Blasts heard in Sanaa as Saudi-led coalition warns civilians to evacuate; Houthis vow retaliation

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

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco

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

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

New Delhi rejects Beijing’s claims and remarks on Ladakh location naming exercise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robot gropes girl, makes thrusting movements in bizarre crime in Germany

US Treasury hits Bank of America with over $1.2 billion in penalties over suspicious transactions and Chinese money-laundering links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 64% turnout in fourth phase; violence in West Bengal, Odisha

China is expected to remove its hold on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-evidence-on-masood-azhar-jaish-shared-with-china-will-continue-to-pursue-all-avenues-india-212579"> listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said&nbsp;they are quite positive and hopeful.&nbsp;

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th&nbsp;at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine&nbsp;months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-optimistic-masood-azhar-will-be-listed-as-an-international-terrorist-213730">UK last week expressed optimism</a> that JeM&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be."

Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added.

The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave&nbsp;evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM&nbsp;and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN&nbsp;to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement".&nbsp;

JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION. Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said they are quite positive and hopeful. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision. The development comes even as the UK last week expressed optimism that JeM chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be." Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added. The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement". JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.

China may soon remove hold on Masood Azhar's terror listing at UN

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday</a>. As many as 72&nbsp;constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.&nbsp;

According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">Spurts of violence marred the state</a> during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>States</td>
			<td>Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bihar</td>
			<td>58.92%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jammu and Kashmir</td>
			<td>9.79%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Madhya Pradesh</td>
			<td>66.66%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maharashtra</td>
			<td>55.88%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Odisha</td>
			<td>64.05%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajasthan</td>
			<td>66.53%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>56.40%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Bengal</td>
			<td>76.59%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jharkhand</td>
			<td>63.77%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">Babul Supriyo</a>'s car was also vandalised outside the polling station.

Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent.&nbsp;

Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent.&nbsp;

As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls. According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent. Spurts of violence marred the state during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state. States Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm Bihar 58.92% Jammu and Kashmir 9.79% Madhya Pradesh 66.66% Maharashtra 55.88% Odisha 64.05% Rajasthan 66.53% Uttar Pradesh 56.40% West Bengal 76.59% Jharkhand 63.77% Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent. Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote. Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent. As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Total turnout at 62% till 7pm; violence marred West Bengal bags top spot

It was a close shave for Spicejet passengers at Shirdi airport as the airline's Shirdi-bound SG946 from Delhi overshot the runway on Monday.&nbsp;

All the passengers are safe, no harm or loss has been reported. Meanwhile, Shirdi Airport Director Deepak Shastri has said that the runway has been closed temporarily as rescue operations are underway.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) to probe the SpiceJet incident in Shirdi today( aircraft overshot the runaway) <a href="https://t.co/GcS24fzQyP">https://t.co/GcS24fzQyP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122889167615082498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The airline, in a statement, said "A SpiceJet B737-800 aircraft operated between Delhi to Shirdi overshot the runway while landing at Shirdi. All passengers and crew are safe and are being deplaned normally".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Maharashtra: Close shave for Spicejet passengers at Shirdi airport as Spicejet SG946 from Delhi to Shirdi overshot the runway. All passengers safe. Shirdi Airport Director Deepak Shastri says as rescue operation is underway the runway has been closed temporarily <a href="https://t.co/G8VZZPrM82">pic.twitter.com/G8VZZPrM82</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122837774963314689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The aircraft apparently touched down some 30-40 meters away from the landing spot and veered off the runway, news agency PTI reported.

A source also said the incident lead to a complete halting of operations at the airport that serves mostly the pilgrims visiting the popular Hindu shrine in the city, PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

It was a close shave for Spicejet passengers at Shirdi airport as the airline's Shirdi-bound SG946 from Delhi overshot the runway on Monday. All the passengers are safe, no harm or loss has been reported.

It was a close shave for Spicejet passengers at Shirdi airport as the airline's Shirdi-bound SG946 from Delhi overshot the runway on Monday. All the passengers are safe, no harm or loss has been reported. Meanwhile, Shirdi Airport Director Deepak Shastri has said that the runway has been closed temporarily as rescue operations are underway. AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) to probe the SpiceJet incident in Shirdi today( aircraft overshot the runaway) https://t.co/GcS24fzQyP — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × The airline, in a statement, said "A SpiceJet B737-800 aircraft operated between Delhi to Shirdi overshot the runway while landing at Shirdi. All passengers and crew are safe and are being deplaned normally". Maharashtra: Close shave for Spicejet passengers at Shirdi airport as Spicejet SG946 from Delhi to Shirdi overshot the runway. All passengers safe. Shirdi Airport Director Deepak Shastri says as rescue operation is underway the runway has been closed temporarily pic.twitter.com/G8VZZPrM82 — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × The aircraft apparently touched down some 30-40 meters away from the landing spot and veered off the runway, news agency PTI reported. A source also said the incident lead to a complete halting of operations at the airport that serves mostly the pilgrims visiting the popular Hindu shrine in the city, PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Shirdi-bound SpiceJet plane overshoots runway while landing

In view of the cyclone storm 'Fani,'&nbsp;the Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos Aerospace have put on hold the testfire of the air-launched version of supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft.

The air-launched version of the BrahMos was to be testfired by the Air Force over southern India this week for giving a homegrown weapon system to the force for carrying out Balakot-type air strikes.

"The testfire has been postponed due to the cyclone storm 'Fani'&nbsp;for the moment but we will be doing it soon," government sources said here.

The cyclonic storm 'Fani'&nbsp;on Monday morning was located at 880 km of South-East of Chennai and it will continue to move North-West and change its path to North-East from Wednesday. The cyclone is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday.

Seeking to further bolster its ability to destroy major ground targets, the IAF and DRDO are planning to testfire the air-launched version of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

Sources in the IAF say that they are very keen for a fast track development of the 290-km strike range missile which can destroy targets on the ground and can be used for Balakot-type air strikes where the planes won't even have to cross enemy borders for the hit.

During Balakot airstrikes, the IAF had used the Spice-2000 bombs launched from a Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft for striking Jaish targets in Balakot town of Pakistan.

With the availability of a BrahMos developed by DRDO, the IAF would be able to destroy similar targets from at least 150 km inside Indian territory.&nbsp;

In view of the cyclone storm 'Fani,' the Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos Aerospace have put on hold the testfire of the air-launched version of supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft.

