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

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

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

CJP slams 'Coward Sarkar' as Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to 5 days' judicial custody over Jantar Mantar protest

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations

First pictures: Indian destroyers, French warships take part in exercise Varuna off Goa

Responding to the strong words used by West Bengal chief minister earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at Mamata Banerjee saying that he is not worried about her anger as the "love of 130 crore people is with him."

PM Modi also said that the kind of language she is using, it can be understood that she is "worried".

PM Modi made the statement while he was addressing a rally in Bankura district in West Bengal.

He further attacked Banerjee saying that she is not ready to accept Modi as country's PM, but "ready to acknowledge the PM of Pakistan".

"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) is disrespecting constitution of India. She is saying that she is not ready to accept the country's prime minister but she feels pride in accepting Pakistan's PM."

PM Modi also said that , "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">when cyclone came in West Bengal</a>, I called 'didi' again and again, but because of her ego, she didn't think it was appropriate to talk to PM," adding, "central government wanted to talk with the officers here and help the state, but 'didi' refused to even hold that meeting".

"In her thirst for power, Mamata Didi first destroyed West Bengal, now she is more determined to destroy the state in fear of losing power," PM Modi said.

With election campaign in its last leg, PM Modi was addressing the rally at poll-bound Bankura district of West Bengal, after which he will go to Purulia district to hold another rally. He&nbsp;will also hold&nbsp;public meetings at Azamgarh, Jaunpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. All these cities are going to polls on May 12.

West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats of which polling for 17 seats is yet to be held in the sixth and seventh phases of the Lok Sabha election on May 12 and 19.

The counting will take place on May 23.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-politics-over-cyclone-fani-mamata-refuses-to-meet-pm-216827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Responding to the strong words used by West Bengal chief minister earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at Mamata Banerjee saying that he is not worried about her anger as the "love of 130 crore people is with him.

Responding to the strong words used by West Bengal chief minister earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at Mamata Banerjee saying that he is not worried about her anger as the "love of 130 crore people is with him." PM Modi also said that the kind of language she is using, it can be understood that she is "worried". PM Modi made the statement while he was addressing a rally in Bankura district in West Bengal. He further attacked Banerjee saying that she is not ready to accept Modi as country's PM, but "ready to acknowledge the PM of Pakistan". "Didi (Mamata Banerjee) is disrespecting constitution of India. She is saying that she is not ready to accept the country's prime minister but she feels pride in accepting Pakistan's PM." PM Modi also said that , "when cyclone came in West Bengal, I called 'didi' again and again, but because of her ego, she didn't think it was appropriate to talk to PM," adding, "central government wanted to talk with the officers here and help the state, but 'didi' refused to even hold that meeting". "In her thirst for power, Mamata Didi first destroyed West Bengal, now she is more determined to destroy the state in fear of losing power," PM Modi said. With election campaign in its last leg, PM Modi was addressing the rally at poll-bound Bankura district of West Bengal, after which he will go to Purulia district to hold another rally. He will also hold public meetings at Azamgarh, Jaunpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. All these cities are going to polls on May 12. West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats of which polling for 17 seats is yet to be held in the sixth and seventh phases of the Lok Sabha election on May 12 and 19. The counting will take place on May 23. ×

By not accepting country's PM, Mamata Banerjee disrespecting constitution of India: Modi in West Bengal rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the BJP will win the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with an even bigger margin than 2014.

BJP will win Lok Sabha polls, opposition can keep dreaming: PM Modi to WION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamta Banerjee for saying she doesn't consider him as the country's prime minister.

Insult to India Constitution: PM Modi on Mamata Banerjee's 'do not consider him PM' remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the sexual harassment allegations levelled against Chief Justice of India (CJI), Ranjan Gogoi. The PM said he is shocked to see the country's top position being maligned like this.

Shocked to see CJI's image being maligned: PM Modi

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant to the Centre for their elevation as apex court judges.

Justice Gavai is presently a judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

As per the Collegium recommendation uploaded on the top court's website, the five-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi met on Wednesday and recommended these two names for their elevation as Supreme Court judges.

Against the sanctioned strength of 31 judges, the apex court is presently functioning with 27 judges.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant to the Centre for their elevation as apex court judges. Justice Gavai is presently a judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant to the Centre for their elevation as apex court judges. Justice Gavai is presently a judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. As per the Collegium recommendation uploaded on the top court's website, the five-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi met on Wednesday and recommended these two names for their elevation as Supreme Court judges. Against the sanctioned strength of 31 judges, the apex court is presently functioning with 27 judges.

Supreme Court Collegium recommends names of Justice Gavai, Surya Kant for elevation as apex court judges

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism.

Gadkari, while deterring to stop river water to Pakistan, said India is not bound to follow the Indus water treaty as peaceful relations no longer exist between the two countries.

"Water is going to Pakistan from three rivers; we do not want to stop that. But the basis of the water treaty between India and Pakistan was peaceful relations and friendship, both of which have completely vanished. So we are not bound to follow this treaty," Gadkari told media here on Wednesday.

He went on to say that India is internally examining the matter.

"Pakistan is continuously supporting terrorists. If Pakistan does not stop terrorism, we won't have any other option but to stop river water to Pakistan. So India has started internally studying it. That water will go to Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan," said Gadkari.

A week after the Pulwama terror attack took place in which as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Gadkari had said Pakistan has "destroyed the spirit" of Indus Waters Treaty, and claimed that people were requesting him "not to give even a drop of India's water" to Islamabad.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960.

As per the Treaty, India has full rights over the waters of 'eastern'&nbsp;rivers--Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. In return, India had to let 'western'&nbsp;rivers-Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum-flow 'unrestricted'&nbsp;to Pakistan.

As per the Treaty, India can use the waters of 'western'&nbsp;rivers as well, but only in a 'non-consumptive'&nbsp;manner. It could use the water for domestic purposes, and even for irrigation and hydropower production, but only in the manner specified in the treaty.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism. Gadkari, while deterring to stop river water to Pakistan, said India is not bound to follow the Indus water treaty as peaceful relations no longer exist between the two countries. "Water is going to Pakistan from three rivers; we do not want to stop that. But the basis of the water treaty between India and Pakistan was peaceful relations and friendship, both of which have completely vanished. So we are not bound to follow this treaty," Gadkari told media here on Wednesday. He went on to say that India is internally examining the matter. "Pakistan is continuously supporting terrorists. If Pakistan does not stop terrorism, we won't have any other option but to stop river water to Pakistan. So India has started internally studying it. That water will go to Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan," said Gadkari. A week after the Pulwama terror attack took place in which as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Gadkari had said Pakistan has "destroyed the spirit" of Indus Waters Treaty, and claimed that people were requesting him "not to give even a drop of India's water" to Islamabad. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960. As per the Treaty, India has full rights over the waters of 'eastern' rivers--Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. In return, India had to let 'western' rivers-Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum-flow 'unrestricted' to Pakistan. As per the Treaty, India can use the waters of 'western' rivers as well, but only in a 'non-consumptive' manner. It could use the water for domestic purposes, and even for irrigation and hydropower production, but only in the manner specified in the treaty.

Water will flow to Rajasthan, Punjab not Pakistan if it continues to support terrorism: Nitin Gadkari

A Pakistani national was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) near Samba sector on Wednesday, officials said.

The person has been identified as Mohammad Afzal, a resident of Narowal in Nihar district of Pakistan.

