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An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday.

He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near&nbsp;the&nbsp;Line of Control&nbsp;(LoC).

The news agency ANI quoted him as saying there "was no air space violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch."

Indian radar had early on Monday detected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-radars-catch-four-pakistani-f-16s-flying-close-to-the-border-in-punjab-207239">four Pakistani F-16s flying close to the Punjab border</a>.&nbsp;

The incident had taken place at 3 am Monday morning, when Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector.&nbsp;

India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday. He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near the Line of Control (LoC).

An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday. He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near the Line of Control (LoC). The news agency ANI quoted him as saying there "was no air space violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch." Indian radar had early on Monday detected four Pakistani F-16s flying close to the Punjab border. The incident had taken place at 3 am Monday morning, when Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector. India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A day later, on February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets. It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday: Defence spokesperson

Two years ago, India's Supreme Court had declared that the decisions of its collegium — the body of SC judges that decides the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the country's high courts — will for the first time be made public. Now, a constitution bench of the Supreme Court is examining whether the office of the Chief Justice Of India comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Attorney General KK Venugopal argued before the constitution bench that such RTI disclosures might affect the independence of the judiciary.

"The law (the Right to Information Act) is in existence since 2005 and it sets out as to what would be the rights to information and what would be the restrictions on that right. A totally new environment has come into existence by passing this law which invokes the constitutional provisions," Venugopal said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The constitution bench — headed by Chief Justice of India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/go-to-shillong-it-is-a-cool-place-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-cbi-kolkata-police-commissioner-195460">Ranjan Gogoi</a> — was hearing an appeal filed by the Supreme Court secretary general against the January 2010 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had declared that the CJI’s office was a “public authority” under the RTI Act, 2005. In other words, that it comes under the purview of the act.&nbsp;

The bench is also examining the crucial question of whether communications/ file notings between the collegium and the government on the appointment and transfer of judges come under the act, as do judges' assets.&nbsp;

"Independence of judiciary is part of the basic structure and even while deciding on this Act it had to be done by keeping in mind the various constitutional provisions. If information under RTI is sought relating to official secrets, then it will have to be seen to what extent can the right to information be allowed," Venugopal said. &nbsp;

Two years ago, India's Supreme Court had declared that the decisions of its collegium — the body of SC judges that decides the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the country's high courts — will for the first time be made public.

Two years ago, India's Supreme Court had declared that the decisions of its collegium — the body of SC judges that decides the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the country's high courts — will for the first time be made public. Now, a constitution bench of the Supreme Court is examining whether the office of the Chief Justice Of India comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Attorney General KK Venugopal argued before the constitution bench that such RTI disclosures might affect the independence of the judiciary. "The law (the Right to Information Act) is in existence since 2005 and it sets out as to what would be the rights to information and what would be the restrictions on that right. A totally new environment has come into existence by passing this law which invokes the constitutional provisions," Venugopal said on Wednesday. The constitution bench — headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi — was hearing an appeal filed by the Supreme Court secretary general against the January 2010 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had declared that the CJI’s office was a “public authority” under the RTI Act, 2005. In other words, that it comes under the purview of the act. The bench is also examining the crucial question of whether communications/ file notings between the collegium and the government on the appointment and transfer of judges come under the act, as do judges' assets. "Independence of judiciary is part of the basic structure and even while deciding on this Act it had to be done by keeping in mind the various constitutional provisions. If information under RTI is sought relating to official secrets, then it will have to be seen to what extent can the right to information be allowed," Venugopal said.

Does office of CJI come under RTI Act? Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice examines

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bimal-gurung-suspended-from-gorkha-janmukti-morcha-tamang-new-chief-24689"> Gorkha Janmukti Morcha </a>(GJM) leaders<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/darjeeling-violence-kolkata-high-court-tell-west-bengal-government-to-restore-peace-16902/amp"> Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung</a>, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M M Shantanagoudar and Navin Sinha said no coercive action be taken against the leaders till then.

The court said the Calcutta High Court will decide the matter expeditiously. Giri had on Tuesday told the apex court that Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government was “vindictive” towards him and has implicated him in several “bogus cases”.

However, the West Bengal government has strongly opposed his contentions and said Giri was an absconder and there were several incriminating materials against him which allegedly showed his complicity in various cases of heinous nature. Giri and Gurung are among the accused in the 2010 Madan Tamang murder case.

Besides this, several other cases are pending against them in West Bengal. Police have claimed Tamang, who was the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president, was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010, in broad daylight when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting. Giri has been charged with alleged “criminal conspiracy for murder”, along with several other sides of him, in the murder case of Tamang.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders Roshan Giri and Bimal Gurung, who are seeking protection to participate in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, to approach Calcutta High Court within four days for the relief. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M M Shantanagoudar and Navin Sinha said no coercive action be taken against the leaders till then. The court said the Calcutta High Court will decide the matter expeditiously. Giri had on Tuesday told the apex court that Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government was “vindictive” towards him and has implicated him in several “bogus cases”. However, the West Bengal government has strongly opposed his contentions and said Giri was an absconder and there were several incriminating materials against him which allegedly showed his complicity in various cases of heinous nature. Giri and Gurung are among the accused in the 2010 Madan Tamang murder case. Besides this, several other cases are pending against them in West Bengal. Police have claimed Tamang, who was the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president, was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010, in broad daylight when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting. Giri has been charged with alleged “criminal conspiracy for murder”, along with several other sides of him, in the murder case of Tamang.