In view of the cyclone storm 'Fani,' the Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos Aerospace have put on hold the testfire of the air-launched version of supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft. The air-launched version of the BrahMos was to be testfired by the Air Force over southern India this week for giving a homegrown weapon system to the force for carrying out Balakot-type air strikes. "The testfire has been postponed due to the cyclone storm 'Fani' for the moment but we will be doing it soon," government sources said here. The cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Monday morning was located at 880 km of South-East of Chennai and it will continue to move North-West and change its path to North-East from Wednesday. The cyclone is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday. Seeking to further bolster its ability to destroy major ground targets, the IAF and DRDO are planning to testfire the air-launched version of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft. Sources in the IAF say that they are very keen for a fast track development of the 290-km strike range missile which can destroy targets on the ground and can be used for Balakot-type air strikes where the planes won't even have to cross enemy borders for the hit. During Balakot airstrikes, the IAF had used the Spice-2000 bombs launched from a Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft for striking Jaish targets in Balakot town of Pakistan. With the availability of a BrahMos developed by DRDO, the IAF would be able to destroy similar targets from at least 150 km inside Indian territory.

Cyclone Fani forces IAF to postpone BrahMos testfiring

A Delhi court has sought a response from the city police on a plea by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, accused in the death case of his wife Sunanda Pushkar, seeking its nod to travel abroad.

Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj issued a notice to Delhi Police and directed it to file a reply by tomorrow when he will hear the matter.

Tharoor has sought court's permission to travel the USA from May 5-20.

The former Union minister has been charged under sections 498-A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 of the IPC but has not been arrested in the case.

Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel in the city on the night of January 17, 2014. The couple was staying in the hotel as the official bungalow of Tharoor was being renovated at that time.&nbsp;

A Delhi court has sought a response from the city police on a plea by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, accused in the death case of his wife Sunanda Pushkar, seeking its nod to travel abroad.

A Delhi court has sought a response from the city police on a plea by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, accused in the death case of his wife Sunanda Pushkar, seeking its nod to travel abroad. Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj issued a notice to Delhi Police and directed it to file a reply by tomorrow when he will hear the matter. Tharoor has sought court's permission to travel the USA from May 5-20. The former Union minister has been charged under sections 498-A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 of the IPC but has not been arrested in the case. Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel in the city on the night of January 17, 2014. The couple was staying in the hotel as the official bungalow of Tharoor was being renovated at that time.

Delhi court seeks Delhi Police reply on Shashi Tharoor's plea to travel abroad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4</a>

Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pm-pedro-sanchez-win-snap-polls-marked-by-far-right-gains-214244">Spain PM Pedro Sanchez wins snap polls marked by far-right gains</a>

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/post-easter-attacks-sri-lanka-president-sirisena-bans-face-covering-214265">Post Easter attacks, Sri Lanka President Sirisena bans face covering</a>

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday announced a ban on face covering, a week after Islamist militants carried out coordinated suicide bombings that killed 253 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-spending-up-for-first-time-in-seven-years-sipri-214258">US military spending up for first time in seven years: SIPRI</a>

US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-face-to-face-with-california-synagogue-shooter-rabbi-yisroel-goldstein-214268">I was face to face with California synagogue shooter: Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein</a>

A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation for a mosque arson.

Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4 Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai.

Live Lok Sabha polls: 72 Lok Sabha seats in 9 states go to polls in phase 4 Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar cast her vote at a polling booth in Bandra while veteran actress Shubha Khote exercised her franchise at a polling booth in Juhu, Mumbai. Spain PM Pedro Sanchez wins snap polls marked by far-right gains Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament. Post Easter attacks, Sri Lanka President Sirisena bans face covering Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday announced a ban on face covering, a week after Islamist militants carried out coordinated suicide bombings that killed 253 people. US military spending up for first time in seven years: SIPRI US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). I was face to face with California synagogue shooter: Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation for a mosque arson.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism.

The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer&nbsp; 
an ambitious and positive global future for our country".

Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London.

"This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would.

"Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said.

Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit.&nbsp;

Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament.&nbsp;

After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of &nbsp;Democracy under Threat.

According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest.

The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.&nbsp;

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month. Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism. The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer an ambitious and positive global future for our country". Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London. "This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph. "I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would. "Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said. Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit. Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament. After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough. Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of Democracy under Threat. According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest. The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.

British Indian property guru joins Brexit Party for European Union elections

As uncertainty continues over the fate of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-people-might-follow-suit-if-government-doesnt-intervene-nag-on-jet-employees-suicide-214094">shuttered Jet Airways</a>, an employees' consortium has proposed to take over the airline with at least Rs 3,000 crore expected from outside investors for the bid, according to two staff unions.

This is the first time that employees have come together with a proposal to run the more than 25-year-old Jet Airways, which temporarily suspended operations on April 17.

Two associations representing pilots and engineers -- SWIP and JAMEVA -- have written to State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar proposing that they would take over the airline and can bring in up to Rs 7,000 crore.

The Society for Welfare of Indian Pilots (SWIP) and the Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Welfare Association (JAMEVA) have written a letter to the SBI chief asking the lead lender to consider "employee consortium" as an intending bidder for the carrier.

While SWIP has around 800 members, there are about 500 employees with JAMEVA.

"The contribution from employees would be realised from their future earnings and increased productivity... As per our initial estimate, the contribution of employees group over a hypothetical 5-year Employee Stock Ownership Programme (ESOP) is likely to be upward of Rs 4,000 crore.

"In addition, we are also confident of securing an investment commitment of up to Rs 3,000 crore from outside investors," the letter, dated April 29, said.

The letter has been signed by four people -- SWIP General Secretary Ashwani Tyagi, JAMEVA President Ashish Kumar Mohanty, Jet Airways Manager (Human Resources)

BB Singh and Jet Lite Senior Vice President (Operations) and Accountable Manager P P Singh.

The deadline for submitting initial bids have already ended and the list of shortlisted entities is expected to be finalised on May 10.

SBI Capital Markets, on behalf of the lenders' consortium led by the SBI, is managing the bidding process.

"We confirm that a proposal for employee takeover of Jet Airways has been submitted by us... We are optimistic that the banks and Government of India will give our plan a serious consideration," the two unions said in a joint statement.

Tyagi said the letter has also been signed by two officials of the airline.

Cash-starved Jet Airways stopped operations on April 17 after lenders decided not to extend emergency funds. Since then, employees have held gatherings in various cities and have also met various ministers with pleas to save the airline.

