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At least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed on Wednesday in Kurkheda area of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after a powerful explosion triggered by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naxals-torch-25-vehicles-of-road-construction-company-in-maharashtras-gadchiroli-district-police-215004">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;

The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari, according to local police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to strongly condemn the attack.

"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.

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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 &amp; solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1123512982741241856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave details of the incident in his post on Twitter.

"Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs` families. I`m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP," Fadnavis tweeted.

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Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by naxals today. 
My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs’ families. 
I’m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gadchiroli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gadchiroli</a>
— Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1123513779956772865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack on the Maharashtra Police personnel as "an act of cowardice and desperation"."We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families," Singh tweeted.

He also said that he had spoken to chief minister Fadnavis and was providing all assistance needed by the state government."Ministry of Home Affairs is in constant touch with the state administration," Singh said in another tweet.

Security forces have been fighting Maoists rebels for decades in several areas, in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.

Earlier today, Naxals allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district. On April 11, an encounter broke out between CRPF personnel and Naxals in the Naxal affected district of Gadchiroli.

At least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed on Wednesday in Kurkheda area of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after a powerful explosion triggered by the Naxalites blew up their vehicle.

At least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed on Wednesday 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. The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari, according to local police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to strongly condemn the attack. "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. 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 & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2019 × Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave details of the incident in his post on Twitter. "Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs` families. I`m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP," Fadnavis tweeted. Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by naxals today. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs’ families. I’m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP.#Gadchiroli — Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 1, 2019 × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack on the Maharashtra Police personnel as "an act of cowardice and desperation"."We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families," Singh tweeted. He also said that he had spoken to chief minister Fadnavis and was providing all assistance needed by the state government."Ministry of Home Affairs is in constant touch with the state administration," Singh said in another tweet. Security forces have been fighting Maoists rebels for decades in several areas, in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands. Earlier today, Naxals allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district. On April 11, an encounter broke out between CRPF personnel and Naxals in the Naxal affected district of Gadchiroli.

Gadchiroli Naxal attack: 15 commandos, police driver killed; combing operation underway

Four members of a Sikh family, including three women, have been fatally shot in their home in the US, authorities said.

The victims who died of gunshot wounds in their home in a suburban Ohio community were found by another relative who called the police, West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog said.

"My wife and three other family members were on the ground and bleeding... They're bleeding from the head," a man said on the 911 call that was released by the police.

"No one's talking, no one's talking," he shouted.

A local religious leader on Monday identified the deceased to Cincinnati Enquirer as Hakikat Singh Panag, 59, his wife, Paramjit Kaur, 62, their daughter, Shalinder Kaur, 39, and his sister-in-law, Amarjit Kaur, 58.

They were all shot to death around 9:50 pm (local time) on Sunday, the report said.

A coroner said all four deaths were homicides and they died from "gunshots."

At least one of them was preparing food when they died. By the time police arrived at the Lakefront at West Chester apartment complex, the unattended dish was on fire, police said.

Herzog said all four victims lived in the apartment where the shooting occurred. Children also live there, he said, but they were not there at the time of the attack.

The Indian consulate in New York said it was in close communication with the police.

"Our condolences to the bereaved family. We are in constant touch with the Police and family. We are confident about the culprit being brought to book," the Indian consulate in New York tweeted.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Externa Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted Tuesday that she was aware of the crime and did not believe it to be a hate crime.

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The matter is under investigation by the Police but it is not a hate crime. Our Consul General in New York is coordinating with the concerned authorities and will keep me informed me on this. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainNewYork</a> /2
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1123276660415950848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to her tweets, one of the murder victims was an Indian resident in the US on a visit.

Members of a Gurdwara at Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati, said the four family members had worshipped there.

A motive behind the slayings remains unclear, and there were no indications if it was hate crime, the report said.

No suspect has been identified.

Such violent crime is rare in the township of some 62,000 people roughly 323 kilometres north of Cincinnati.

Herzog reassured residents Monday that he did not think there was a threat to the community and that the killings appear "isolated".

Four members of a Sikh family, including three women, have been fatally shot in their home in the US, authorities said. The victims who died of gunshot wounds in their home in a suburban Ohio community were found by another relative who called the police, West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog said.

Four members of a Sikh family, including three women, have been fatally shot in their home in the US, authorities said. The victims who died of gunshot wounds in their home in a suburban Ohio community were found by another relative who called the police, West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog said. "My wife and three other family members were on the ground and bleeding... They're bleeding from the head," a man said on the 911 call that was released by the police. "No one's talking, no one's talking," he shouted. A local religious leader on Monday identified the deceased to Cincinnati Enquirer as Hakikat Singh Panag, 59, his wife, Paramjit Kaur, 62, their daughter, Shalinder Kaur, 39, and his sister-in-law, Amarjit Kaur, 58. They were all shot to death around 9:50 pm (local time) on Sunday, the report said. A coroner said all four deaths were homicides and they died from "gunshots." At least one of them was preparing food when they died. By the time police arrived at the Lakefront at West Chester apartment complex, the unattended dish was on fire, police said. Herzog said all four victims lived in the apartment where the shooting occurred. Children also live there, he said, but they were not there at the time of the attack. The Indian consulate in New York said it was in close communication with the police. "Our condolences to the bereaved family. We are in constant touch with the Police and family. We are confident about the culprit being brought to book," the Indian consulate in New York tweeted. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Externa Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted Tuesday that she was aware of the crime and did not believe it to be a hate crime. The matter is under investigation by the Police but it is not a hate crime. Our Consul General in New York is coordinating with the concerned authorities and will keep me informed me on this. @IndiainNewYork /2 — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 30, 2019 × According to her tweets, one of the murder victims was an Indian resident in the US on a visit. Members of a Gurdwara at Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati, said the four family members had worshipped there. A motive behind the slayings remains unclear, and there were no indications if it was hate crime, the report said. No suspect has been identified. Such violent crime is rare in the township of some 62,000 people roughly 323 kilometres north of Cincinnati. Herzog reassured residents Monday that he did not think there was a threat to the community and that the killings appear "isolated".

