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Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy.

In its comments on the draft policy floated by the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), it also said the regulations should not aim at "micromanaging" players in the e-commerce sector but should act as an enabler to promote innovations.

In February, the DPIIT floated the draft policy proposing setting up a legal and technological framework for restrictions on cross-border data flow and also laid out conditions for businesses regarding the collection or processing of sensitive data locally and storing it abroad.

In its suggestions, the CII said the role of an e-commerce platform is that of an intermediary and hence the responsibility of preventing IP infringements while limited, is a joint one with the larger role around liability and gatekeeping on the seller/ manufacturer.

"Forced disclosures and data sharing can infringe privacy concerns and hence greater clarity and calibration are required on the context, procedure, and expectations around the government's right to mandate the forced transfer of proprietary information," CII said.&nbsp;

The draft says that a business entity that collects or processes any sensitive data in India and stores it abroad, shall be required to adhere to certain conditions.&nbsp;

The conditions state that all such data stored abroad shall not be made available to other business entities outside India, for any purpose, even with the customer's consent.&nbsp;

Further, the data shall also not be made available to a third party for any purpose and it would also not be shared with a foreign government, without the prior permission of Indian authorities, the draft said.

CII further suggested that the e-commerce policy should not aim for a one size fits all approach but take into account the diversity of organizations and industries it affects.&nbsp;

"Hence, the policy should determine its scope of work and aim to limit its overreach accordingly," it said.

Also, the regulation should not aim to micromanage or overpower innovation but to become an enabler of innovation and opportunities. 
Ritesh Agarwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on e-commerce said in the last decade, e-commerce has touched every aspect of lives and is growing at an impressive pace.&nbsp;

"Through this committee's representation to the DPIIT, we will explore ways to increase economic opportunities and empower businesses," he said. 
Anjan Das, Executive Director of CII said any legal framework impacting the e-commerce ecosystem is of critical importance for both consumers as well as service providers.&nbsp;

CII said it has held stakeholder consultation and invited them to provide detailed comments, issues and proposed solutions that have been compiled to form a comprehensive list of responses to the draft policy.

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy.

Industry body CII Tuesday said the proposed national e-commerce policy should provide greater clarity on data sharing as forced disclosure may raise concerns on privacy. In its comments on the draft policy floated by the department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), it also said the regulations should not aim at "micromanaging" players in the e-commerce sector but should act as an enabler to promote innovations. In February, the DPIIT floated the draft policy proposing setting up a legal and technological framework for restrictions on cross-border data flow and also laid out conditions for businesses regarding the collection or processing of sensitive data locally and storing it abroad. In its suggestions, the CII said the role of an e-commerce platform is that of an intermediary and hence the responsibility of preventing IP infringements while limited, is a joint one with the larger role around liability and gatekeeping on the seller/ manufacturer. "Forced disclosures and data sharing can infringe privacy concerns and hence greater clarity and calibration are required on the context, procedure, and expectations around the government's right to mandate the forced transfer of proprietary information," CII said. The draft says that a business entity that collects or processes any sensitive data in India and stores it abroad, shall be required to adhere to certain conditions. The conditions state that all such data stored abroad shall not be made available to other business entities outside India, for any purpose, even with the customer's consent. Further, the data shall also not be made available to a third party for any purpose and it would also not be shared with a foreign government, without the prior permission of Indian authorities, the draft said. CII further suggested that the e-commerce policy should not aim for a one size fits all approach but take into account the diversity of organizations and industries it affects. "Hence, the policy should determine its scope of work and aim to limit its overreach accordingly," it said. Also, the regulation should not aim to micromanage or overpower innovation but to become an enabler of innovation and opportunities. Ritesh Agarwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on e-commerce said in the last decade, e-commerce has touched every aspect of lives and is growing at an impressive pace. "Through this committee's representation to the DPIIT, we will explore ways to increase economic opportunities and empower businesses," he said. Anjan Das, Executive Director of CII said any legal framework impacting the e-commerce ecosystem is of critical importance for both consumers as well as service providers. CII said it has held stakeholder consultation and invited them to provide detailed comments, issues and proposed solutions that have been compiled to form a comprehensive list of responses to the draft policy.

Greater clarity required on data sharing, CII on draft e-commerce policy

After 32 years, the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives sweeping powers to security forces, was partially removed from three of nine districts of Arunachal Pradesh but would remain in force in the areas bordering Myanmar, officials said here.

The state, which was formed on February 20, 1987, had inherited the controversial AFSPA enacted by Parliament in 1958 and applied to the entire State of Assam and the Union Territory of Manipur.

After Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland came into being, the Act was appropriately adapted to apply to these states as well. 
The Justice B P Jeevan Reddy committee had recommended scrapping of the AFSPA from the state.

Under the Act, the security forces can arrest anyone or carry out searches on any premises.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a notification that the four police station areas in Arunachal Pradesh, which were declared "disturbed areas" under the AFSPA, are no longer under the purview of the special law from Sunday.

The police station areas from where the AFSPA has been withdrawn are Balemu and Bhalukpong police stations in West Kameng district, Seijosa police station in East Kameng district and Balijan police station in Papumpare district.

However, according to the notification, the AFSPA will continue to be enforced in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts and areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district and Sunpura in Lohit district for six more months till September 30.

A Home Ministry official said the "disturbed area" tag was withdrawn from the four police station areas due to the improvement of law and order situation there and it will continue in other areas in view of continuing activities of banned insurgent groups of the Northeast.

The notification said the Union Home Ministry took the decision exercising its powers conferred under section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

A review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh's six districts was undertaken before the March 31 deadline for the validity of the "disturbed area" designation under the AFSPA.

In March last year, the AFSPA was removed completely from Meghalaya following improvement in the security situation.

The AFSPA is imposed in areas where armed forces are required to operate in aid to civil authorities. For the AFSPA to become valid, an area, however, needs to be declared disturbed either by the Central or the state government under section 3 of the 1958 Act.

Some parts of Arunachal Pradesh has the presence of banned militant outfits such as NSCN, ULFA, and NDFB, another official said.

After 32 years, the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives sweeping powers to security forces, was partially removed from three of nine districts of Arunachal Pradesh but would remain in force in the areas bordering Myanmar, officials said here.