GJM leaders move SC seeking protection for Lok Sabha campaign, asked to approach Calcutta High Court

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487"> Congress manifesto</a> as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past. Congress and BJP are no different when it comes to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-scrapping-afspa-sedition-law-to-farmer-budget-key-takeaways-from-congress-manifesto-207507"> non-fulfilment of promises</a>, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a tweet.

“Congress election manifesto appears to be a showoff and illusion like its previous promises. Due to continuous working against its promises, there is no credibility left for Congress among the people. Congress and BJP are no different in non-fulfilling promises,” she said in the tweet.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday released his party’s manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, making jobs creation, addressing farm distress, bringing a single moderate rate of GST and giving Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families as the key focus if the party comes to power.

Claiming the BJP was afraid of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, Mayawati said, “They (BJP) are so afraid that instead of talking of issues, they indulge in unnecessary casteist statements on the top leader of (alliance). No one should be provoked by them (statements) and give them befitting reply by showing good results”.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the Congress manifesto as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday termed the Congress manifesto as a “showoff” and an “illusion” and said there was no credibility of the promises made by the party due to its past. Congress and BJP are no different when it comes to non-fulfilment of promises, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a tweet. “Congress election manifesto appears to be a showoff and illusion like its previous promises. Due to continuous working against its promises, there is no credibility left for Congress among the people. Congress and BJP are no different in non-fulfilling promises,” she said in the tweet. Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday released his party’s manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, making jobs creation, addressing farm distress, bringing a single moderate rate of GST and giving Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families as the key focus if the party comes to power. Claiming the BJP was afraid of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, Mayawati said, “They (BJP) are so afraid that instead of talking of issues, they indulge in unnecessary casteist statements on the top leader of (alliance). No one should be provoked by them (statements) and give them befitting reply by showing good results”.

Congress manifesto for 2019 polls an illusion, says Mayawati, reminds party of past record

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.&nbsp;

During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and&nbsp;its leaders back terrorists.''

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Congress released party's manifesto</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Congress announced that it would review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for which Sitharaman said, ''Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. The security forces need immunity.''

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Defence Minister &amp; BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Congress party election manifesto promising to amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act - AFSPA: Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. <a href="https://t.co/v1vqIriFjy">pic.twitter.com/v1vqIriFjy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113341677102489600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sitharaman also said that Congress is demoralising our forces.

Earlier, The BJP said that some of the ideas in the Congress <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">manifesto were "positively dangerous"</a>.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and its leaders back terrorists.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and its leaders back terrorists.'' Congress released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Congress announced that it would review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for which Sitharaman said, ''Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. The security forces need immunity.'' Defence Minister & BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Congress party election manifesto promising to amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act - AFSPA: Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. pic.twitter.com/v1vqIriFjy — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × Sitharaman also said that Congress is demoralising our forces. Earlier, The BJP said that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".

Congress trying to dilute immunity of our security forces: Nirmala Sitharaman

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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently.

Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said.

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil).

<img alt="Rahul-Congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6571a73e-2586-463b-8474-aec4a2d3d050" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sonia-rahul-congress-manifesto-ANI_0.jpg" />

(The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto)

Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION.

Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee.

The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls.

In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently. Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said. Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil). (The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto) Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION. Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee. The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls. In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-scrambles-sukhoi-30-jets-after-sighting-pakistani-drone-207336">scambled Sukhoi-30 jets</a> after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area.

Locals in the area witnessed jets flying over Mendhar in Poonch.

On Tuesday, India officials had spotted two Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft close to the LoC(Line of Control). Sources had told PTI that Sukhoi-30 MKI jets were deployed soon after the Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were seen hovering over the border.

The incident which took place on Tuesday afternoon comes just over a month after India conducted air strikes on&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror facilities at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Last month, a Pakistani UAV which intruded into Rajasthan's Ganganagar was shot down by the Army, another Pakistani military drone was shot down by IAF's Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.

Tensions have escalated at the international border in the past month with Pakistan opening fire on Indian troops. On Tuesday, seven Pakistani posts across the LoC was destroyed by the Indian Army during cross-border shelling as Pakistan targeted Indian posts in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

On Monday, a BSF inspector and a five-year-old girl were among three persons killed while 24 others were injured as Pakistani troops heavily shelled forward areas along the LoC&nbsp;in Poonch district.

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) scambled Sukhoi-30 jets after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area.

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) scambled Sukhoi-30 jets after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area. Locals in the area witnessed jets flying over Mendhar in Poonch. On Tuesday, India officials had spotted two Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft close to the LoC(Line of Control). Sources had told PTI that Sukhoi-30 MKI jets were deployed soon after the Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were seen hovering over the border. The incident which took place on Tuesday afternoon comes just over a month after India conducted air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror facilities at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Last month, a Pakistani UAV which intruded into Rajasthan's Ganganagar was shot down by the Army, another Pakistani military drone was shot down by IAF's Sukhoi-30 fighter jet. Tensions have escalated at the international border in the past month with Pakistan opening fire on Indian troops. On Tuesday, seven Pakistani posts across the LoC was destroyed by the Indian Army during cross-border shelling as Pakistan targeted Indian posts in Rajouri and Poonch districts. On Monday, a BSF inspector and a five-year-old girl were among three persons killed while 24 others were injured as Pakistani troops heavily shelled forward areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

Day after Pak drone sighting, Indian Air Force jets seen over J&K

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with an Indian startup called Proto that will help to classify messages sent by users as true, false, misleading or disputed, news agency Reuters reported.

India is WhatsApp's biggest market in the world.&nbsp;

The platform has over 1.5 billion users globally.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election.

