

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

india news

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as US sanctions weigh in

PM Modi congratulates South African President Ramaphosa on being re-elected

High Court asks Maharashtra government about steps taken to tackle drought

Still stand by my word not to contest next assembly polls: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

J&K: CRPF man feeds his lunch to differently-abled, awarded

Video showing CRPF jawan feeding a differently abled child in Jammu Kashmir wins heart, goes viral

Indian Army to move air defence units closer to Pakistan border post-Balakot strikes

Government extends ban on LTTE for five more years: Home Ministry

Rain brings some relief from scorching heat, dust storm in parts of Delhi

Christian Michel is not being fed boiled food, hasn't lost 16 kilograms: Tihar Jail authorities

DRDO conducts successful flight test of high-speed expendable aerial target

Death toll from Cyclone Fani rises to 64 after Odisha confirms fresh casualties

Around 25 flights delayed at Kolkata airport as Internet server goes down

ICICI-Videocon loan case: Chanda Kochhar, husband to appear before Enforcement Directorate again on Tuesday

ICICI-Videocon loan case: Chanda Kochhar, husband appear before Enforcement Directorate

News brief: Big stories of the day

LeT plan to spread terror activity to Jammu region foiled, two terrorists held

Cyclone Fani: CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi, seeks Centre's help

News brief: Big stories of the day

Cyclone Fani: Around 20 lakh trees uprooted in Odisha

Anger erupts in Kashmir over rape of 3-year-old minor, Valley shuts down

Protests in Jammu and Kashmir after alleged rape of three-year-old girl; accused arrested

Supreme Court Collegium recommends Justice DN Patel as next Chief Justice of Delhi High Court

Only 'Tai' can admonish me: PM Modi on Sumitra Mahajan

Poor people are saying 'enough is enough' to Congress due to its casual approach: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh rally

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Delhi HC verdict quashing cadre allocation of IAS, IPS officers