After 32 years, the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives sweeping powers to security forces, was partially removed from three of nine districts of Arunachal Pradesh but would remain in force in the areas bordering Myanmar, officials said here. The state, which was formed on February 20, 1987, had inherited the controversial AFSPA enacted by Parliament in 1958 and applied to the entire State of Assam and the Union Territory of Manipur. After Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland came into being, the Act was appropriately adapted to apply to these states as well. The Justice B P Jeevan Reddy committee had recommended scrapping of the AFSPA from the state. Under the Act, the security forces can arrest anyone or carry out searches on any premises. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a notification that the four police station areas in Arunachal Pradesh, which were declared "disturbed areas" under the AFSPA, are no longer under the purview of the special law from Sunday. The police station areas from where the AFSPA has been withdrawn are Balemu and Bhalukpong police stations in West Kameng district, Seijosa police station in East Kameng district and Balijan police station in Papumpare district. However, according to the notification, the AFSPA will continue to be enforced in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts and areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district and Sunpura in Lohit district for six more months till September 30. A Home Ministry official said the "disturbed area" tag was withdrawn from the four police station areas due to the improvement of law and order situation there and it will continue in other areas in view of continuing activities of banned insurgent groups of the Northeast. The notification said the Union Home Ministry took the decision exercising its powers conferred under section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. A review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh's six districts was undertaken before the March 31 deadline for the validity of the "disturbed area" designation under the AFSPA. In March last year, the AFSPA was removed completely from Meghalaya following improvement in the security situation. The AFSPA is imposed in areas where armed forces are required to operate in aid to civil authorities. For the AFSPA to become valid, an area, however, needs to be declared disturbed either by the Central or the state government under section 3 of the 1958 Act. Some parts of Arunachal Pradesh has the presence of banned militant outfits such as NSCN, ULFA, and NDFB, another official said.

After 32 years, AFSPA withdrawn partially from Arunachal Pradesh

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya criticises Cong's NYAY

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his party and the BJP are bound by Hindutva and the two decided to enter into a pre-poll alliance after overcoming differences that soured their ties in the past. In an interview to Sena MP Sanjay Raut in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, Thackeray said he agreed to the alliance after BJP president Amit Shah came to him twice to sort out the issues.

The Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP, its leadership and policies of the NDA government, entered into a seat-sharing pact with the ruling party recently. The BJP and Sena agreed to contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively, in Maharashtra which has 48 Lok Sabha constituencies. “…You ask me why did we agree to an alliance again. The whole world is a witness. BJP president Amit Shah came to me not once, but twice. And when the alliance was charted out, we put forth the problems of people. Even the chief minister was present when all this happened,” Thackeray said.

Shah wanted the sourness between both the parties to end, he said, adding he also agreed to the BJP chief’s views. To another query, Thackeray said in the course of discussions, the issues that caused the sourness between the two saffron parties were “ironed out”. “Like before, Hindutva is the thread that binds the BJP and the Sena together,” he asserted. He also hit out at the opposition parties, saying if they come to power, they would “quarrel” for the prime minister’s post as they lack a leader to bind them together.

The way the opposition parties have come together now ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, they had made a similar move after the Emergency — since there was immense anger among people — and formed the Janata government which lasted for 22 months, he noted. “Then they at least had a face in Jayaprakash Narayan.

Now, there is no face to bind the opposition in the country. If the opposition comes to power, there will be quarrelling among them for the prime minister’s post,” he claimed. “We (Sena and BJP) have Hindutva as a common thread. Hindutva is nationalism,” said Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

To a query on BJP veteran L K Advani, Thackeray said during the last five-ten years of his father late Bal Thackeray’s life, the younger generation took over the Sena and the patriarch guided them, but intervened and spoke only when it was necessary. “Change is a natural process. But it doesn’t mean you forget them after making them retire. You have to be forever grateful to them. Because, the Sena supremo, Atalji, Advaniji sowed the seeds in an extremely difficult environment. They risked their lives in spreading Hindutva,” he said.

Asked if he stood by his earlier statement that the Sena rotted in 25 years of alliance with the BJP, Thackeray said his father extensively travelled across Maharashtra to spread his party. “However, we became inattentive after the alliance (with BJP). This carelessness is no more there. Spreading of one’s ideology is not a crime,” he said. “Should I keep the Sena limited to the seats which we received as part of the alliance formula? Should we not take our party to other places as well? Because Sena is not a party but an ideology,” the 58-year-old leader said. Asked if he had also become a “chowkidar” after a tie-up with the BJP, Thackeray said he was just a common man. “I am a Shiv Sainik. I don’t need to be separately called a chowkidar.

A soldier is a soldier who safeguards the common man and fights for their rights. I don’t need to separately become a chowkidar,” he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently added “chowkidar” to his Twitter handle profile and asked people to take the #MainBhiChowkidar pledge against corruption. Several BJP leaders and ministers later followed suit.

Asked if the Sena will get a better share in portfolio allocation after the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray said maintaining relations was the responsibility of both the alliance partners. But, the first priority was to win the elections and the opposition, however weak, cannot be ignored, he added. On the leadership of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Thackeray said he does not have personal enmity against anyone.

