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The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking to disqualify Congress president Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections over his dual citizenship. This comes two days after the Centre issued a notice to Gandhi seeking the "factual position" on his citizenship within a fortnight.

In their petition before the Supreme Court, a group of activists have demanded that Gandhi's name should be removed from electoral rolls and sought his disqualification from contesting Lok Sabha polls.

The notice by the Union Home Ministry on Monday came on a complaint from Subramanian Swamy who claimed that Rahul Gandhi was a British national. A Home Ministry official said Swamy had first sent a complaint on Gandhi's citizenship issue in September 2017 and wrote a reminder recently.

A communication from Home Ministry said Swamy's letter also mentioned that in a British company's annual returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, Rahul Gandhi's date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and he had declared his nationality as British.

As a row erupted, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the notice is a normal process and "not a big development" and that the timing of the communication is not relevant.

The issue of Gandhi's dual citizenship was first raised by BJP leader Subramanium Swamy in 2015, where he had written to the Prime Minister to deny the Congress president Indian citizenship. In November 2015, the Supreme Court has dismissed a public interest litigation demanding CBI probe into the citizenship row noting that PILs were not meant to target one individual or organisation but was a medium to resolve human suffering through good governance.

A bench of then Chief Justice of India H L Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had rubbished the plea questioning the source and authenticity of the documents attached to a petition.

In 2016, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had forwarded to the parliamentary ethics committee, headed by veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Swamy's "complaint of ethical misconduct" against Gandhi that he had accessed documents in which the Congress leader had called himself "British".

In his reply to the ethics committee on the allegations of British citizenship, Gandhi had said he had never "sought or acquired British citizenship" and that his "identity is that of an Indian".

He also questioned the committee's decision to look into a "complaint that is not in order", claiming it was "an endeavour to malign" him.

The panel had issued a notice to him, seeking an explanation to whether he had once declared himself a British citizen on the legal papers of a company in the United Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking to disqualify Congress president Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections over his dual citizenship.

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking to disqualify Congress president Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections over his dual citizenship. This comes two days after the Centre issued a notice to Gandhi seeking the "factual position" on his citizenship within a fortnight. In their petition before the Supreme Court, a group of activists have demanded that Gandhi's name should be removed from electoral rolls and sought his disqualification from contesting Lok Sabha polls. The notice by the Union Home Ministry on Monday came on a complaint from Subramanian Swamy who claimed that Rahul Gandhi was a British national. A Home Ministry official said Swamy had first sent a complaint on Gandhi's citizenship issue in September 2017 and wrote a reminder recently. A communication from Home Ministry said Swamy's letter also mentioned that in a British company's annual returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, Rahul Gandhi's date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and he had declared his nationality as British. As a row erupted, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the notice is a normal process and "not a big development" and that the timing of the communication is not relevant. The issue of Gandhi's dual citizenship was first raised by BJP leader Subramanium Swamy in 2015, where he had written to the Prime Minister to deny the Congress president Indian citizenship. In November 2015, the Supreme Court has dismissed a public interest litigation demanding CBI probe into the citizenship row noting that PILs were not meant to target one individual or organisation but was a medium to resolve human suffering through good governance. A bench of then Chief Justice of India H L Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had rubbished the plea questioning the source and authenticity of the documents attached to a petition. In 2016, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had forwarded to the parliamentary ethics committee, headed by veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Swamy's "complaint of ethical misconduct" against Gandhi that he had accessed documents in which the Congress leader had called himself "British". In his reply to the ethics committee on the allegations of British citizenship, Gandhi had said he had never "sought or acquired British citizenship" and that his "identity is that of an Indian". He also questioned the committee's decision to look into a "complaint that is not in order", claiming it was "an endeavour to malign" him. The panel had issued a notice to him, seeking an explanation to whether he had once declared himself a British citizen on the legal papers of a company in the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi citizenship row: Supreme Court agrees to examine petition

Indian authorities are using<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-on-toes-to-face-repercussions-of-cyclone-fani-215218"> boats, buses and trains</a> to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-fani-intensifies-into-extremely-severe-cyclonic-storm-214886/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm.

About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said.

"We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said.

Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said.

Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said.

Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh.

A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said. Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin. The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm. About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said. "We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said. Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said. Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said. Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh. A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

At least 800,000 people to be evacuated along east coast ahead of cyclone 'Fani': Odisha government

With severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cyclone-fani-naidu-requests-election-commission-to-relax-model-code-of-conduct-in-4-coastal-districts-215134">cyclonic storm Fani</a> set to make landfall in Odisha and parts of West Bengal on May 3, the Ministry of Defence has authorised the proactive deployment of resources from Indian Navy and Coast Guard for succour at the time of need.

"It is monitoring the developing situation in East Coast of India for Cyclone Fani and authorises the proactive deployment of resources from Indian Navy and Coast Guard for succour and assistance to those in need with minimum reaction time. Coast Guard has deployed 20 teams," the Ministry said in a statement.

In Bhubaneswar, preparations are underway by Odisha Fire Services in view of the "extremely severe" cyclonic storm.

Around 50 teams of six members each have been kept on alert in the city.

Due to Cyclone Fani, 22 more trains were cancelled by East Coast Railway on Wednesday, taking the total to 103 trains.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "Yellow Alert" warning for Odisha, West Bengal and three districts of Andhra Pradesh.

In a special bulletin issued yesterday, the weather department has forewarned about possible destruction.

Fishermen have been asked not to venture out for fishing from May 1 to May 5.

Shopkeepers on the beach side have also been warned to not open their shops during the warning period.

One of the shopkeepers, Gautam Singh said, "Administration is coming here at regular intervals and announcing not to open shops during warning period as an extremely severe storm is about to hit the land anytime."

Tourists have also been alerted and asked to move to safer zones. "We came here to stay for five days but due to the high alert, our entire group is now going back. Also, we have been barred from getting into the sea," said a tourist, Soham Dey.