Four of Sikh family shot dead in US; 'not hate crime' says Sushma Swaraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned the Naxal attack on 15 C-60 commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli.

"My thoughts &amp; solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," the prime minister said in his tweet.

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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 &amp; solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1123512982741241856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At least 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Gadchiroli district Wednesday, police said.

The terror attack on a CRPF convoy also evoked strong condemnation from political leaders from across the country.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured all help to the Maharashtra government in the wake of the attack. He termed the attack an act of cowardice and desperation.

The home minister also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who briefed him about the incident.

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Attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli is an act of cowardice and desperation. We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families. 1/2
— Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1123513883237289987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Destruction of these Naxalites and their urban supporters is absolutely essential and the new India will ensure that," UP CM Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi.

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महाराष्ट्र के कायराना नक्सली हमले में जांबाज जवानों की शहादत की खबर से मन में दुःख और रोष है। 
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि शोक संतप्त परिजनों को संबल और घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ मिले। 
इन नक्सलियों और उनके शहरी पोषकों का समूल विनाश नितांत आवश्यक है और नया भारत यह सुनिश्चित करेगा।
— Chowkidar Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1123518153055563778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, the Naxals torched 25 vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor earlier in the day, they said.

Those killed in the blast were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli Police, which was on way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned the Naxal attack on 15 C-60 commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. "My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned the Naxal attack on 15 C-60 commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. "My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," the prime minister said in his tweet. 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 & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2019 × At least 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Gadchiroli district Wednesday, police said. The terror attack on a CRPF convoy also evoked strong condemnation from political leaders from across the country. Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured all help to the Maharashtra government in the wake of the attack. He termed the attack an act of cowardice and desperation. The home minister also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who briefed him about the incident. Attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli is an act of cowardice and desperation. We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families. 1/2 — Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 1, 2019 × "Destruction of these Naxalites and their urban supporters is absolutely essential and the new India will ensure that," UP CM Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi. महाराष्ट्र के कायराना नक्सली हमले में जांबाज जवानों की शहादत की खबर से मन में दुःख और रोष है। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि शोक संतप्त परिजनों को संबल और घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ मिले। इन नक्सलियों और उनके शहरी पोषकों का समूल विनाश नितांत आवश्यक है और नया भारत यह सुनिश्चित करेगा। — Chowkidar Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 1, 2019 × Earlier in the day, the Naxals torched 25 vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor earlier in the day, they said. Those killed in the blast were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli Police, which was on way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said. (With inputs from PTI)

Perpetrators of Gadchiroli Naxal attack will not be spared, says PM Narendra Modi

Naxals triggered an IED to blow up a police vehicle in Gadchiroli when a team of the C-60 commandos were patrolling the area and 15 security personnel along with their driver were killed in this IED blast in the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.

Naxals kill 15 jawans, 1 civilian driver in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

Ahead of the fifth phase of elections&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/opposition-is-playing-hide-and-seek-after-fourth-phase-of-lok-sabha-polls-pm-modi-in-barabanki-214813">Ayodhya on May 6th</a>, PM Modi during a poll rally&nbsp;in Ambedkar Nagar of Ayodhya division&nbsp;said law and order had improved under the BJP government.&nbsp;

"Congress has been using the poor as a vote bank," the prime minister said at the rally. "I understand the pain of the poor," he added.

It is PM Modi's first visit to Ayodhya division since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/be-it-pak-terrorists-or-traitors-on-our-own-soil-chowkidar-will-not-spare-anyone-pm-modi-214470">BJP-led NDA came</a> to power in 2014.

"Only the BJP worked for the poor," the prime minister said, adding, "BJP has kept the nation united."

"MNREGA has helped workers to build their own houses," he said&nbsp;while asserting that Ayushman Bharat had given free healthcare to many.&nbsp;

"Law and order improved under the BJP," he told the people gathered at the rally.

"No tea maker wants his child to become a tea maker," he told the crowd.

"Be it SP, BSP or Congress, it's necessary to know their reality. Behenji used the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar but she did everything just the opposite of his principles. SP used the name of Lohiaji but they destroyed the law and order situation in UP," he said at the Ambedkar Nagar rally in Ayodhya.

"Other governments never took proper action on terrorism," the prime minister said. "We will make the country free of terror," PM Modi said.

"Terrorists wait for weak government."

"We made sure everyone gets minimum pension of Rs 1000,"&nbsp;he said.

"This chowkidar made the world recognise Yoga Day," the PM asserted.

Ahead of the fifth phase of elections in Ayodhya on May 6th, PM Modi during a poll rally in Ambedkar Nagar of Ayodhya division said law and order had improved under the BJP government.

Ahead of the fifth phase of elections in Ayodhya on May 6th, PM Modi during a poll rally in Ambedkar Nagar of Ayodhya division said law and order had improved under the BJP government. "Congress has been using the poor as a vote bank," the prime minister said at the rally. "I understand the pain of the poor," he added. It is PM Modi's first visit to Ayodhya division since the BJP-led NDA came to power in 2014. "Only the BJP worked for the poor," the prime minister said, adding, "BJP has kept the nation united." "MNREGA has helped workers to build their own houses," he said while asserting that Ayushman Bharat had given free healthcare to many. "Law and order improved under the BJP," he told the people gathered at the rally. "No tea maker wants his child to become a tea maker," he told the crowd. "Be it SP, BSP or Congress, it's necessary to know their reality. Behenji used the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar but she did everything just the opposite of his principles. SP used the name of Lohiaji but they destroyed the law and order situation in UP," he said at the Ambedkar Nagar rally in Ayodhya. "Other governments never took proper action on terrorism," the prime minister said. "We will make the country free of terror," PM Modi said. "Terrorists wait for weak government." "We made sure everyone gets minimum pension of Rs 1000," he said. "This chowkidar made the world recognise Yoga Day," the PM asserted.

Law and order improved under BJP, says PM Modi in Uttar Pradesh ahead of fifth phase of polls

At least 15 soldiers and one driver have been&nbsp;killed in an IED blast after Naxals targeted a&nbsp;police&nbsp;vehicle in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra.