Messaging service WhatsApp, which has over 200 million active users in India, on Tuesday said that it has launched a tip line for Indians to submit rumours and uncertain information, in the latest step to combat false news in India during the national election. Facebook-owned WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with an Indian startup called Proto that will help to classify messages sent by users as true, false, misleading or disputed, news agency Reuters reported. India is WhatsApp's biggest market in the world. The platform has over 1.5 billion users globally. (With inputs from Reuters)

WhatsApp launches India tip line to curb fake news during Lok Sabha polls 

Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani said on Monday that she is confident the BJP will win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and PM Narendra Modi will return to power.

Iran was speaking at Zee News's '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-will-remain-out-of-power-for-at-least-5-years-says-amit-shah-207273">India Ka DNA</a>' conclave in New Delhi.

On being asked whether there is a Modi "lehar"&nbsp;(wave) across the country, Irani answered, "Why is Congress president fighting from two seats if there is no Modi wave? His candidature from two seats proves that there is Modi lehar.”

Irani, who is contesting against Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi parliamentary constituency in the upcoming election, said the "BJP is contesting from Amethi and I am just a representative. My fight against Rahul Gandhi is not personal. The fight is against an ideology, corruption and dynasty."

Irani said her "biggest achievement" will be when on May 23 Rahul Gandhi loses from Amethi. "Modi will once again become the pradhan sewak on May 23," she added.

However, the Congress party’s vote share was reduced to 46 per cent in 2014 as against the earlier figures of 71 per cent and 66 per cent in the 2009 and 2004 elections, respectively. The BJP, whose vote share in Amethi remained in the single digits in 2004, garnered 37 per cent of the votes cast in 2014.

Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani said on Monday that she is confident the BJP will win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and PM Narendra Modi will return to power.

Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani said on Monday that she is confident the BJP will win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and PM Narendra Modi will return to power. Iran was speaking at Zee News's 'India Ka DNA' conclave in New Delhi. On being asked whether there is a Modi "lehar" (wave) across the country, Irani answered, "Why is Congress president fighting from two seats if there is no Modi wave? His candidature from two seats proves that there is Modi lehar.” Irani, who is contesting against Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi parliamentary constituency in the upcoming election, said the "BJP is contesting from Amethi and I am just a representative. My fight against Rahul Gandhi is not personal. The fight is against an ideology, corruption and dynasty." Irani said her "biggest achievement" will be when on May 23 Rahul Gandhi loses from Amethi. "Modi will once again become the pradhan sewak on May 23," she added. However, the Congress party’s vote share was reduced to 46 per cent in 2014 as against the earlier figures of 71 per cent and 66 per cent in the 2009 and 2004 elections, respectively. The BJP, whose vote share in Amethi remained in the single digits in 2004, garnered 37 per cent of the votes cast in 2014.

Fighting against dynasty and corruption in Amethi: Smriti Irani at 'India ka DNA' conclave

Jammu and Kashmir Police said Monday that the suspected suicide bomber they had arrested earlier during the day had confessed to trying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-probe-initiated-in-car-blast-near-banihal-206820">to attack a CRPF convoy on Saturday in Banihal</a>.&nbsp;

"The accused Owais Amin has been arrested within 36 hrs of the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He is a resident of Shopian," Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh said. &nbsp;

"I was asked on phone to explode the convoy. My task was to drive the car and press the switch. I pressed the button while I was in the car. I was alone when I did it," Amin told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Confession of the accused in the car blast in Banihal, Ramban, after his arrest, today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/H2ABl6oj8o">pic.twitter.com/H2ABl6oj8o</a>
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Dilbag Singh, DGP J&amp;K on the blast that occurred in a car near a CRPF convoy in Banihal, Ramban, on 30 March: The accused Owais Ameen has been arrested within 36 hrs of the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He is a resident of Shopian. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQy2jtIJ3V">pic.twitter.com/rQy2jtIJ3V</a>
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A CRPF vehicle had suffered slight damage when a Santro car went up in flames after an explosion at Tethar village, 7 kms from Banihal, shortly after a Jammu-bound convoy crossed the Jawahar Tunnel on Saturday.

Owais Amin Rather, a resident of Wail village of Shopian district, was arrested Monday by a joint search party of police and the Army while he was trying to flee towards the Valley aboard a passenger vehicle, Sajad Sarwar, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Banihal had told PTI earlier.

The driver of the private vehicle managed to flee before the fire engulfed the vehicle and turned it into a mangled heap of iron.

The officer said Rather was booked under various sections of Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), including 307 (attempt to murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war), 121A (conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121) and 124 (sedition), besides under the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities Act.

"He was produced before the Judicial Magistrate (first class) Banihal Monday and sent to eight days police remand," Sarwar said.

The officer said he was identified from the description gathered during investigation, including CCTV footage and the bruises which he had suffered to his face and other body parts while jumping out of the vehicle.

Sarwar said the accused confessed to his involvement in the crime.&nbsp;

"The accused crossed the Jawahar Tunnel into this side in pursuit of the target after failing in his attempt in the Valley and finally tried to blow up the vehicle on this side," the Deputy Superintendent-rank level officer said.&nbsp;

An inspection of the charred vehicle and surrounding areas had led to the recovery of an LPG cylinder, jerrycan filled with petrol, gelatin stick, urea and sulphur — material which is used for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), police said.