"The alleged intruder was apprehended by the patrol party near Samba sector. He has been identified as Mohammad Afzal son of Liyakat Ali and a resident of Narowal in Nihar district of Pakistan," BSF said.

It is yet to be revealed if anything suspicious was recovered from him.

A Pakistani national was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) near Samba sector on Wednesday, officials said. The person has been identified as Mohammad Afzal, a resident of Narowal in Nihar district of Pakistan.

A Pakistani national was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) near Samba sector on Wednesday, officials said. The person has been identified as Mohammad Afzal, a resident of Narowal in Nihar district of Pakistan. "The alleged intruder was apprehended by the patrol party near Samba sector. He has been identified as Mohammad Afzal son of Liyakat Ali and a resident of Narowal in Nihar district of Pakistan," BSF said. It is yet to be revealed if anything suspicious was recovered from him.

J&K: BSF apprehends Pakistani national near Samba sector

India and Turkey on Wednesday vowed to strengthen economic relations with the aim of reaching $10 billion bilateral trade by 2020.

Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal, who is on a three-day visit to India since May 7, held talks with Gitesh A Sarma, Secretary (West) under the institutional mechanism of foreign office consultations.

"Deputy Foreign Minister Onal and Secretary (West) held cordial discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties including examining opportunities for enhancing trade and investment relations. Currently, the bilateral trade stands at around $8.6 billion with a target to reach $10 billion by 2020," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Other aspects such as enhanced cultural interaction, tourism, people-to-people contacts were also discussed, it added.

India and Turkey reviewed the current situation in their respective regions and also exchanged views on several multilateral issues.

"The visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Onal is part of the regular exchange between the two countries," the statement said.

Onal had earlier visited India as part of the delegation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May 2017.

"India and Turkey enjoy close, friendly and deep-rooted ties dating back to several centuries and share civilizational links. The recent political exchanges have imparted fresh momentum to our bilateral ties and opened several new avenues for cooperation," the MEA statement said.&nbsp;

India and Turkey on Wednesday vowed to strengthen economic relations with the aim of reaching $10 billion bilateral trade by 2020. Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal, who is on a three-day visit to India since May 7, held talks with Gitesh A Sarma, Secretary (West) under the institutional mechanism of foreign office consultations.

India and Turkey on Wednesday vowed to strengthen economic relations with the aim of reaching $10 billion bilateral trade by 2020. Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal, who is on a three-day visit to India since May 7, held talks with Gitesh A Sarma, Secretary (West) under the institutional mechanism of foreign office consultations. "Deputy Foreign Minister Onal and Secretary (West) held cordial discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties including examining opportunities for enhancing trade and investment relations. Currently, the bilateral trade stands at around $8.6 billion with a target to reach $10 billion by 2020," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Other aspects such as enhanced cultural interaction, tourism, people-to-people contacts were also discussed, it added. India and Turkey reviewed the current situation in their respective regions and also exchanged views on several multilateral issues. "The visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Onal is part of the regular exchange between the two countries," the statement said. Onal had earlier visited India as part of the delegation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May 2017. "India and Turkey enjoy close, friendly and deep-rooted ties dating back to several centuries and share civilizational links. The recent political exchanges have imparted fresh momentum to our bilateral ties and opened several new avenues for cooperation," the MEA statement said.

India, Turkey agree to boost trade, investment ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium &amp; copper sectors in new sanctions</a>

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-national-pleads-guilty-to-providing-support-to-let-217131">US national pleads guilty to providing support to LeT</a>

A US national on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charges of helping and supporting Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-to-seek-extradition-stay-citing-trump-comments-217132">Huawei CFO to seek extradition stay citing Trump comments</a>

Huawei's chief financial officer intends to seek a stay on extradition proceedings in part based on statements by resident Donald Trump about the case, which her lawyers say disqualifies the United States from pursuing the matter in Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/priyanka-gandhi-invokes-delhi-roots-challenges-pm-modi-to-fight-elections-on-false-promises-217137">Priyanka Gandhi invokes Delhi roots, challenges PM Modi to fight elections on false promises</a>

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-accuses-william-barr-of-contempt-as-trump-invokes-executive-privilege-217129">US House panel accuses William Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege</a>

A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday approved a measure to hold US Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium & copper sectors in new sanctions US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

Trump targets Iran's iron, steel, aluminium & copper sectors in new sanctions US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revenue from its exports of industrial metals, the latest salvo in tensions between Washington and Tehran over a 2015 international accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. US national pleads guilty to providing support to LeT A US national on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charges of helping and supporting Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Huawei CFO to seek extradition stay citing Trump comments Huawei's chief financial officer intends to seek a stay on extradition proceedings in part based on statements by resident Donald Trump about the case, which her lawyers say disqualifies the United States from pursuing the matter in Canada. Priyanka Gandhi invokes Delhi roots, challenges PM Modi to fight elections on false promises Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people. US House panel accuses William Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday approved a measure to hold US Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A Cheetah helicopter of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-force-looks-at-buying-advanced-bunker-buster-version-of-spice-2000-bombs-216955">Indian Army</a> made an emergency landing in an open field in Nagaon due to a technical snag.

The chopper was flying towards Missamari from Dimapur on Wednesday when the incident happened.

All three crew members are reported to be safe.

"There was a minor technical problem due to which the chopper was forced to land in an open field. It happened at around 7:45 am. Nothing happened to the ones sitting inside the chopper," Sub-Inspector Jyoti Bora said while commenting on the incident.

A Cheetah helicopter of the Indian Army made an emergency landing in an open field in Nagaon due to a technical snag. The chopper was flying towards Missamari from Dimapur on Wednesday when the incident happened.

A Cheetah helicopter of the Indian Army made an emergency landing in an open field in Nagaon due to a technical snag. The chopper was flying towards Missamari from Dimapur on Wednesday when the incident happened. All three crew members are reported to be safe. "There was a minor technical problem due to which the chopper was forced to land in an open field. It happened at around 7:45 am. Nothing happened to the ones sitting inside the chopper," Sub-Inspector Jyoti Bora said while commenting on the incident.

Indian Army chopper makes emergency landing in Assam due to technical snag

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday the issues relating to the Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.

A notice in this regard was put up on the apex court website which said that the matter will be heard by a five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer.

The matter will come for the first time on Friday since March 8 order by which the top court had referred the decades-old politically sensitive case for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-mediation-in-ayodhya-case-appoints-three-member-panel-201901">mediation by a panel</a> headed by former apex court judge FM I Kalifulla for exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement.

Spiritual guru and founder of Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu, a renowned mediator, are the other two members of the panel of mediators.

The panel was asked by the apex court to hold in-camera proceedings and complete it within eight weeks.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday the issues relating to the Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. A notice in this regard was put up on the apex court website which said that the matter will be heard by a five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday the issues relating to the Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. A notice in this regard was put up on the apex court website which said that the matter will be heard by a five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer. The matter will come for the first time on Friday since March 8 order by which the top court had referred the decades-old politically sensitive case for mediation by a panel headed by former apex court judge FM I Kalifulla for exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement. Spiritual guru and founder of Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu, a renowned mediator, are the other two members of the panel of mediators. The panel was asked by the apex court to hold in-camera proceedings and complete it within eight weeks.

Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya land dispute case on Friday

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Wednesday reviewed the "rescue and relief measures" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-160-injured-in-puri-three-in-bhubaneswar-says-officials-216951">cyclone 'Fani'&nbsp;affected areas of Odisha</a>.

Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha headed the meeting with the senior officials of Odisha government through a video conference.

"Odisha government informed that situation in 8 out of total 9 affected districts has improved and power and telecom services are gradually picking up in the worst affected areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar," a release said.

"About 3500 gang men are engaged in the restoration of power transmission lines, sub-stations etc. and more workers would also be arriving from West Bengal and Telangana.

Landline telephone services in Puri have started functioning and BSNL and other Telecom Service Providers have also somewhat improved their mobile services," it read.

According to the release, the state government, in coordination with the Centre, has prepared a detailed plan identifying priority areas for restoration of power and telecom facilities in Puri and Bhubaneswar.

The Odisha government also informed that it has received the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-dalai-lama-patnaik-pradhan-donate-for-victims-216497">additional financial assistance</a> of Rs 1,000 crores released by the Centre.

"Department of Telecommunications is coordinating with the State government and all telecom service providers to implement the priority plan for quick restoration of mobile and internet services in the affected areas of Odisha," the release further read.

The banking services have also resumed in Puri, non-availability of power and telecom connectivity was hampering the functioning of some ATMs.

"Railways have commenced partial operations between Khurda Road and Puri by running three Express/Mail trains on the route. A full restoration would be done by May 12. Railways is also providing free transportation to workmen deployed for the restoration of Power infrastructure," the release read.

While reviewing the relief measures, the Cabinet Secretary has asked concerned officials of both state and Centre to focus on the implementation of the priority plans prepared for restoration of Power and Telecommunications in Puri and Bhubaneswar and monitor progress on a day-to-day basis.

Senior Officers from Ministries of Home Affairs, Power, Telecommunications, Railways and NDMA also attended the meeting.

Nearly 6 lakh houses were damaged after the 'extremely severe cyclonic storm'&nbsp;Fani hit Odisha coast in Puri district on May 3. At least 41 people lost their lives and around 1.48 crore people were affected due to cyclone 'Fani', the state government informed on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-fani-un-agency-praises-indias-zero-casualty-policy-215918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Wednesday reviewed the "rescue and relief measures" in the cyclone 'Fani' affected areas of Odisha. Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha headed the meeting with the senior officials of Odisha government through a video conference.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Wednesday reviewed the "rescue and relief measures" in the cyclone 'Fani' affected areas of Odisha. Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha headed the meeting with the senior officials of Odisha government through a video conference. "Odisha government informed that situation in 8 out of total 9 affected districts has improved and power and telecom services are gradually picking up in the worst affected areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar," a release said. "About 3500 gang men are engaged in the restoration of power transmission lines, sub-stations etc. and more workers would also be arriving from West Bengal and Telangana. Landline telephone services in Puri have started functioning and BSNL and other Telecom Service Providers have also somewhat improved their mobile services," it read. According to the release, the state government, in coordination with the Centre, has prepared a detailed plan identifying priority areas for restoration of power and telecom facilities in Puri and Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government also informed that it has received the additional financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crores released by the Centre. "Department of Telecommunications is coordinating with the State government and all telecom service providers to implement the priority plan for quick restoration of mobile and internet services in the affected areas of Odisha," the release further read. The banking services have also resumed in Puri, non-availability of power and telecom connectivity was hampering the functioning of some ATMs. "Railways have commenced partial operations between Khurda Road and Puri by running three Express/Mail trains on the route. A full restoration would be done by May 12. Railways is also providing free transportation to workmen deployed for the restoration of Power infrastructure," the release read. While reviewing the relief measures, the Cabinet Secretary has asked concerned officials of both state and Centre to focus on the implementation of the priority plans prepared for restoration of Power and Telecommunications in Puri and Bhubaneswar and monitor progress on a day-to-day basis. Senior Officers from Ministries of Home Affairs, Power, Telecommunications, Railways and NDMA also attended the meeting. Nearly 6 lakh houses were damaged after the 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' Fani hit Odisha coast in Puri district on May 3. At least 41 people lost their lives and around 1.48 crore people were affected due to cyclone 'Fani', the state government informed on Tuesday. ×

Situation in 8 out of total 9 Cyclone Fani affected districts has improved: Odisha government to NCMC

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-shares-sink-as-us-china-trade-talks-go-to-the-wire-217277">World shares sink as US-China trade talks go to the wire</a>

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He was heading to Washington for two days of talks but Trump's insistence that China "broke the deal", and then Beijing's response that it would retaliate against tariffs were ratcheting up the stakes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-president-moon-says-north-koreas-missile-launch-was-a-protest-after-failed-trump-summit-217292">South Korea President Moon says North Korea's missile launch was a protest after failed Trump summit&nbsp;</a>

"North Korea seemed to be discontented it could not reach a deal in Hanoi," Moon said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-co-founder-says-it-is-time-to-break-up-the-company-217297">Facebook co-founder says it is time to break up the company</a>

Facebook Inc co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg roommate Chris Hughes has called for the break up of the social network in an opinion piece in the New York Times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-nasa-shares-before-after-photos-of-power-outage-caused-by-storm-in-odisha-217271">Cyclone Fani: NASA shares before-after photos of power outage caused by storm in Odisha</a>

The images released on Thursday by NASA showed data visualisations of the scale of destruction caused to the state due to the storm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/gautam-gambhir-demands-proofs-after-aaps-atishi-accuses-him-of-distributing-pamphlets-against-her-217298">Gambhir demands proof after AAP's Atishi accuses him of distributing 'derogatory' pamphlets against her</a>

Gambhir further demanded Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to step down in case no proof is found against him.

&nbsp;

World shares sink as US-China trade talks go to the wire Chinese Vice Premier Liu He was heading to Washington for two days of talks but Trump's insistence that China "broke the deal", and then Beijing's response that it would retaliate against tariffs were ratcheting up the stakes.

World shares sink as US-China trade talks go to the wire Chinese Vice Premier Liu He was heading to Washington for two days of talks but Trump's insistence that China "broke the deal", and then Beijing's response that it would retaliate against tariffs were ratcheting up the stakes. South Korea President Moon says North Korea's missile launch was a protest after failed Trump summit "North Korea seemed to be discontented it could not reach a deal in Hanoi," Moon said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS. Facebook co-founder says it is time to break up the company Facebook Inc co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg roommate Chris Hughes has called for the break up of the social network in an opinion piece in the New York Times. Cyclone Fani: NASA shares before-after photos of power outage caused by storm in Odisha The images released on Thursday by NASA showed data visualisations of the scale of destruction caused to the state due to the storm. Gambhir demands proof after AAP's Atishi accuses him of distributing 'derogatory' pamphlets against her Gambhir further demanded Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to step down in case no proof is found against him.

A US national on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charges of helping and supporting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/on-the-eve-of-2611-us-asks-pakistan-to-act-against-lashkar-e-taiba-179176">Pakistan-based terrorist group </a>Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Michael Kyle Sewell, 18, who was arrested in February, admitted to encouraging an individual, identified in court documents only as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-terrorist-is-a-living-proof-provided-to-pakistan-jammu-and-kashmir-police-213247">co-conspirator 1, to join LeT</a>.

He now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing is scheduled for August 12.

According to the guilty plea, Sewell provided the coconspirator, who he spoke to on social media, with contact information for an individual he believed could facilitate the coconspirator's travel to Pakistan to join the LeT.