The soldiers belonged to the C60 group involved in&nbsp;anti-Naxal operation.

PM Modi condemned the Naxal attack calling it "despicable".&nbsp;"I salute all the brave personnel," the prime minister said in a tweet, adding, "My thoughts &amp; solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared."

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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 &amp; solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1123512982741241856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Naxals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naxals-torch-25-vehicles-of-road-construction-company-in-maharashtras-gadchiroli-district-police-215004">had torched 25 vehicles </a>of a road construction company in Gadchiroli.

The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police.

They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police said.

&nbsp;

At least 15 soldiers and one driver have been killed in an IED blast after Naxals targeted a police vehicle in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra. The soldiers belonged to the C60 group involved in anti-Naxal operation.

At least 15 soldiers and one driver have been killed in an IED blast after Naxals targeted a police vehicle in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra. The soldiers belonged to the C60 group involved in anti-Naxal operation. PM Modi condemned the Naxal attack calling it "despicable". "I salute all the brave personnel," the prime minister said in a tweet, adding, "My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared." 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 & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Naxals had torched 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police. They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police said.

Death toll climbs to 16 in Naxal attack on police vehicle in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

Naxals on Wednesday&nbsp;targeted a police vehicle&nbsp;with an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naxals-torch-25-vehicles-of-road-construction-company-in-maharashtras-gadchiroli-district-police-215004">IED blast in Maharashtra's</a> Gadchiroli district.

Ten security personnel were killed in the blast.

Earlier in the day, Naxals had torched 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli.

The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police.

They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police said. 
&nbsp;

Naxals on Wednesday targeted a police vehicle with an IED blast in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. Ten security personnel were killed in the blast. Earlier in the day, Naxals had torched 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli.

Naxals on Wednesday targeted a police vehicle with an IED blast in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. Ten security personnel were killed in the blast. Earlier in the day, Naxals had torched 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police. They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police said.

IED blast in police vehicle by Naxals in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli; 10 security personnel killed

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said.

The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI.

"A group of Maoists gathered around 3.30 am at Dadapur where the construction of a national highway has been going on since the last few months," he said.

They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, the officer added.

"After setting the vehicles on fire, the Naxals escaped into the forest. A search operation has been launched," he said.

A formal complaint about the incident is yet to be lodged, Balkawade said.

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI.

The Naxals on Wednesday torched around 25 vehicles of a road construction company in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, police said. The incident took place at Dadapur in Kurkheda tehsil, Shailesh Balkawade, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli told PTI. "A group of Maoists gathered around 3.30 am at Dadapur where the construction of a national highway has been going on since the last few months," he said. They torched the vehicles, which were parked along the road, using kerosene and diesel, the officer added. "After setting the vehicles on fire, the Naxals escaped into the forest. A search operation has been launched," he said. A formal complaint about the incident is yet to be lodged, Balkawade said.

Naxals torch 25 vehicles of road construction company in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district: Police

Cyclone 'Fani' has intensified into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' and it will cross the Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali by Friday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department said Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

Cyclone 'Fani' intensifies into 'extremely severe cyclonic storm

Two civilian have sustained injuries after an explosive went off when they were fiddling with it in Damhal area of Kulgam in south Kashmir.&nbsp;

The duo has sustained minor injuries and was shifted to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

''Two individuals have reportedly sustained minor injuries today due to an explosive substance which exploded when they were apparently fiddling with it in their neighbourhood,'' police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The injured have been identified as Shahid and Ikhlaq. Hospitals authorities said that both were in a stable condition and one among the two were discharged after preliminary medical treatment.&nbsp;

''Police has taken cognizance and is probing the circumstances of the blast,'' police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Two civilian have sustained injuries after an explosive went off when they were fiddling with it in Damhal area of Kulgam in south Kashmir. The duo has sustained minor injuries and was shifted to a local hospital for treatment.

Two civilian have sustained injuries after an explosive went off when they were fiddling with it in Damhal area of Kulgam in south Kashmir. The duo has sustained minor injuries and was shifted to a local hospital for treatment. ''Two individuals have reportedly sustained minor injuries today due to an explosive substance which exploded when they were apparently fiddling with it in their neighbourhood,'' police said in a statement. The injured have been identified as Shahid and Ikhlaq. Hospitals authorities said that both were in a stable condition and one among the two were discharged after preliminary medical treatment. ''Police has taken cognizance and is probing the circumstances of the blast,'' police said in a statement.

Kashmir: Two civilians injured after blast in Kulgam district

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-employees-consortium-to-bid-for-jet-airways-seeks-to-raise-rs-3000-crore-from-outside-investors-214546">Jet Airways officers and staff</a> gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans.

On occasion of Labour Day, the Jet Airways employees also organised a peaceful protest and requested the government's interference to save the airline.

Krishna Rama Naidu, an employee in the cargo department of Jet Airways said: "On Labour Day, we have gathered for a peaceful protest. We did not get our salaries for two months. Our mediclaim policy had also lapsed."

In a letter, Rahul Taneja, CPO, Jet Airways on Tuesday said: "In the absence of any emergency funding from the lenders or any other source of funds forthcoming in the near future, we find ourselves facing a situation where we are not able to fund the premium of our group mediclaim policy. The group mediclaim policy lapses on the midnight of April 30, 2019."

Sushma Shetty, who has been associated with the airline carrier for 11 years, also sought government's interference. "We are doing peace march to request the government to save the Jet Airways and the families of 22,000 staff. A staff member also attempted to commit suicide," she said.

Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer. The crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26.

Jet Airways, on April 17, cancelled all flights, including its international flights temporarily, after failing to secure emergency funds from its lenders, according to a statement by the airlines.

The Jet Airways officers and staff gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans.