As uncertainty continues over the fate of the shuttered Jet Airways, an employees' consortium has proposed to take over the airline with at least Rs 3,000 crore expected from outside investors for the bid, according to two staff unions.

As uncertainty continues over the fate of the shuttered Jet Airways, an employees' consortium has proposed to take over the airline with at least Rs 3,000 crore expected from outside investors for the bid, according to two staff unions. This is the first time that employees have come together with a proposal to run the more than 25-year-old Jet Airways, which temporarily suspended operations on April 17. Two associations representing pilots and engineers -- SWIP and JAMEVA -- have written to State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar proposing that they would take over the airline and can bring in up to Rs 7,000 crore. The Society for Welfare of Indian Pilots (SWIP) and the Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Welfare Association (JAMEVA) have written a letter to the SBI chief asking the lead lender to consider "employee consortium" as an intending bidder for the carrier. While SWIP has around 800 members, there are about 500 employees with JAMEVA. "The contribution from employees would be realised from their future earnings and increased productivity... As per our initial estimate, the contribution of employees group over a hypothetical 5-year Employee Stock Ownership Programme (ESOP) is likely to be upward of Rs 4,000 crore. "In addition, we are also confident of securing an investment commitment of up to Rs 3,000 crore from outside investors," the letter, dated April 29, said. The letter has been signed by four people -- SWIP General Secretary Ashwani Tyagi, JAMEVA President Ashish Kumar Mohanty, Jet Airways Manager (Human Resources) BB Singh and Jet Lite Senior Vice President (Operations) and Accountable Manager P P Singh. The deadline for submitting initial bids have already ended and the list of shortlisted entities is expected to be finalised on May 10. SBI Capital Markets, on behalf of the lenders' consortium led by the SBI, is managing the bidding process. "We confirm that a proposal for employee takeover of Jet Airways has been submitted by us... We are optimistic that the banks and Government of India will give our plan a serious consideration," the two unions said in a joint statement. Tyagi said the letter has also been signed by two officials of the airline. Cash-starved Jet Airways stopped operations on April 17 after lenders decided not to extend emergency funds. Since then, employees have held gatherings in various cities and have also met various ministers with pleas to save the airline.

Now, employees' consortium to bid for Jet Airways; seeks to raise Rs 3,000 crore from outside investors

Immigration system server was down at Delhi airport after midnight, resulting in long queues of people at immigration counters.

An Air India official said&nbsp;that the immigration system server was down for more than 40 minutes since 12.20 am.

At around 1 am, the official also said crew for three Air India flights were stuck and that no timeline has been given by immigration authority to resolve the issue.

A passenger, who was waiting for immigration check, said there has been a long delay due to server issues.

A public announcement was also made at the airport about the server problem and that personnel have started doing manual checking process, according to the passenger, who is to take an Air India flight to San Francisco.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the country.

Immigration system server was down at Delhi airport after midnight, resulting in long queues of people at immigration counters. An Air India official said that the immigration system server was down for more than 40 minutes since 12.

Immigration system server was down at Delhi airport after midnight, resulting in long queues of people at immigration counters. An Air India official said that the immigration system server was down for more than 40 minutes since 12.20 am. At around 1 am, the official also said crew for three Air India flights were stuck and that no timeline has been given by immigration authority to resolve the issue. A passenger, who was waiting for immigration check, said there has been a long delay due to server issues. A public announcement was also made at the airport about the server problem and that personnel have started doing manual checking process, according to the passenger, who is to take an Air India flight to San Francisco. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the country.

Long queues at Delhi airport as immigration server goes down

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-pm-asks-officials-to-take-preventive-measures-214300">cyclonic storm Fani</a>, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1. However, as it is located deep in the ocean, there is no indication of it making landfall, say officials of the Indian Meteorological Department.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters here, S Balachandran, director, Regional Meteorological Centre said, Cyclone Fani is expected to move North-westwards until May 1 and would come within 300 kilometres proximity of the northern Tamil Nadu coast and southern Andhra Pradesh coast, after which the system would move north-northwestwards.&nbsp;

Low to moderate rainfall is expected on April 30 and May 1 in the north Tamil Nadu coastal region, in addition with gusty winds ranging from speeds of 40 to 70Kmph. Owing to rough seas, fishermen in the region have been advised not to venture out until May 2, whereas those in the high seas have been warned to return, added the director of the regional meteorological centre.&nbsp;

A press release from the IMD also mentions the possibility of light to moderate rainfall, at places over Kerala and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds of 80-100kmph have been forecast for the southeast Bay of Bengal region and its neighbourhood. The system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly, the release noted.&nbsp;

Regarding the cyclone making landfall, Balachandran said so far there is no indication of it making landfall and there would be no direct impact for Tamil Nadu. The rains along the coastal region could bring respite for the Chennai city that has been reeling under the sweltering summer heat, while also facing water scarcity in many localities.&nbsp;

However, apart from the respite that the rains could bring, there is another possibility of temperatures increasing in the days after May 1. Speaking to WION, popular weather blogger Pradeep John said, once the cyclone crosses the latitude and moves northwards, it could take away the moisture, weaken the sea breeze and dry winds would blow from the northwest, thereby raising the temperatures along with the coastal districts and the ones adjoining them. &nbsp;

Pradeep John, who runs a popular weather page on Facebook, had also mentioned about the two hottest days in Chennai over a 200-year period coinciding with cyclones having moved away. He mentioned the patterns observed on May 31, 2003, and May 30, 1998, when the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celcius and 44.1 degrees Celcius respectively after the cyclones curved away to Burma.&nbsp;

He added that going by the current pattern, Chennai and adjoining districts are likely to record maximum temperatures of this season in the following week. &nbsp;

In the recent past, when cyclones made landfall near the Tamil Nadu coast, they ended up bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and left behind a trail of destruction. The Vardah cyclone in 2016 made landfall near Chennai and uprooted lakhs of trees. In 2017, Cyclone Ocki affected the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 2018 the Gaja cyclone wreaked havoc in the Southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

The cyclonic storm Fani, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1.