Speaking to ANI, Surojit Bag, Asst director of fisheries (Marine) said, "We have issued severe cyclone alarm from May 1 till May 5. Letters have been already issued to BDO and coastal police asking for strict vigilance. Disaster management teams have also been informed."&nbsp;

With severe cyclonic storm Fani set to make landfall in Odisha and parts of West Bengal on May 3, the Ministry of Defence has authorised the proactive deployment of resources from Indian Navy and Coast Guard for succour at the time of need.

With severe cyclonic storm Fani set to make landfall in Odisha and parts of West Bengal on May 3, the Ministry of Defence has authorised the proactive deployment of resources from Indian Navy and Coast Guard for succour at the time of need. "It is monitoring the developing situation in East Coast of India for Cyclone Fani and authorises the proactive deployment of resources from Indian Navy and Coast Guard for succour and assistance to those in need with minimum reaction time. Coast Guard has deployed 20 teams," the Ministry said in a statement. In Bhubaneswar, preparations are underway by Odisha Fire Services in view of the "extremely severe" cyclonic storm. Around 50 teams of six members each have been kept on alert in the city. Due to Cyclone Fani, 22 more trains were cancelled by East Coast Railway on Wednesday, taking the total to 103 trains. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "Yellow Alert" warning for Odisha, West Bengal and three districts of Andhra Pradesh. In a special bulletin issued yesterday, the weather department has forewarned about possible destruction. Fishermen have been asked not to venture out for fishing from May 1 to May 5. Shopkeepers on the beach side have also been warned to not open their shops during the warning period. One of the shopkeepers, Gautam Singh said, "Administration is coming here at regular intervals and announcing not to open shops during warning period as an extremely severe storm is about to hit the land anytime." Tourists have also been alerted and asked to move to safer zones. "We came here to stay for five days but due to the high alert, our entire group is now going back. Also, we have been barred from getting into the sea," said a tourist, Soham Dey. Speaking to ANI, Surojit Bag, Asst director of fisheries (Marine) said, "We have issued severe cyclone alarm from May 1 till May 5. Letters have been already issued to BDO and coastal police asking for strict vigilance. Disaster management teams have also been informed."

Defence Ministry gears up to face repercussions of Cyclone Fani; Around 50 teams on standby in Odisha

An estimated 10,000 villages and 52 towns in Odisha will be hit by the 'extremely severe' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">cyclonic storm 'Fani'</a>, which is approaching India's eastern coast and is expected to make landfall south of Puri on Friday, the home ministry said.

A total of 11.5 lakh people in Odisha will have to be moved to safer areas. Of them, about 3.3 lakh people have already been shifted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-223-trains-cancelled-3-special-trains-put-in-service-to-ferry-stranded-tourists-215465">Cyclone Fani: 223 trains cancelled, 3 special trains put in service to ferry stranded tourists</a>

Flight operations from Bhubaneswar will remain suspended from Thursday midnight and from Kolkata from Friday morning, and will be resumed as soon the conditions improve.

The Odisha government has conveyed to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body for handling emergency situations, on Thursday that 10,000 villages and 52 towns in nine districts will be affected, a home ministry statement said after a meeting of the NCMC, which was headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha.

Action on evacuation is already being taken by the Odisha government and around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house the evacuees.

The storm is likely to impact Odisha's coastal districts Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Balasore. In West Bengal, it will affect districts of East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram besides the Kolkata city.

In Andhra Pradesh, the cyclone is likely to hit Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a storm surge of about 1.5-metre height which may inundate low-lying coastal areas of Ganjam, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha at the time of landfall.

"Arrangements have been made to warn people of the impending cyclone through announcements over public address systems, mass SMS and local media. Teams of NDRF and ODRAF have been put in place," the statement said.

During the NCMC meeting, the cabinet secretary reviewed the preparedness of the states and the central ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has informed the NCMC that flight operations from Bhubaneswar will be suspended from May 2 midnight and operations from Kolkata will remain suspended from the morning of May 3, and resumed as soon the conditions improve. The railways have already suspended operations of trains in Odisha, the MHA statement said.

Reviewing the preparedness of the state and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed officials that people from vulnerable areas be moved to safer places, cyclone shelters and provision for essential food, drinking water and medicines be made.

Sinha also directed establishment of a central toll-free helpline for the public. He also asked the central ministries to set up control rooms to coordinate rescue and relief operations and advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services in the event of damages caused to them.

The Power Ministry has made arrangements to restore power supply in affected areas with least downtime. The Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry has made arrangements to move additional water supplies in the affected areas and is keeping in readiness packaged drinking water.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is keeping in readiness packaged ready-to-eat food.&nbsp;

The Health Ministry has mobilised emergency medical teams, medicines and also coordinated with the Red Cross to provide assistance. It has kept ready 17 public health response teams and five quick response medical teams with emergency drugs.

The Department of Telecommunication has issued orders to all operators to allow free SMS for cyclone-related messages and inter-operability of mobile networks by other operators. The Petroleum Ministry has ensured the availability of sufficient petroleum and oil in the affected areas.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in the three states have also been put on standby.

The Ministry of Shipping has disengaged all ships at Paradip Port and has deployed emergency vessels (Tugs).

The IMD has been issuing hourly bulletins with the latest forecast to all the states concerned. The home ministry is also in continuous touch with the state governments and the central agencies concerned.

Top officials of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC meeting through video conference. Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, civil aviation, railways, petroleum, power, telecommunications, defence, drinking water and sanitation, food pocessing, health, IMD, NDMA and NDRF also attended the meeting.

An estimated 10,000 villages and 52 towns in Odisha will be hit by the 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is approaching India's eastern coast and is expected to make landfall south of Puri on Friday, the home ministry said.