The Jet Airways officers and staff gathered on Wednesday to pay condolences to late Shailesh Singh who committed suicide after the airline carrier suspended all its flight operations as it ran out of money and failed to raise bank loans. On occasion of Labour Day, the Jet Airways employees also organised a peaceful protest and requested the government's interference to save the airline. Krishna Rama Naidu, an employee in the cargo department of Jet Airways said: "On Labour Day, we have gathered for a peaceful protest. We did not get our salaries for two months. Our mediclaim policy had also lapsed." In a letter, Rahul Taneja, CPO, Jet Airways on Tuesday said: "In the absence of any emergency funding from the lenders or any other source of funds forthcoming in the near future, we find ourselves facing a situation where we are not able to fund the premium of our group mediclaim policy. The group mediclaim policy lapses on the midnight of April 30, 2019." Sushma Shetty, who has been associated with the airline carrier for 11 years, also sought government's interference. "We are doing peace march to request the government to save the Jet Airways and the families of 22,000 staff. A staff member also attempted to commit suicide," she said. Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer. The crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26. Jet Airways, on April 17, cancelled all flights, including its international flights temporarily, after failing to secure emergency funds from its lenders, according to a statement by the airlines.

Jet Airways employees organise protest, requests government's interference

The national capital reeled under searing heat Tuesday, recording a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, the highest for the season so far. Watch this video to know more.

Delhi reels under scorching 45 degrees Celsius

The grounding of Jet has come as an opportunity for the market to hire readily-available skilled workforce from the licenced categories--pilots, engineers and cabin crew and deploy them directly into specifics roles, thereby saving time and money on training them.

WION Wallet: Vistara to hire Jet's 100 pilots & 400 cabin crews as well

In a bid to bolster its capabilities to tackle threats emanating from hackers, mostly from China and Pakistan, India is all set to have Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) by next month, headquartered in the capital.

Senior Navy officer Rear Admiral Mohit Gupta will be the first head of the DCA.

"We are working to raise the Defence Cyber Agency in May itself. The work has almost been completed. A new building has been hired in the national capital which will act as the headquarters of the formation," sources in the Defence Ministry told ANI here.

As agreed upon by the Defence Ministry and the three services, the cyber agency would be headed by Rear Admiral Gupta.

The Navy is expected to announce his formal appointment anytime, sources said.

DCA is one of the three agencies along with the Special Forces and Space to be set up as per the clearance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur last year.

The DCA will include a lot of existing capability with the armed forces for tackling threats in the cyber domain and will also have the elements of DRDO working in it, sources said.

While the Cyber agency is ready to be launched with its headquarters in New Delhi, the setting up of the Space agency will take some time as the structure for it is still being discussed.

The Special Forces agency would be headed by a Major General rank officer of the Army and is likely to come up at Agra, which already has a Para brigade and the wherewithal to airlift Special Forces operatives in large numbers as the base co-exists with an IAF transport aircraft squadron specialising in these operations.&nbsp;

One of the top Army officers, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen MM Naravane had recently stated that the units of the Cyber agency will be spread across the country.

''There will be units or cells or dedicated officers at every headquarter to deal with the aspect of cybersecurity,'' he had said.

According to defence sources, almost on a daily basis, efforts are made by hackers, especially from Pakistan and China to break into the military systems to steal information and create disruption.

The tri-services Integrated Defence Staff is also holding an exercise with NTRO, RAW, National Security Council and DRDO where cyber attacks would be launched on critical military infrastructure and the authorities concerned would thwart them using their tools and skills in the domain.

In a bid to bolster its capabilities to tackle threats emanating from hackers, mostly from China and Pakistan, India is all set to have Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) by next month, headquartered in the capital.

In a bid to bolster its capabilities to tackle threats emanating from hackers, mostly from China and Pakistan, India is all set to have Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) by next month, headquartered in the capital. Senior Navy officer Rear Admiral Mohit Gupta will be the first head of the DCA. "We are working to raise the Defence Cyber Agency in May itself. The work has almost been completed. A new building has been hired in the national capital which will act as the headquarters of the formation," sources in the Defence Ministry told ANI here. As agreed upon by the Defence Ministry and the three services, the cyber agency would be headed by Rear Admiral Gupta. The Navy is expected to announce his formal appointment anytime, sources said. DCA is one of the three agencies along with the Special Forces and Space to be set up as per the clearance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur last year. The DCA will include a lot of existing capability with the armed forces for tackling threats in the cyber domain and will also have the elements of DRDO working in it, sources said. While the Cyber agency is ready to be launched with its headquarters in New Delhi, the setting up of the Space agency will take some time as the structure for it is still being discussed. The Special Forces agency would be headed by a Major General rank officer of the Army and is likely to come up at Agra, which already has a Para brigade and the wherewithal to airlift Special Forces operatives in large numbers as the base co-exists with an IAF transport aircraft squadron specialising in these operations. One of the top Army officers, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen MM Naravane had recently stated that the units of the Cyber agency will be spread across the country. ''There will be units or cells or dedicated officers at every headquarter to deal with the aspect of cybersecurity,'' he had said. According to defence sources, almost on a daily basis, efforts are made by hackers, especially from Pakistan and China to break into the military systems to steal information and create disruption. The tri-services Integrated Defence Staff is also holding an exercise with NTRO, RAW, National Security Council and DRDO where cyber attacks would be launched on critical military infrastructure and the authorities concerned would thwart them using their tools and skills in the domain.

India to soon get Defence Cyber Agency; headquarters to be in Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-counter-affidavit-in-supreme-court-rahul-gandhi-again-regrets-chowkidar-chor-hai-comment-214344">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy.

''Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read.

Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company.

''It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company’s Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British,'' the notice said.

On April 20, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao had also raised a similar objection to Gandhi’s citizenship at a press conference here.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy. ''Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read. Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. ''It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company’s Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British,'' the notice said. On April 20, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao had also raised a similar objection to Gandhi’s citizenship at a press conference here.

Ministry of Home Affairs issues notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over citizenship row

Twenty-four students scored a perfect 100 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main for admission into engineering colleges, the results of which were announced by the HRD Ministry's National Testing Agency (NTA) Monday.

While four top scorers are from Rajasthan and Telangana each, three are from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have two top scorers each.&nbsp;

The remaining top scorers are from Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana and Punjab.