Unbeknownst to Sewell and the coconspirator, the facilitator was an undercover FBI agent.

Sewell and the coconspirator discussed what the coconspirator should say to the undercover agent who posed as the facilitator, in order to gain the facilitator's trust and be permitted to join the LeT.

He also contacted the facilitator to vouch for the coconspirator's authenticity and told both of them that he would kill the co-conspirator if he turned out to be a spy.

The co-conspirator then contacted the facilitator and made arrangements to travel to Pakistan.

In February, Sewell was charged by the FBI with using social media to recruit people on behalf of the LeT and send them to Pakistan for terrorist training.

The LeT is a UN and US-designated global terrorist organisation and has carried out several terrorist attacks inside India, including the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 that took the lives of 166 people including several Americans.

A US national on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charges of helping and supporting Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

A US national on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charges of helping and supporting Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Michael Kyle Sewell, 18, who was arrested in February, admitted to encouraging an individual, identified in court documents only as co-conspirator 1, to join LeT. He now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing is scheduled for August 12. According to the guilty plea, Sewell provided the coconspirator, who he spoke to on social media, with contact information for an individual he believed could facilitate the coconspirator's travel to Pakistan to join the LeT. Unbeknownst to Sewell and the coconspirator, the facilitator was an undercover FBI agent. Sewell and the coconspirator discussed what the coconspirator should say to the undercover agent who posed as the facilitator, in order to gain the facilitator's trust and be permitted to join the LeT. He also contacted the facilitator to vouch for the coconspirator's authenticity and told both of them that he would kill the co-conspirator if he turned out to be a spy. The co-conspirator then contacted the facilitator and made arrangements to travel to Pakistan. In February, Sewell was charged by the FBI with using social media to recruit people on behalf of the LeT and send them to Pakistan for terrorist training. The LeT is a UN and US-designated global terrorist organisation and has carried out several terrorist attacks inside India, including the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 that took the lives of 166 people including several Americans.

US national pleads guilty to providing support to LeT

Facebook Inc co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg roommate Chris Hughes has called for the break up of the social network in an opinion piece in the New York Times.

"We are a nation with a tradition of reining in monopolies, no matter how well-intentioned the leaders of these companies may be. Mark's power is unprecedented and un-American," Hughes wrote on Thursday.

Facebook owns the largest social network with more than 2 billion users across the world. It also owns WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, each used by more than 1 billion people.

Hughes co-founded Facebook in 2004 at Harvard with the company's Chief Executive Officer Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz. He quit Facebook in 2007.

"It's been 15 years since I co-founded Facebook at Harvard, and I haven't worked at the company in a decade. But I feel a sense of anger and responsibility," said Hughes, who later was an online strategist for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In one of a number of security and privacy scandals to hit the company, Facebook is accused of inappropriately sharing information belonging to 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica.

Hughes said he last met with Zuckerberg in the summer of 2017, several months before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke.

"Mark is a good, kind person. But I'm angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks," Hughes said.

"And I'm worried that Mark has surrounded himself with a team that reinforces his beliefs instead of challenging them."

Hughes is not alone in asking for the break-up of Facebook. Some lawmakers have called for federal privacy regulation and anti-trust action to break up big tech companies.

Facebook Inc co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg roommate Chris Hughes has called for the break up of the social network in an opinion piece in the New York Times.

Facebook Inc co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg roommate Chris Hughes has called for the break up of the social network in an opinion piece in the New York Times. "We are a nation with a tradition of reining in monopolies, no matter how well-intentioned the leaders of these companies may be. Mark's power is unprecedented and un-American," Hughes wrote on Thursday. Facebook owns the largest social network with more than 2 billion users across the world. It also owns WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, each used by more than 1 billion people. Hughes co-founded Facebook in 2004 at Harvard with the company's Chief Executive Officer Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz. He quit Facebook in 2007. "It's been 15 years since I co-founded Facebook at Harvard, and I haven't worked at the company in a decade. But I feel a sense of anger and responsibility," said Hughes, who later was an online strategist for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In one of a number of security and privacy scandals to hit the company, Facebook is accused of inappropriately sharing information belonging to 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Hughes said he last met with Zuckerberg in the summer of 2017, several months before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke. "Mark is a good, kind person. But I'm angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks," Hughes said. "And I'm worried that Mark has surrounded himself with a team that reinforces his beliefs instead of challenging them." Hughes is not alone in asking for the break-up of Facebook. Some lawmakers have called for federal privacy regulation and anti-trust action to break up big tech companies.

Facebook co-founder says it is time to break up the company

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver.

Parliament late Wednesday passed legislation that gives<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-passes-fake-news-law-despite-fierce-criticism-217079"> government ministers powers</a> to order social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false -- and in extreme cases have them taken down.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000).

Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Officials have said the law does not cover opinion but will focus on fighting outright falsehoods carried on social media that can foment disorder in the ethnically diverse nation.

Ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response by government officials rather than fines or jail terms, they said.

Tech firms, rights activists and journalists, however, said it could be used to curb freedom of speech.

"Misinformation is a challenging issue and we are working hard to address it," a Google spokesman said, a day after the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill was passed.

"We remain concerned that this law will hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem.

"How the law is implemented matters, and we are committed to working with policymakers on this process."

Singapore has been expanding its high-tech sector and has convinced many of the world's top companies to establish their regional offices and key facilities on the tiny island.

Google, Twitter and Facebook already have their Asia Pacific headquarters in the city-state.

Last year, Facebook announced it will invest more than $1.0 billion to build a data centre in Singapore, its first in Asia, which is expected to be operational around 2022.

Singapore is also host to several firms engaged in high-tech manufacturing and a nascent tech start-up scene.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said Thursday the passage of the bill is a "hammer blow against the independence of many on-line news portals" and "will have a chilling effect on internet freedom throughout Southeast Asia".

Addressing parliament on Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said the law was necessary as the tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves.

He also denied it was aimed at curtailing free speech.

"Free speech should not be affected by this bill. We are talking here about falsehoods... bots... trolls... fake accounts and so on," he said. 
&nbsp;

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver.

Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver. Parliament late Wednesday passed legislation that gives government ministers powers to order social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false -- and in extreme cases have them taken down. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000). Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Officials have said the law does not cover opinion but will focus on fighting outright falsehoods carried on social media that can foment disorder in the ethnically diverse nation. Ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response by government officials rather than fines or jail terms, they said. Tech firms, rights activists and journalists, however, said it could be used to curb freedom of speech. "Misinformation is a challenging issue and we are working hard to address it," a Google spokesman said, a day after the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill was passed. "We remain concerned that this law will hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem. "How the law is implemented matters, and we are committed to working with policymakers on this process." Singapore has been expanding its high-tech sector and has convinced many of the world's top companies to establish their regional offices and key facilities on the tiny island. Google, Twitter and Facebook already have their Asia Pacific headquarters in the city-state. Last year, Facebook announced it will invest more than $1.0 billion to build a data centre in Singapore, its first in Asia, which is expected to be operational around 2022. Singapore is also host to several firms engaged in high-tech manufacturing and a nascent tech start-up scene. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said Thursday the passage of the bill is a "hammer blow against the independence of many on-line news portals" and "will have a chilling effect on internet freedom throughout Southeast Asia". Addressing parliament on Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said the law was necessary as the tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves. He also denied it was aimed at curtailing free speech. "Free speech should not be affected by this bill. We are talking here about falsehoods... bots... trolls... fake accounts and so on," he said.