“Since they are both younger to me, I look at them as kids. Both these kids are trying to find stability in the present environment. We will know about their success and failure later. However, I don’t see a specific shape of his (Rahul Gandhi’s) leadership,” he said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his party and the BJP are bound by Hindutva and the two decided to enter into a pre-poll alliance after overcoming differences that soured their ties in the past.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his party and the BJP are bound by Hindutva and the two decided to enter into a pre-poll alliance after overcoming differences that soured their ties in the past. In an interview to Sena MP Sanjay Raut in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, Thackeray said he agreed to the alliance after BJP president Amit Shah came to him twice to sort out the issues. The Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP, its leadership and policies of the NDA government, entered into a seat-sharing pact with the ruling party recently. The BJP and Sena agreed to contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively, in Maharashtra which has 48 Lok Sabha constituencies. “…You ask me why did we agree to an alliance again. The whole world is a witness. BJP president Amit Shah came to me not once, but twice. And when the alliance was charted out, we put forth the problems of people. Even the chief minister was present when all this happened,” Thackeray said. Shah wanted the sourness between both the parties to end, he said, adding he also agreed to the BJP chief’s views. To another query, Thackeray said in the course of discussions, the issues that caused the sourness between the two saffron parties were “ironed out”. “Like before, Hindutva is the thread that binds the BJP and the Sena together,” he asserted. He also hit out at the opposition parties, saying if they come to power, they would “quarrel” for the prime minister’s post as they lack a leader to bind them together. The way the opposition parties have come together now ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, they had made a similar move after the Emergency — since there was immense anger among people — and formed the Janata government which lasted for 22 months, he noted. “Then they at least had a face in Jayaprakash Narayan. Now, there is no face to bind the opposition in the country. If the opposition comes to power, there will be quarrelling among them for the prime minister’s post,” he claimed. “We (Sena and BJP) have Hindutva as a common thread. Hindutva is nationalism,” said Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. To a query on BJP veteran L K Advani, Thackeray said during the last five-ten years of his father late Bal Thackeray’s life, the younger generation took over the Sena and the patriarch guided them, but intervened and spoke only when it was necessary. “Change is a natural process. But it doesn’t mean you forget them after making them retire. You have to be forever grateful to them. Because, the Sena supremo, Atalji, Advaniji sowed the seeds in an extremely difficult environment. They risked their lives in spreading Hindutva,” he said. Asked if he stood by his earlier statement that the Sena rotted in 25 years of alliance with the BJP, Thackeray said his father extensively travelled across Maharashtra to spread his party. “However, we became inattentive after the alliance (with BJP). This carelessness is no more there. Spreading of one’s ideology is not a crime,” he said. “Should I keep the Sena limited to the seats which we received as part of the alliance formula? Should we not take our party to other places as well? Because Sena is not a party but an ideology,” the 58-year-old leader said. Asked if he had also become a “chowkidar” after a tie-up with the BJP, Thackeray said he was just a common man. “I am a Shiv Sainik. I don’t need to be separately called a chowkidar. A soldier is a soldier who safeguards the common man and fights for their rights. I don’t need to separately become a chowkidar,” he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently added “chowkidar” to his Twitter handle profile and asked people to take the #MainBhiChowkidar pledge against corruption. Several BJP leaders and ministers later followed suit. Asked if the Sena will get a better share in portfolio allocation after the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray said maintaining relations was the responsibility of both the alliance partners. But, the first priority was to win the elections and the opposition, however weak, cannot be ignored, he added. On the leadership of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Thackeray said he does not have personal enmity against anyone. “Since they are both younger to me, I look at them as kids. Both these kids are trying to find stability in the present environment. We will know about their success and failure later. However, I don’t see a specific shape of his (Rahul Gandhi’s) leadership,” he said.

Agreed to an alliance with BJP after two visits by Amit Shah: Uddhav Thackeray

NASA is extremely unhappy with India's A-SAT test

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month.

WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with local startup Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed. They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation.

The move comes as WhatsApp, with over 200 million users in India, battles criticism of its platform being used for the spread of misinformation, while social media companies across the board work to prevent the phenomenon - particularly during sensitive events such as elections.

WhatsApp owner Facebook Inc said on Monday it had deleted 712 accounts and 390 pages in India and Pakistan for "inauthentic behaviour", saying many were linked to India's opposition Congress party and others related to Pakistan's military.

The first phase of India's elections is scheduled to begin on April 11, with final results expected on May 23.

Major Indian political parties have accused each other of propagating fake news on WhatsApp while denying they do so themselves. In February, a senior WhatsApp executive said parties were trying to use the app in "ways for which it was not intended".

WhatsApp had a similar challenge during Brazilian elections last year when politicians had faced claims of spreading falsehoods on the platform.

"The goal of this project is to study the misinformation phenomenon at scale," Proto`s founders Ritvvij Parikh and Nasr ul Hadi said in a statement. "As more data flows in, we will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, and more."

WhatsApp said Proto would be helped by two other organisations with experience working on misinformation-related projects.

"The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organisation alone," WhatsApp said.

The new service, dubbed Checkpoint Tipline, can receive messages in the form of images and video as well as text in English and four regional languages, it added. A checkpoint is a research project commissioned by WhatsApp.

Reuters received a message on WhatsApp containing false information and forwarded it to the service around 0640 GMT. It was still awaiting classification more than two hours later.

"Thank you, we`ve received your request and you should hear from us again shortly," a reply said.

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption allows groups of many users to exchange text messages, images and video beyond the oversight of independent fact checkers or even the company itself.

In July, the company introduced a measure limiting the number of messages a user can forward, a move aimed at curbing mass forwards in India, where the spread of rumours led to several killings and sparked calls for government action.

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month.

WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity of information, in the messaging platform's latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month. WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with local startup Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed. They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation. The move comes as WhatsApp, with over 200 million users in India, battles criticism of its platform being used for the spread of misinformation, while social media companies across the board work to prevent the phenomenon - particularly during sensitive events such as elections. WhatsApp owner Facebook Inc said on Monday it had deleted 712 accounts and 390 pages in India and Pakistan for "inauthentic behaviour", saying many were linked to India's opposition Congress party and others related to Pakistan's military. The first phase of India's elections is scheduled to begin on April 11, with final results expected on May 23. Major Indian political parties have accused each other of propagating fake news on WhatsApp while denying they do so themselves. In February, a senior WhatsApp executive said parties were trying to use the app in "ways for which it was not intended". WhatsApp had a similar challenge during Brazilian elections last year when politicians had faced claims of spreading falsehoods on the platform. "The goal of this project is to study the misinformation phenomenon at scale," Proto`s founders Ritvvij Parikh and Nasr ul Hadi said in a statement. "As more data flows in, we will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, and more." WhatsApp said Proto would be helped by two other organisations with experience working on misinformation-related projects. "The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organisation alone," WhatsApp said. The new service, dubbed Checkpoint Tipline, can receive messages in the form of images and video as well as text in English and four regional languages, it added. A checkpoint is a research project commissioned by WhatsApp. Reuters received a message on WhatsApp containing false information and forwarded it to the service around 0640 GMT. It was still awaiting classification more than two hours later. "Thank you, we`ve received your request and you should hear from us again shortly," a reply said. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption allows groups of many users to exchange text messages, images and video beyond the oversight of independent fact checkers or even the company itself. In July, the company introduced a measure limiting the number of messages a user can forward, a move aimed at curbing mass forwards in India, where the spread of rumours led to several killings and sparked calls for government action.