For the first time, the JEE-Main was conducted two times this year in January and April in online mode.&nbsp;

"For those candidates who appeared in both January and April examinations, their best score of the two attempts, has been accounted for. Out of 6.8 lakh candidates appearing in both the attempts, 2.97 lakh candidates have improved their performance," a senior official said.

"The ranks of the candidates have also been decided taking into account better of the two NTA scores," the official added.

The examination is conducted for admission to engineering colleges across the country. Those clearing the JEE-Main are also eligible for appearing for JEE-Advanced for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).&nbsp;

Twenty-four students scored a perfect 100 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main for admission into engineering colleges, the results of which were announced by the HRD Ministry's National Testing Agency (NTA) Monday.

Twenty-four students scored a perfect 100 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main for admission into engineering colleges, the results of which were announced by the HRD Ministry's National Testing Agency (NTA) Monday. While four top scorers are from Rajasthan and Telangana each, three are from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have two top scorers each. The remaining top scorers are from Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana and Punjab. For the first time, the JEE-Main was conducted two times this year in January and April in online mode. "For those candidates who appeared in both January and April examinations, their best score of the two attempts, has been accounted for. Out of 6.8 lakh candidates appearing in both the attempts, 2.97 lakh candidates have improved their performance," a senior official said. "The ranks of the candidates have also been decided taking into account better of the two NTA scores," the official added. The examination is conducted for admission to engineering colleges across the country. Those clearing the JEE-Main are also eligible for appearing for JEE-Advanced for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

24 students score perfect 100 in JEE-Main

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-to-hit-puri-on-friday-odisha-cm-wants-polls-to-be-postponed-214742">severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast</a>, officials said Tuesday.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body to deal with emergency situations, met here Tuesday for the second time in as many days and reviewed the preparedness with the states and departments concerned of the central government to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm.

"The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal have also been put on standby," a Home Ministry official said.

Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid, the Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

"These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets, in quantities sufficient. Naval aircraft are also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and airdrop of relief material to the stranded if required," the Navy said.&nbsp;

The NDRF is deploying 41 teams in Andhra Pradesh (8), Odisha (28) and West Bengal (5) for prepositioning. In addition, the NDRF is keeping on standby 13 teams in West Bengal and 10 in Andhra Pradesh, the official said. A team NDRF comprises about 45 personnel.

A Home Ministry statement said based on the decision of the first meeting of the NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, the central government has already released advance financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal to assist them in undertaking preventive and relief measures.

The states have issued advisories and are ensuring that fishermen do not venture into the sea.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing three 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.

Reviewing the preparedness of the states and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed that all necessary measures be taken to prevent any loss of life and to keep in readiness essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medicines, the statement said.

He also advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services such as power, telecommunications in the event of damages caused to them.

During the meeting, officers of all the state governments concerned confirmed their preparedness to deal with any emerging situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. 
The IMD informed that the severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' lay centred this afternoon at about 800 km south of Puri.

According to the IMD, it is 'very likely' to intensify further into an 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and move northwestwards till May 1 evening, and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and reach Odisha coast by the afternoon of May 3.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha, East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata districts of West Bengal, and Srikakulam and Vijayanagram districts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to be affected according to present indications, the statement said.

Chief secretaries and principal secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC Meeting through video conference.

Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, fisheries, power, telecommunications, defence, IMD and NDRF also attended the meeting.

The NCMC will meet again Wednesday to take stock of the emerging situation.

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast, officials said Tuesday.

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast, officials said Tuesday. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body to deal with emergency situations, met here Tuesday for the second time in as many days and reviewed the preparedness with the states and departments concerned of the central government to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. "The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal have also been put on standby," a Home Ministry official said. Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid, the Navy said in a statement. "These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets, in quantities sufficient. Naval aircraft are also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and airdrop of relief material to the stranded if required," the Navy said. The NDRF is deploying 41 teams in Andhra Pradesh (8), Odisha (28) and West Bengal (5) for prepositioning. In addition, the NDRF is keeping on standby 13 teams in West Bengal and 10 in Andhra Pradesh, the official said. A team NDRF comprises about 45 personnel. A Home Ministry statement said based on the decision of the first meeting of the NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, the central government has already released advance financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal to assist them in undertaking preventive and relief measures. The states have issued advisories and are ensuring that fishermen do not venture into the sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing three 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. Reviewing the preparedness of the states and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed that all necessary measures be taken to prevent any loss of life and to keep in readiness essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medicines, the statement said. He also advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services such as power, telecommunications in the event of damages caused to them. During the meeting, officers of all the state governments concerned confirmed their preparedness to deal with any emerging situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. The IMD informed that the severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' lay centred this afternoon at about 800 km south of Puri. According to the IMD, it is 'very likely' to intensify further into an 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and move northwestwards till May 1 evening, and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and reach Odisha coast by the afternoon of May 3. Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha, East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata districts of West Bengal, and Srikakulam and Vijayanagram districts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to be affected according to present indications, the statement said. Chief secretaries and principal secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC Meeting through video conference. Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, fisheries, power, telecommunications, defence, IMD and NDRF also attended the meeting. The NCMC will meet again Wednesday to take stock of the emerging situation.

Navy, Coast Guard ships, NDRF teams deployed along east coast to deal with cyclone Fani

Describing Pakistan as China's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-conducted-asat-test-because-they-face-threats-from-other-nations-in-space-us-commander-to-senate-committee-209715">proxy space power</a>", a top Indian Army general on Tuesday said there is an urgent need to reshape India's space policy in view of the enhanced threat perceptions from the two neighbouring countries.

Lt General Taranjit Singh, DGPP, Indian Army, while delivering the spotlight speech on the second day of the 5th ORF Kalpana Chawla Annual Space Policy Dialogue, said India should tap the advanced technology of space to meet its national security challenges.

The potential of space technology should be used for not only military logistics but also for weapons, missiles deployments in vast geography like ours, he was quoted as saying by an Observer Research Foundation release.

Singh told the participants of the dialogue that in view of the enhanced threat perceptions from both China and Pakistan, there is an urgent need to restructure and reshape the nation's space policy.