Singapore 'fake news' law could hurt innovation: Google

United States space agency NASA on Thursday released images showing the severe impact of the power outage caused by&nbsp;Cyclone Fani, worst to hit in a decade,&nbsp;which struck eastern India earlier this month.

One of the worst-hit states was Odisha which is still reeling under the aftereffects of the cyclone Fani. The cyclone forced&nbsp;evacuation of a million people. The power supply was snapped due to the uprooting of electricity poles, damage to substations and transmission lines&nbsp;plunging parts of Odisha intro darkness for several days.&nbsp;

The images released on Thursday by NASA showed data visualisations of the scale of destruction caused to the state due to the storm.

The images show city lighting on April 30 (before the storm) and on May 5, two days after Fani made landfall in Odisha.

<img alt="NASA image showing cyclone Fani damage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11bddf62-73b2-450c-8485-d6123e4e29a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bhubaneswar_blm_2019125.png" />

<img alt="NASA images" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4ad789d-46d7-4d3e-9381-34908b0ed893" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_2.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: NASA earth observatory)

According to the report on NASA's earth observatory site, images have been made from data acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite.&nbsp;

"VIIRS has a "day-night band" that detects light in a range of wavelengths from green to near-infrared, including reflected moonlight, light from fires and oil wells, lightning, and emissions from cities or other human activity," the report read.

"A team of scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center processed and corrected the raw VIIRS data to filter out stray light from natural sources (for example, moonlight) and from atmospheric interference, such as dust, haze, and thin clouds."

According to latest report on restoration work in Odisha, the situation in 8 out of total 9 affected districts has improved and power and telecom services are gradually picking up in the worst affected areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar, government informed after review meeting with National Crisis Management Committee.

Telephone services in Puri have started functioning while&nbsp;BSNL and other Telecom Service Providers have also improved their mobile services.

The banking services have also resumed in Puri. Non-availability of power and telecom connectivity was hampering the functioning of some ATMs.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States space agency NASA on Thursday released images showing the severe impact of the power outage caused by Cyclone Fani, worst to hit in a decade, which struck eastern India earlier this month.

United States space agency NASA on Thursday released images showing the severe impact of the power outage caused by Cyclone Fani, worst to hit in a decade, which struck eastern India earlier this month. One of the worst-hit states was Odisha which is still reeling under the aftereffects of the cyclone Fani. The cyclone forced evacuation of a million people. The power supply was snapped due to the uprooting of electricity poles, damage to substations and transmission lines plunging parts of Odisha intro darkness for several days. The images released on Thursday by NASA showed data visualisations of the scale of destruction caused to the state due to the storm. The images show city lighting on April 30 (before the storm) and on May 5, two days after Fani made landfall in Odisha. (Image courtesy: NASA earth observatory) According to the report on NASA's earth observatory site, images have been made from data acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite. "VIIRS has a "day-night band" that detects light in a range of wavelengths from green to near-infrared, including reflected moonlight, light from fires and oil wells, lightning, and emissions from cities or other human activity," the report read. "A team of scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center processed and corrected the raw VIIRS data to filter out stray light from natural sources (for example, moonlight) and from atmospheric interference, such as dust, haze, and thin clouds." According to latest report on restoration work in Odisha, the situation in 8 out of total 9 affected districts has improved and power and telecom services are gradually picking up in the worst affected areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar, government informed after review meeting with National Crisis Management Committee. Telephone services in Puri have started functioning while BSNL and other Telecom Service Providers have also improved their mobile services. The banking services have also resumed in Puri. Non-availability of power and telecom connectivity was hampering the functioning of some ATMs. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Fani: NASA shares before-after photos of power outage caused by storm in Odisha

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha.

"In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-in-8-out-of-total-9-cyclone-fani-affected-districts-has-improved-odisha-government-to-ncmc-217133">Fani' cyclone</a>, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said.

The toll in the cyclone-battered state has mounted to 41, officials there had said Wednesday. 
 
Massive restoration work is underway in that state whereFani made landfall near Puri last Friday, ripping apart major infrastructure, including houses, water and power supply among others.

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha. "In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the 'Fani' cyclone, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said.

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha. "In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the 'Fani' cyclone, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said. The toll in the cyclone-battered state has mounted to 41, officials there had said Wednesday. Massive restoration work is underway in that state whereFani made landfall near Puri last Friday, ripping apart major infrastructure, including houses, water and power supply among others.

Karnataka government announces Rs 10-crore relief to cyclone-hit Odisha

Pakistan on Thursday provided its first official confirmation that Asia Bibi, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibi-arrives-in-canada-after-leaving-pakistan-report-217001">Christian woman </a>who spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy, had left the country more than six months after being acquitted by the Supreme Court.

The case created an international furore in October after her release prompted days of rioting and demands for her death from hardline Islamists who rejected the outcome and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government not to let her leave.

"Asia Bibi has left Pakistan of her free will," foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal told reporters in Islamabad, the capital. "She is a free person and left of her own free will."

Faisal did not confirm media reports that she had joined f<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibi-has-left-for-canada-confirms-her-lawyer-216969">amily members in Canada</a>, however.

On Wednesday, Bibi's lawyer Saif-ul-Malook said she had left for Canada to unite with her daughters, who were believed to have already taken asylum there but Canadian authorities have not confirmed this.

In November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was in talks with Pakistan about helping Bibi. This week, Canada said it had no comment on the matter, however.

Pakistan's Supreme Court in January upheld an earlier verdict to free Bibi, but officials have worried that her sudden departure could trigger further riots.

Islamists have been criticising the government and the military for caving into what they call pressure from the West.

Bibi's departure is a Western conspiracy against Islam, a hardline extremist party, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, which has made blasphemy a rallying cry, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The farm worker and mother of five was convicted in 2010 of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours working in the fields with her objected to Bibi's drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

Two Pakistani politicians who sought to help her were assassinated, including Punjab province governor Salman Taseer, who was shot by his own bodyguard.

Any insult to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad carries a death sentence in Pakistan, although no one has been executed in decades.

Blasphemy is such a sensitive issue that a mere accusation can result in mob lynching. At least 67 people have been killed over unproven blasphemy accusations since 1990, human rights groups say.

The blasphemy laws are often invoked to settle personal scores and to intimidate liberal journalists, lawyers and politicians.

Pakistan on Thursday provided its first official confirmation that Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy, had left the country more than six months after being acquitted by the Supreme Court.