WhatsApp launches fact-check service to fight fake news during India polls

Lok Sabha election 2019: Congress releases manifesto

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Unemployment, woman safety, education, national security,&nbsp;healthcare, farmers distress and&nbsp;Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) for poor are the key issues in Congress manifesto, said Congress president&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi as he released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections&nbsp;on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

There are five main themes in Congress manifesto, first among them is minimum income scheme NYAY under which Rs 72,000 will be given to poorest, he said.

''Not a single lie has been incorporated in the manifesto,'' Gandhi said.

''Whatever is going to be in this manifesto has to be truthful, I do not want a single thing in this manifesto that is a lie because we have been hearing a large number of lies spoken every day by our PM,'' Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress president also said that there will be a separate budget for farmers and 150 days guaranteed employment under MNREGA.

''PM had spoken about MGNREGA. He mocked and said it is a bogus and useless scheme. Today everyone knows how much it helped the country. So now we want to guarantee jobs for 150 days, instead of 100 days, under the scheme.'' Rahul said.

Congress will allocate six&nbsp;per cent of GDP to education and strengthen government&nbsp;hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to the poor, he added.

On his decision to contest from Wayanad in Kerala, Rahul said, ''South India feels hostility from Narendra Modi; I wanted to send a message, I am standing with you."

Several heavyweight Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram and several others were present.&nbsp;

Unemployment, woman safety, education, national security, healthcare, farmers distress and Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) for poor are the key issues in Congress manifesto, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi as he released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

Unemployment, woman safety, education, national security, healthcare, farmers distress and Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) for poor are the key issues in Congress manifesto, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi as he released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. There are five main themes in Congress manifesto, first among them is minimum income scheme NYAY under which Rs 72,000 will be given to poorest, he said. ''Not a single lie has been incorporated in the manifesto,'' Gandhi said. ''Whatever is going to be in this manifesto has to be truthful, I do not want a single thing in this manifesto that is a lie because we have been hearing a large number of lies spoken every day by our PM,'' Rahul Gandhi said. Congress president also said that there will be a separate budget for farmers and 150 days guaranteed employment under MNREGA. ''PM had spoken about MGNREGA. He mocked and said it is a bogus and useless scheme. Today everyone knows how much it helped the country. So now we want to guarantee jobs for 150 days, instead of 100 days, under the scheme.'' Rahul said. Congress will allocate six per cent of GDP to education and strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to the poor, he added. On his decision to contest from Wayanad in Kerala, Rahul said, ''South India feels hostility from Narendra Modi; I wanted to send a message, I am standing with you." Several heavyweight Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram and several others were present.

Congress unveils party manifesto titled 'Congress will deliver' 

Seven Pakistani posts across the LoC were destroyed as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/poonch-ceasefire-violation-pakistan-army-claims-3-soldiers-dead-india-says-toll-higher-207378">Indian Army retaliated to cross border shelling </a>by Pakistani troops who targeted border areas in Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said Tuesday.

There have been several casualties to Pakistani troops too, they said.

As a precautionary measure, all schools along the borderline in Poonch and Rajouri districts have been closed by authorities in view of the Pakistani shelling.

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 Line of Control in Poonch district, prompting the Indian Army to retaliate "befittingly", said officials.

There was heavy mortar shelling and firing along LOC in Poonch district and Nowshera sector of Rajouri district till Tuesday morning", officials said.

There was also firing and shelling by Pakistan troops in Shahpur sub-sector in Poonch and Nowshera on Tuesday, they said.

In the retaliation carried out by Indian troops, seven Pakistan posts across the LoC in Rakhchikri and Rawalakote forward areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were destroyed, they said adding there have been several causalities on the Pakistan side.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan has said three Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Tuesday in retaliation carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

Pakistan has been using heavy weaponry and 120 mm mortar bombs to target civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch, triggering panic among villagers, they said.

Amid the ongoing shelling by Pakistan, people have been advised to stay indoors, the officials said.

Seven Pakistani posts across the LoC were destroyed as the Indian Army retaliated to cross border shelling by Pakistani troops who targeted border areas in Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said Tuesday.

Seven Pakistani posts across the LoC were destroyed as the Indian Army retaliated to cross border shelling by Pakistani troops who targeted border areas in Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said Tuesday. There have been several casualties to Pakistani troops too, they said. As a precautionary measure, all schools along the borderline in Poonch and Rajouri districts have been closed by authorities in view of the Pakistani shelling. 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 Line of Control in Poonch district, prompting the Indian Army to retaliate "befittingly", said officials. There was heavy mortar shelling and firing along LOC in Poonch district and Nowshera sector of Rajouri district till Tuesday morning", officials said. There was also firing and shelling by Pakistan troops in Shahpur sub-sector in Poonch and Nowshera on Tuesday, they said. In the retaliation carried out by Indian troops, seven Pakistan posts across the LoC in Rakhchikri and Rawalakote forward areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were destroyed, they said adding there have been several causalities on the Pakistan side. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan has said three Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Tuesday in retaliation carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan has been using heavy weaponry and 120 mm mortar bombs to target civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch, triggering panic among villagers, they said. Amid the ongoing shelling by Pakistan, people have been advised to stay indoors, the officials said.

Seven Pakistan posts destroyed as Indian Army retaliates to ceasefire violations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for "not cooperating" with the Centre to bring about speedy development in the state and said he has taken advantage of central schemes to ensure the welfare of Odiyas.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"The government in Odisha did not cooperate with us. Despite its indifference, we did our best in launching development projects in the state," Modi said while addressing a rally in this west Odisha town.

This ''chowkidaar'' (watchman) has taken advantage of Centre's schemes to ensure the welfare of the Odiyas, he insisted.

If the BJP had formed a government in Odisha after the 2014 election, the state would have witnessed "speedy development in all sectors", he claimed.