The restructuring is needed in view of the changed security concerns because of the activities of both China and Pakistan, Singh said.

"Pakistan is the proxy space power of China," he said, adding that the recent meeting of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the BRI conference in Beijing, has reiterated this point.

He pointed out that China has integrated its space programme with its security and military requirements and it has enhanced the PLA's capabilities.

Singh said the launch of niche quantum satellite by China for communication has given it an edge and so there is a need for fast developing such niche satellites by India too.

He also said China's ASAT capability has enhanced India's fears over its space assets.

Earlier, Sivathanu Pillai, Distinguished Fellow, ISRO, also felt protecting and sustaining space assets has become a big challenge not only for India but also for other space nations.

He felt this can be done only through space control and servicing the 1,700 active satellites in space to prolong its life.

Describing Pakistan as China's "proxy space power", a top Indian Army general on Tuesday said there is an urgent need to reshape India's space policy in view of the enhanced threat perceptions from the two neighbouring countries.

Describing Pakistan as China's "proxy space power", a top Indian Army general on Tuesday said there is an urgent need to reshape India's space policy in view of the enhanced threat perceptions from the two neighbouring countries. Lt General Taranjit Singh, DGPP, Indian Army, while delivering the spotlight speech on the second day of the 5th ORF Kalpana Chawla Annual Space Policy Dialogue, said India should tap the advanced technology of space to meet its national security challenges. The potential of space technology should be used for not only military logistics but also for weapons, missiles deployments in vast geography like ours, he was quoted as saying by an Observer Research Foundation release. Singh told the participants of the dialogue that in view of the enhanced threat perceptions from both China and Pakistan, there is an urgent need to restructure and reshape the nation's space policy. The restructuring is needed in view of the changed security concerns because of the activities of both China and Pakistan, Singh said. "Pakistan is the proxy space power of China," he said, adding that the recent meeting of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the BRI conference in Beijing, has reiterated this point. He pointed out that China has integrated its space programme with its security and military requirements and it has enhanced the PLA's capabilities. Singh said the launch of niche quantum satellite by China for communication has given it an edge and so there is a need for fast developing such niche satellites by India too. He also said China's ASAT capability has enhanced India's fears over its space assets. Earlier, Sivathanu Pillai, Distinguished Fellow, ISRO, also felt protecting and sustaining space assets has become a big challenge not only for India but also for other space nations. He felt this can be done only through space control and servicing the 1,700 active satellites in space to prolong its life.

'Need to reshape India's space policy amid increased threat perception from China, Pakistan'

Cyclone 'Fani' to intensify into a storm, NDRF and Indian Coast guards on high alert

The Indian Army has claimed on its Twitter handle&nbsp;said that it had sighted mysterious footprints of a beast popularly known as "Yeti", close to the Makalu base camp in Nepal.

The Army posted the picture on its official Twitter handle declaring: "For the first time, an Indian Army Mountaineering expedition team has sighted mysterious footprints of the mythical beast."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
For the first time, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> Moutaineering Expedition Team has sited Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past. <a href="https://t.co/AMD4MYIgV7">pic.twitter.com/AMD4MYIgV7</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1122911748829270016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The mountaineers had spotted the "big foot" on April 9th, it said.

The Army said the footprints measured 32x15 inches. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past, the Army added.

Meanwhile, Army sources said the story is based on physical proofs of on the spot narration, photos and videos. The Army had got the inputs about ten&nbsp;days back, sources said, adding it held on to it.

But then we decided that there were&nbsp;photographic evidence which matches with earlier theories, Army sources said.

The sources added that&nbsp;the Army will release the video today.

Tweeted as we thought "prudent to excite scientific temper and rekindle the interest", it said.

The "Yeti"&nbsp;which is part of Nepal's folklore has mesmerised mountaineers for decades. Several accounts have linked it to look like a half-man, half-animal creature. However,&nbsp;no authentic photograph of the ape-like creature exists.

As soon as the Army posted the information, Twitteratti jokes flooded the net.

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Is this a joke? Yeti? 
What next will the Indian Army's twitter handle tweet about? Finding recipe of magic potion of Getafix? <a href="https://t.co/4yAz96LXqW">https://t.co/4yAz96LXqW</a>
— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) <a href="https://twitter.com/manaman_chhina/status/1123060732512202752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Photograph of an alleged yeti footprint found by Michael Ward. Photograph was taken at Menlung glacier on the Everest expedition by Eric Shipton in 1951. <a href="https://t.co/gVdlurgazB">pic.twitter.com/gVdlurgazB</a>
— Panther 🇮🇳 (@panther98_) <a href="https://twitter.com/panther98_/status/1122945172818415616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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So embarrassing <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> jokes apart, whoever runs this handle needs to be fired. Why would you make such a dumb claim about a yeti and open yourself to endless mockery!
— Rohit (@Retributions) <a href="https://twitter.com/Retributions/status/1123066217323999237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army has claimed on its Twitter handle said that it had sighted mysterious footprints of a beast popularly known as "Yeti", close to the Makalu base camp in Nepal.

The Indian Army has claimed on its Twitter handle said that it had sighted mysterious footprints of a beast popularly known as "Yeti", close to the Makalu base camp in Nepal. The Army posted the picture on its official Twitter handle declaring: "For the first time, an Indian Army Mountaineering expedition team has sighted mysterious footprints of the mythical beast." For the first time, an #IndianArmy Moutaineering Expedition Team has sited Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past. pic.twitter.com/AMD4MYIgV7 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 29, 2019 × The mountaineers had spotted the "big foot" on April 9th, it said. The Army said the footprints measured 32x15 inches. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past, the Army added. Meanwhile, Army sources said the story is based on physical proofs of on the spot narration, photos and videos. The Army had got the inputs about ten days back, sources said, adding it held on to it. But then we decided that there were photographic evidence which matches with earlier theories, Army sources said. The sources added that the Army will release the video today. Tweeted as we thought "prudent to excite scientific temper and rekindle the interest", it said. The "Yeti" which is part of Nepal's folklore has mesmerised mountaineers for decades. Several accounts have linked it to look like a half-man, half-animal creature. However, no authentic photograph of the ape-like creature exists. As soon as the Army posted the information, Twitteratti jokes flooded the net. Is this a joke? Yeti? What next will the Indian Army's twitter handle tweet about? Finding recipe of magic potion of Getafix? https://t.co/4yAz96LXqW — Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) April 30, 2019 × Photograph of an alleged yeti footprint found by Michael Ward. Photograph was taken at Menlung glacier on the Everest expedition by Eric Shipton in 1951. pic.twitter.com/gVdlurgazB — Panther 🇮🇳 (@panther98_) April 29, 2019 × So embarrassing @adgpi jokes apart, whoever runs this handle needs to be fired. Why would you make such a dumb claim about a yeti and open yourself to endless mockery! — Rohit (@Retributions) April 30, 2019 ×

Trolled over 'Yeti' picture, Army sources say will release video proof today

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle.