Pakistan on Thursday provided its first official confirmation that Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy, had left the country more than six months after being acquitted by the Supreme Court. The case created an international furore in October after her release prompted days of rioting and demands for her death from hardline Islamists who rejected the outcome and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government not to let her leave. "Asia Bibi has left Pakistan of her free will," foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal told reporters in Islamabad, the capital. "She is a free person and left of her own free will." Faisal did not confirm media reports that she had joined family members in Canada, however. On Wednesday, Bibi's lawyer Saif-ul-Malook said she had left for Canada to unite with her daughters, who were believed to have already taken asylum there but Canadian authorities have not confirmed this. In November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was in talks with Pakistan about helping Bibi. This week, Canada said it had no comment on the matter, however. Pakistan's Supreme Court in January upheld an earlier verdict to free Bibi, but officials have worried that her sudden departure could trigger further riots. Islamists have been criticising the government and the military for caving into what they call pressure from the West. Bibi's departure is a Western conspiracy against Islam, a hardline extremist party, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, which has made blasphemy a rallying cry, said in a statement on Wednesday. The farm worker and mother of five was convicted in 2010 of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours working in the fields with her objected to Bibi's drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. Two Pakistani politicians who sought to help her were assassinated, including Punjab province governor Salman Taseer, who was shot by his own bodyguard. Any insult to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad carries a death sentence in Pakistan, although no one has been executed in decades. Blasphemy is such a sensitive issue that a mere accusation can result in mob lynching. At least 67 people have been killed over unproven blasphemy accusations since 1990, human rights groups say. The blasphemy laws are often invoked to settle personal scores and to intimidate liberal journalists, lawyers and politicians.

Christian woman who was on death row has left country, Pakistan says

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi dismissing the plea said, "We don’t find any merit to entertain this petition."

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Yadav, said, as per the earlier verdict of the apex court, the election petition can be filed during enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission, also referred to various apex court judgments and said election petitions can only be filed after polls are over as it would vitiate the electoral process.

At the fag end of the hearing, Bhushan sought liberty from the court to file an election petition after polling is over.

Yadav, who was dismissed from the BSF in 2017 after complaining about the poor quality of food served to the soldiers in a video, which went viral, had filed nomination papers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. His nomination&nbsp;got rejected after he failed to submit a certificate asking for clarification on the reason behind his termination.

According to a report, he was asked to submit a certificate clarifying whether his services were terminated due to corruption or disloyalty to the government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yadav has alleged that he was given a very short period to submit the certificate and his nomination was rejected wrongfully.

In 2017, Yadav had posted four videos on social media which showed him complaining about unpalatable food at his camp along Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was named as the Samajwadi Party candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency to take on Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Earlier, he was in the fray as an independent candidate.

Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes.

The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier.

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi dismissing the plea said, "We don’t find any merit to entertain this petition." Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Yadav, said, as per the earlier verdict of the apex court, the election petition can be filed during enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission, also referred to various apex court judgments and said election petitions can only be filed after polls are over as it would vitiate the electoral process. At the fag end of the hearing, Bhushan sought liberty from the court to file an election petition after polling is over. Yadav, who was dismissed from the BSF in 2017 after complaining about the poor quality of food served to the soldiers in a video, which went viral, had filed nomination papers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. His nomination got rejected after he failed to submit a certificate asking for clarification on the reason behind his termination. According to a report, he was asked to submit a certificate clarifying whether his services were terminated due to corruption or disloyalty to the government. Meanwhile, Yadav has alleged that he was given a very short period to submit the certificate and his nomination was rejected wrongfully. In 2017, Yadav had posted four videos on social media which showed him complaining about unpalatable food at his camp along Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. He was named as the Samajwadi Party candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency to take on Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Earlier, he was in the fray as an independent candidate. Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes. The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from news agencies)

Supreme Court dismisses Tej Bahadur Yadav's plea challenging rejection of his nomination from Varanasi

Rejecting the government's objections, the Supreme Court Collegium has reiterated its recommendation to elevate Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna to the apex court, observing that nothing adverse has been found regarding their competence, conduct or integrity.

The Collegium has also recommended names of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-collegium-recommends-names-of-justice-gavai-surya-kant-for-elevation-as-apex-court-judges-217172">Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant for elevation to the apex court</a>.

The two resolutions of the Collegium were made public on the apex court's website on Thursday.

The 5-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had met on Wednesday and deliberated on the issue of elevation of the four high court judges.

"In view of the above, on due consideration of all aspects mentioned in the file, the Collegium resolves to reiterate the aforementioned recommendation dated 12th April 2019, especially since nothing adverse regarding competence, conduct or integrity of Justices Aniruddha Bose, and AS Bopanna, has been pointed out," the Collegium said in its May 8 resolution.

The government had earlier returned the names of the two judges, citing seniority and representation of regions as the reasons.

Justice Bose, whose parent high court is Calcutta, is the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court and is at number 12 in all-India seniority of judges.&nbsp;

Justice Bopanna, whose parent high court is Karnataka, is the Gauhati High Court Chief Justice and stands at number 36.

The government had returned Justice Bose's name to the Collegium last year as well when he was recommended to head the Delhi high court.

Justice Gavai is a judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

"While recommending the names of Justice BR Gavai and Surya Kant, the Collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges of High Courts, apart from their competence, conduct and integrity," said the Collegium, also comprising Justices S A Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and RF Nariman, in its May 8 resolution.

It added, "The Collegium has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the High Courts as well as to all sections of the society including those belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, women and minorities. We are also conscious of the fact that some High Courts have remained unrepresented in the Supreme Court. The Collegium, therefore, recommends that Justice BR Gavai and Surya Kant, be appointed as Judges in the Supreme Court of India."

As against the sanctioned strength of 31 judges, the apex court is currently functioning with 27 judges.&nbsp;

Rejecting the government's objections, the Supreme Court Collegium has reiterated its recommendation to elevate Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna to the apex court, observing that nothing adverse has been found regarding their competence, conduct or integrity.

Rejecting the government's objections, the Supreme Court Collegium has reiterated its recommendation to elevate Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna to the apex court, observing that nothing adverse has been found regarding their competence, conduct or integrity. The Collegium has also recommended names of Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant for elevation to the apex court. The two resolutions of the Collegium were made public on the apex court's website on Thursday. The 5-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had met on Wednesday and deliberated on the issue of elevation of the four high court judges. "In view of the above, on due consideration of all aspects mentioned in the file, the Collegium resolves to reiterate the aforementioned recommendation dated 12th April 2019, especially since nothing adverse regarding competence, conduct or integrity of Justices Aniruddha Bose, and AS Bopanna, has been pointed out," the Collegium said in its May 8 resolution. The government had earlier returned the names of the two judges, citing seniority and representation of regions as the reasons. Justice Bose, whose parent high court is Calcutta, is the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court and is at number 12 in all-India seniority of judges. Justice Bopanna, whose parent high court is Karnataka, is the Gauhati High Court Chief Justice and stands at number 36. The government had returned Justice Bose's name to the Collegium last year as well when he was recommended to head the Delhi high court. Justice Gavai is a judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. "While recommending the names of Justice BR Gavai and Surya Kant, the Collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges of High Courts, apart from their competence, conduct and integrity," said the Collegium, also comprising Justices S A Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and RF Nariman, in its May 8 resolution. It added, "The Collegium has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the High Courts as well as to all sections of the society including those belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, women and minorities. We are also conscious of the fact that some High Courts have remained unrepresented in the Supreme Court. The Collegium, therefore, recommends that Justice BR Gavai and Surya Kant, be appointed as Judges in the Supreme Court of India." As against the sanctioned strength of 31 judges, the apex court is currently functioning with 27 judges.

Supreme Court Collegium reiterates names of Justices Bose, Bopanna for elevation to apex court 

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-always-stand-for-open-indo-pacific-we-have-put-china-on-notice-pence-190830">Indo-Pacific concept</a> at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region.

Asked about Indian Ocean Rim Association or (IORA) discussing the Indo-Pacific concept, a&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson told WION, "We are expanding our relationships with all Indian Ocean nations along the Bay of Bengal, evident through our economic engagement, Bay of Bengal security initiative, and other efforts. &nbsp;ASEAN centrality is a cornerstone of the US vision for the Indo-Pacific."