Calling upon the people to vote for the double-engine government of the BJP at the Centre and the state, Modi said Odisha should repeat the history created by Uttar Pradesh in 2017 and Tripura in 2018.

Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA government has constructed pucca homes for eight lakh families, provided power connections to 24 lakh homes, gas connection to 40 lakh mothers and sisters.

"In the last five years, we have opened bank accounts for 1 crore 40 lakh people, built toilets in 50 lakh homes, ensuring women's safety and security," he maintained.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said the grand old party has cheated Odisha people over the years by denying the poor their due rights.

"Under the Congress rule, middlemen benefitted largely. It is because of this deception, people had to go to migrate to other states, leaving their families," he charged.

Without taking a single leave in the last five years, this "chowkidar has worked diligently" to bring about a transformation in the country, Modi said.

"The credit for the transformation goes to the people of the country, who voted the BJP to power. It is your vote and not Modi who brought positive changes in the country, lit up lives of poor, filled their lives with hopes," he added.

Modi and his partymen have launched the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Opposition's, especially the Congress's, 'chowkidar chor hai (watchman is a thief) slogan.

Assembly elections in Odisha will be held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for "not cooperating" with the Centre to bring about speedy development in the state and said he has taken advantage of central schemes to ensure the welfare of Odiyas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for "not cooperating" with the Centre to bring about speedy development in the state and said he has taken advantage of central schemes to ensure the welfare of Odiyas. "The government in Odisha did not cooperate with us. Despite its indifference, we did our best in launching development projects in the state," Modi said while addressing a rally in this west Odisha town. This ''chowkidaar'' (watchman) has taken advantage of Centre's schemes to ensure the welfare of the Odiyas, he insisted. If the BJP had formed a government in Odisha after the 2014 election, the state would have witnessed "speedy development in all sectors", he claimed. Calling upon the people to vote for the double-engine government of the BJP at the Centre and the state, Modi said Odisha should repeat the history created by Uttar Pradesh in 2017 and Tripura in 2018. Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA government has constructed pucca homes for eight lakh families, provided power connections to 24 lakh homes, gas connection to 40 lakh mothers and sisters. "In the last five years, we have opened bank accounts for 1 crore 40 lakh people, built toilets in 50 lakh homes, ensuring women's safety and security," he maintained. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said the grand old party has cheated Odisha people over the years by denying the poor their due rights. "Under the Congress rule, middlemen benefitted largely. It is because of this deception, people had to go to migrate to other states, leaving their families," he charged. Without taking a single leave in the last five years, this "chowkidar has worked diligently" to bring about a transformation in the country, Modi said. "The credit for the transformation goes to the people of the country, who voted the BJP to power. It is your vote and not Modi who brought positive changes in the country, lit up lives of poor, filled their lives with hopes," he added. Modi and his partymen have launched the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Opposition's, especially the Congress's, 'chowkidar chor hai (watchman is a thief) slogan. Assembly elections in Odisha will be held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

BJD government did not cooperate, chowkidar transformed Odisha with Central schemes: Modi

The Supreme Court Monday asked 21 opposition leaders to file within a week their reply on the Election Commission's affidavit on their plea regarding Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in Lok Sabha polls.

The opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had sought that VVPAT slips of at least 50 per cent of voting machines in each assembly constituency be checked randomly during Lok Sabha polls next month.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Opposition leaders, to file the reply by next Monday. 
The poll panel had on Friday last sought dismissal of the petition.&nbsp;

In its affidavit, the EC had asserted in the apex court that the opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday asked 21 opposition leaders to file within a week their reply on the Election Commission's affidavit on their plea regarding Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in Lok Sabha polls.

The Supreme Court Monday asked 21 opposition leaders to file within a week their reply on the Election Commission's affidavit on their plea regarding Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in Lok Sabha polls. The opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had sought that VVPAT slips of at least 50 per cent of voting machines in each assembly constituency be checked randomly during Lok Sabha polls next month. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Opposition leaders, to file the reply by next Monday. The poll panel had on Friday last sought dismissal of the petition. In its affidavit, the EC had asserted in the apex court that the opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests.

Counting of VVPAT slips: Supreme Court grants week's time to opposition leaders for filing reply on EC affidavit

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued notice to the poll panel on a plea filed by former Congress MLA B D Barad, who had challenged his disqualification as an MLA and the subsequent EC's decision notifying the seat as vacant.

Barad has moved the apex court against the Gujarat High Court's March 27 verdict dismissing his petition against his disqualification as an MLA and also against the EC's decision notifying the bypolls there.

Barad was disqualified as an MLA by the assembly speaker on March 5 following his conviction in a case. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued notice to the poll panel on a plea filed by former Congress MLA B D Barad, who had challenged his disqualification as an MLA and the subsequent EC's decision notifying the seat as vacant. Barad has moved the apex court against the Gujarat High Court's March 27 verdict dismissing his petition against his disqualification as an MLA and also against the EC's decision notifying the bypolls there. Barad was disqualified as an MLA by the assembly speaker on March 5 following his conviction in a case.

Supreme Court stays EC's decision notifying Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant, declaring bypolls

ISRO's PSLV-C45, which lifted off from Sriharikota on Monday&nbsp;carrying India's EMISAT satellite, is capable of placing satellites in three different orbits.&nbsp;

Describing the launch a very important milestone, former ISRO chairman&nbsp;G Madhavan Nair said ''It's not only going to launch our own satellite but also those from other nations''.

''The uniqueness of this mission is, it's going to place satellites in three&nbsp;different orbits. I hope it'll be 100% success as usual," Nair said.

Around 17 minutes after the launch, the EMISAT was placed in an orbit in 753.6 km from the altitude.

Aimed at electromagnetic measurement, the&nbsp;indigenously&nbsp;built satellite weighs around 436 kg and is designed to help the military to find ''hostile radars''.

The PSLV-C45 rocket carrying the indigenously built satellite was lifted off from the radar at around 9:27 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Along with EMISAT, the rocket also carried 28 other foreign satellites and three scientific instruments.

ISRO's PSLV-C45, which lifted off from Sriharikota on Monday carrying India's EMISAT satellite, is capable of placing satellites in three different orbits. Describing the launch a very important milestone, former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said ''It's not only going to launch our own satellite but also those from other nations''.

