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&nbsp;A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said.

The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely.

The sources said a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of life and property on the ground.

The jet was on a routine mission, they said.&nbsp;

The fighter aircraft crashed in Shivganj police station area near Godana dam in Sirohi district. Police and administrative officials have reached the spot to cordon off the area, Sirohi district SP, Kalyan Mal Meena, told PTI.

A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said. The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely.

A MiG 27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said. The MiG 27 UPG jet took off from Utarlai airforce base and the jet experienced engine problems leading to the crash at around 11:45 AM in Sirohi district about 120 km south of Jodhpur, they said, adding that the pilot ejected safely. The sources said a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate no loss of life and property on the ground. The jet was on a routine mission, they said. The fighter aircraft crashed in Shivganj police station area near Godana dam in Sirohi district. Police and administrative officials have reached the spot to cordon off the area, Sirohi district SP, Kalyan Mal Meena, told PTI.

Rajasthan: IAF's MiG 27 aircraft crashes near Jodhpur

Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in Kerala along with Amethi

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday.

"Indian couple Prashant and Smita Basarur were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich. Unfortunately, Prashant has expired. Smita is stable. We are facilitating the travel of Prashant's brother to Germany. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," Swaraj tweeted.

The external affairs minister said she has asked Indian mission in Munich to take care of the couple's two children.

Further details of the incident and the couple were not immediately known.

Meanwhile, asked by a Twitter user why she, the "most sensible" BJP leader, had added the 'chowkidar' prefix to her name on the microblogging site, Swaraj tweeted, "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Congress's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief) jibe at him.

He prefixed his Twitter name with 'chowkidar' and almost all BJP leaders and Union ministers including Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman followed suit.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Modi over alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He has often used the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" slogan while accusing the prime minister of wrongdoings in the deal.

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday.

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday. "Indian couple Prashant and Smita Basarur were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich. Unfortunately, Prashant has expired. Smita is stable. We are facilitating the travel of Prashant's brother to Germany. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," Swaraj tweeted. The external affairs minister said she has asked Indian mission in Munich to take care of the couple's two children. Further details of the incident and the couple were not immediately known. Meanwhile, asked by a Twitter user why she, the "most sensible" BJP leader, had added the 'chowkidar' prefix to her name on the microblogging site, Swaraj tweeted, "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Congress's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief) jibe at him. He prefixed his Twitter name with 'chowkidar' and almost all BJP leaders and Union ministers including Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman followed suit. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Modi over alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He has often used the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" slogan while accusing the prime minister of wrongdoings in the deal.

Indian national stabbed to death in Germany's Munich: Sushma Swaraj

A city court hearing the 2016 JNU sedition case Saturday observed that the city police's role regarding sanction was complete and it will now ask the Delhi government about the same.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat made the observation after being told by police that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that.

DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction.

The court Friday pulled up the Delhi Police over non-appearance of the DCP, who was asked to file a report in the case.

The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions.

On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

The court had also sought a report from the deputy commissioner of police assigned to the case.&nbsp;

A city court hearing the 2016 JNU sedition case Saturday observed that the city police's role regarding sanction was complete and it will now ask the Delhi government about the same.

A city court hearing the 2016 JNU sedition case Saturday observed that the city police's role regarding sanction was complete and it will now ask the Delhi government about the same. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat made the observation after being told by police that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that. DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction. The court Friday pulled up the Delhi Police over non-appearance of the DCP, who was asked to file a report in the case. The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions. On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016. The court had also sought a report from the deputy commissioner of police assigned to the case.

JNU sedition case: Court says role of Delhi Police on sanction matter complete

An Indian former Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl in the US, according to a media report.

John Praveen, 38, pleaded guilty in February to sexually touch a 13-year-old girl in the Rapid City church, South Dakota over her clothes last year, Rapid City Journal newspaper reported.

Judge Steven Mandel handed down the sentence on Friday after prosecutors asked for the maximum of one year in prison.&nbsp; 
Mandel said that was "not adequate" for Praveen's crime, the report said.

He sentenced Praveen to six years in prison, minus 178 days of time served and said he would be eligible for parole after three years.&nbsp;

The sentencing came after Praveen pleaded guilty to one count of having sexual contact with a child under the age of 16, a crime that carries a maximum 15-year punishment, the report said.&nbsp;

Mandel said if Praveen is granted parole, the parole board could ask Homeland Security to immediately deport him to Hyderabad or have him first serve parole in any state, the report added.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Praveen had joined the Rapid City Diocese for a 10-year assignment in December 2017.&nbsp;

He apologised and told the court he wishes he could take back what he did.&nbsp;

I "send my sincere apologies to the family and the victim about what I have done," Praveen said through tears in court Friday. He said he knows to say sorry isn't enough, and that he wishes he could take back what he did. He promised to never hurt anyone again.&nbsp;

In an emailed statement, Rapid City Bishop Robert Gruss apologised to the victim and her family on behalf of the Diocese of Rapid City, calling Praveen's actions "sinful," traumatic and a betrayal.

"I am deeply sorry that they had to experience these sinful actions at the hands of a priest," Gruss said.&nbsp;

"The pain and suffering of this family have been great. Only those who have been victims of abuse of any kind can understand the trauma. The experience of betrayal is great. Crimes of sexual abuse can never be tolerated, most especially among priests." 
&nbsp;

An Indian former Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl in the US, according to a media report. John Praveen, 38, pleaded guilty in February to sexually touch a 13-year-old girl in the Rapid City church, South Dakota over her clothes last year, Rapid City Journal newspaper reported.