An estimated 10,000 villages and 52 towns in Odisha will be hit by the 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is approaching India's eastern coast and is expected to make landfall south of Puri on Friday, the home ministry said. A total of 11.5 lakh people in Odisha will have to be moved to safer areas. Of them, about 3.3 lakh people have already been shifted. Also read: Cyclone Fani: 223 trains cancelled, 3 special trains put in service to ferry stranded tourists Flight operations from Bhubaneswar will remain suspended from Thursday midnight and from Kolkata from Friday morning, and will be resumed as soon the conditions improve. The Odisha government has conveyed to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body for handling emergency situations, on Thursday that 10,000 villages and 52 towns in nine districts will be affected, a home ministry statement said after a meeting of the NCMC, which was headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha. Action on evacuation is already being taken by the Odisha government and around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house the evacuees. The storm is likely to impact Odisha's coastal districts Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Balasore. In West Bengal, it will affect districts of East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram besides the Kolkata city. In Andhra Pradesh, the cyclone is likely to hit Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a storm surge of about 1.5-metre height which may inundate low-lying coastal areas of Ganjam, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha at the time of landfall. "Arrangements have been made to warn people of the impending cyclone through announcements over public address systems, mass SMS and local media. Teams of NDRF and ODRAF have been put in place," the statement said. During the NCMC meeting, the cabinet secretary reviewed the preparedness of the states and the central ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. The Civil Aviation Ministry has informed the NCMC that flight operations from Bhubaneswar will be suspended from May 2 midnight and operations from Kolkata will remain suspended from the morning of May 3, and resumed as soon the conditions improve. The railways have already suspended operations of trains in Odisha, the MHA statement said. Reviewing the preparedness of the state and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed officials that people from vulnerable areas be moved to safer places, cyclone shelters and provision for essential food, drinking water and medicines be made. Sinha also directed establishment of a central toll-free helpline for the public. He also asked the central ministries to set up control rooms to coordinate rescue and relief operations and advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services in the event of damages caused to them. The Power Ministry has made arrangements to restore power supply in affected areas with least downtime. The Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry has made arrangements to move additional water supplies in the affected areas and is keeping in readiness packaged drinking water. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is keeping in readiness packaged ready-to-eat food. The Health Ministry has mobilised emergency medical teams, medicines and also coordinated with the Red Cross to provide assistance. It has kept ready 17 public health response teams and five quick response medical teams with emergency drugs. The Department of Telecommunication has issued orders to all operators to allow free SMS for cyclone-related messages and inter-operability of mobile networks by other operators. The Petroleum Ministry has ensured the availability of sufficient petroleum and oil in the affected areas. The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in the three states have also been put on standby. The Ministry of Shipping has disengaged all ships at Paradip Port and has deployed emergency vessels (Tugs). The IMD has been issuing hourly bulletins with the latest forecast to all the states concerned. The home ministry is also in continuous touch with the state governments and the central agencies concerned. Top officials of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC meeting through video conference. Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, civil aviation, railways, petroleum, power, telecommunications, defence, drinking water and sanitation, food pocessing, health, IMD, NDMA and NDRF also attended the meeting.

Cyclone Fani to hit 10,000 villages, 52 towns in Odisha; massive evacuation underway

Four vehicles engaged in road construction work were allegedly torched by Naxals on Thursday in Barachatti in Bihar's Gaya district, news agency ANI reported.

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.

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Bihar: Naxals torch four vehicles engaged in road construction work in Barachatti, Gaya. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/jFnblAQgsA">pic.twitter.com/jFnblAQgsA</a>
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Today's incident came a day after at least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed in Kurkheda area of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gadchiroli-naxal-attack-15-commandos-police-driver-killed-combing-operation-underway-215035">powerful explosion triggered by the Naxalites</a> blew up their vehicle.&nbsp;

Those killed were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli police, which was on way to inspect a fleet of torched vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor, police said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack on Twitter said that he salutes all the brave personnel and their "sacrifices will never be forgotten."

"Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," PM Modi said.

Security forces have been fighting Maoists rebels for decades in several areas, in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.

Naxals also allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district on Wednesday. On April 11, an encounter broke out between CRPF personnel and Naxals in the Naxal affected district of Gadchiroli.

(With inputs from news agencies) 
&nbsp;

Four vehicles engaged in road construction work were allegedly torched by Naxals on Thursday in Barachatti in Bihar's Gaya district, news agency ANI reported. Further details regarding the incident are awaited.

Four vehicles engaged in road construction work were allegedly torched by Naxals on Thursday in Barachatti in Bihar's Gaya district, news agency ANI reported. Further details regarding the incident are awaited. Bihar: Naxals torch four vehicles engaged in road construction work in Barachatti, Gaya. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/jFnblAQgsA — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2019 × Today's incident came a day after at least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed in Kurkheda area of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after a powerful explosion triggered by the Naxalites blew up their vehicle. Those killed were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli police, which was on way to inspect a fleet of torched vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor, police said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack on Twitter said that he salutes all the brave personnel and their "sacrifices will never be forgotten." "Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," PM Modi said. Security forces have been fighting Maoists rebels for decades in several areas, in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands. Naxals also allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district on Wednesday. On April 11, an encounter broke out between CRPF personnel and Naxals in the Naxal affected district of Gadchiroli. (With inputs from news agencies)

Bihar: Naxals allegedly torch 4 vehicles engaged in road construction work in Gaya

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Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil. UK PM Theresa May sacks defence minister Williamson over Huawei leak British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China's Huawei to develop its 5G network. US Attorney General William Barr refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee on Mueller report US Attorney General Bill Barr rejected allegations in a Senate hearing Wednesday that he had whitewashed the Mueller Russian interference report to protect President Donald Trump, but then refused to appear before the House to answer similar questions. Putin signs bill to steer Russian net traffic away from foreign servers President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed into law a "sovereign internet" bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country's internet, a move decried by rights groups. Clashes break out at Venezuela May Day protest Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">cyclone Fani</a> which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday.&nbsp;

These include 140 Mail/Express trains and 83 passenger trains.&nbsp;

"All trains cancelled in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (along Odisha coastline) of Kolkata-Chennai route till May 4 afternoon in view of cyclone Fani," a railway spokesperson said.