ISRO's PSLV-C45, which lifted off from Sriharikota on Monday carrying India's EMISAT satellite, is capable of placing satellites in three different orbits. Describing the launch a very important milestone, former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said ''It's not only going to launch our own satellite but also those from other nations''. ''The uniqueness of this mission is, it's going to place satellites in three different orbits. I hope it'll be 100% success as usual," Nair said. Around 17 minutes after the launch, the EMISAT was placed in an orbit in 753.6 km from the altitude. Aimed at electromagnetic measurement, the indigenously built satellite weighs around 436 kg and is designed to help the military to find ''hostile radars''. The PSLV-C45 rocket carrying the indigenously built satellite was lifted off from the radar at around 9:27 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Along with EMISAT, the rocket also carried 28 other foreign satellites and three scientific instruments.

Defence satellite EMISAT to help military to find 'hostile radars'

Police on Monday arrested a most wanted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Faiyaz Ahmed Lone, a resident of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, has been evading arrest since 2015.

The arrest was made by Special Cell, Delhi.

Lone was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head.

Police on Monday arrested a most wanted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Faiyaz Ahmed Lone, a resident of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, has been evading arrest since 2015.

Police on Monday arrested a most wanted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Faiyaz Ahmed Lone, a resident of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, has been evading arrest since 2015. The arrest was made by Special Cell, Delhi. Lone was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head.

Wanted JeM terrorist Faiyaz Ahmad Lone arrested in Srinagar 

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency.&nbsp;

Sitharaman made her comments 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 Delhi. She was in conversation with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. &nbsp;

"Amethi is so backward," she said. Nothing has been done for it.&nbsp;

"Smriti Irani, despite losing, has done something for Amethi," Sitharaman added.&nbsp;

Irani, the union minister for textiles, had lost to Rahul in 2014. She will fight him again from there in 2019.&nbsp;

Sitharaman added that Rahul had asked no questions about Amethi in parliament in his three terms as MP.&nbsp;

Sitharaman went on to say that it was because of this — the lack of development in Amethi — that Rahul had chosen to also fight the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;

He's gone there for "safety", she said.&nbsp;

Chaudhary reminder her at that point that "over 50%" of Wayanad's population is made up of minorities.&nbsp;

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency.

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that in three terms as a member of parliament from Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has nothing done for his constituency. Sitharaman made her comments at Zee News's 'India ka DNA' conclave in Delhi. She was in conversation with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. "Amethi is so backward," she said. Nothing has been done for it. "Smriti Irani, despite losing, has done something for Amethi," Sitharaman added. Irani, the union minister for textiles, had lost to Rahul in 2014. She will fight him again from there in 2019. Sitharaman added that Rahul had asked no questions about Amethi in parliament in his three terms as MP. Sitharaman went on to say that it was because of this — the lack of development in Amethi — that Rahul had chosen to also fight the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala. He's gone there for "safety", she said. Chaudhary reminder her at that point that "over 50%" of Wayanad's population is made up of minorities.

In 3 terms as MP, Rahul Gandhi has done nothing for Amethi: Nirmala Sitharaman at 'India ka DNA' conclave

ISRO's PSLV C45 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Monday, carrying India's EMISAT satellite along with 28 nano satellites of global customers.

After the launch, the satellite successfully injected EMISAT into sun-synchronous polar orbit. Now, 28 customer satellites are to be placed into their designated orbit.

As the 27-hour countdown concluded, the nearly 50-metre tall rocket, a new variant of ISRO's trusted work horse PSLV-QL, blasted off from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 125 km from Chennai , at 9.27 am.

The EMISAT satellite is aimed at electromagnetic measurement.

The mission marks several firsts to the credit of the space agency as it would manoeuvre satellites in various orbits and orbital experiments, including on maritime satellite applications.

According to ISRO, a new variant of the rocket PSLV-QL equipped with four Strap-On motors in the first stage is used for the launch.

PSLV, also used in India's two key missions, "Chandrayan" in 2008 and Mars Orbiter in 2013, is a reliable and versatile launch vehicle for ISRO with 39 consecutive successful flights till June, 2017 and five-in-a-row from January 2018.

The rocket has encountered only two failures so far, its maiden developmental flight ended unsuccessful way back in 1993.

In September, 2017, the flight went off without any hitch but the IRNSS-1H Satellite could not be released into orbit after the PSLV-C39's heat shield failed to open on reaching the orbit.

In this mission, ISRO scientists would place the satellites and payloads in three different orbits, a first for the agency.

After injecting the 436 kg primary satellite EMISAT, intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement, at around 17 minutes from lift off in a 749 km orbit, they would restart the fourth stage again.

ISRO said this was the first time it has been envisaged to provide a micro-gravity environment for research organisations and academic institutes to perform experiments.

The PS4-fourth stage hosts three payloads in this mission.

They are automatic identification system from ISRO for maritime satellite applications capturing messages transmitted from ships.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Sriharikota: ISRO's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLVC45?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLVC45</a> lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying EMISAT &amp; 28 customer satellites on board. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/iQIcl7hBIH">pic.twitter.com/iQIcl7hBIH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112566852637601792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Automatic Packet Repeating System from AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation), India to assist amateur radio operators in tracking and monitoring position data.

Advanced Retarding Potential Analyzer for lonospheric Studies (ARIS) from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) for the structural and composition studies of ionosphere.

The other 28 international satellites -- 25 3U type, two 6U type and one 2U type nano satellites -- are from Lithuania (two), Spain (one), Switzerland (one) and the United States (24).

All these satellites are being launched under commercial arrangements, the ISRO said.

In February, ISRO launched India's communication satellite GSAT-31 from the European launch service provider Ariane from French Guiana.

ISRO's PSLV C45 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Monday, carrying India's EMISAT satellite along with 28 nano satellites of global customers.