An Indian former Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl in the US, according to a media report. John Praveen, 38, pleaded guilty in February to sexually touch a 13-year-old girl in the Rapid City church, South Dakota over her clothes last year, Rapid City Journal newspaper reported. Judge Steven Mandel handed down the sentence on Friday after prosecutors asked for the maximum of one year in prison. Mandel said that was "not adequate" for Praveen's crime, the report said. He sentenced Praveen to six years in prison, minus 178 days of time served and said he would be eligible for parole after three years. The sentencing came after Praveen pleaded guilty to one count of having sexual contact with a child under the age of 16, a crime that carries a maximum 15-year punishment, the report said. Mandel said if Praveen is granted parole, the parole board could ask Homeland Security to immediately deport him to Hyderabad or have him first serve parole in any state, the report added. Praveen had joined the Rapid City Diocese for a 10-year assignment in December 2017. He apologised and told the court he wishes he could take back what he did. I "send my sincere apologies to the family and the victim about what I have done," Praveen said through tears in court Friday. He said he knows to say sorry isn't enough, and that he wishes he could take back what he did. He promised to never hurt anyone again. In an emailed statement, Rapid City Bishop Robert Gruss apologised to the victim and her family on behalf of the Diocese of Rapid City, calling Praveen's actions "sinful," traumatic and a betrayal. "I am deeply sorry that they had to experience these sinful actions at the hands of a priest," Gruss said. "The pain and suffering of this family have been great. Only those who have been victims of abuse of any kind can understand the trauma. The experience of betrayal is great. Crimes of sexual abuse can never be tolerated, most especially among priests."

Indian priest sentenced to six years in prison for child sex abuse in US

The US is tracking 250-270 objects of debris in the space generated due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-didnt-spy-on-indias-asat-test-pentagon-206628">India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test</a> in lower earth orbit, but the International Space Station or ISS is not at risk, the Pentagon said Friday.&nbsp;

US Strategic Command's Joint Force Space Component Command (JFSCC) said 250 pieces of debris associated with an Indian ASAT launch that occurred on Wednesday are being actively tracked.&nbsp;

"Debris from the event is being actively monitored by the JFSCC, and conjunction notifications are being issued to satellite owners/operators in accordance with standard notification processes through the Department of Defense's public space situational awareness sharing website HYPERLINK "http://www.Space-track.Org," it said.

The JFSCC said it will continue to actively track debris associated with the event and issue close approach notifications as required until the debris enters the earth's atmosphere.

US Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Thursday that the JFSCC and Air Force's 18 space control Squadron are currently "tracking about 270 different objects in the debris" field.&nbsp;

Responding to questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, he said the number is going to grow as the debris field spreads out as the US collects more sensor information.

Thompson, however, refrained from giving any further details of the debris.

"But we do know the altitude at which it occurred. We immediately started providing public notice on our space track website and will provide direct notification to satellite operators, if those satellites are under threat," he said.

Responding to questions from lawmakers, Thompson said, "At this point in time, the International Space Station is not at risk."&nbsp;

The ISS orbits over 100 km higher than the orbit at which India carried out the ASAT test.&nbsp;

"That's another thing that we do and provide warning routinely. That's just an example of -no other nation --no other military force, no other civil or other body could have detected characterised and begun warning and providing the world, the way we do with air force and other joint assets," Thompson said.

Astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said India acted in a less irresponsible manner than the Chinese in doing the test.&nbsp;

"We don't know yet how much debris and how high. The United States has said that it's tracking about 250 pieces. But it will take them at least a few days, if not a few weeks to figure to catalogue those pieces," he told PTI.

Once the cataloguing is done, only then one could analyses how bad the situation is, he added.

Responding to a question, McDowell, who has been following India's space program since the 1970s, described the ASAT test as a "much more aggressive stance" even though it is presented as a defensive measure.

This is reflective of the ambitious and military side of the Indian space programme and is in response to China's aggressive space militarisation programme, he said.

Opposed to such tests, McDowell said, the Indian ASAT test was "relatively responsible" or "less responsible" than the Chinese ASAT test.&nbsp;

"Although I'm opposed to the test, I think that if you're going to do a test, that's a better way to do it.

"There will be debris that ends up in higher orbit but not as much and not as long left. The test at the level will ensure that the debris doesn't stay up for long periods of time, in contrast to what happened with the Chinese test, which was much higher up," he said.&nbsp;

"So that is relatively responsible. Certainly, they (Indians) have learned from the mistakes of the Chinese," said the American astronomer.

He said the Chinese debris&nbsp;hundreds of pieces in worst possible orbit - are still in the space.

The Indian debris might vanish and burn up when they come down in the next few months, while that of the Chinese might take decades to come down, McDowell said.&nbsp;

Well known space professional, Brian Weeden said China is one reason for India's test.&nbsp;

"India sees itself in competition with China for regional power and prestige and has been internally debating its own demonstration ever since the Chinese ASAT test in 2007," he said.

"The other factor is India's concern about being one of the "have nots" for ASAT weapons like they were for nuclear weapons, in the event of a future ban on ASAT testing," Weeden said.&nbsp;

But more tests like this risk creating space debris that could impact commercial business models for space, plus many of these new space companies feel strongly about social responsibility, he added.

The US is tracking 250-270 objects of debris in the space generated due to India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test in lower earth orbit, but the International Space Station or ISS is not at risk, the Pentagon said Friday.