Railways have also pressed into service three special trains to ferry passengers. The 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

While nine trains have been diverted, four others have also been short-terminated, the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The national transporter said it will grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey.

The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Eranakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express.

The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which were scheduled to run on Thursday have been cancelled as well.

Officials said that announcements about the special trains as well as the cancellations are being made across beaches and tourists spots to help tourists.

The Railways has also cancelled trains which were to ply on Friday. These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express.

The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section.

So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas.

A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal. It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur.

The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities will be made available at catering stalls of all major stations.

Due to disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers. Local transporters are to be contracted for hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said.

The national transporter has also instructed that sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies. Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added.

"Emergency control is to be operated round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said.

The National Crisis Management Committee, the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for cyclone Fani, a Home Ministry official said.

Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been requisitioned for deployment.

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of cyclone Fani which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday.

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of cyclone Fani which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday. These include 140 Mail/Express trains and 83 passenger trains. "All trains cancelled in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (along Odisha coastline) of Kolkata-Chennai route till May 4 afternoon in view of cyclone Fani," a railway spokesperson said. Railways have also pressed into service three special trains to ferry passengers. The 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. While nine trains have been diverted, four others have also been short-terminated, the spokesperson said. The national transporter said it will grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey. The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Eranakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express. The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which were scheduled to run on Thursday have been cancelled as well. Officials said that announcements about the special trains as well as the cancellations are being made across beaches and tourists spots to help tourists. The Railways has also cancelled trains which were to ply on Friday. These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express. The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section. So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas. A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal. It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur. The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah. On Wednesday, the Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities will be made available at catering stalls of all major stations. Due to disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers. Local transporters are to be contracted for hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said. The national transporter has also instructed that sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies. Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added. "Emergency control is to be operated round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said. The National Crisis Management Committee, the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for cyclone Fani, a Home Ministry official said. Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been requisitioned for deployment.

Cyclone Fani: 223 trains cancelled, 3 special trains put in service to ferry stranded tourists

With just ten days to go for final submission of bids, three of the four qualified bidders — Etihad Airways, TPG Capital and Indigo Partners — have not signed nondisclosure agreements, a must for conducting due diligence

WION Wallet: Jet Airways bidders show no expressions of interest

Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ensure-that-untreated-water-sewage-not-used-for-crops-bombay-hc-to-rlys-214792&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNjLnH7_zhAhUJP48KHcsyA1g4ChAWMAN6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw29E_mg9SzWxWJdoE9xu9gk">The Railways </a>Thursday said around 95 trains have been cancelled in the last two days in view of the 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, while three special trains have been pressed into service to ferry stranded passengers from affected areas.

The national transporter said it will grant a full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey.

The Railways had cancelled 81 trains on Wednesday.

The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Ernakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express.

The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which had to begin their journeys Thursday have been cancelled as well.

The Railways has also cancelled six more trains which were to begin on Friday.

These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express.

The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section.

So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas.

A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal.

It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur.

The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah.&nbsp;

Earlier on Wednesday, Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'Janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities were to be made available at catering stalls of all major stations.

Due to the disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers.

Local transporters are to be contracted for the hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said.

The national transporter has also instructed that a sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies.

Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added.

"Emergency control is to operate round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers.

No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-has-intensified-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-imd-214625&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiHu5HH8PzhAhX07XMBHRVmAKkQFjACegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw10nYH58htLolCXuHTkYs9T">The National Crisis Management Committee</a> (NCMC), the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for Cyclone 'Fani', which is likely to hit the south of Puri in Odisha on Friday, a Home Ministry official said.

Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been requisitioned for deployment.

The Railways Thursday said around 95 trains have been cancelled in the last two days in view of the 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, while three special trains have been pressed into service to ferry stranded passengers from affected areas.

The Railways Thursday said around 95 trains have been cancelled in the last two days in view of the 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, while three special trains have been pressed into service to ferry stranded passengers from affected areas. The national transporter said it will grant a full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey. The Railways had cancelled 81 trains on Wednesday. The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Ernakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express. The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which had to begin their journeys Thursday have been cancelled as well. The Railways has also cancelled six more trains which were to begin on Friday. These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express. The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section. So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas. A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal. It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur. The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah. Earlier on Wednesday, Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'Janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities were to be made available at catering stalls of all major stations. Due to the disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers. Local transporters are to be contracted for the hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said. The national transporter has also instructed that a sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies. Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added. "Emergency control is to operate round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for Cyclone 'Fani', which is likely to hit the south of Puri in Odisha on Friday, a Home Ministry official said. Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been requisitioned for deployment.

Cyclone Fani: Around 95 trains cancelled, 3 special trains put in service to ferry stranded tourists

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-negotiate-with-any-country-on-terrorism-india-on-masood-azhar-215385">We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar</a>

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;chief&nbsp;Masood Azhar&nbsp;as a&nbsp;global terrorist by the UN&nbsp;and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-members-should-abide-by-un-sanctions-committees-decision-on-masood-azhar-un-chief-antonio-guterres-215365">All members should abide by UN sanctions committee's decision on Masood Azhar: UN chief Antonio Guterres</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar.</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-says-he-does-not-want-to-be-extradited-to-the-united-states-215388">Julian Assange says he does not want to be extradited to the United States</a>

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he&nbsp;did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Nicolas Maduro open to 'adopt a plan' to improve Venezuela's condition</a>

In an effort to pacify&nbsp;boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-high-level-meeting-to-review-preparedness-for-cyclone-fani-215375">PM Modi holds high-level meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Fani</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country. All members should abide by UN sanctions committee's decision on Masood Azhar: UN chief Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar. Julian Assange says he does not want to be extradited to the United States Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history. Nicolas Maduro open to 'adopt a plan' to improve Venezuela's condition In an effort to pacify boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything." PM Modi holds high-level meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Fani Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani.