The cyclonic storm Fani, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1. However, as it is located deep in the ocean, there is no indication of it making landfall, say officials of the Indian Meteorological Department. Speaking to reporters here, S Balachandran, director, Regional Meteorological Centre said, Cyclone Fani is expected to move North-westwards until May 1 and would come within 300 kilometres proximity of the northern Tamil Nadu coast and southern Andhra Pradesh coast, after which the system would move north-northwestwards. Low to moderate rainfall is expected on April 30 and May 1 in the north Tamil Nadu coastal region, in addition with gusty winds ranging from speeds of 40 to 70Kmph. Owing to rough seas, fishermen in the region have been advised not to venture out until May 2, whereas those in the high seas have been warned to return, added the director of the regional meteorological centre. A press release from the IMD also mentions the possibility of light to moderate rainfall, at places over Kerala and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds of 80-100kmph have been forecast for the southeast Bay of Bengal region and its neighbourhood. The system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly, the release noted. Regarding the cyclone making landfall, Balachandran said so far there is no indication of it making landfall and there would be no direct impact for Tamil Nadu. The rains along the coastal region could bring respite for the Chennai city that has been reeling under the sweltering summer heat, while also facing water scarcity in many localities. However, apart from the respite that the rains could bring, there is another possibility of temperatures increasing in the days after May 1. Speaking to WION, popular weather blogger Pradeep John said, once the cyclone crosses the latitude and moves northwards, it could take away the moisture, weaken the sea breeze and dry winds would blow from the northwest, thereby raising the temperatures along with the coastal districts and the ones adjoining them. Pradeep John, who runs a popular weather page on Facebook, had also mentioned about the two hottest days in Chennai over a 200-year period coinciding with cyclones having moved away. He mentioned the patterns observed on May 31, 2003, and May 30, 1998, when the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celcius and 44.1 degrees Celcius respectively after the cyclones curved away to Burma. He added that going by the current pattern, Chennai and adjoining districts are likely to record maximum temperatures of this season in the following week. In the recent past, when cyclones made landfall near the Tamil Nadu coast, they ended up bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and left behind a trail of destruction. The Vardah cyclone in 2016 made landfall near Chennai and uprooted lakhs of trees. In 2017, Cyclone Ocki affected the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 2018 the Gaja cyclone wreaked havoc in the Southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Fani to intensify into ‘very severe’ storm, no direct impact for Tamil Nadu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">Lok Sabha polls 2019: 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs ready to join once BJP wins polls, says PM Narendra Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-says-its-on-the-road-to-major-change-but-the-world-is-sceptical-214485">Pakistan says it's on the road to major change, but the world is sceptical</a>

Something very significant is underway in Pakistan, the government in Islamabad would like you to believe.

A small group of foreign journalists, Reuters correspondents included, was given Pakistan's new narrative by Prime Minister Imran Khan, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other top government officials and generals during a visit to the country earlier this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-vietnam-charged-us-big-tariffs-trump-at-wisconsin-rally-214388">China, India, Vietnam charged us big tariffs: Trump at Wisconsin rally</a>

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-alert-for-attacks-by-militants-dressed-in-uniforms-214411">Sri Lanka on alert for attacks by militants dressed in uniforms</a>

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/38-killed-as-floods-worsen-in-mozambique-after-second-cyclone-214495">38 killed as floods worsen in Mozambique after second cyclone</a>

Heavy rain battered northern Mozambique on Monday as residents and relief workers confronted the widespread devastation wrought by Cyclone Kenneth, the strongest cyclone to ever hit Africa, which killed 38 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs ready to join once BJP wins polls, says PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs ready to join once BJP wins polls, says PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls. Pakistan says it's on the road to major change, but the world is sceptical Something very significant is underway in Pakistan, the government in Islamabad would like you to believe. A small group of foreign journalists, Reuters correspondents included, was given Pakistan's new narrative by Prime Minister Imran Khan, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other top government officials and generals during a visit to the country earlier this month. China, India, Vietnam charged us big tariffs: Trump at Wisconsin rally President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan. Sri Lanka on alert for attacks by militants dressed in uniforms Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms. 38 killed as floods worsen in Mozambique after second cyclone Heavy rain battered northern Mozambique on Monday as residents and relief workers confronted the widespread devastation wrought by Cyclone Kenneth, the strongest cyclone to ever hit Africa, which killed 38 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me</a>" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.&nbsp;

Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/mLkaMq8AwZ">pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122817144394174465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me".&nbsp;

"Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state. Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him". Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × "Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added. Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me". "Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.

We're complaining to Election Commission, charging you with horse-trading: TMC on PM Modi's '40 MLAs are with me' remark

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">Babul Supriyo</a>, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Supriyo's car was vandalised outside a polling station as clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal.

Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Election Commission directs to register FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister &amp; BJP candidate from Asansol LS seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/fu20QRvq8d">pic.twitter.com/fu20QRvq8d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122831873778962433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As soon as Supriyo reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked.

"I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt."

The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis" would be given to Asansol.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported.

The Election Commission of India on Monday directed West Bengal Police to register an FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, Supriyo's car was vandalised outside a polling station as clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal. Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said. Election Commission directs to register FIR against Babul Supriyo, Union Minister & BJP candidate from Asansol LS seat, for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/fu20QRvq8d — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × As soon as Supriyo reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked. "I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt." The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis" would be given to Asansol.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission directs West Bengal Police to register FIR against Babul Supriyo for trespassing into booth

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force."

PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party."

Lambasting at the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, PM Modi said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee had given consent for the Koderma to Ranchi rail line twenty years ago, but the Congress government did not go ahead with the plan. People of this state gave me a chance in 2014 and we started the work of Koderma-Hazaribagh-Barkakana-Sidhwar. The rail line will be functional in one and a half year."

Shedding light on the scams that came to the foreground during the tenure of the Congress, PM Modi said, "During their tenure, all sorts of scams, ranging from the coal-gate scam, helicopter scam and even scam pertaining to minerals extracted from the earth had come up. All these scams have come to a standstill now that BJP is in power."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he contended that the party only cares about itself and not about the people of the country. "They do not think about anyone. If they do not see a vote-bank in your state, they leave the people at their own fate. This is what they have done to my Adivasi brother and sisters of Jharkhand," he remarked.

"Our party showed empathy for the downtrodden by granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission," Modi said, adding that the opposition did everything in their might to stop the government from taking this decision in the favour of the oppressed.

Voting in the fourth phase of the elections is underway in three parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand.

Next polling will be held on May 6, 12, and 19 in the remaining four phases of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force.