The US is tracking 250-270 objects of debris in the space generated due to India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test in lower earth orbit, but the International Space Station or ISS is not at risk, the Pentagon said Friday. US Strategic Command's Joint Force Space Component Command (JFSCC) said 250 pieces of debris associated with an Indian ASAT launch that occurred on Wednesday are being actively tracked. "Debris from the event is being actively monitored by the JFSCC, and conjunction notifications are being issued to satellite owners/operators in accordance with standard notification processes through the Department of Defense's public space situational awareness sharing website HYPERLINK "http://www.Space-track.Org," it said. The JFSCC said it will continue to actively track debris associated with the event and issue close approach notifications as required until the debris enters the earth's atmosphere. US Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Thursday that the JFSCC and Air Force's 18 space control Squadron are currently "tracking about 270 different objects in the debris" field. Responding to questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, he said the number is going to grow as the debris field spreads out as the US collects more sensor information. Thompson, however, refrained from giving any further details of the debris. "But we do know the altitude at which it occurred. We immediately started providing public notice on our space track website and will provide direct notification to satellite operators, if those satellites are under threat," he said. Responding to questions from lawmakers, Thompson said, "At this point in time, the International Space Station is not at risk." The ISS orbits over 100 km higher than the orbit at which India carried out the ASAT test. "That's another thing that we do and provide warning routinely. That's just an example of -no other nation --no other military force, no other civil or other body could have detected characterised and begun warning and providing the world, the way we do with air force and other joint assets," Thompson said. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said India acted in a less irresponsible manner than the Chinese in doing the test. "We don't know yet how much debris and how high. The United States has said that it's tracking about 250 pieces. But it will take them at least a few days, if not a few weeks to figure to catalogue those pieces," he told PTI. Once the cataloguing is done, only then one could analyses how bad the situation is, he added. Responding to a question, McDowell, who has been following India's space program since the 1970s, described the ASAT test as a "much more aggressive stance" even though it is presented as a defensive measure. This is reflective of the ambitious and military side of the Indian space programme and is in response to China's aggressive space militarisation programme, he said. Opposed to such tests, McDowell said, the Indian ASAT test was "relatively responsible" or "less responsible" than the Chinese ASAT test. "Although I'm opposed to the test, I think that if you're going to do a test, that's a better way to do it. "There will be debris that ends up in higher orbit but not as much and not as long left. The test at the level will ensure that the debris doesn't stay up for long periods of time, in contrast to what happened with the Chinese test, which was much higher up," he said. "So that is relatively responsible. Certainly, they (Indians) have learned from the mistakes of the Chinese," said the American astronomer. He said the Chinese debris hundreds of pieces in worst possible orbit - are still in the space. The Indian debris might vanish and burn up when they come down in the next few months, while that of the Chinese might take decades to come down, McDowell said. Well known space professional, Brian Weeden said China is one reason for India's test. "India sees itself in competition with China for regional power and prestige and has been internally debating its own demonstration ever since the Chinese ASAT test in 2007," he said. "The other factor is India's concern about being one of the "have nots" for ASAT weapons like they were for nuclear weapons, in the event of a future ban on ASAT testing," Weeden said. But more tests like this risk creating space debris that could impact commercial business models for space, plus many of these new space companies feel strongly about social responsibility, he added.

US tracking 250-270 objects from Indian ASAT test debris: Pentagon

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India.

The 48-year-old diamond merchant is wanted in India for alleged "high value and sophisticated" fraud and money laundering amounting to $2 billion.

At the very start of the hearing, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot said she was getting a sense of "deja vu", in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Mallya in December last year.

"Do we know which part of India he [Modi] is being sought in," the judge asked, to try and establish which jail Modi is likely to be held in.

She was told by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, that it would be an extradition to Mumbai and that he may, in fact, be held in the same Arthur Road Jail as that prepared for liquor tycoon Mallya, to which the judge said in a light-hearted vein that it could even be the same cell as we know "there is space" from the previous video submitted during the Mallya extradition trial.

India has informed the UK court that Mallya will be lodged in one of the high-security barracks located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex.

Authorities at the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai have kept a high-security cell ready for Mallya if he is extradited from the UK in connection with loan default cases against him in India.

Mallya, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary.

If extradited, 62-year-old Mallya will be lodged in the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab.

An official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was one of the best in the country.

His comments came after Judge Arbuthnot asked Indian authorities to submit a video of the Arthur Road Jail cell where they plan to keep Mallya following his extradition.

The official said adequate medical facilities were available to treat prisoners in Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would get full security cover as an undertrial prisoner and it was highly secured in accordance with international standards.

The central government has already conducted an assessment of security cover given to prisoners in the Arthur Road Jail and its findings conveyed to the UK court.

In another throwback to the Mallya trial, Nirav Modi's defence team, led by barrister Clare Montgomery raised the issue of the state of the paperwork submitted by the Indian authorities, claiming it "made her cry" at one stage.

The judge concurred with her and was very firm about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.&nbsp;

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India.

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India. The 48-year-old diamond merchant is wanted in India for alleged "high value and sophisticated" fraud and money laundering amounting to $2 billion. At the very start of the hearing, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot said she was getting a sense of "deja vu", in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Mallya in December last year. "Do we know which part of India he [Modi] is being sought in," the judge asked, to try and establish which jail Modi is likely to be held in. She was told by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, that it would be an extradition to Mumbai and that he may, in fact, be held in the same Arthur Road Jail as that prepared for liquor tycoon Mallya, to which the judge said in a light-hearted vein that it could even be the same cell as we know "there is space" from the previous video submitted during the Mallya extradition trial. India has informed the UK court that Mallya will be lodged in one of the high-security barracks located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex. Authorities at the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai have kept a high-security cell ready for Mallya if he is extradited from the UK in connection with loan default cases against him in India. Mallya, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary. If extradited, 62-year-old Mallya will be lodged in the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab. An official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was one of the best in the country. His comments came after Judge Arbuthnot asked Indian authorities to submit a video of the Arthur Road Jail cell where they plan to keep Mallya following his extradition. The official said adequate medical facilities were available to treat prisoners in Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would get full security cover as an undertrial prisoner and it was highly secured in accordance with international standards. The central government has already conducted an assessment of security cover given to prisoners in the Arthur Road Jail and its findings conveyed to the UK court. In another throwback to the Mallya trial, Nirav Modi's defence team, led by barrister Clare Montgomery raised the issue of the state of the paperwork submitted by the Indian authorities, claiming it "made her cry" at one stage. The judge concurred with her and was very firm about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

Nirav Modi & Vijay Mallya to share same jail cell in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail: Judge ask prosecution

Over 1,000 pilots of the struggling private carrier Jet Airways have decided to go ahead with their "no flying" call from April 1 following the airline failing to receive funds from the banks Friday, its pilots' guild has said.