A letter recovered from the scene had identified the driver as Hizbul Mujahideen operative Owais Amin, who mentioned his intention to carry out a February 14 Pulwama type terror attack. The attack had left 40 CRPF personnel dead after a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist drove an explosive-laden vehicle and targeted the security personnel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir Police said Monday that the suspected suicide bomber they had arrested earlier during the day had confessed to trying to attack a CRPF convoy on Saturday in Banihal.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said Monday that the suspected suicide bomber they had arrested earlier during the day had confessed to trying to attack a CRPF convoy on Saturday in Banihal. "The accused Owais Amin has been arrested within 36 hrs of the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He is a resident of Shopian," Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh said. "I was asked on phone to explode the convoy. My task was to drive the car and press the switch. I pressed the button while I was in the car. I was alone when I did it," Amin told reporters on Monday. #WATCH Confession of the accused in the car blast in Banihal, Ramban, after his arrest, today. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/H2ABl6oj8o — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019 × Dilbag Singh, DGP J&K on the blast that occurred in a car near a CRPF convoy in Banihal, Ramban, on 30 March: The accused Owais Ameen has been arrested within 36 hrs of the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He is a resident of Shopian. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/rQy2jtIJ3V — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019 × A CRPF vehicle had suffered slight damage when a Santro car went up in flames after an explosion at Tethar village, 7 kms from Banihal, shortly after a Jammu-bound convoy crossed the Jawahar Tunnel on Saturday. Owais Amin Rather, a resident of Wail village of Shopian district, was arrested Monday by a joint search party of police and the Army while he was trying to flee towards the Valley aboard a passenger vehicle, Sajad Sarwar, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Banihal had told PTI earlier. The driver of the private vehicle managed to flee before the fire engulfed the vehicle and turned it into a mangled heap of iron. The officer said Rather was booked under various sections of Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), including 307 (attempt to murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war), 121A (conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121) and 124 (sedition), besides under the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities Act. "He was produced before the Judicial Magistrate (first class) Banihal Monday and sent to eight days police remand," Sarwar said. The officer said he was identified from the description gathered during investigation, including CCTV footage and the bruises which he had suffered to his face and other body parts while jumping out of the vehicle. Sarwar said the accused confessed to his involvement in the crime. "The accused crossed the Jawahar Tunnel into this side in pursuit of the target after failing in his attempt in the Valley and finally tried to blow up the vehicle on this side," the Deputy Superintendent-rank level officer said. An inspection of the charred vehicle and surrounding areas had led to the recovery of an LPG cylinder, jerrycan filled with petrol, gelatin stick, urea and sulphur — material which is used for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), police said. A letter recovered from the scene had identified the driver as Hizbul Mujahideen operative Owais Amin, who mentioned his intention to carry out a February 14 Pulwama type terror attack. The attack had left 40 CRPF personnel dead after a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist drove an explosive-laden vehicle and targeted the security personnel. (With inputs from PTI)

Was asked to explode CRPF convoy: Suspected suicide bomber arrested in J&K

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday (local time) met and discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera and the two sides signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of mining, culture and disability.

President Kovind who arrived in Chile on a three-day visit is on the last leg of his three-nation tour that included Bolivia and Croatia.

During bilateral talks between the leaders, Chile announced that it will allow visa-free entry to Indian nationals holding a valid visa of the United States of America.

Welcoming Chile’s decision President Kovind said it would promote both cultural and business ties between the two countries.

Thanking Pinera for his strong condemnation of the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind noted that the two countries have also agreed to work together to strengthen the global response to defeat and destroy terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In addition, both India and Chile agreed to explore opportunities for other cooperation in the defence, space research and explorations.

On the same day, President Kovind addressed students and faculty of the University of Chile on the topic 'Gandhi for the Young'. The University also presented a Rectoral Medal to the President.

Researchers from the University of Chile briefed the President on "Strategy for the development of a space programme for Chile". The President interacted with scientists, including those who were involved in building Chile's nanosatellite, which India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched in 2017.

President Kovind also addressed the India-Chile Business roundtable in Santiago and said that Chile is India’s window to Latin America and to the Pacific Alliance. The

President invited Chile's sovereign funds to invest in the Indian infrastructure sector.

President emplaned for India later in the day.

"As we depart from Chile, the First Lady and I would like to thank President @sebastianpinera and the friendly people of Chile for their warmth and affection. May our ties grow as tall as the Andes and Himalayas," the President posted on his official twitter handle.

Prior to Chile, the President visited Croatia and Bolivia from March 25 to March 30.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday (local time) met and discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera and the two sides signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of mining, culture and disability.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday (local time) met and discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera and the two sides signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of mining, culture and disability. President Kovind who arrived in Chile on a three-day visit is on the last leg of his three-nation tour that included Bolivia and Croatia. During bilateral talks between the leaders, Chile announced that it will allow visa-free entry to Indian nationals holding a valid visa of the United States of America. Welcoming Chile’s decision President Kovind said it would promote both cultural and business ties between the two countries. Thanking Pinera for his strong condemnation of the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind noted that the two countries have also agreed to work together to strengthen the global response to defeat and destroy terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In addition, both India and Chile agreed to explore opportunities for other cooperation in the defence, space research and explorations. On the same day, President Kovind addressed students and faculty of the University of Chile on the topic 'Gandhi for the Young'. The University also presented a Rectoral Medal to the President. Researchers from the University of Chile briefed the President on "Strategy for the development of a space programme for Chile". The President interacted with scientists, including those who were involved in building Chile's nanosatellite, which India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched in 2017. President Kovind also addressed the India-Chile Business roundtable in Santiago and said that Chile is India’s window to Latin America and to the Pacific Alliance. The President invited Chile's sovereign funds to invest in the Indian infrastructure sector. President emplaned for India later in the day. "As we depart from Chile, the First Lady and I would like to thank President @sebastianpinera and the friendly people of Chile for their warmth and affection. May our ties grow as tall as the Andes and Himalayas," the President posted on his official twitter handle. Prior to Chile, the President visited Croatia and Bolivia from March 25 to March 30.