Be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil, your chowkidar will not spare anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Addressing an election rally here, the Prime Minister said, "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force." PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party." Lambasting at the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, PM Modi said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee had given consent for the Koderma to Ranchi rail line twenty years ago, but the Congress government did not go ahead with the plan. People of this state gave me a chance in 2014 and we started the work of Koderma-Hazaribagh-Barkakana-Sidhwar. The rail line will be functional in one and a half year." Shedding light on the scams that came to the foreground during the tenure of the Congress, PM Modi said, "During their tenure, all sorts of scams, ranging from the coal-gate scam, helicopter scam and even scam pertaining to minerals extracted from the earth had come up. All these scams have come to a standstill now that BJP is in power." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he contended that the party only cares about itself and not about the people of the country. "They do not think about anyone. If they do not see a vote-bank in your state, they leave the people at their own fate. This is what they have done to my Adivasi brother and sisters of Jharkhand," he remarked. "Our party showed empathy for the downtrodden by granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission," Modi said, adding that the opposition did everything in their might to stop the government from taking this decision in the favour of the oppressed. Voting in the fourth phase of the elections is underway in three parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand. Next polling will be held on May 6, 12, and 19 in the remaining four phases of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Be it Pak terrorists or traitors on our own soil, chowkidar will not spare anyone: PM Modi

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Deepak Gupta sought a response from the Centre and the poll body over a petition filed by Mumbai based advocate Sunil Ahya.

Ahya through his plea sought direction to the Centre to set aside Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 except for the procedure prescribed for purpose of creating a statistical record of the complaints.

According to the present situation, jail term and fine is guaranteed if the complaint is found false.

Ahya, in his petition, stated that at present, if an elector complains / reports about any discrepancy between EVM and VVPAT, he may face the consequence of a jail term up to six months if it turns to be false, so it should be decriminalised.

Section 49 MA of Code Of Election Rules, states, if a person files a complaint regarding the discrepancy (voted for a particular party but it went to some other party) regarding the EVM, and, if after investigation this is found to be false or incorrect, then the complainant can be prosecuted under section 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "furnishing false information. This section invites six months in jail or Rs&nbsp;1,000 fine or both".

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Deepak Gupta sought a response from the Centre and the poll body over a petition filed by Mumbai based advocate Sunil Ahya. Ahya through his plea sought direction to the Centre to set aside Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 except for the procedure prescribed for purpose of creating a statistical record of the complaints. According to the present situation, jail term and fine is guaranteed if the complaint is found false. Ahya, in his petition, stated that at present, if an elector complains / reports about any discrepancy between EVM and VVPAT, he may face the consequence of a jail term up to six months if it turns to be false, so it should be decriminalised. Section 49 MA of Code Of Election Rules, states, if a person files a complaint regarding the discrepancy (voted for a particular party but it went to some other party) regarding the EVM, and, if after investigation this is found to be false or incorrect, then the complainant can be prosecuted under section 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "furnishing false information. This section invites six months in jail or Rs 1,000 fine or both".

SC seeks ECI, Centre's response over plea seeking decriminalisation of complaints regarding EVM malfunction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers".&nbsp;

"They are not letting BJP leaders campaign," the Prime Minister said while speaking at a rally in Serampore in West Bengal.

The Prime Minister said that on May 23, when the Lok Sabha election results will be declared, lotus will bloom everywhere, "and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">40 of your MLAs are in contact with me</a>," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Goons of TMC are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers, they are not letting BJP leaders campaign. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/BmXt1IHBKO">pic.twitter.com/BmXt1IHBKO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122794033158344704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Didi said she wants to give me a rasgulla made of soil and pebbles. The soil of Bengal has the essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, JC Bose, Netaji, SP Mukherjee and if Modi gets a rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi," he stated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-ask-election-commission-to-seek-expenditure-details-of-pm-modis-rallies-mamata-banerjee-214158">On Sunday, Banerjee accused the BJP</a> of doling out money to buy votes in the general election. Mamata Banerjee said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Didi, on 23 May when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me. <a href="https://t.co/XaZQ4BORwO">pic.twitter.com/XaZQ4BORwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122797092047663105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers". "They are not letting BJP leaders campaign," the Prime Minister said while speaking at a rally in Serampore in West Bengal. The Prime Minister said that on May 23, when the Lok Sabha election results will be declared, lotus will bloom everywhere, "and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Goons of TMC are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers, they are not letting BJP leaders campaign. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/BmXt1IHBKO — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × "Didi said she wants to give me a rasgulla made of soil and pebbles. The soil of Bengal has the essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, JC Bose, Netaji, SP Mukherjee and if Modi gets a rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi," he stated. On Sunday, Banerjee accused the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election. Mamata Banerjee said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Didi, on 23 May when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me. pic.twitter.com/XaZQ4BORwO — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit. Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop BJP: PM Modi

Congress candidate for Lok Sabha's Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha on Monday filed his nomination.&nbsp;

Earlier in the month, Sinha faced a backlash from Congress' Lucknow candidate for campaigning for his wife Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bihar: Congress candidate for Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha files nomination. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAiOk9yvfX">pic.twitter.com/DAiOk9yvfX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122803032381460481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party's Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib constituency this Lok Sabha polls, his wife Poonam Sinha - who has been fielded on an SP ticket - will face BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress' Pramod Krishnam from Lucknow.&nbsp;

Patna Sahib in Bihar will go to polls in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh will conduct general elections for the constituency in the fifth phase on May 6.&nbsp;

Congress candidate for Lok Sabha's Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha on Monday filed his nomination. Earlier in the month, Sinha faced a backlash from Congress' Lucknow candidate for campaigning for his wife Poonam Sinha.

Congress candidate for Lok Sabha's Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha on Monday filed his nomination. Earlier in the month, Sinha faced a backlash from Congress' Lucknow candidate for campaigning for his wife Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family." Bihar: Congress candidate for Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha files nomination. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/DAiOk9yvfX — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × While Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party's Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib constituency this Lok Sabha polls, his wife Poonam Sinha - who has been fielded on an SP ticket - will face BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress' Pramod Krishnam from Lucknow. Patna Sahib in Bihar will go to polls in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh will conduct general elections for the constituency in the fifth phase on May 6.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Shatrughan Sinha files nomination from Patna Sahib constituency

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Haseen+Jahan">Hasin Jahan</a>, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house.&nbsp;

She was later released on bail.&nbsp;

Jahan was involved in an argument with Shami's mother and other in-laws.&nbsp;

On Sunday night, Jahan reached her husband's house in Sahaspur Ali Nagar village with her daughter Bebo. When her in-laws asked her to leave, she locked herself and her child in a room.&nbsp;

The police were called and they took Jahan into custody when they failed to bring a truce between both the parties.&nbsp;

As per the media reports, she was arrested under section 151 which says that the police can arrest a person without a warrant for 24 hours.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters, Haseen Jahan said: "I have come to my husband`s house and I have every right to stay here. My in-laws are misbehaving with me and the police is supporting them. They should have arrested them but they are taking me to the police station."