Fielding "undertrial terror accused" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-bars-pragya-thakur-from-campaigning-for-72-hours-for-karkare-babri-remarks-215135&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjijOub-PzhAhXSX3wKHSdxALcQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qPtk1jcPcbYyiKJGMyuum">Pragya Thakur as a candidate for the Lok Sabha</a> polls is BJP's way of consolidating the Hindutva vote bank, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has charged.

He claimed the BJP's fear of being unable to retain 50 per cent of its seats has led it to rouse communal passions to get votes.

In an article in the forthcoming issue of party mouthpiece People's Democracy, Yechury charged that the BJP and Narendra Modi were preoccupied with disrupting the unity of the country and its solidarity through their venomous campaign of communal polarization.

He said the first three phases of the 17th general elections saw the electorate voting in 302 seats out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. The ruling BJP has 113 sitting MPs from these constituencies.

In the next four phases ending on May 19, the electorate will vote for the remaining 241 seats. Of these, the BJP currently holds 161 sitting MPs. That is two-thirds of these seats. It is clear that if the BJP is unable to retain these seats, its desire to form the next government simply falls through. This is because, in the first three phases, it is universally admitted that the BJP will not be able to retain at least 50 per cent of its sitting seats.

"It is precisely this realisation that has prompted the BJP leadership to consciously adopt an aggressive campaign led by Narendra Modi to rouse unscrupulous communal passions as the only means left to garner votes," he said.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Election Commission, Yechury said while the ruling party was resorting to the "worst form of vote bank politics consolidating the Hindu communal vote bank" the poll body was yet to take any action against Modi for the "unbridled" communal passions that he is rousing.&nbsp;

"This is ominous for the health of Indian democracy. As an expression of its efforts to consolidate the Hindutva communal vote bank, the BJP has fielded Pragya Singh Thakur, an under-trial terror accused, currently out on bail on medical reasons, as its candidate from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Endorsing this choice, Narendra Modi hailed Pragya Singh Thakur as the 'symbol of our civilisational heritage'," he said.&nbsp;

Thakur is BJP's candidate from Bhopal where she will contest against Congress' Digvijaya Singh.&nbsp;

Fielding "undertrial terror accused" Pragya Thakur as a candidate for the Lok Sabha polls is BJP's way of consolidating the Hindutva vote bank, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has charged.

Fielding "undertrial terror accused" Pragya Thakur as a candidate for the Lok Sabha polls is BJP's way of consolidating the Hindutva vote bank, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has charged. He claimed the BJP's fear of being unable to retain 50 per cent of its seats has led it to rouse communal passions to get votes. In an article in the forthcoming issue of party mouthpiece People's Democracy, Yechury charged that the BJP and Narendra Modi were preoccupied with disrupting the unity of the country and its solidarity through their venomous campaign of communal polarization. He said the first three phases of the 17th general elections saw the electorate voting in 302 seats out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. The ruling BJP has 113 sitting MPs from these constituencies. In the next four phases ending on May 19, the electorate will vote for the remaining 241 seats. Of these, the BJP currently holds 161 sitting MPs. That is two-thirds of these seats. It is clear that if the BJP is unable to retain these seats, its desire to form the next government simply falls through. This is because, in the first three phases, it is universally admitted that the BJP will not be able to retain at least 50 per cent of its sitting seats. "It is precisely this realisation that has prompted the BJP leadership to consciously adopt an aggressive campaign led by Narendra Modi to rouse unscrupulous communal passions as the only means left to garner votes," he said. Taking a dig at the Election Commission, Yechury said while the ruling party was resorting to the "worst form of vote bank politics consolidating the Hindu communal vote bank" the poll body was yet to take any action against Modi for the "unbridled" communal passions that he is rousing. "This is ominous for the health of Indian democracy. As an expression of its efforts to consolidate the Hindutva communal vote bank, the BJP has fielded Pragya Singh Thakur, an under-trial terror accused, currently out on bail on medical reasons, as its candidate from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Endorsing this choice, Narendra Modi hailed Pragya Singh Thakur as the 'symbol of our civilisational heritage'," he said. Thakur is BJP's candidate from Bhopal where she will contest against Congress' Digvijaya Singh.

Fielding Pragya Thakur BJP's way of consolidating Hindutva votebank: Yechury

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. "

The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. &nbsp;Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts."

The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama."

According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed.&nbsp;

India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists."&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this."

No negotiation on terror: MEA

The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation."

China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward."

The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory. Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. " The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts." The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama." According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed. India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists." Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this." No negotiation on terror: MEA The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation." China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward." The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

Masood Azhar listing: India says Pulwama attack played a role; calls Pakistan to act on terror

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/trinamool-congress-wants-pm-modis-nomination-cancelled-writes-to-election-commission-214802&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUlJah5PzhAhV-73MBHcDbBccQFjABegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MNOe1IUd7HAsyz2T46h5_">Trinamool Congress</a> supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

"Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh.

The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857.

"Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency.

Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara.

The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections.

Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)".

"We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh".

Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'.

"What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said.

Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections.

"I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats".

The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign.

Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes.

"Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal.

"Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said.

The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market.

"This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls. "Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh. The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857. "Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency. Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara. The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections. Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)". "We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh". Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'. "What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said. Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections. "I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats". The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign. Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes. "Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal. "Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said. The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market. "This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.

Mamata invokes Sepoy Mutiny for her oust Modi campaign

&nbsp;IIT-Madras has announced a collaboration with the University of Technology-Sydney, a tie-up that aims to bring international expertise together to address the need of the urban poor--quality, cheaper and durable housing.

The partnership includes a broad range of research collaborations, a series of joint PhD supervisions, IIT-Madras said in a statement.