India, Chile hold bilateral talks, exchange MoUs in mining, culture, disability

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo&nbsp;Mayawati on Tuesday justified installations of her&nbsp;statues&nbsp;in Uttar Pradesh at the expense of crores of rupees saying "It was the will of the people".

Mayawati in&nbsp;an affidavit filed before the apex court in compliance with the last order asking her to reimburse&nbsp;the money justified her action.&nbsp;

She had spent crores on the installation of&nbsp;statutes of herself and party symbol 'elephants' at public places.

A bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in February had said, "Pay all the money from your (Mayawati) pocket. Madam Mayawati has to reimburse the public exchequer all the amount spent on statues. This is our tentative view."

A&nbsp;petition was filed in 2009 by advocate Ravi Kant in the matter who had sought the top court's direction to restrain Mayawati from installing her and party symbol statues in public places at the cost of the state exchequer. The petition also demanded a CBI probe into the issue.

The plea also alleged hundreds of crores of public money had been spent to "falsely glorify" Mayawati.

The activity was carried out as a state policy, which was arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, it said, adding that the statues&nbsp;were installed at a cost of Rs 52.20 crore at public places by utilising state funds.

It also sought that the state government should be directed to remove the statues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Tuesday justified installations of her statues in Uttar Pradesh at the expense of crores of rupees saying "It was the will of the people".

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Tuesday justified installations of her statues in Uttar Pradesh at the expense of crores of rupees saying "It was the will of the people". Mayawati in an affidavit filed before the apex court in compliance with the last order asking her to reimburse the money justified her action. She had spent crores on the installation of statutes of herself and party symbol 'elephants' at public places. A bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi in February had said, "Pay all the money from your (Mayawati) pocket. Madam Mayawati has to reimburse the public exchequer all the amount spent on statues. This is our tentative view." A petition was filed in 2009 by advocate Ravi Kant in the matter who had sought the top court's direction to restrain Mayawati from installing her and party symbol statues in public places at the cost of the state exchequer. The petition also demanded a CBI probe into the issue. The plea also alleged hundreds of crores of public money had been spent to "falsely glorify" Mayawati. The activity was carried out as a state policy, which was arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, it said, adding that the statues were installed at a cost of Rs 52.20 crore at public places by utilising state funds. It also sought that the state government should be directed to remove the statues. (With inputs from agencies)

Mayawati justifies installation of her statues in UP, says 'it was people's will'

The media wing of the Pakistan armed forces, ISPR, issued a press release today informing that three of their troops had been killed in firing by Indian forces along the Rakchakri, Rawalkot sector at the Line of Control (LoC).

However, Indian Army sources said that Pakistan was downplaying the extent of damage their forces suffered in the severity of Indian retaliatory fire in response to constant ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC. The sources indicated that the death toll in the Pakistan side was higher than the official admission of three Pakistan soldiers dead.

Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector with heavy shelling and small arms fire mainly targeting civilian areas which caused significant injuries. Late last night, a constant bombardment of Indian civilian areas, in Mankote sector in Poonch district resulted in four injuries with the injured being treated in District Hospital Rajouri.&nbsp;

Subsequent to this aggression, Indian forces targeted multiple Pakistan positions across the LoC resulting in heavy casualties according to army sources aware of operational decisions.

Yesterday, an Inspector of the BSF and a 5-year girl were&nbsp;killed and at least four others were injured in the firing by Pakistan Army in the same sector.&nbsp; 
After the Pulwama attack and the Balakot air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammad camp by the Indian Air Force, Pakistan has indulged in unprovoked firing at Indian positions and has increased the intensity of its firing.

India has deployed new sniper rifles all along the LoC to tackle Pakistan Army snipers while new measures in terms of deployment have also been taken in sectors where the Pakistani forces enjoy an advantage due to better vantage positions.

The media wing of the Pakistan armed forces, ISPR, issued a press release today informing that three of their troops had been killed in firing by Indian forces along the Rakchakri, Rawalkot sector at the Line of Control (LoC).

The media wing of the Pakistan armed forces, ISPR, issued a press release today informing that three of their troops had been killed in firing by Indian forces along the Rakchakri, Rawalkot sector at the Line of Control (LoC). However, Indian Army sources said that Pakistan was downplaying the extent of damage their forces suffered in the severity of Indian retaliatory fire in response to constant ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC. The sources indicated that the death toll in the Pakistan side was higher than the official admission of three Pakistan soldiers dead. Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector with heavy shelling and small arms fire mainly targeting civilian areas which caused significant injuries. Late last night, a constant bombardment of Indian civilian areas, in Mankote sector in Poonch district resulted in four injuries with the injured being treated in District Hospital Rajouri. Subsequent to this aggression, Indian forces targeted multiple Pakistan positions across the LoC resulting in heavy casualties according to army sources aware of operational decisions. Yesterday, an Inspector of the BSF and a 5-year girl were killed and at least four others were injured in the firing by Pakistan Army in the same sector. After the Pulwama attack and the Balakot air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammad camp by the Indian Air Force, Pakistan has indulged in unprovoked firing at Indian positions and has increased the intensity of its firing. India has deployed new sniper rifles all along the LoC to tackle Pakistan Army snipers while new measures in terms of deployment have also been taken in sectors where the Pakistani forces enjoy an advantage due to better vantage positions.