Hasin Jahan, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house. She was later released on bail.

Hasin Jahan, the wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, was arrested by the Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on after she created a ruckus at her husband's house. She was later released on bail. Jahan was involved in an argument with Shami's mother and other in-laws. On Sunday night, Jahan reached her husband's house in Sahaspur Ali Nagar village with her daughter Bebo. When her in-laws asked her to leave, she locked herself and her child in a room. The police were called and they took Jahan into custody when they failed to bring a truce between both the parties. As per the media reports, she was arrested under section 151 which says that the police can arrest a person without a warrant for 24 hours. Talking to reporters, Haseen Jahan said: "I have come to my husband`s house and I have every right to stay here. My in-laws are misbehaving with me and the police is supporting them. They should have arrested them but they are taking me to the police station."

Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan arrested by Amroha police after midnight drama

US Special Representative for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-peace-if-taliban-do-not-adapt-us-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-214206">Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad</a> is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders.

This will be his second visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Briefing the media during Zalmay's last visit to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in January had said, "whether Pakistan’s role was discussed, you know there is something which I have articulated time and again about the destabilizing role, in a way, which Pakistan plays."

India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the continuation of the current political structure in the landlocked South Asian country which has arrived after 18 years.

He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and appraised him about India's view on the Afghan peace process.

India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. &nbsp;India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran, Russia, China and central Asian countries - &nbsp;regarding the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders. This will be his second visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Briefing the media during Zalmay's last visit to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in January had said, "whether Pakistan’s role was discussed, you know there is something which I have articulated time and again about the destabilizing role, in a way, which Pakistan plays." India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the continuation of the current political structure in the landlocked South Asian country which has arrived after 18 years. He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and appraised him about India's view on the Afghan peace process. India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran, Russia, China and central Asian countries - regarding the Afghan peace process. India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad likely to visit India on May 6th

Immigration servers at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi was restored after a technical glitch which resulted in operations of eight flights being delayed.&nbsp;

Six flights were delayed by half an hour and two by more than an hour after the immigration servers went down.

A long line of passengers was seen at the airport following the incident.&nbsp;

The glitch in the immigration servers comes after Air India servers developed some snag on the wee hours of Saturday resulting in the delay of 137 flights.

"The average duration of delay is of 197 minutes," airline`s spokesperson had said.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports across the world after several Air India flights got affected due to a glitch in SITA server.

The server glitch at 3.30am forced the state-owned carrier to re-schedule 18 flights to reduce the inconvenience of the passengers.&nbsp;

The system was restored after over five hours at 8.45 am.

The technical glitch affected functions like check-in, both at airport counters and web check-in, that delayed flights. 
&nbsp;

Immigration servers at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi was restored after a technical glitch which resulted in operations of eight flights being delayed.

Immigration servers at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi was restored after a technical glitch which resulted in operations of eight flights being delayed. Six flights were delayed by half an hour and two by more than an hour after the immigration servers went down. A long line of passengers was seen at the airport following the incident. The glitch in the immigration servers comes after Air India servers developed some snag on the wee hours of Saturday resulting in the delay of 137 flights. "The average duration of delay is of 197 minutes," airline`s spokesperson had said. Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports across the world after several Air India flights got affected due to a glitch in SITA server. The server glitch at 3.30am forced the state-owned carrier to re-schedule 18 flights to reduce the inconvenience of the passengers. The system was restored after over five hours at 8.45 am. The technical glitch affected functions like check-in, both at airport counters and web check-in, that delayed flights.

Delhi airport immigration server restored after glitch, 8 flights delayed

A major fire broke out in four chemical factories in west Delhi's Naraina area on Monday, a senior officer of the Delhi Fire Service said.

No casualty has been reported so far, he said.

Thirty fire tenders were rushed to the spot after a call about the blaze was received at 11.35 am.

The officer said four factories are affected by the fire and fire fighting operations were underway.

The fire broke out in the factories behind Payal Cinema at the Naraina industrial area.&nbsp;

Further details are awaited. 
&nbsp;

A major fire broke out in four chemical factories in west Delhi's Naraina area on Monday, a senior officer of the Delhi Fire Service said. No casualty has been reported so far, he said.

A major fire broke out in four chemical factories in west Delhi's Naraina area on Monday, a senior officer of the Delhi Fire Service said. No casualty has been reported so far, he said. Thirty fire tenders were rushed to the spot after a call about the blaze was received at 11.35 am. The officer said four factories are affected by the fire and fire fighting operations were underway. The fire broke out in the factories behind Payal Cinema at the Naraina industrial area. Further details are awaited.

Major fire breaks out at chemical factories in Delhi; no casualties reported

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-indias-operations-hit-globally-due-to-technical-glitch-official-213832">five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software</a>, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday.

The average duration of delay -- on these 137 flights of Sunday -- would be of 197 minutes, the airline's spokesperson said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/155-flights-delayed-as-air-indias-check-in-software-shuts-down-for-more-than-5-hours-213892">Thousands of passengers had a harrowing time Saturday morning</a> at&nbsp;airports across the world as Air India's passenger service system (PSS) software, which looks after check-in, baggage and reservation, did not function from 3.30 am to 8.45 am due to a technical glitch.

The spokesperson said total 149 flights were delayed on Saturday because of the software shutdown.?

When asked about its effect on Sunday, he said, "Due to delay in first sector, 137 flights are delayed by 197 minutes (average)."

Once an aircraft is delayed in first sector, it is bound to be delayed in the second and third sectors as well. An aircraft generally goes from one sector to another during the day. For example, while Delhi-Mumbai is one sector, Mumbai-Bengaluru is another sector and Bengaluru-Chennai is the third sector.

The average number of flights that Air India group, which also includes subsidiaries Alliance Air and Air India Express, flies daily is 674.

The five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday.