A roundtable was conducted Thursday at IIT-M campus as part of the project 'Enabling prefabricated construction to improve mass housing delivery in India and Australia', which brought together key stakeholders from industry, academia and governments of India and Australia.

The project is funded by Australia-India Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, the statement said.

University of Technology-Sydney professor Sidney Newton said "Unprecedented demand for low-cost housing in India is driving fundamental change in how the construction industry is managed.

This event will prove pivotal in directing and enabling new innovations," he added.

IIT-Madras has announced a collaboration with the University of Technology-Sydney, a tie-up that aims to bring international expertise together to address the need of the urban poor--quality, cheaper and durable housing.

IIT-Madras has announced a collaboration with the University of Technology-Sydney, a tie-up that aims to bring international expertise together to address the need of the urban poor--quality, cheaper and durable housing. The partnership includes a broad range of research collaborations, a series of joint PhD supervisions, IIT-Madras said in a statement. A roundtable was conducted Thursday at IIT-M campus as part of the project 'Enabling prefabricated construction to improve mass housing delivery in India and Australia', which brought together key stakeholders from industry, academia and governments of India and Australia. The project is funded by Australia-India Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, the statement said. University of Technology-Sydney professor Sidney Newton said "Unprecedented demand for low-cost housing in India is driving fundamental change in how the construction industry is managed. This event will prove pivotal in directing and enabling new innovations," he added.

IIT-Madras-Sydney varsity tie-up to address issue of cheaper Housing

Bidders for Jet Airways so far appear uninterested in following up on their expressions of interest, dealing a major blow to the early revival of the airline. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani is approaching the Odisha coast and has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm. The state has been put on a "yellow alert" by the weather department. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone 'Fani' inches closer to Odisha, 54 NDRF teams deployed

The India Meteorological Department informed on Thursday that Cyclone Fani is just 450 kilometers from Puri in Odisha. Watch the full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani just 450 kms from Odisha coast, yellow alert issued in coastal districts of Odisha

The Delhi government has extended the ban on the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of gutkha, pan masala and any other tobacco products for one year in the national capital.

The Food Safety Department has issued a notification extending the ban on these products.

The notification has been issued by Food Safety Commissioner L R Garg.

"Commissioner (Food Safety), National Capital Territory of Delhi, prohibits in the interest of public health for a period of one year in NCT the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any of the said additives, and whether going by the name or form of gutkha, pan masala, flavoured/scented tobacco, kharra..." it stated.

No such ban, however, will be enforced on cigarettes.

The Delhi government has extended the ban on the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of gutkha, pan masala and any other tobacco products for one year in the national capital.

The Delhi government has extended the ban on the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of gutkha, pan masala and any other tobacco products for one year in the national capital. The Food Safety Department has issued a notification extending the ban on these products. The notification has been issued by Food Safety Commissioner L R Garg. "Commissioner (Food Safety), National Capital Territory of Delhi, prohibits in the interest of public health for a period of one year in NCT the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any of the said additives, and whether going by the name or form of gutkha, pan masala, flavoured/scented tobacco, kharra..." it stated. No such ban, however, will be enforced on cigarettes.

Delhi govt extends ban on manufacture, sale of gutkha, pan masala, tobacco products for one year

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077"> Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar</a> as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-members-should-abide-by-un-sanctions-committees-decision-on-masood-azhar-un-chief-antonio-guterres-215365">global terrorist by the UN</a> and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

"We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar.

The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body.

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice.

"Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added.

Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country. "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar. The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body. In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice. "Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added. Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. (With inputs from agencies)

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday credited&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi for UN's designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it proves "Modi hai to Mumkin hai".

The UN Sanctions Committee on Wednesday designated the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar a global terrorist after China lifted its hold on a proposal to ban him.

At an election rally in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh, Adityanath termed the Congress a "threat to the country" and asked people to think whether the party, along with the supporters of Pakistan, wants to compromise with the nation's security.

"The UN decision has proved that 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' (Modi makes it possible). The Congress could not do this," Adityanath said.

The UP chief minister claimed the number of Naxal-affected districts in the country has reduced in the last five years and every citizen, irrespective of his caste and religion, can now feel safe and secure.

He said, "The Modi government has done things in 55 months which the Congress could not do in 50 years".&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for UN's designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it proves "Modi hai to Mumkin hai".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for UN's designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it proves "Modi hai to Mumkin hai". The UN Sanctions Committee on Wednesday designated the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar a global terrorist after China lifted its hold on a proposal to ban him. At an election rally in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh, Adityanath termed the Congress a "threat to the country" and asked people to think whether the party, along with the supporters of Pakistan, wants to compromise with the nation's security. "The UN decision has proved that 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' (Modi makes it possible). The Congress could not do this," Adityanath said. The UP chief minister claimed the number of Naxal-affected districts in the country has reduced in the last five years and every citizen, irrespective of his caste and religion, can now feel safe and secure. He said, "The Modi government has done things in 55 months which the Congress could not do in 50 years".

'Modi hai to Mumkin hai': Yogi on UN designating Masood Azhar global terrorist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for c<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-800000-people-to-be-evacuated-along-east-coast-ahead-of-cyclone-fani-odisha-government-215245">yclone Fani.&nbsp;</a>

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, Principal Secretary to the PM Nripendra Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the PM Pramod Kumar Mishra, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, and other senior officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Prime Minister`s Office.

Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the likely path of the cyclone, and the ongoing precautionary and preparatory measures being undertaken, said a&nbsp;statement.&nbsp; 
 
"These include provision of adequate resources; deployment of teams from NDRF and the Armed Forces; arrangements to provide drinking water; and standby systems to restore power and telecom services."