Poonch ceasefire violation: Pakistan army claims 3 soldiers dead, India says toll higher

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India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. &nbsp;Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.

Last year, India participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan unofficially by sending two former envoys-- Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha &amp; Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet. New Delhi is in touch with Russia, China, Iran and Central Asian countries regarding the Afghan peace process.

The discussions with the Russians come&nbsp;days after Foreign Secretary met United State's special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington and discussed the Afghan peace process. New Delhi has told Washinton that the existing elected political structure in Afghanistan should continue and not replaced by an interim administration. &nbsp;

In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "Foreign Secretary’s meetings were in-depth and productive, characteristic of the Special &amp; Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The meetings resulted in enhanced mutual convergence and coordination of views on all major regional and international issues in the spirit of long-standing and time-tested friendship between India and Russia."

Other than Afghanistan, both sides also discussed India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September this year, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and counter-terrorism.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry in its release said," parties noted with satisfaction the ongoing development of Russia-India special privileged strategic partnership, the common approach of two states to the current global and regional challenges, including the creation of security architecture and equal cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and counter-terrorism."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during this phone call earlier this year. Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and February 2 to 27 &nbsp;in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. A 2nd informal summit between India and Russia is expected to happen this year. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.

India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov. Last year, India participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan unofficially by sending two former envoys-- Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha & Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet. New Delhi is in touch with Russia, China, Iran and Central Asian countries regarding the Afghan peace process. The discussions with the Russians come days after Foreign Secretary met United State's special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington and discussed the Afghan peace process. New Delhi has told Washinton that the existing elected political structure in Afghanistan should continue and not replaced by an interim administration. In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "Foreign Secretary’s meetings were in-depth and productive, characteristic of the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The meetings resulted in enhanced mutual convergence and coordination of views on all major regional and international issues in the spirit of long-standing and time-tested friendship between India and Russia." Other than Afghanistan, both sides also discussed India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September this year, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and counter-terrorism. The Russian foreign ministry in its release said," parties noted with satisfaction the ongoing development of Russia-India special privileged strategic partnership, the common approach of two states to the current global and regional challenges, including the creation of security architecture and equal cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and counter-terrorism." Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during this phone call earlier this year. Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and February 2 to 27 in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. A 2nd informal summit between India and Russia is expected to happen this year. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

India, Russia discuss situation in Afghanistan

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India has asked Pakistan to provide consular access Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national abducted by Pakistani spy agencies from Iran in a Note Verbale sent to Pakistani high commission sent on Tuesday.&nbsp;

India had gone to the International court of justice (ICJ) regarding the sentence announced by the Pakistan military court and got a stay. The ICJ will be announcing the final verdict in the case very soon after the oral hearing in February by both sides in The Hague where the world court is located.

India has demanded consular for not only Jadhav but 4 other Indian prisoners — Mohammad Javaid, Abdul Hakeem, Muhammad Ismail, Salfikar Ali languishing in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;

The note verbale on the release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan calls for release of 10 Indian civil prisoners lodged in Pakistani jails since they have already completed their sentence. New Delhi has also confirmed Identity of 5 prisoners lodged in Pakistan jails to be Indians and called for there early release as well.

503 Indian fishermen are believed to be in Pakistan’s custody of which Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 483 fishermen who are Indian or believed-to-be-Indian in their jails. Since 2014, the Indian Government has been able to secure the release of 1749 Indian prisoners, including 1725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

New Delhi has strongly raised its concern and protested the delay in the informing the death of one Indian fisherman Bhikha s/o Bhagwan in Karachi Jail to the Indian high commission in Islamabad. He dies in early March.&nbsp;

This is not the first case in which delay has been seen regarding informing the death of an Indian fisherman. In the past death of two Indian fishermen — Deva bhai and Nanu Bhai was informed after an inordinate delay.

In October 2017, India had suggested Pakistan that the two sides could work together for the release and repatriation of elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners on humanitarian grounds and proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee.

In the past 6 months, the ministry of external affairs via — 3 note verbale, one on January 1, other in December and November — has called on Islamabad to organise an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan but it has got no response.

India has asked Pakistan to provide consular access Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national abducted by Pakistani spy agencies from Iran in a Note Verbale sent to Pakistani high commission sent on Tuesday.

India has asked Pakistan to provide consular access Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national abducted by Pakistani spy agencies from Iran in a Note Verbale sent to Pakistani high commission sent on Tuesday. India had gone to the International court of justice (ICJ) regarding the sentence announced by the Pakistan military court and got a stay. The ICJ will be announcing the final verdict in the case very soon after the oral hearing in February by both sides in The Hague where the world court is located. India has demanded consular for not only Jadhav but 4 other Indian prisoners — Mohammad Javaid, Abdul Hakeem, Muhammad Ismail, Salfikar Ali languishing in Pakistani jails. The note verbale on the release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan calls for release of 10 Indian civil prisoners lodged in Pakistani jails since they have already completed their sentence. New Delhi has also confirmed Identity of 5 prisoners lodged in Pakistan jails to be Indians and called for there early release as well. 503 Indian fishermen are believed to be in Pakistan’s custody of which Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 483 fishermen who are Indian or believed-to-be-Indian in their jails. Since 2014, the Indian Government has been able to secure the release of 1749 Indian prisoners, including 1725 fishermen along with 57 boats. New Delhi has strongly raised its concern and protested the delay in the informing the death of one Indian fisherman Bhikha s/o Bhagwan in Karachi Jail to the Indian high commission in Islamabad. He dies in early March. This is not the first case in which delay has been seen regarding informing the death of an Indian fisherman. In the past death of two Indian fishermen — Deva bhai and Nanu Bhai was informed after an inordinate delay. In October 2017, India had suggested Pakistan that the two sides could work together for the release and repatriation of elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners on humanitarian grounds and proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee. In the past 6 months, the ministry of external affairs via — 3 note verbale, one on January 1, other in December and November — has called on Islamabad to organise an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan but it has got no response.