ISRO's PSLV C45 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Monday, carrying India's EMISAT satellite along with 28 nano satellites of global customers. After the launch, the satellite successfully injected EMISAT into sun-synchronous polar orbit. Now, 28 customer satellites are to be placed into their designated orbit. As the 27-hour countdown concluded, the nearly 50-metre tall rocket, a new variant of ISRO's trusted work horse PSLV-QL, blasted off from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 125 km from Chennai , at 9.27 am. The EMISAT satellite is aimed at electromagnetic measurement. The mission marks several firsts to the credit of the space agency as it would manoeuvre satellites in various orbits and orbital experiments, including on maritime satellite applications. According to ISRO, a new variant of the rocket PSLV-QL equipped with four Strap-On motors in the first stage is used for the launch. PSLV, also used in India's two key missions, "Chandrayan" in 2008 and Mars Orbiter in 2013, is a reliable and versatile launch vehicle for ISRO with 39 consecutive successful flights till June, 2017 and five-in-a-row from January 2018. The rocket has encountered only two failures so far, its maiden developmental flight ended unsuccessful way back in 1993. In September, 2017, the flight went off without any hitch but the IRNSS-1H Satellite could not be released into orbit after the PSLV-C39's heat shield failed to open on reaching the orbit. In this mission, ISRO scientists would place the satellites and payloads in three different orbits, a first for the agency. After injecting the 436 kg primary satellite EMISAT, intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement, at around 17 minutes from lift off in a 749 km orbit, they would restart the fourth stage again. ISRO said this was the first time it has been envisaged to provide a micro-gravity environment for research organisations and academic institutes to perform experiments. The PS4-fourth stage hosts three payloads in this mission. They are automatic identification system from ISRO for maritime satellite applications capturing messages transmitted from ships. #WATCH Sriharikota: ISRO's #PSLVC45 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying EMISAT & 28 customer satellites on board. #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/iQIcl7hBIH — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019 × Automatic Packet Repeating System from AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation), India to assist amateur radio operators in tracking and monitoring position data. Advanced Retarding Potential Analyzer for lonospheric Studies (ARIS) from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) for the structural and composition studies of ionosphere. The other 28 international satellites -- 25 3U type, two 6U type and one 2U type nano satellites -- are from Lithuania (two), Spain (one), Switzerland (one) and the United States (24). All these satellites are being launched under commercial arrangements, the ISRO said. In February, ISRO launched India's communication satellite GSAT-31 from the European launch service provider Ariane from French Guiana.

After successful launch, PSLV-C45 injects EMISAT into polar orbit

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-files-nomination-for-gandhinagar-seat-206682">president Amit Shah </a>said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years.

Talking about "zero tolerance on terror", Amit Shah said Modi's government has shown that no terror attack will go unpunished and the country will give a befitting reply to all such attacks.&nbsp;

"Jab hamla hoga to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega (When attacked, we will respond to bullets with bombs)," the BJP chief told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Zee News's 'India Ka DNA' conclave.&nbsp;

"BJP's aim is to change the country and not worry about Lutyens Delhi and its media. Congress coined Hindu terror for vote bank. Now even the court has ruled that the case was cooked up," he said.

He said that people should always think about the security of the country and it was a good thing that it had become an election issue.&nbsp;

"Citizens of the country should always think about the security of the country. Country's security should be an election agenda. Every country must think about security and it should become criteria for voting," Shah said.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said on Monday that he is confident that his party will get the mandate again in this election and that Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years. Talking about "zero tolerance on terror", Amit Shah said Modi's government has shown that no terror attack will go unpunished and the country will give a befitting reply to all such attacks. "Jab hamla hoga to goli ka jawab gole se diya jayega (When attacked, we will respond to bullets with bombs)," the BJP chief told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Zee News's 'India Ka DNA' conclave. "BJP's aim is to change the country and not worry about Lutyens Delhi and its media. Congress coined Hindu terror for vote bank. Now even the court has ruled that the case was cooked up," he said. He said that people should always think about the security of the country and it was a good thing that it had become an election issue. "Citizens of the country should always think about the security of the country. Country's security should be an election agenda. Every country must think about security and it should become criteria for voting," Shah said.

Congress will remain out of power for at least 5 years, says Amit Shah at 'India ka DNA' conclave

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike.

"I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks. This was the first time since 1971 that our air force crossed the border. Those who question our forces cannot be defined in terms of normal political discourse. They have fallen so low that they have lost the confidence of the people," Singh said at Zee News' India Ka DNA conclave in New Delhi.

The voters are happy and full of josh due to the government's decisive stand on terrorism and the Opposition is clueless, he added.

In February, the Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the border and destroyed the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 soldiers were killed. While the government maintained that the strike was aimed at destroying the terror camps, the Opposition parties questioned the move and demanded proof of the terror camps destroyed by the IAF.

Days before the first phase of Lok Sabha election, the minister said, "I am not contesting the election looking for a fight, but to serve and earn the confidence of the people. We are seeking votes on the basis of our performance in the last five years."

Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annoucement last week that India successfully tested an anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile and lashed out the Congress and other Opposition parties for linking PM's announcement to election.

"There are some missions which take time and cannot be tied to election dates. So to connect the ASAT missile to the election is not right. I pity the opposition and the Congress when they question the scientists and defence forces," General Singh said.

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike. "I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks.

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike. "I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks. This was the first time since 1971 that our air force crossed the border. Those who question our forces cannot be defined in terms of normal political discourse. They have fallen so low that they have lost the confidence of the people," Singh said at Zee News' India Ka DNA conclave in New Delhi. The voters are happy and full of josh due to the government's decisive stand on terrorism and the Opposition is clueless, he added. In February, the Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the border and destroyed the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 soldiers were killed. While the government maintained that the strike was aimed at destroying the terror camps, the Opposition parties questioned the move and demanded proof of the terror camps destroyed by the IAF. Days before the first phase of Lok Sabha election, the minister said, "I am not contesting the election looking for a fight, but to serve and earn the confidence of the people. We are seeking votes on the basis of our performance in the last five years." Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annoucement last week that India successfully tested an anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile and lashed out the Congress and other Opposition parties for linking PM's announcement to election. "There are some missions which take time and cannot be tied to election dates. So to connect the ASAT missile to the election is not right. I pity the opposition and the Congress when they question the scientists and defence forces," General Singh said.

Voters full of josh, Opposition clueless: General VK Singh

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-to-launch-pslv-c45-carrying-29-satellites-207089">PSLV-C45 </a>from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at around 9:30 am today.