The airline said in a statement that every effort was being made to restore normalcy of operations.

The National Aviators Guild (NAG), the body claiming representation of some 1,100 pilots at Jet Airways, had last week announced its decision not to fly from April 1 if their pending salaries were not cleared and clarity on the revival plan not provided by March 31.

Days after that, the airline's ownership went into the hands of SBI-led consortium of banks under a debt-recast plan.

"A part of the expected interim funding from SBI was supposed to be auctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, and there is also no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective 1 April prevails," NAG president Karan Chopra said in a late evening communication to his members.

Jet Airways pilots along with engineers and senior management have not been paid for about four months now.

"As announced earlier this week, the airline's lenders and its management team would like to reiterate that every effort is being made to inject adequate liquidity into the company, to quickly restore normalcy of operations, ensuring due compliance with all appropriate legal processes/ formalities at the same time," a Jet Airways spokesperson said in a statement.

"While acknowledging the support of each and every member of its family, Jet Airways especially recognises the contribution of its pilots, AMEs and members of its senior management, who have sacrificed personal interests and have gone beyond their call of duty in order to ensure safe and reliable operations for the airlines guests," it said.

Earlier on Friday, a source said that around 200 pilots had written individually to Jet CEO Vinay Dube, threatening to go on "leave of absence", and they were also planning to take legal recourse over non-payment of salary.

A source in the pilots' community said around 200 pilots have written to the CEO flagging concerns about non-payment of salaries. The pilots are also members of the NAG, the source added.&nbsp;

Over 1,000 pilots of the struggling private carrier Jet Airways have decided to go ahead with their "no flying" call from April 1 following the airline failing to receive funds from the banks Friday, its pilots' guild has said.

Over 1,000 pilots of the struggling private carrier Jet Airways have decided to go ahead with their "no flying" call from April 1 following the airline failing to receive funds from the banks Friday, its pilots' guild has said. The airline said in a statement that every effort was being made to restore normalcy of operations. The National Aviators Guild (NAG), the body claiming representation of some 1,100 pilots at Jet Airways, had last week announced its decision not to fly from April 1 if their pending salaries were not cleared and clarity on the revival plan not provided by March 31. Days after that, the airline's ownership went into the hands of SBI-led consortium of banks under a debt-recast plan. "A part of the expected interim funding from SBI was supposed to be auctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, and there is also no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective 1 April prevails," NAG president Karan Chopra said in a late evening communication to his members. Jet Airways pilots along with engineers and senior management have not been paid for about four months now. "As announced earlier this week, the airline's lenders and its management team would like to reiterate that every effort is being made to inject adequate liquidity into the company, to quickly restore normalcy of operations, ensuring due compliance with all appropriate legal processes/ formalities at the same time," a Jet Airways spokesperson said in a statement. "While acknowledging the support of each and every member of its family, Jet Airways especially recognises the contribution of its pilots, AMEs and members of its senior management, who have sacrificed personal interests and have gone beyond their call of duty in order to ensure safe and reliable operations for the airlines guests," it said. Earlier on Friday, a source said that around 200 pilots had written individually to Jet CEO Vinay Dube, threatening to go on "leave of absence", and they were also planning to take legal recourse over non-payment of salary. A source in the pilots' community said around 200 pilots have written to the CEO flagging concerns about non-payment of salaries. The pilots are also members of the NAG, the source added.

Over 1,000 Jet Airways pilots to go ahead with no flying call

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.&nbsp;

But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies.&nbsp;

On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back.

While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! 
&nbsp; 
On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages.&nbsp;

Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods.

WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth."&nbsp;

Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful.

"Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi.&nbsp;

According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree.&nbsp;

Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city. But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies. On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back. While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages. Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods. WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth." Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful. "Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi. According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree. Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

One man and his team have set out to give Mumbai its first man-made forest

The crucial black box, flight data recorder, of the Mi-17 helicopter that crashed near Budgam on February 27 killing six personnel on board, is missing and the Indian Air Force is searching for it.

“The black box has gone missing after the crash and we are trying to locate it. It is possible that it has been taken away by the hostile locals, who have taken away many other parts as well,” sources in the Air Force said.

The Mi-17 had taken off from Srinagar on February 27 around the time when the Pakistan Air Force aircraft launched an aerial attack on India but failed to strike any targets due to a swift response by India.

The black box of an aircraft is crucial to know the sequence of events before an accident or a crash as it provides complete details of the happenings.

Recently, the reason for the crash of a Mirage-2000 was found out after the data in the black box was extracted in France.

“On 27 February 2019, one Mi-17 V5 helicopter of Indian Air Force got airborne from Srinagar airfield at 1000 hrs for a routine mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;The helicopter crashed around 1010 hrs near Budgam, J-K. All six air warriors on board the helicopter suffered fatal injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident,” the Air Force had stated in its statement.

Media reports have suggested that an air defence missile had been fired from Srinagar soon before the crash of the Mi-17 took place.

The reports suggest that the investigation in the matter is trying to connect the dots in the entire episode.

IAF officials said the court of inquiry into the accident is still going on and has not yet concluded about the real cause of the accident.