India writes to Pakistan for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hit out at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over his reported statement seeking a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir and asked the Congress and Mahagatbandhan leaders to make clear their stand.

Addressing an election rally here, Modi said there were media reports that Abdullah has stated there should be a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir.

"Two Prime Ministers for Hindustan? Do you agree with it? Congress has to answer and all the 'Mahagathbandhan' partners have to answer. What are the reasons and how dare he say that", Modi asked.

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National Conference wants 2 PMs, 1 in Kashmir &amp; 1 for rest of India. 
 
Does Mamata Didi agree? 
Does U-Turn Babu agree? 
Does Pawar Sahab agree? 
Does former PM Deve Gowda Ji agree? 
 
Shame on the Opposition! 
 
Till Modi is there, no one can divide India! <a href="https://t.co/hKVS0vgu2d">pic.twitter.com/hKVS0vgu2d</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1112735116982259712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi said he also wants to ask Trinamool Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar whether they agreed with Omar Abdullah's statement.

"I want to ask Bengal Didi who shouts a lot, do you agree with it? answer the people. U-turn (Chandrababu) Babu with whom Farooq Abdullah campaigned recently in Andhra Pradesh. Do you think Naidu should get votes?

NCP's Sharad Pawar and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda, whose son is Karnataka CM, should also answer. Would you like to go with them (Mahagathbandhan) or break away from them?", Modi said.

On the vexed Kashmir issue against the background of BJP leaders favouring abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah had mentioned about J&amp;K having a separate Prime Minister years ago and whether it needed to be restored to protect the state's identity.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hit out at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over his reported statement seeking a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir and asked the Congress and Mahagatbandhan leaders to make clear their stand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hit out at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over his reported statement seeking a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir and asked the Congress and Mahagatbandhan leaders to make clear their stand. Addressing an election rally here, Modi said there were media reports that Abdullah has stated there should be a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir. "Two Prime Ministers for Hindustan? Do you agree with it? Congress has to answer and all the 'Mahagathbandhan' partners have to answer. What are the reasons and how dare he say that", Modi asked. National Conference wants 2 PMs, 1 in Kashmir & 1 for rest of India. Does Mamata Didi agree? Does U-Turn Babu agree? Does Pawar Sahab agree? Does former PM Deve Gowda Ji agree? Shame on the Opposition! Till Modi is there, no one can divide India! pic.twitter.com/hKVS0vgu2d — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2019 × Modi said he also wants to ask Trinamool Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar whether they agreed with Omar Abdullah's statement. "I want to ask Bengal Didi who shouts a lot, do you agree with it? answer the people. U-turn (Chandrababu) Babu with whom Farooq Abdullah campaigned recently in Andhra Pradesh. Do you think Naidu should get votes? NCP's Sharad Pawar and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda, whose son is Karnataka CM, should also answer. Would you like to go with them (Mahagathbandhan) or break away from them?", Modi said. On the vexed Kashmir issue against the background of BJP leaders favouring abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah had mentioned about J&K having a separate Prime Minister years ago and whether it needed to be restored to protect the state's identity.

Modi hits out at Omar Abdullah over his separate PM statement

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs.

A release by Russian govt said, both sides "discussed cooperation within BRICS format, the current issues of the key multilateral export control regimes, including New Delhi application for NSG membership, other non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as topical international issues of mutual interest."

Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year.&nbsp;

First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and 2nd on February 27 to in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack.

The Russian president has invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city Vladivostok later this year.&nbsp;

The second informal summit between both countries is expected to happen this year in India. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

Moscow has been a long-standing ally of New Delhi and has backed India in international forums such as the United Nations for the listing of Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

The country also is an important supplier of India when it comes to defence. Both sides concluded S400 deal last year during the annual bilateral summit.

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs.

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs. A release by Russian govt said, both sides "discussed cooperation within BRICS format, the current issues of the key multilateral export control regimes, including New Delhi application for NSG membership, other non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as topical international issues of mutual interest." Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and 2nd on February 27 to in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. The Russian president has invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city Vladivostok later this year. The second informal summit between both countries is expected to happen this year in India. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia. Moscow has been a long-standing ally of New Delhi and has backed India in international forums such as the United Nations for the listing of Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar. The country also is an important supplier of India when it comes to defence. Both sides concluded S400 deal last year during the annual bilateral summit.

Foreign secretary V K Gokhale discuss India's membership for NSG with Russia

India's Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/avoiding-temptation-rbi-likely-to-cut-key-rate-by-just-25-basis-points-207455">Reserve Bank of India</a> circular on resolving bad debt, providing relief for some major corporate defaulters but throwing the country's still nascent bankruptcy regime into question.

The Supreme Court said the RBI's circular from Feb. 12 last year on how banks should handle defaulters was "ultra vires", essentially meaning the central bank acted beyond its powers.