The five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday. The average duration of delay -- on these 137 flights of Sunday -- would be of 197 minutes, the airline's spokesperson said. Thousands of passengers had a harrowing time Saturday morning at airports across the world as Air India's passenger service system (PSS) software, which looks after check-in, baggage and reservation, did not function from 3.30 am to 8.45 am due to a technical glitch. The spokesperson said total 149 flights were delayed on Saturday because of the software shutdown.? When asked about its effect on Sunday, he said, "Due to delay in first sector, 137 flights are delayed by 197 minutes (average)." Once an aircraft is delayed in first sector, it is bound to be delayed in the second and third sectors as well. An aircraft generally goes from one sector to another during the day. For example, while Delhi-Mumbai is one sector, Mumbai-Bengaluru is another sector and Bengaluru-Chennai is the third sector. The average number of flights that Air India group, which also includes subsidiaries Alliance Air and Air India Express, flies daily is 674.

Air India software shutdown effect: 137 flights to be delayed today

"Jet Airways employee Shailesh Kumar Singh committed suicide because he had no hope left and there could be more victims if the government does not intervene in the Jet Airways crisis," said Asim Valiani vice president of the National Aviators Guild (NAG) on Sunday.

"Shailesh passed away yesterday by committing suicide. We do not want it to become a repeat of the Kingfisher airlines debacle. We are also extremely disappointed by the government not doing anything to help the 22,000 employees of Jet Airways, we are afraid that at this rate there could be more suicides. His (Shailesh Singh) son is also an employee of Jet Airways and they simply had no money, of course, he was suffering from cancer but this is not the way to go," said Valiani talking to ANI.

Shailesh Kumar Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer and the crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-employee-commits-suicide-214024">commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26</a>.

Valiani also added that the employees of Jet were completely clueless of their fate and with each passing day were losing hope and appealed that all the political parties should come together to find a solution to the crisis surrounding the airlines.

He said,&nbsp;"Subramanian Swamy has raised some very important issues, even we want to know who is running Jet Airways, the old promoters have resigned and there is no new one to take his place."

"We have been appealing to the government to intervene so that the livelihood of 22,000 employees is not hampered; we even met the Finance Minister. I would request all the political parties to come together and find a solution to our problem."&nbsp;

"Jet Airways employee Shailesh Kumar Singh committed suicide because he had no hope left and there could be more victims if the government does not intervene in the Jet Airways crisis," said Asim Valiani vice president of the National Aviators Guild (NAG) on Sunday.

"Jet Airways employee Shailesh Kumar Singh committed suicide because he had no hope left and there could be more victims if the government does not intervene in the Jet Airways crisis," said Asim Valiani vice president of the National Aviators Guild (NAG) on Sunday. "Shailesh passed away yesterday by committing suicide. We do not want it to become a repeat of the Kingfisher airlines debacle. We are also extremely disappointed by the government not doing anything to help the 22,000 employees of Jet Airways, we are afraid that at this rate there could be more suicides. His (Shailesh Singh) son is also an employee of Jet Airways and they simply had no money, of course, he was suffering from cancer but this is not the way to go," said Valiani talking to ANI. Shailesh Kumar Singh, a senior technician in Jet Airways, was suffering from stomach cancer and the crisis surrounding the Airline had allegedly forced him to commit suicide by jumping off a building in Mumbai on April 26. Valiani also added that the employees of Jet were completely clueless of their fate and with each passing day were losing hope and appealed that all the political parties should come together to find a solution to the crisis surrounding the airlines. He said, "Subramanian Swamy has raised some very important issues, even we want to know who is running Jet Airways, the old promoters have resigned and there is no new one to take his place." "We have been appealing to the government to intervene so that the livelihood of 22,000 employees is not hampered; we even met the Finance Minister. I would request all the political parties to come together and find a solution to our problem."

More people might follow suit if government doesn't intervene: NAG on Jet employee's suicide

With cyclone Fani likely to move northwestwards and then recurve north-northeastwards, Odisha Government on Sunday asked district collectors and departments concerned to remain alert and take necessary measures in advance.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi in a letter to district collectors said although the IMD has not yet issued any warning for Odisha, international agencies like JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Centre) and others suggest that it may have some impact on Odisha.

Besides, some of the agencies have even indicated that the system may curve towards the north-east direction after approaching the coast, he said.

Keeping the above in view, the districts are requested to closely watch the situation and keep the administrative machinery alert to face any eventuality, the SRC said.

The district collectors were also asked to check all the cyclone/flood shelters as well as communication systems and ensure that these shelters are in proper condition for use if necessary

The cyclonic storm which now lay centred 1,230 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours, IMD said in a bulletin.

It is very likely to move northwestwards till May 1 evening and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards gradually.

Under its impact, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at a few places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south coastal Odisha on May 2. It is likely to increase in intensity with heavy rainfall over coastal Odisha from May 3, it said.

As sea condition will be rough, fishermen are advised not to venture into north-west and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal along and off Odisha coast on May 1 and 2.

With cyclone Fani likely to move northwestwards and then recurve north-northeastwards, Odisha Government on Sunday asked district collectors and departments concerned to remain alert and take necessary measures in advance.

With cyclone Fani likely to move northwestwards and then recurve north-northeastwards, Odisha Government on Sunday asked district collectors and departments concerned to remain alert and take necessary measures in advance. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi in a letter to district collectors said although the IMD has not yet issued any warning for Odisha, international agencies like JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Centre) and others suggest that it may have some impact on Odisha. Besides, some of the agencies have even indicated that the system may curve towards the north-east direction after approaching the coast, he said. Keeping the above in view, the districts are requested to closely watch the situation and keep the administrative machinery alert to face any eventuality, the SRC said. The district collectors were also asked to check all the cyclone/flood shelters as well as communication systems and ensure that these shelters are in proper condition for use if necessary The cyclonic storm which now lay centred 1,230 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours, IMD said in a bulletin. It is very likely to move northwestwards till May 1 evening and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards gradually. Under its impact, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at a few places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south coastal Odisha on May 2. It is likely to increase in intensity with heavy rainfall over coastal Odisha from May 3, it said. As sea condition will be rough, fishermen are advised not to venture into north-west and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal along and off Odisha coast on May 1 and 2.

Cyclone Fani to intensify into 'severe cyclonic storm'; Odisha government asks authorities to remain alert

After Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, it is now the turn of Pawan Hans Limited, which is facing a financial crisis.

Pawan Hans'&nbsp;management, on April 25, issued a circular to its employees stating that the company is not in a position to disburse employees'&nbsp;salaries for the month of April due to "uncomfortable financial position in Pawan Hans."