After reviewing the emerging situation, PM instructed senior officials of the Union government to maintain close coordination with officers of the affected states, to ensure preventive measures, and also to take effective steps for relief and rescue operations, as required.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, people at Puri beach were warned against venturing into the sea as cyclone Fani is expected to make landfall in Puri district on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, Principal Secretary to the PM Nripendra Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the PM Pramod Kumar Mishra, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, and other senior officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Prime Minister`s Office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, Principal Secretary to the PM Nripendra Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the PM Pramod Kumar Mishra, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, and other senior officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Prime Minister`s Office. Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin. The Prime Minister was briefed on the likely path of the cyclone, and the ongoing precautionary and preparatory measures being undertaken, said a statement. "These include provision of adequate resources; deployment of teams from NDRF and the Armed Forces; arrangements to provide drinking water; and standby systems to restore power and telecom services." After reviewing the emerging situation, PM instructed senior officials of the Union government to maintain close coordination with officers of the affected states, to ensure preventive measures, and also to take effective steps for relief and rescue operations, as required. Meanwhile, people at Puri beach were warned against venturing into the sea as cyclone Fani is expected to make landfall in Puri district on Friday.

PM Modi holds high-level meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Fani

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar.</a>

The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaida.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

In response to a question on Guterres' reaction, his spokesman said: "This is the work of a well-established mechanism through the Sanctions Committee of the Security Council. It is a big part of the United Nations work in the fight against terrorism".

"It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions," he said.

The United Nations designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.

The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February.

A Security Council member said that Germany, Belgium and Poland also co-sponsored the proposal, adding that there has been new unity and these three delegations also supported the proposal to list Azhar.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar. The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaida. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. In response to a question on Guterres' reaction, his spokesman said: "This is the work of a well-established mechanism through the Sanctions Committee of the Security Council. It is a big part of the United Nations work in the fight against terrorism". "It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions," he said. The United Nations designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him. The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February. A Security Council member said that Germany, Belgium and Poland also co-sponsored the proposal, adding that there has been new unity and these three delegations also supported the proposal to list Azhar.

All members should abide by UN sanctions committee's decision on Masood Azhar: UN chief Antonio Guterres

&nbsp;A Naxal commander, carrying a cash reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-bjp-convoy-attacked-by-naxals-policemen-mla-killed-209063&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjnlo6ozPzhAhXIpY8KHZD_ABcQFjAJegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3tBqojH-I1on_aViJf8fgh"> Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh</a> on Thursday, police said.

The face-off took place in the forest under Kirandul police station area when a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and District Force (DF) was out on a search operation in the morning, Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Girdhari Nayak told PTI.

 
"When the patrolling team was advancing through the forest between Perpa and Markamaris villages, around 450 km away from the capital Raipur, it came under fire from a group of ultras that led to the gun-battle," he said.

 
After the exchange of fire stopped, the body of a Naxal later identified as Madvi Muiya alias Joga Kunjam (29), was recovered along with a 315 bore gun, he said.

 
"Kunjam, who was active as a commander of military platoon-24 of Maoists, was carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head," Nayak said.

 
He was allegedly involved in the deadly Burkapal attack on April 24, 2017, in Sukma in which 25 security personnel lost their lives, the officer added.&nbsp;

A Naxal commander, carrying a cash reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, police said.

A Naxal commander, carrying a cash reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, police said. The face-off took place in the forest under Kirandul police station area when a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and District Force (DF) was out on a search operation in the morning, Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Girdhari Nayak told PTI. "When the patrolling team was advancing through the forest between Perpa and Markamaris villages, around 450 km away from the capital Raipur, it came under fire from a group of ultras that led to the gun-battle," he said. After the exchange of fire stopped, the body of a Naxal later identified as Madvi Muiya alias Joga Kunjam (29), was recovered along with a 315 bore gun, he said. "Kunjam, who was active as a commander of military platoon-24 of Maoists, was carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head," Nayak said. He was allegedly involved in the deadly Burkapal attack on April 24, 2017, in Sukma in which 25 security personnel lost their lives, the officer added.

Naxal commander gunned down by security forces in Chandigarh

&nbsp;Global gold demand grew to 1,053.3 tonnes in the first quarter of 2019, up by seven per cent as compared to the last corresponding period, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday.

The increase was largely due to continued growth in central bank buying as well as growth in gold-backed<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-fall-as-jet-airways-stocks-bleed-211510&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVmoPzyPzhAhXErY8KHU8yB3k4HhAWMAV6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RpazSNyU0lJTfkqHit415"> exchange traded funds</a> (ETFs), WGC said in its latest report on gold demand trends.

&nbsp;India`s demand for gold jewellery hit a four-year high during January to March.

"A lower local rupee gold price in late February and early March coincided with the traditional gold buying wedding season, lifting jewellery demand to 125.4 tonnes, a 5 per cent increase on the same period last year and the highest Q1 since 2015.

"This helped the overall gold demand for jewellery at global level inch nearly one per cent higher to 530.3 tonnes despite two per cent decline in China`s demand for gold jewellery estimated at 184.1 tonnes, said WGC.

Central banks bought 145.5 tonnes of gold in Q1, up 68 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2018 and representing the strongest start to a year since 2013.

Diversification and a desire for safe, liquid assets were again the main drivers of the purchases.

On a rolling four-quarter basis, gold buying reached a record high for our series of 715.7 tonnes, said the WGC.

ETFs and similar products added 40.3 tonnes in Q1, up 49 per cent on last year.

Funds listed in the United States and Europe benefitted from the largest inflows, although the former was more erratic while the latter was underpinned by continued geopolitical instability.

Bar and coin investment softened slightly, down one per cent to 257.8 tonnes.

This was purely due to a fall in demand for<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-poll-2019-madhya-pradesh-cm-kamal-naths-son-nakul-assets-worth-over-rs-660-crore-209093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim_LugyfzhAhUa8HMBHWTlAI4QFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1POZz8vduaMJkpdu7I4SKo"> gold bars</a>, as official gold coin buying grew 12 per cent to 56.1 tonnes.

China and Japan were the main contributors to the decline.