The RBI circular had directed banks unable to agree upon a resolution plan with any defaulter within 180 days to drag the defaulter into a time-bound insolvency process.

"The impugned circular will have to be declared as ultra vires as a whole, and be declared to be of no effect in law," the court said in its judgement. "All actions taken under the said circular, including actions by which the Insolvency Code has been triggered must fall along with the said circular."

A spokesman for the RBI declined to comment, saying it had yet to analyse the court order.

Several companies challenged the circular in court arguing the time given by the central bank was insufficient to tackle bad debt. Some had even challenged the validity of the RBI's directive saying its "one-size-fits-all" did not account for external factors.

The ruling gives relief to several companies, especially power companies, who have defaulted on loans due to issues with coal and gas supplies or problems tied to state governments not honouring power purchase agreements.

It also provides a breather for companies in the sugar, shipping, infrastructure and textile sectors which were under pressure, said several bankers and lawyers.

"If the RBI wants to (now) take action they have to go case specific and then initiate action. But you can't do a generic across the board cookie-cutter approach," said Amit Kapur, of law firm J. Sagar Associates, which represented several power companies in the court. The RBI may now have to come up with a new circular, he said.

BACKWARD STEP

Some bankers, however, fear the ruling may result in more wrangling between banks and borrowers around soured loans and dent bankruptcy reforms.

Foreign investors have often complained about the tardy pace of bad debt resolution in India, which has held back billions of dollars of investment in the country.

Indian banks and financial institutions currently hold total bad debt of over 10 trillion rupees ($146 billion) and this has also affected their ability to lend and spur economic growth.

"This will once again mean we are back to the old days when banks and companies used to delay debt resolution, with each one trying to buy time," said one banker handling non-performing accounts at a state-run bank.

Lawyers and bankers also agree the ruling could delay an already slow debt resolution process and that it may hurt banks' earnings.

Global rating agency Moody's said the judgement was credit negative for Indian banks and warned it could further delay the resolution process of bad debt in India.

Tuesday's ruling also raises questions around the validity of a debt resolution plan at beleaguered carrier Jet Airways as bankers said that a part of the resolution process was based on processes laid out in the RBI's Feb. 12 circular that the court has now quashed in its entirety.

However, a partner at a top law firm in India told Reuters that Jet's debt resolution plan might not be derailed as lenders could have taken the decision even without the central bank's circular.

"It is only the punitive action or coercive action under the circular which will get affected by this," the lawyer said. "The banks could have contractually, restructured loans whether there was an RBI circular or not," he said.

India's Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed a Reserve Bank of India circular on resolving bad debt, providing relief for some major corporate defaulters but throwing the country's still nascent bankruptcy regime into question.

India's Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed a Reserve Bank of India circular on resolving bad debt, providing relief for some major corporate defaulters but throwing the country's still nascent bankruptcy regime into question. The Supreme Court said the RBI's circular from Feb. 12 last year on how banks should handle defaulters was "ultra vires", essentially meaning the central bank acted beyond its powers. The RBI circular had directed banks unable to agree upon a resolution plan with any defaulter within 180 days to drag the defaulter into a time-bound insolvency process. "The impugned circular will have to be declared as ultra vires as a whole, and be declared to be of no effect in law," the court said in its judgement. "All actions taken under the said circular, including actions by which the Insolvency Code has been triggered must fall along with the said circular." A spokesman for the RBI declined to comment, saying it had yet to analyse the court order. Several companies challenged the circular in court arguing the time given by the central bank was insufficient to tackle bad debt. Some had even challenged the validity of the RBI's directive saying its "one-size-fits-all" did not account for external factors. The ruling gives relief to several companies, especially power companies, who have defaulted on loans due to issues with coal and gas supplies or problems tied to state governments not honouring power purchase agreements. It also provides a breather for companies in the sugar, shipping, infrastructure and textile sectors which were under pressure, said several bankers and lawyers. "If the RBI wants to (now) take action they have to go case specific and then initiate action. But you can't do a generic across the board cookie-cutter approach," said Amit Kapur, of law firm J. Sagar Associates, which represented several power companies in the court. The RBI may now have to come up with a new circular, he said. BACKWARD STEP Some bankers, however, fear the ruling may result in more wrangling between banks and borrowers around soured loans and dent bankruptcy reforms. Foreign investors have often complained about the tardy pace of bad debt resolution in India, which has held back billions of dollars of investment in the country. Indian banks and financial institutions currently hold total bad debt of over 10 trillion rupees ($146 billion) and this has also affected their ability to lend and spur economic growth. "This will once again mean we are back to the old days when banks and companies used to delay debt resolution, with each one trying to buy time," said one banker handling non-performing accounts at a state-run bank. Lawyers and bankers also agree the ruling could delay an already slow debt resolution process and that it may hurt banks' earnings. Global rating agency Moody's said the judgement was credit negative for Indian banks and warned it could further delay the resolution process of bad debt in India. Tuesday's ruling also raises questions around the validity of a debt resolution plan at beleaguered carrier Jet Airways as bankers said that a part of the resolution process was based on processes laid out in the RBI's Feb. 12 circular that the court has now quashed in its entirety. However, a partner at a top law firm in India told Reuters that Jet's debt resolution plan might not be derailed as lenders could have taken the decision even without the central bank's circular. "It is only the punitive action or coercive action under the circular which will get affected by this," the lawyer said. "The banks could have contractually, restructured loans whether there was an RBI circular or not," he said.

Supreme Court quashes RBI directive on resolving bad debt

Kashmir: Asia's largest tulip garden opens for tourists

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