The IORA grouping, which has 22 countries who share their shores with the Indian Ocean as its members discussed the concept in a meeting in Mauritius in April.&nbsp;

The State Department with this statement demarcated the geographical border of the concept till Indian shores while New Delhi wants to expand it till the eastern shore of Africa.

Asked about New Delhi's role, the State Department spokesperson said, "We welcome India’s interest in playing a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and look forward to cooperating with our counterparts in the Indian government to achieve mutual goals in this part of the world."

Washington in its national security strategy has said that it supports New Delhi's leadership role in the&nbsp;Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region.&nbsp;

China is also increasing engagement with the region especially through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port and has its only overseas military base in the region in Djibouti. China views the Indo-Pacific concept backed by New Delhi and Washington suspiciously since it sees it as an "encirclement".

The United States provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to the Indo-Pacific region last year, including economic, security, and governance programs.

Last year, it even changed the name of its largest naval command, US Pacific command, to 'Indo-Pacific Command' to boost the growing concept. The Trump administration is also working to revitalise the Export-Import Bank of the United States which is expected to invest $10 billion in Indo-Pacific projects.

India's vision for Indo-Pacific is one of "inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality" as described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year.

Other than IORA, ASEAN has also discussed the concept with Indonesia being a vocal proponent of the concept.

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its Indo-Pacific concept at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region.

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its Indo-Pacific concept at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region. Asked about Indian Ocean Rim Association or (IORA) discussing the Indo-Pacific concept, a US State Department spokesperson told WION, "We are expanding our relationships with all Indian Ocean nations along the Bay of Bengal, evident through our economic engagement, Bay of Bengal security initiative, and other efforts. ASEAN centrality is a cornerstone of the US vision for the Indo-Pacific." The IORA grouping, which has 22 countries who share their shores with the Indian Ocean as its members discussed the concept in a meeting in Mauritius in April. The State Department with this statement demarcated the geographical border of the concept till Indian shores while New Delhi wants to expand it till the eastern shore of Africa. Asked about New Delhi's role, the State Department spokesperson said, "We welcome India’s interest in playing a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and look forward to cooperating with our counterparts in the Indian government to achieve mutual goals in this part of the world." Washington in its national security strategy has said that it supports New Delhi's leadership role in the Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region. China is also increasing engagement with the region especially through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port and has its only overseas military base in the region in Djibouti. China views the Indo-Pacific concept backed by New Delhi and Washington suspiciously since it sees it as an "encirclement". The United States provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to the Indo-Pacific region last year, including economic, security, and governance programs. Last year, it even changed the name of its largest naval command, US Pacific command, to 'Indo-Pacific Command' to boost the growing concept. The Trump administration is also working to revitalise the Export-Import Bank of the United States which is expected to invest $10 billion in Indo-Pacific projects. India's vision for Indo-Pacific is one of "inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality" as described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year. Other than IORA, ASEAN has also discussed the concept with Indonesia being a vocal proponent of the concept.

US expanding ties with Indian Ocean countries especially along Bay of Bengal: State Department to WION

A Delhi court Thursday issued fresh summons against David Nigel John Syms, an alleged middleman and business partner of British national Christian Michel, in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

Special judge Arvind Kumar summoned Syms, named as an accused in the supplementary charge sheet, to appear before the court.

A charge sheet was also filed against Syms and two firms -- Global Services FZE and Global Traders.

Syms and Michel are both directors of the two firms.&nbsp;

Michel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai.

He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

&nbsp;

A Delhi court Thursday issued fresh summons against David Nigel John Syms, an alleged middleman and business partner of British national Christian Michel, in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

A Delhi court Thursday issued fresh summons against David Nigel John Syms, an alleged middleman and business partner of British national Christian Michel, in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case. Special judge Arvind Kumar summoned Syms, named as an accused in the supplementary charge sheet, to appear before the court. A charge sheet was also filed against Syms and two firms -- Global Services FZE and Global Traders. Syms and Michel are both directors of the two firms. Michel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai. He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

VVIP chopper case: Delhi court issues fresh summons against Christian Michel's business partner

The Congress on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that the late <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rajiv-gandhi-used-ins-vikrant-for-personal-holidays-pm-narendra-modi-217077">Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as "personal taxi"</a> on a family vacation, saying he is a "serial liar" who does not have the courage to fight elections on issues such as unemployment and demonetisation.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said retired Indian Navy Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha has clarified that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was on an official visit on INS Viraat and not on a vacation.

"But facts don't matter to Modi. He doesn't have anything to talk about his own achievements. Rahul Gandhi has been challenging him for the last six months now to debate on Rafale deal, demonetisation, unemployment, but Modi does not have the courage to speak," he said at a press conference.

Taking a swipe at Modi for making allegations against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/desperate-congress-has-now-discovered-bjps-role-in-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-arun-jaitley-217221">Rajiv Gandhi</a> who is no more, Khera said has anyone read about former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru saying that his next election will be against Mughal emperor Humayun, or Indira Gandhi making her entire campaign against Queen Victoria.

"We are now hearing that. Modi ji tells us that 30 years ago Rajiv Gandhi went for a holiday in INS Viraat. Prime Minister is a serial liar. A senior official has exposed his lies today. Vice Admiral (retd) Vinod Pasricha appeared on channels some time back and stated that this is a lie and the then PM was on an official visit and not on a holiday," he said.

Khera said Modi is the first Prime Minister who asks for votes on his "failures" and Pulwama was an example of this.

"It was a big intelligence failure. We lost our soldiers due to this monumental failure in internal security," Khera alleged.

The Congress leader also dared Modi to name the people he takes on foreign trips.

"We have seen the campaign, there has been no mention of demonetisation. But you tremble when it is mentioned and hide behind Rajiv Gandhi," he said 
Khera also slammed the Prime Minister for raising the Bofors issue saying it was a BJP-led government at the Centre when the Delhi High Court gave a clean chit to Rajiv Gandhi.

It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government that decided against appealing the order, he said.

"We will debate on Bofors provided you are ready to debate on Rafale," Khera said.

"Those who are no more cannot come and respond to you. Have the courage to respond to those who are there to fight you and are challenging you to a debate on Rafale, on unemployment, on demonetisation, on rural distress on faulty implementation of the GST," he said.

Earlier, Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Thursday said abusing a martyred Prime Minister is the sign of "ultimate cowardice".

"Rajiv ji lost his life due to their hatred and is no longer here amongst us to answer the baseless allegations and abuses which are being unleashed on him. Abusing a martyred Prime Minister is the sign of ultimate cowardice," Patel tweeted.

"But who is responsible for his assassination? The BJP backed V P Singh govt refused to provide him with additional security and left him with one PSO despite credible intelligence inputs and repeated requests," he alleged.

Prime Minister Modi, at a rally here on Wednesday, accused the Gandhi family of using warship INS Viraat as its "personal taxi" for a holiday when Rajiv Gandhi was at the helm, launching a fresh attack on the late Congress leader days after throwing the "bhrashtachari no 1" barb at him.

"Ever imagined that a premier warship of the Indian armed forces could be used as a taxi for a personal holiday? One dynasty did it," Modi had asked.

The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake.