In Japan, net investment turned negative on profit-taking following a surge in the local price in February.

Gold used in applications such as electronics, wireless and LED lighting fell three per cent to 79.3 tonnes.

Trade frictions, sluggish sales of consumer electronics and global economic headwinds hit the technology sector.

"The beginning of 2019 saw a sharp recovery in investor sentiment in both the equity and debt markets, but the appetite for gold remained solid," said Alistair Hewitt, WGC`s Head of Market Intelligence.

The total supply of gold was largely unchanged in Q1 at 1,150 tonnes.

Modest growth in mine production and recycling was offset by a decline in net hedging.

Mine production and recycling levels saw small increases compared with Q1 2018, rising to 852.4 tonnes and 287.6 tonnes, said WGC in a statement.

&nbsp;

Global gold demand grew to 1,053.3 tonnes in the first quarter of 2019, up by seven per cent as compared to the last corresponding period, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday.

Global gold demand grew to 1,053.3 tonnes in the first quarter of 2019, up by seven per cent as compared to the last corresponding period, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday. The increase was largely due to continued growth in central bank buying as well as growth in gold-backed exchange traded funds (ETFs), WGC said in its latest report on gold demand trends. India`s demand for gold jewellery hit a four-year high during January to March. "A lower local rupee gold price in late February and early March coincided with the traditional gold buying wedding season, lifting jewellery demand to 125.4 tonnes, a 5 per cent increase on the same period last year and the highest Q1 since 2015. "This helped the overall gold demand for jewellery at global level inch nearly one per cent higher to 530.3 tonnes despite two per cent decline in China`s demand for gold jewellery estimated at 184.1 tonnes, said WGC. Central banks bought 145.5 tonnes of gold in Q1, up 68 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2018 and representing the strongest start to a year since 2013. Diversification and a desire for safe, liquid assets were again the main drivers of the purchases. On a rolling four-quarter basis, gold buying reached a record high for our series of 715.7 tonnes, said the WGC. ETFs and similar products added 40.3 tonnes in Q1, up 49 per cent on last year. Funds listed in the United States and Europe benefitted from the largest inflows, although the former was more erratic while the latter was underpinned by continued geopolitical instability. Bar and coin investment softened slightly, down one per cent to 257.8 tonnes. This was purely due to a fall in demand for gold bars, as official gold coin buying grew 12 per cent to 56.1 tonnes. China and Japan were the main contributors to the decline. In Japan, net investment turned negative on profit-taking following a surge in the local price in February. Gold used in applications such as electronics, wireless and LED lighting fell three per cent to 79.3 tonnes. Trade frictions, sluggish sales of consumer electronics and global economic headwinds hit the technology sector. "The beginning of 2019 saw a sharp recovery in investor sentiment in both the equity and debt markets, but the appetite for gold remained solid," said Alistair Hewitt, WGC`s Head of Market Intelligence. The total supply of gold was largely unchanged in Q1 at 1,150 tonnes. Modest growth in mine production and recycling was offset by a decline in net hedging. Mine production and recycling levels saw small increases compared with Q1 2018, rising to 852.4 tonnes and 287.6 tonnes, said WGC in a statement.

Gold demand up 7 pc to 1,053 tonnes, India's gold jewellery demand highest since 2015

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) already has Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing.

But India wants Pakistan blacklisted, which would likely result in sanctions, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said last month.

"We want Pakistan downgraded on the FATF list," Jaitley told reporters, adding that the Paris-based FATF was due to meet in mid-May and India would make its request then.

The call came a day after India claimed a diplomatic victory with a UN Security Council committee blacklisting the founder of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group, Masood Azhar.

His group claimed responsibility for a February suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed Kashmir region, an attack that brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war.

Pakistan's ally China had repeatedly opposed efforts at the United Nations by Western powers to directly sanction Azhar, even though the group had already been blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001.

Azhar's freedom within Pakistan has been a sore point in the relationship between Western countries and Pakistan, and has led to repeated accusations by India that Islamabad uses and harbours militant groups to further its foreign policy agenda. Pakistan denies such accusations.

India's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctioning of Azhar as "a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community's resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers".

"The core issue is that he has been declared an international terrorist," Jaitley said, referring to Azhar.

"He and his country now face the consequences of that."

In February, the Paris-based FATF had said that Pakistan "does not demonstrate a proper understanding" of terrorism financing risks posed by militant groups, including the JeM.

The organisation can make recommendations to any of the countries that have signed a membership charter, as well as other nations, but it has no power to impose sanctions.

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) already has Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing. But India wants Pakistan blacklisted, which would likely result in sanctions, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said last month. "We want Pakistan downgraded on the FATF list," Jaitley told reporters, adding that the Paris-based FATF was due to meet in mid-May and India would make its request then. The call came a day after India claimed a diplomatic victory with a UN Security Council committee blacklisting the founder of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group, Masood Azhar. His group claimed responsibility for a February suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed Kashmir region, an attack that brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war. Pakistan's ally China had repeatedly opposed efforts at the United Nations by Western powers to directly sanction Azhar, even though the group had already been blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001. Azhar's freedom within Pakistan has been a sore point in the relationship between Western countries and Pakistan, and has led to repeated accusations by India that Islamabad uses and harbours militant groups to further its foreign policy agenda. Pakistan denies such accusations. India's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctioning of Azhar as "a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community's resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers". "The core issue is that he has been declared an international terrorist," Jaitley said, referring to Azhar. "He and his country now face the consequences of that." In February, the Paris-based FATF had said that Pakistan "does not demonstrate a proper understanding" of terrorism financing risks posed by militant groups, including the JeM. The organisation can make recommendations to any of the countries that have signed a membership charter, as well as other nations, but it has no power to impose sanctions.

India calls for Pakistan's blacklisting by terror finance watchdog

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India calls for Pakistan's blacklisting by terror finance watchdog