The crucial black box, flight data recorder, of the Mi-17 helicopter that crashed near Budgam on February 27 killing six personnel on board, is missing and the Indian Air Force is searching for it.

The crucial black box, flight data recorder, of the Mi-17 helicopter that crashed near Budgam on February 27 killing six personnel on board, is missing and the Indian Air Force is searching for it. “The black box has gone missing after the crash and we are trying to locate it. It is possible that it has been taken away by the hostile locals, who have taken away many other parts as well,” sources in the Air Force said. The Mi-17 had taken off from Srinagar on February 27 around the time when the Pakistan Air Force aircraft launched an aerial attack on India but failed to strike any targets due to a swift response by India. The black box of an aircraft is crucial to know the sequence of events before an accident or a crash as it provides complete details of the happenings. Recently, the reason for the crash of a Mirage-2000 was found out after the data in the black box was extracted in France. “On 27 February 2019, one Mi-17 V5 helicopter of Indian Air Force got airborne from Srinagar airfield at 1000 hrs for a routine mission. The helicopter crashed around 1010 hrs near Budgam, J-K. All six air warriors on board the helicopter suffered fatal injuries. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident,” the Air Force had stated in its statement. Media reports have suggested that an air defence missile had been fired from Srinagar soon before the crash of the Mi-17 took place. The reports suggest that the investigation in the matter is trying to connect the dots in the entire episode. IAF officials said the court of inquiry into the accident is still going on and has not yet concluded about the real cause of the accident.

Black box of Mi-17 chopper that crashed in Srinagar missing

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with".

Nishad added that his party will contest on its own symbol and that "NDA will decide who will contest from where".&nbsp;

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nishad-party-quits-alliance-with-spbsp-in-uttar-pradesh-206583">called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh</a>. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance.&nbsp;

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Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad, on joining NDA alliance for Lok Sabha elections: UP CM assured me yesterday that our grievances will be heard &amp; dealt with. Nishad Party will contest on its own symbol. NDA will decide who will contest from where <a href="https://t.co/9FZJHjUula">pic.twitter.com/9FZJHjUula</a>
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"Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections.&nbsp;

"So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted.&nbsp;

Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.&nbsp;

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with".

Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Saturday said that on Friday he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the meeting went well. Nishad stated that Adityanath assured him yesterday "that our grievances will be heard and dealt with". Nishad added that his party will contest on its own symbol and that "NDA will decide who will contest from where". Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday called off the alliance with SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Nishad noted that his party workers and the core committee were upset with the alliance. Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad, on joining NDA alliance for Lok Sabha elections: UP CM assured me yesterday that our grievances will be heard & dealt with. Nishad Party will contest on its own symbol. NDA will decide who will contest from where pic.twitter.com/9FZJHjUula — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 30, 2019 × "Akhilesh Yadav had said he'll make an announcement on seats for our party. But they didn't put our name on poster/letter or anything. My party workers, authorities, core committee were upset," Nishad told media adding that his party is now free to explore other option or to even go solo in the ensuing general elections. "So the Nishad party has taken a decision today that we are not with the 'gathbandhan', we are free, can fight elections independently and can look for other options as well. The party is free now," the party chief noted. Later in the day, Nishad was spotted meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance. Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.

Lok Sabha polls: 'NDA will decide who will contest from where,' says Nishad party chief after quitting SP-BSP alliance

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1.

"An evening in Sriharikota! All set for the launch of #PSLVC45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1 at 09:30 am. Onboard EMISAT and 28 foreign satellites. Our updates will continue," read a post on the official Twitter handle of ISRO.

India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) was launched on January 24.

PSLV-C44 successfully injected Microsat-R andKalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1. "An evening in Sriharikota! All set for the launch of #PSLVC45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1 at 09:30 am.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the PSLV-C45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1. "An evening in Sriharikota! All set for the launch of #PSLVC45 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on April 1 at 09:30 am. Onboard EMISAT and 28 foreign satellites. Our updates will continue," read a post on the official Twitter handle of ISRO. India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) was launched on January 24. PSLV-C44 successfully injected Microsat-R andKalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits.

ISRO to launch PSLV-C45 on April 1 from Sriharikota

An explosion took place in a car here on Saturday near Banihal town of Ramban.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik said: “It has not yet been established if it was a terrorist attack. Hence, I cannot say anything as of now”.

Sources said prima facie, the blast seems to have occurred due to a cylinder explosion.

"Today around 1030 hrs, an explosion took place in a civil car near Banihal while CRPF convoy was on move. The car caught fire and slight damage was caused in the rear of one of the CRPF vehicles. No injuries were caused to CRPF personnel," read a statement issued by the CRPF.

A probe has been initiated into the matter.

&nbsp;

An explosion took place in a car here on Saturday near Banihal town of Ramban. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik said: “It has not yet been established if it was a terrorist attack.

An explosion took place in a car here on Saturday near Banihal town of Ramban. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik said: “It has not yet been established if it was a terrorist attack. Hence, I cannot say anything as of now”. Sources said prima facie, the blast seems to have occurred due to a cylinder explosion. "Today around 1030 hrs, an explosion took place in a civil car near Banihal while CRPF convoy was on move. The car caught fire and slight damage was caused in the rear of one of the CRPF vehicles. No injuries were caused to CRPF personnel," read a statement issued by the CRPF. A probe has been initiated into the matter.

Jammu and Kashmir: Probe initiated in car blast near Banihal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30.

Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani.

"He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release.

Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani. "He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release. Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."

Amit Shah to file his nomination from Gandhinagar on Saturday

President Ram Nath Kovind who is on a three-day visit to Bolivia&nbsp;held wide-ranging talks with his&nbsp;counterpart Evo Morales on a number of bilateral issues such as the economy, terrorism, UN Security Council reforms and climate change.