The rocket will put 29 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-satellite-technology-will-be-deterrent-in-event-of-space-war-experts-206072">satellites</a> including indigenously-built defence satellite 'EMISAT' into the orbit. 'EMISAT'&nbsp;will be used to detect enemy radar sites.

The satellite is built by Indias’s Defense Research Development Organisation and will have&nbsp;28 foreign satellites co-passengers.

The C-45 will be carrying satellites of the United States, Switzerland, Lithuania and Spain.

The final stage of the rocket will be used as an orbital platform, to perform experiments.

The PSLV will be launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

With today's launch, Indian space research organisation is all set for a record launch.

This is the first time that the country's PSLV rocket will deliver satellites into three different orbits.

Last week India’s space-offensive was on display for peaceful purposes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-shakti-giant-leap-for-india-say-leaders-205981">India had tested its anti-satellite weapon</a> and shot down its own satellite in 300km low earth orbit. 
&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at around 9:30 am today. The rocket will put 29 satellites including indigenously-built defence satellite 'EMISAT' into the orbit.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at around 9:30 am today. The rocket will put 29 satellites including indigenously-built defence satellite 'EMISAT' into the orbit. 'EMISAT' will be used to detect enemy radar sites. The satellite is built by Indias’s Defense Research Development Organisation and will have 28 foreign satellites co-passengers. The C-45 will be carrying satellites of the United States, Switzerland, Lithuania and Spain. The final stage of the rocket will be used as an orbital platform, to perform experiments. The PSLV will be launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. With today's launch, Indian space research organisation is all set for a record launch. This is the first time that the country's PSLV rocket will deliver satellites into three different orbits. Last week India’s space-offensive was on display for peaceful purposes. India had tested its anti-satellite weapon and shot down its own satellite in 300km low earth orbit.

ISRO to launch defence satellite from PSLV-C45 rocket in Sriharikota today

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27.&nbsp;

The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-radars-catch-four-pakistani-f-16s-flying-close-to-the-border-in-punjab-207239">shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India</a> and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.&nbsp;

"The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

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 aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

It was the first time in over 40 years that 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;

The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF".&nbsp;

"As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. &nbsp;

And that is also when it began to get interesting.&nbsp;

"Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said.&nbsp;

"India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added.&nbsp;

Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. &nbsp;

India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.&nbsp;

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces.

Pakistan has put out an interestingly-worded statement about whether or not it used F-16s in its air battle with Indian fighter jets on February 27. The statement — Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February — was put out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces. "The event of 27 Feb is part of history now," the statement says. The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The terror group JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. 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 aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets. It was the first time in over 40 years that 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. The ISPR statement however says "no Pakistani F-16s was hit by Indian airforce" and that two Indian jets "were shot down by PAF". "As regard PAF action for strikes across LOC it was done by JF17 from within Pakistan airspace. Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF," the statement said. And that is also when it began to get interesting. "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial. Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self defence," the statement said. "India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self defence," the statement added. Apart from the ambiguously-worded statement — "Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial" — it is thought that Pakistan's possible use of F-16s may violate the country's end-user agreement on the planes with the US. India has taken up Pakistan's possible use of the F-16s with the US, supplying it with fragments of an AMRAAM missile it says was fired by the F-16s. lndia says Pakistan does not have any other fighter plane that can be fitted with an AMRAAM missile.

Did Pakistan use F-16s on February 27? It says that's 'immaterial'

PM Modi addresses rally in Maharashtra's Wardha region

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-woman-in-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-murder-case-accepts-new-charge-likely-to-walk-free-207086">Vietnam woman in Kim Jong-un's half-brother murder case accepts </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-woman-in-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-murder-case-accepts-new-charge-likely-to-walk-free-207086">new</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-woman-in-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-murder-case-accepts-new-charge-likely-to-walk-free-207086"> charge, likely to walk free</a>

A Vietnamese woman suspected of assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother accepted a lesser charge Monday and looks set to be freed soon, after her Indonesian co-accused was released last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-defence-satellite-pslv-c45-from-sriharikota-today-207087">ISRO to launch defence satellite PSLV-C45 from Sriharikota today</a>

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch&nbsp;PSLV-C45&nbsp;from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at around 9:30 am today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-let-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-207071">J&amp;K: 4 LeT terrorists killed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-let-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-207071">encounter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-let-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-207071"> with security forces</a>

Four terrorists belonging to the&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The terrorists were killed following an encounter in Lassipora area of Pulwama district.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogans-ruling-akp-set-for-defeat-in-ankara-vote-207066">Turkish President Erdogan's ruling AKP suffers </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogans-ruling-akp-set-for-defeat-in-ankara-vote-207066">setback</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogans-ruling-akp-set-for-defeat-in-ankara-vote-207066"> in Ankara's local election</a>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP suffered a major blow in Sunday's local election with the ruling party set to lose the capital Ankara and risking defeat in the&nbsp;country's economic hub Istanbul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arabs-to-seek-un-security-council-action-on-golan-heights-207067">Arabs to seek UN Security Council action on Golan Heights&nbsp;</a>

Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a UN Security Council resolution against the US decision to recognize&nbsp;Israeli sovereignty&nbsp;over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood.

Vietnam woman in Kim Jong-un's half-brother murder case accepts new charge, likely to walk free A Vietnamese woman suspected of assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother accepted a lesser charge Monday and looks set to be freed soon, after her Indonesian co-accused was released last month.

Vietnam woman in Kim Jong-un's half-brother murder case accepts new charge, likely to walk free A Vietnamese woman suspected of assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother accepted a lesser charge Monday and looks set to be freed soon, after her Indonesian co-accused was released last month. ISRO to launch defence satellite PSLV-C45 from Sriharikota today The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at around 9:30 am today. J&K: 4 LeT terrorists killed in encounter with security forces Four terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The terrorists were killed following an encounter in Lassipora area of Pulwama district. Turkish President Erdogan's ruling AKP suffers setback in Ankara's local election Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP suffered a major blow in Sunday's local election with the ruling party set to lose the capital Ankara and risking defeat in the country's economic hub Istanbul. Arabs to seek UN Security Council action on Golan Heights Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a UN Security Council resolution against the US decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood.

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