"While reviewing the overall performance of the company, it has been observed that the company is facing an uncomfortable financial position. The industry's future is uncertain as many of our established businesses and our associated challenges are threatening future deployments. In terms of financial performance, the revenue has sharply declined in the financial year 2018-19 and the company has incurred a net loss to the tune going to Rs 89 crore during this financial year," the circular said.

"Also, search trends have been financially downturn owing to serious mismatch that has been built up between the revenue income depending on the present business volume and the expenses, particularly on the staff cost. The situation has further turned critical as the outstanding amount lying with various customers has risen to alarming levels of over Rs 230 crores. Therefore, there is a need for complete transformation by adopting corrective measures in various areas of management," it said.

The circular further said, "Keeping in view the crucial financial position of the company, it has been decided to defer the salary for the month of April 2019 of the employees other than who are directly contributing to the production till the time a target recovering 60 per cent of the outstanding dues by bringing the receivable below Rs 100 crore on achieving the task. The issue would be reviewing with alternative methods of cost-cutting with and improve the deficiency in Pawan Hans Ltd operations with a contribution of each individual employees."

The said circular was given to the employees who are currently not getting their salaries, due to the financial crunch. Pawan Hans Employees Union has replied to the management on the salary issue and said that it is inhuman.

"It is inhuman to stop the salaries of workers who all are due for wage revision. The so-called management is diverting the issue with the stopping of payment where the same company executives have pocketed the new skills with arrears. It is for your kind information that we are wearing a black ribbon as a mark of protest against the inhuman act of the management," the union said.

"We are holding that meeting after office or at 7:30 hours after completing our duties against the inhuman workers'&nbsp;act of the management, who will be solely responsible for any outward incident," it added.

The above reply was given by Pawan Hans'&nbsp;Employees Union to the management of the company.

The union members have threatened to approach the CAG and CBI over Pawan Hans'&nbsp;financial issues if the management did not listen to their grievances.

It is to be noted that in last year, the government decided to call off a fresh bid for 100 per cent stake sale in Pawan Hans. As of now, the firm has a fleet of around 46 choppers.&nbsp;

After Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, it is now the turn of Pawan Hans Limited, which is facing a financial crisis. Pawan Hans' management, on April 25, issued a circular to its employees stating that the company is not in a position to disburse employees' salaries for the month of April due to "uncomfortable financial position in Pawan Hans.

After Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, it is now the turn of Pawan Hans Limited, which is facing a financial crisis. Pawan Hans' management, on April 25, issued a circular to its employees stating that the company is not in a position to disburse employees' salaries for the month of April due to "uncomfortable financial position in Pawan Hans." "While reviewing the overall performance of the company, it has been observed that the company is facing an uncomfortable financial position. The industry's future is uncertain as many of our established businesses and our associated challenges are threatening future deployments. In terms of financial performance, the revenue has sharply declined in the financial year 2018-19 and the company has incurred a net loss to the tune going to Rs 89 crore during this financial year," the circular said. "Also, search trends have been financially downturn owing to serious mismatch that has been built up between the revenue income depending on the present business volume and the expenses, particularly on the staff cost. The situation has further turned critical as the outstanding amount lying with various customers has risen to alarming levels of over Rs 230 crores. Therefore, there is a need for complete transformation by adopting corrective measures in various areas of management," it said. The circular further said, "Keeping in view the crucial financial position of the company, it has been decided to defer the salary for the month of April 2019 of the employees other than who are directly contributing to the production till the time a target recovering 60 per cent of the outstanding dues by bringing the receivable below Rs 100 crore on achieving the task. The issue would be reviewing with alternative methods of cost-cutting with and improve the deficiency in Pawan Hans Ltd operations with a contribution of each individual employees." The said circular was given to the employees who are currently not getting their salaries, due to the financial crunch. Pawan Hans Employees Union has replied to the management on the salary issue and said that it is inhuman. "It is inhuman to stop the salaries of workers who all are due for wage revision. The so-called management is diverting the issue with the stopping of payment where the same company executives have pocketed the new skills with arrears. It is for your kind information that we are wearing a black ribbon as a mark of protest against the inhuman act of the management," the union said. "We are holding that meeting after office or at 7:30 hours after completing our duties against the inhuman workers' act of the management, who will be solely responsible for any outward incident," it added. The above reply was given by Pawan Hans' Employees Union to the management of the company. The union members have threatened to approach the CAG and CBI over Pawan Hans' financial issues if the management did not listen to their grievances. It is to be noted that in last year, the government decided to call off a fresh bid for 100 per cent stake sale in Pawan Hans. As of now, the firm has a fleet of around 46 choppers.

Pawan Hans latest to hit by financial crisis after Kingfisher, Jet Airways; holds employees' salaries for April

india-news

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

india news

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 64% turnout in fourth phase; violence in West Bengal, Odisha

China may soon remove hold on Masood Azhar's terror listing at UN

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Total turnout at 62% till 7pm; violence marred West Bengal bags top spot

Shirdi-bound SpiceJet plane overshoots runway while landing

Cyclone Fani forces IAF to postpone BrahMos testfiring

Delhi court seeks Delhi Police reply on Shashi Tharoor's plea to travel abroad

News brief: Big stories of the day

British Indian property guru joins Brexit Party for European Union elections

Now, employees' consortium to bid for Jet Airways; seeks to raise Rs 3,000 crore from outside investors

Long queues at Delhi airport as immigration server goes down

Cyclone Fani to intensify into ‘very severe’ storm, no direct impact for Tamil Nadu

News brief: Big stories of the day

We're complaining to Election Commission, charging you with horse-trading: TMC on PM Modi's '40 MLAs are with me' remark

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission directs West Bengal Police to register FIR against Babul Supriyo for trespassing into booth

Be it Pak terrorists or traitors on our own soil, chowkidar will not spare anyone: PM Modi

SC seeks ECI, Centre's response over plea seeking decriminalisation of complaints regarding EVM malfunction

Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop BJP: PM Modi

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Shatrughan Sinha files nomination from Patna Sahib constituency

Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan arrested by Amroha police after midnight drama

US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad likely to visit India on May 6th

Delhi airport immigration server restored after glitch, 8 flights delayed

Major fire breaks out at chemical factories in Delhi; no casualties reported

Air India software shutdown effect: 137 flights to be delayed today

More people might follow suit if government doesn't intervene: NAG on Jet employee's suicide

Cyclone Fani to intensify into 'severe cyclonic storm'; Odisha government asks authorities to remain alert

Pawan Hans latest to hit by financial crisis after Kingfisher, Jet Airways; holds employees' salaries for April