During the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bolivia-sign-eight-memorandum-of-understandings-206624">bilateral talks between both Presidents</a>, Bolivia extended its support for India's membership as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

"There was an acknowledgement that current membership of UNSC is not reflective of realities of the twenty-first century and President Evo Morales expressed full understanding of India's aspiration to be a member of UNSC. He extended support for India's membership as a non-permanent member," Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Exrernal Affairs said on Saturday.

Bolivian President also condemned the Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"Bolivian President strongly condemned Pulwama attack and denounced cross border terrorism. There was an assertion that terrorism in all its forms constitutes a threat to humanity," Singh added in the press briefing in the national capital.

Bolivia-India also called for early finalisation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, Singh informed.

The President is on a three-nation tour to strengthen India's ties in key sectors such as trade, investment and renewable energy. He was in Croatia from March 25-28.&nbsp;

On March 30, he will head to Chile to hold talks with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Piera.

President's visit to Bolivia was the first-ever presidential-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet, "In first ever Presidential level visit between India and Bolivia wide ranging discussions were held between #PresidentKovind and Bolivian President Evo Morales on political economic and cultural issues including space, mining, IT, pharmaceutical and traditional medicines".

Kovind, during his three-day visit to Bolivia, will also participate in an India-Bolivia business meet, address university students and interact with the Indian community.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind who is on a three-day visit to Bolivia held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Evo Morales on a number of bilateral issues such as the economy, terrorism, UN Security Council reforms and climate change.

President Ram Nath Kovind who is on a three-day visit to Bolivia held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Evo Morales on a number of bilateral issues such as the economy, terrorism, UN Security Council reforms and climate change. During the bilateral talks between both Presidents, Bolivia extended its support for India's membership as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council. "There was an acknowledgement that current membership of UNSC is not reflective of realities of the twenty-first century and President Evo Morales expressed full understanding of India's aspiration to be a member of UNSC. He extended support for India's membership as a non-permanent member," Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Exrernal Affairs said on Saturday. Bolivian President also condemned the Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. "Bolivian President strongly condemned Pulwama attack and denounced cross border terrorism. There was an assertion that terrorism in all its forms constitutes a threat to humanity," Singh added in the press briefing in the national capital. Bolivia-India also called for early finalisation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, Singh informed. The President is on a three-nation tour to strengthen India's ties in key sectors such as trade, investment and renewable energy. He was in Croatia from March 25-28. On March 30, he will head to Chile to hold talks with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Piera. President's visit to Bolivia was the first-ever presidential-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet, "In first ever Presidential level visit between India and Bolivia wide ranging discussions were held between #PresidentKovind and Bolivian President Evo Morales on political economic and cultural issues including space, mining, IT, pharmaceutical and traditional medicines". Kovind, during his three-day visit to Bolivia, will also participate in an India-Bolivia business meet, address university students and interact with the Indian community. (With inputs from agencies)

Bolivia supports India's bid for non-permanent member in UN Security Council

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-underline-meaningful-and-irreversible-action-from-pakistan-against-terrorists-and-terrorist-groups-206620">India, US underline 'meaningful and irreversible action' from Pakistan against terror, terrorist groups</a>

India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-report-to-be-released-by-mid-april-attorney-general-206612">Robert Mueller report to be released by mid-April: Attorney general</a>

The US attorney general said Friday that he will release a redacted version by mid-April of the report on the two-year Russia election meddling probe, which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-lawmaker-says-joe-biden-inappropriately-touched-her-in-2014-206614">Ex-lawmaker says Joe Biden inappropriately touched her in 2014</a>

Joe Biden, who is leading polls for the Democratic presidential nomination, on Friday faced a misconduct accusation by a Nevada ex-lawmaker claiming the then-vice president inappropriately kissed her before a campaign event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caracas-and-other-major-venezuelan-cities-hit-by-new-blackout-206616">Caracas and other major Venezuelan cities hit by </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caracas-and-other-major-venezuelan-cities-hit-by-new-blackout-206616">new</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caracas-and-other-major-venezuelan-cities-hit-by-new-blackout-206616"> blackout</a>

A new blackout hit Caracas and other major Venezuelan cities on Friday, the third major electricity outage in the crisis-plagued country this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-didnt-spy-on-indias-asat-test-pentagon-206628">US didn't spy on India's ASAT test: Pentagon</a>

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

&nbsp;

India, US underline 'meaningful and irreversible action' from Pakistan against terror, terrorist groups India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

India, US underline 'meaningful and irreversible action' from Pakistan against terror, terrorist groups India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil. Robert Mueller report to be released by mid-April: Attorney general The US attorney general said Friday that he will release a redacted version by mid-April of the report on the two-year Russia election meddling probe, which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency. Ex-lawmaker says Joe Biden inappropriately touched her in 2014 Joe Biden, who is leading polls for the Democratic presidential nomination, on Friday faced a misconduct accusation by a Nevada ex-lawmaker claiming the then-vice president inappropriately kissed her before a campaign event. Caracas and other major Venezuelan cities hit by new blackout A new blackout hit Caracas and other major Venezuelan cities on Friday, the third major electricity outage in the crisis-plagued country this month. US didn't spy on India's ASAT test: Pentagon The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Disappointed over non-clearance of pending dues, Jet Airways pilots on Friday reiterated that they will stop flying from April 1.

"A part of the expected interim funding from State Bank of India (SBI) was supposed to be auctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, hence no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective April 1, 2019, IST prevails," the National Aviators Guild, the Registered pilots'&nbsp;union of Jet Airways said in a statement.

"If there is no proper clarity on resolution process for salary payment by March 31, then Jet Airways pilots will stop flying from April 1," the pilot's union had previously said.