Dalvir Singh, a heroin addict, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of kidnapping, felonious assault for dragging Nita Coburn, 69 and grand theft, Middletown Division of Police said in a statement.

Coburn was injured when as she tried to stop Singh as the kids jumped out of the car.

The police is also hailing Coburn's 8-year old grandson Chance as a hero for saving his 10-year old sister's life by pulling her out of the car as Singh took off in it.

The Middletown Police said that on the evening of April 25, it received a call that a car with children inside had been stolen at a medical centre in Middletown, Ohio and that an elderly lady was injured.&nbsp;

Coburn had taken another woman to the hospital and her two grandchildren were with her in the back seat. When they got to the emergency room, she pulled up close to the door and was helping the other woman into the emergency room.

About 10 seconds after she got out of the car, Singh jumped into the driver's seat and took off with the children still in the back.&nbsp;

The little boy opened the door to escape and his sister Skylar started to jump out also but Singh grabbed the hoodie of the little girl not allowing her to leave. As she tried to get away, Chance grabbed hold of her and pulled her away from Singh and they both tumbled out of the vehicle as it was moving.

Police said Coburn did not realise that the children were able to escape because they flew out of the passenger side and by that time she was chasing the car on the driver's side.&nbsp;

She opened the driver's door to regain control of the vehicle she thought her grandchildren were in, but Singh slammed the door shut again and locked the door.&nbsp;

She hung onto the vehicle panicking because she thought the children were still inside. The vehicle dragged her until it accelerated at a high rate of speed and she was forced to let go.

Two police officers observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the scene and chased Singh, who was then taken into custody and charged.

Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw lauded the heroic attempt by Chance to save himself and his sister from the kidnapping attempt.

"This little guy is a hero. No question. He pulled his sister out of the car&nbsp;with no concern for his own safety. That is incredible at his age," he said.

The Middletown Division of Police said it will be recognising the little boy's quick action to not only get out of the vehicle but also making sure that his sister got out with him.&nbsp;

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle.

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle. Dalvir Singh, a heroin addict, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of kidnapping, felonious assault for dragging Nita Coburn, 69 and grand theft, Middletown Division of Police said in a statement. Coburn was injured when as she tried to stop Singh as the kids jumped out of the car. The police is also hailing Coburn's 8-year old grandson Chance as a hero for saving his 10-year old sister's life by pulling her out of the car as Singh took off in it. The Middletown Police said that on the evening of April 25, it received a call that a car with children inside had been stolen at a medical centre in Middletown, Ohio and that an elderly lady was injured. Coburn had taken another woman to the hospital and her two grandchildren were with her in the back seat. When they got to the emergency room, she pulled up close to the door and was helping the other woman into the emergency room. About 10 seconds after she got out of the car, Singh jumped into the driver's seat and took off with the children still in the back. The little boy opened the door to escape and his sister Skylar started to jump out also but Singh grabbed the hoodie of the little girl not allowing her to leave. As she tried to get away, Chance grabbed hold of her and pulled her away from Singh and they both tumbled out of the vehicle as it was moving. Police said Coburn did not realise that the children were able to escape because they flew out of the passenger side and by that time she was chasing the car on the driver's side. She opened the driver's door to regain control of the vehicle she thought her grandchildren were in, but Singh slammed the door shut again and locked the door. She hung onto the vehicle panicking because she thought the children were still inside. The vehicle dragged her until it accelerated at a high rate of speed and she was forced to let go. Two police officers observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the scene and chased Singh, who was then taken into custody and charged. Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw lauded the heroic attempt by Chance to save himself and his sister from the kidnapping attempt. "This little guy is a hero. No question. He pulled his sister out of the car with no concern for his own safety. That is incredible at his age," he said. The Middletown Division of Police said it will be recognising the little boy's quick action to not only get out of the vehicle but also making sure that his sister got out with him.

Indian charged with kidnapping after driving away two children in car in US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>

In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-man-followed-sri-lankan-suicide-bomber-videos-wanted-to-carry-out-attack-in-kerala-nia-214637">Arrested man followed Lankan bomber's videos, wanted to attack Kerala: NIA</a>

The accused, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by the National Investigation Agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-has-intensified-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-imd-214625">Cyclone Fani has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm': IMD</a>

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the storm currently lays about 620 km east-northeast of the Trincomalee in Sri Lanka.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-deploying-320-additional-troops-along-mexico-border-us-defence-department-214622">Will be deploying 320 additional troops along Mexico border: US defence department</a>

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-brilliant-david-warner-hands-hyderabad-45-run-win-over-punjab-214615">IPL 2019: Brilliant David Warner hands Hyderabad 45-run win over Punjab</a>

Playing his last match of the season before heading home for World Cup preparations, Warner struck a belligerent 81 off 56 balls with seven fours and two sixes to complete his IPL 2019 campaign.

Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria.

Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria. Arrested man followed Lankan bomber's videos, wanted to attack Kerala: NIA The accused, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by the National Investigation Agency. Cyclone Fani has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm': IMD The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the storm currently lays about 620 km east-northeast of the Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. Will be deploying 320 additional troops along Mexico border: US defence department Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals. IPL 2019: Brilliant David Warner hands Hyderabad 45-run win over Punjab Playing his last match of the season before heading home for World Cup preparations, Warner struck a belligerent 81 off 56 balls with seven fours and two sixes to complete his IPL 2019 campaign.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday apologised for attributing 'chowkidar chor hai' comment to the Supreme Court. Watch this video to know more.