"INS Viraat was insulted by using it as a personal taxi. This happened when Rajiv Gandhi and his family was out for a 10-day vacation. INS Viraat was deployed for securing our maritime boundary. But it was diverted to take the Gandhi family which was out for a vacation," Modi had said.

Congress leaders, including its president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have hit out at Modi for his barb at their father, who was India's prime minister between 1984-89.

The Congress on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that the late Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as "personal taxi" on a family vacation, saying he is a "serial liar" who does not have the courage to fight elections on issues such as unemployment and demonetisation.

The Congress on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that the late Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as "personal taxi" on a family vacation, saying he is a "serial liar" who does not have the courage to fight elections on issues such as unemployment and demonetisation. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said retired Indian Navy Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha has clarified that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was on an official visit on INS Viraat and not on a vacation. "But facts don't matter to Modi. He doesn't have anything to talk about his own achievements. Rahul Gandhi has been challenging him for the last six months now to debate on Rafale deal, demonetisation, unemployment, but Modi does not have the courage to speak," he said at a press conference. Taking a swipe at Modi for making allegations against Rajiv Gandhi who is no more, Khera said has anyone read about former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru saying that his next election will be against Mughal emperor Humayun, or Indira Gandhi making her entire campaign against Queen Victoria. "We are now hearing that. Modi ji tells us that 30 years ago Rajiv Gandhi went for a holiday in INS Viraat. Prime Minister is a serial liar. A senior official has exposed his lies today. Vice Admiral (retd) Vinod Pasricha appeared on channels some time back and stated that this is a lie and the then PM was on an official visit and not on a holiday," he said. Khera said Modi is the first Prime Minister who asks for votes on his "failures" and Pulwama was an example of this. "It was a big intelligence failure. We lost our soldiers due to this monumental failure in internal security," Khera alleged. The Congress leader also dared Modi to name the people he takes on foreign trips. "We have seen the campaign, there has been no mention of demonetisation. But you tremble when it is mentioned and hide behind Rajiv Gandhi," he said Khera also slammed the Prime Minister for raising the Bofors issue saying it was a BJP-led government at the Centre when the Delhi High Court gave a clean chit to Rajiv Gandhi. It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government that decided against appealing the order, he said. "We will debate on Bofors provided you are ready to debate on Rafale," Khera said. "Those who are no more cannot come and respond to you. Have the courage to respond to those who are there to fight you and are challenging you to a debate on Rafale, on unemployment, on demonetisation, on rural distress on faulty implementation of the GST," he said. Earlier, Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Thursday said abusing a martyred Prime Minister is the sign of "ultimate cowardice". "Rajiv ji lost his life due to their hatred and is no longer here amongst us to answer the baseless allegations and abuses which are being unleashed on him. Abusing a martyred Prime Minister is the sign of ultimate cowardice," Patel tweeted. "But who is responsible for his assassination? The BJP backed V P Singh govt refused to provide him with additional security and left him with one PSO despite credible intelligence inputs and repeated requests," he alleged. Prime Minister Modi, at a rally here on Wednesday, accused the Gandhi family of using warship INS Viraat as its "personal taxi" for a holiday when Rajiv Gandhi was at the helm, launching a fresh attack on the late Congress leader days after throwing the "bhrashtachari no 1" barb at him. "Ever imagined that a premier warship of the Indian armed forces could be used as a taxi for a personal holiday? One dynasty did it," Modi had asked. The Navy was made to host the Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi's in-laws, and a helicopter was also deployed in their service, Modi claimed, adding that when a family becomes supreme, the country's security is at stake. "INS Viraat was insulted by using it as a personal taxi. This happened when Rajiv Gandhi and his family was out for a 10-day vacation. INS Viraat was deployed for securing our maritime boundary. But it was diverted to take the Gandhi family which was out for a vacation," Modi had said. Congress leaders, including its president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have hit out at Modi for his barb at their father, who was India's prime minister between 1984-89.

Modi does not have courage to fight elections on real issues: Congress on INS Viraat allegation

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident.

He took to the micro-blogging web site to mount a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government (which) was in power."

"From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role," he continued in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1126359466624991233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government was in power.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1126359464343265280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 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>

His comments came after senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that Rajiv Gandhi lost his life due to BJP's hatred.

Rajiv Gandhi became a campaign point after Modi called the late prime minister a "bhrashtachari no 1" (corrupt no 1) a few days ago.

While addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Prime Minister Modi had said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's father was termed 'Mr. Clean'&nbsp;by his courtiers, but his life ended as ''Bhrashtachari No 1." Ever since there have been attacks and counter-attacks between BJP and Congress leaders.

Following the remarks, a delegation of senior Congress leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajiv Shukla, and Salman Khurshid met officials of the Election Commission and apprised the poll body of their objection over the Prime Minister's statement.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident. He took to the micro-blogging web site to mount a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government (which) was in power." "From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role," he continued in another tweet. From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 9, 2019 × From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government was in power. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 9, 2019 × His comments came after senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that Rajiv Gandhi lost his life due to BJP's hatred. Rajiv Gandhi became a campaign point after Modi called the late prime minister a "bhrashtachari no 1" (corrupt no 1) a few days ago. While addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Prime Minister Modi had said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's father was termed 'Mr. Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as ''Bhrashtachari No 1." Ever since there have been attacks and counter-attacks between BJP and Congress leaders. Following the remarks, a delegation of senior Congress leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajiv Shukla, and Salman Khurshid met officials of the Election Commission and apprised the poll body of their objection over the Prime Minister's statement.

'Desperate' Congress has now discovered BJP's role in Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Arun Jaitley

india-news

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

india news

First pictures: Indian destroyers, French warships take part in exercise Varuna off Goa

By not accepting country's PM, Mamata Banerjee disrespecting constitution of India: Modi in West Bengal rally

BJP will win Lok Sabha polls, opposition can keep dreaming: PM Modi to WION

Insult to India Constitution: PM Modi on Mamata Banerjee's 'do not consider him PM' remark

Shocked to see CJI's image being maligned: PM Modi

Supreme Court Collegium recommends names of Justice Gavai, Surya Kant for elevation as apex court judges

Water will flow to Rajasthan, Punjab not Pakistan if it continues to support terrorism: Nitin Gadkari

J&K: BSF apprehends Pakistani national near Samba sector

India, Turkey agree to boost trade, investment ties

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Army chopper makes emergency landing in Assam due to technical snag

Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya land dispute case on Friday

Situation in 8 out of total 9 Cyclone Fani affected districts has improved: Odisha government to NCMC

News brief: Big stories of the day

US national pleads guilty to providing support to LeT

Facebook co-founder says it is time to break up the company

Singapore 'fake news' law could hurt innovation: Google

Cyclone Fani: NASA shares before-after photos of power outage caused by storm in Odisha

Karnataka government announces Rs 10-crore relief to cyclone-hit Odisha

Christian woman who was on death row has left country, Pakistan says

Supreme Court dismisses Tej Bahadur Yadav's plea challenging rejection of his nomination from Varanasi

Supreme Court Collegium reiterates names of Justices Bose, Bopanna for elevation to apex court

US expanding ties with Indian Ocean countries especially along Bay of Bengal: State Department to WION

VVIP chopper case: Delhi court issues fresh summons against Christian Michel's business partner

Modi does not have courage to fight elections on real issues: Congress on INS Viraat allegation

'Desperate' Congress has now discovered BJP's role in Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Arun Jaitley