A consortium of lenders led by SBI had agreed last week to infuse Rs 1,500 crore into the beleaguered airline as an interim arrangement till they find a suitable investor for Jet Airways by the end of June quarter.

Naresh Goyal-led Jet Airways is facing the worst financial crisis of its 25-year existence with more than one billion dollars of debt. As it struggles to stay aloft, the carrier has delayed payments to banks, suppliers, and aircraft lessors some of which have begun terminating lease deals.

The airline is reportedly down to operating 150 flights a day from 450 at full capacity with a third of its 120-plane fleet grounded.

Cash-strapped Jet Airways has grounded many planes and also defaulted on repayment of debt, including External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs).

The National Aviators Guild has been seeking intervention from government agencies ranging from the civil aviation ministry to the Prime Minister's Office to help in payment of around 87.5 per cent of December salary, and full salaries of January and February.

They also have demanded interest to paid at market rates on the pending dues.

Disappointed over non-clearance of pending dues, Jet Airways pilots on Friday reiterated that they will stop flying from April 1. "A part of the expected interim funding from State Bank of India (SBI) was supposed to be auctioned on March 29.

Disappointed over non-clearance of pending dues, Jet Airways pilots on Friday reiterated that they will stop flying from April 1. "A part of the expected interim funding from State Bank of India (SBI) was supposed to be auctioned on March 29. Unfortunately, the fund transfer has not taken place, hence no update on salary payment from the management. The collective decision of pilots taken at Mumbai and Delhi open house effective April 1, 2019, IST prevails," the National Aviators Guild, the Registered pilots' union of Jet Airways said in a statement. "If there is no proper clarity on resolution process for salary payment by March 31, then Jet Airways pilots will stop flying from April 1," the pilot's union had previously said. A consortium of lenders led by SBI had agreed last week to infuse Rs 1,500 crore into the beleaguered airline as an interim arrangement till they find a suitable investor for Jet Airways by the end of June quarter. Naresh Goyal-led Jet Airways is facing the worst financial crisis of its 25-year existence with more than one billion dollars of debt. As it struggles to stay aloft, the carrier has delayed payments to banks, suppliers, and aircraft lessors some of which have begun terminating lease deals. The airline is reportedly down to operating 150 flights a day from 450 at full capacity with a third of its 120-plane fleet grounded. Cash-strapped Jet Airways has grounded many planes and also defaulted on repayment of debt, including External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs). The National Aviators Guild has been seeking intervention from government agencies ranging from the civil aviation ministry to the Prime Minister's Office to help in payment of around 87.5 per cent of December salary, and full salaries of January and February. They also have demanded interest to paid at market rates on the pending dues.

Unpaid Jet Airways pilots threaten strike from April 1

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asat-test-russia-welcomes-new-delhis-efforts-to-prevent-arms-race-in-outer-space-206424">India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test</a> by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile.

"No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI.

Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test".

This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test.

"I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report.

"This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged.

"Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed.

McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test.

The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation.

"It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said.

"Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said.

Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming.

"First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing.

"First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development. It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile. "No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI. Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test". This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test. "I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report. "This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged. "Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed. McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test. The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation. "It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said. "Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said. Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming. "First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing. "First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

US didn't spy on India's ASAT test: Pentagon

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country.

"I would say that we have had contacts with Indian companies and with the government of India and that we have found there to be a very considerable amount of cooperation, which we are very happy to see," US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters at a news conference.

The Trump administration has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as oil-rich country's interim leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

As part of its effort to squeeze the Maduro regime, the US had asked countries, including India, across the world to stop importing oil from Venezuela or face American sanctions.

Several Indian companies have stopped importing oil from the country.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has appreciated Indian cooperation in this regard.&nbsp;

Early this month, the Venezuelan Oil Ministry had said that it has suspended the export of oil to India.

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country.

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country. "I would say that we have had contacts with Indian companies and with the government of India and that we have found there to be a very considerable amount of cooperation, which we are very happy to see," US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters at a news conference. The Trump administration has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as oil-rich country's interim leader against President Nicolas Maduro. As part of its effort to squeeze the Maduro regime, the US had asked countries, including India, across the world to stop importing oil from Venezuela or face American sanctions. Several Indian companies have stopped importing oil from the country. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has appreciated Indian cooperation in this regard. Early this month, the Venezuelan Oil Ministry had said that it has suspended the export of oil to India.

Considerable amount of cooperation from India on US efforts to restrict Venezuela oil export: US

India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

The two countries exchanged views on threats posed by international terrorist organisations during the US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue that concluded here Friday.

The development comes against the backdrop of US introducing a draft resolution at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) to list chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Masood Azhar in UN terror list.

A joint release after the 16th US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group meet and the second session of Designations Dialogue said, "two sides shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals."

China had put a hold on Azhar's listing on March 13. Earlier in 2009, 2016 and 2017 Beijing had blocked the listing of Masood Azhar under the 1267 committee of UNSC.

US State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales &amp; Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs &nbsp;Mahaveer Singhvi led the US and Indian delegations respectively.

Both sides also "underlined" the urgent need for "Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible, and verifiable action" against terrorists and terrorist groups.

It said the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation between them and resolved to continue close coordination on this important element of the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;

Ambassador Sales emphasised US support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism" with both New Delhi and Washington highlighting their efforts on "countering the financing and operations of terrorist organizations &amp; terrorist use of the internet"

There was also discussion of strengthening cooperation on information sharing and other steps to disrupt the ability of terrorists to travel, consistent with the important provisions and obligations outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396.

The US, according&nbsp;to the statement, welcomed India's participation in international efforts to counter terrorism finance.

The two sides also shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions designations against terrorist groups and individuals, the statement said.&nbsp;

The US extended its support to New Delhi's counter-terror measures in Pakistan's Balakot against Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps on February 26 following Pulwama attack.