Rahul Gandhi apologises to top court

"For the first time, an #IndianArmy Mountaineering Expedition Team has sited Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' it said in a tweet, not explaining how a mythical beast could leave footprints.

Indian Army says it found huge mysterious large footprints

Maruti Suzuki India launched&nbsp;an in house developed&nbsp;new diesel engine in its Ertiga on Tuesday.

The automobile manufacturer introduced a 1.5-litre DDIS 225 diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission in the Next Gen Ertiga.&nbsp;

The price of the car with the new feature ranges from Rs 9.86 lakh to Rs 11.20 lakh.

The VDi model of the car is available at Rs 9.86 lakhs, the ZDi at Rs 10.69 lakhs and the ZDi+ model at Rs 11.20 lakhs.

The company claims that the new launch will bring superior gear shift feel and provide a smooth driving experience.

The engine, developed in-house, uses ‘Dual Mass flywheel’ which helps to reduce engine fluctuations.&nbsp;

Mr. R.S. Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said that the new introduction in the car was&nbsp;designed as per customer's aspirations.

“Considering the requirements of evolving customers, the Next Gen Ertiga is now offered with new 1.5-litre Diesel engine. The new engine is a perfect combination of performance and refinement. It showcases Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to provide products aligned with customers aspirations. We are sure this new engine option will strengthen the popularity of Ertiga in urban MPV segment, " he added.

With 39 per cent market share, Maruti Suzuki’s Next Gen Ertiga is popular among the country's youth.

Launched in November 2018, the Next Gen Ertiga became an instant hit with customers selling over 40,000 units in Nov-April period.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Maruti Suzuki India launched an in house developed new diesel engine in its Ertiga on Tuesday. The automobile manufacturer introduced a 1.5-litre DDIS 225 diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission in the Next Gen Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki India launched an in house developed new diesel engine in its Ertiga on Tuesday. The automobile manufacturer introduced a 1.5-litre DDIS 225 diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission in the Next Gen Ertiga. The price of the car with the new feature ranges from Rs 9.86 lakh to Rs 11.20 lakh. The VDi model of the car is available at Rs 9.86 lakhs, the ZDi at Rs 10.69 lakhs and the ZDi+ model at Rs 11.20 lakhs. The company claims that the new launch will bring superior gear shift feel and provide a smooth driving experience. The engine, developed in-house, uses ‘Dual Mass flywheel’ which helps to reduce engine fluctuations. Mr. R.S. Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said that the new introduction in the car was designed as per customer's aspirations. “Considering the requirements of evolving customers, the Next Gen Ertiga is now offered with new 1.5-litre Diesel engine. The new engine is a perfect combination of performance and refinement. It showcases Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to provide products aligned with customers aspirations. We are sure this new engine option will strengthen the popularity of Ertiga in urban MPV segment, " he added. With 39 per cent market share, Maruti Suzuki’s Next Gen Ertiga is popular among the country's youth. Launched in November 2018, the Next Gen Ertiga became an instant hit with customers selling over 40,000 units in Nov-April period.

Maruti Suzuki introduces new diesel engine in Ertiga, price starts at Rs 9.86 lakhs

The Bombay High Court Tuesday directed the Railways to ensure that sewage or untreated water is not used for irrigation and cultivation of vegetables on land along railway tracks across the country.

A bench of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice NM Jamdar directed the general manager of the Indian Railways to ensure that the court's direction is implemented and licences of violators are cancelled.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by a city NGO through lawyer JP Kharge.

Kharge alleged that several people had been given licences by the Western and Central Railways to cultivate along the railway tracks of the Mumbai's suburban rail network.

However, many of these people were using "sewage water" for irrigation and all the toxins from such water were being passed on to the vegetables grown there.

Kharge told the court that chemical analysis of some vegetables grown along the tracks had found high levels of lead, arsenic, copper and other metals.

These metals can have an adverse effect on human health, he said.

Counsel for Western and Central Railways, advocate Suresh Kumar, told the court that while the railways had given licences to some of its Grade C and D staff to cultivate on surplus land along the railway tracks in the city, its rules did not permit the use of untreated water.

The court said while the idea behind using surplus land for cultivation was good, the railways were bound to ensure that "public health" was not compromised.

It, therefore, directed the authorities to ensure none of the licence holders across the country was permitted to use untreated water or to flout other terms of the licence granted to them.&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court Tuesday directed the Railways to ensure that sewage or untreated water is not used for irrigation and cultivation of vegetables on land along railway tracks across the country.

The Bombay High Court Tuesday directed the Railways to ensure that sewage or untreated water is not used for irrigation and cultivation of vegetables on land along railway tracks across the country. A bench of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice NM Jamdar directed the general manager of the Indian Railways to ensure that the court's direction is implemented and licences of violators are cancelled. The bench was hearing a PIL filed by a city NGO through lawyer JP Kharge. Kharge alleged that several people had been given licences by the Western and Central Railways to cultivate along the railway tracks of the Mumbai's suburban rail network. However, many of these people were using "sewage water" for irrigation and all the toxins from such water were being passed on to the vegetables grown there. Kharge told the court that chemical analysis of some vegetables grown along the tracks had found high levels of lead, arsenic, copper and other metals. These metals can have an adverse effect on human health, he said. Counsel for Western and Central Railways, advocate Suresh Kumar, told the court that while the railways had given licences to some of its Grade C and D staff to cultivate on surplus land along the railway tracks in the city, its rules did not permit the use of untreated water. The court said while the idea behind using surplus land for cultivation was good, the railways were bound to ensure that "public health" was not compromised. It, therefore, directed the authorities to ensure none of the licence holders across the country was permitted to use untreated water or to flout other terms of the licence granted to them.

Ensure that untreated water, sewage not used for crops: Bombay High Court to Railways

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