The last Meeting of India-US Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism took place in Delhi in March of 2018.

India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

India and United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil. The two countries exchanged views on threats posed by international terrorist organisations during the US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue that concluded here Friday. The development comes against the backdrop of US introducing a draft resolution at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) to list chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Masood Azhar in UN terror list. A joint release after the 16th US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group meet and the second session of Designations Dialogue said, "two sides shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals." China had put a hold on Azhar's listing on March 13. Earlier in 2009, 2016 and 2017 Beijing had blocked the listing of Masood Azhar under the 1267 committee of UNSC. US State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales & Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs Mahaveer Singhvi led the US and Indian delegations respectively. Both sides also "underlined" the urgent need for "Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible, and verifiable action" against terrorists and terrorist groups. It said the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation between them and resolved to continue close coordination on this important element of the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Sales emphasised US support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism" with both New Delhi and Washington highlighting their efforts on "countering the financing and operations of terrorist organizations & terrorist use of the internet" There was also discussion of strengthening cooperation on information sharing and other steps to disrupt the ability of terrorists to travel, consistent with the important provisions and obligations outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396. The US, according to the statement, welcomed India's participation in international efforts to counter terrorism finance. The two sides also shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions designations against terrorist groups and individuals, the statement said. The US extended its support to New Delhi's counter-terror measures in Pakistan's Balakot against Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps on February 26 following Pulwama attack. The last Meeting of India-US Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism took place in Delhi in March of 2018.

India, US underline 'meaningful and irreversible action' from Pakistan against terror, terrorist groups

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine.

"We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond. In addition, we have signed eight MoUs in the fields of culture, Visa waiver arrangement for diplomats, the exchange between diplomatic academies, mining, space, traditional medicine, the establishment of Centre of Excellence in IT and Bi-Oceanic Railway project," said President Kovind.

President Kovind who is on three-nation visit reached Bolivia on Thursday.

He also received the highest state honour of Bolivia-Condor de los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar from President of Bolivia Evo Morales, in Sucre.

President Kovind, accompanied by his wife, Savita Kovind and a delegation of around 100 ministerial officials, inspected the Guard of Honour during a ceremonial welcome at the airport. He was also presented with the key of the city of Santa Cruz.

"I am very happy to be in the beautiful land of Bolivia. A country rich in traditions and diversity, with people proud of their country," the President noted.

"Bolivia is a landlocked country, it is rich in mineral resources. It has large deposits of lithium, gold, silver and gas reserves. Bolivia's lithium and our needs for mobility and storage provide natural synergies. A delegation of companies had visited and has had discussions with Bolivian companies and we also see that as Bolivia would embark on the industrialisation of its resources, India could be a partner that could provide know-how technology and skills. Some of our companies are already in Bolivia largely in sectors of IT and even in vehicles we have companies, who are in like, TATA Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, they have business links in Bolivia," read the external ministry statement.

"India has emerged as a major export destination for Bolivia and Bolivia is India's ninth largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Indian imports are USD 667 million and our exports are $105 million. Our main exports are vehicles and pharmaceutical products. We also provide capacity building support to prepare Bolivia and slots even in IT as well as training of diplomats," the statement noted.

Following this, President Kovind will be visiting Chile on March 30, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine. "We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond.

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine. "We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond. In addition, we have signed eight MoUs in the fields of culture, Visa waiver arrangement for diplomats, the exchange between diplomatic academies, mining, space, traditional medicine, the establishment of Centre of Excellence in IT and Bi-Oceanic Railway project," said President Kovind. President Kovind who is on three-nation visit reached Bolivia on Thursday. He also received the highest state honour of Bolivia-Condor de los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar from President of Bolivia Evo Morales, in Sucre. President Kovind, accompanied by his wife, Savita Kovind and a delegation of around 100 ministerial officials, inspected the Guard of Honour during a ceremonial welcome at the airport. He was also presented with the key of the city of Santa Cruz. "I am very happy to be in the beautiful land of Bolivia. A country rich in traditions and diversity, with people proud of their country," the President noted. "Bolivia is a landlocked country, it is rich in mineral resources. It has large deposits of lithium, gold, silver and gas reserves. Bolivia's lithium and our needs for mobility and storage provide natural synergies. A delegation of companies had visited and has had discussions with Bolivian companies and we also see that as Bolivia would embark on the industrialisation of its resources, India could be a partner that could provide know-how technology and skills. Some of our companies are already in Bolivia largely in sectors of IT and even in vehicles we have companies, who are in like, TATA Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, they have business links in Bolivia," read the external ministry statement. "India has emerged as a major export destination for Bolivia and Bolivia is India's ninth largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Indian imports are USD 667 million and our exports are $105 million. Our main exports are vehicles and pharmaceutical products. We also provide capacity building support to prepare Bolivia and slots even in IT as well as training of diplomats," the statement noted. Following this, President Kovind will be visiting Chile on March 30, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India, Bolivia sign eight Memorandum of Understandings

External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-national-stabbed-to-death-in-germanys-munich-sushma-swaraj-206661">Sushma Swaraj on Saturday</a> gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

The user tweeted out calling Swaraj "the only one sensible leader in the BJP" who, he thought, would not hop on to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chowkidar-is-pure-another-term-for-him-is-sure-rajnath-singh-goes-poetic-on-modi-205719">'Chowkidar' bandwagon on Twitter</a>.&nbsp;

Swaraj replied saying that she is one of the country's watchdog and that she looks after the security of national interests and the nationals abroad.&nbsp;

"Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad," read her tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad. <a href="https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz">https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1111862550579142657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Scores of BJP leaders changed their Twitter handle to add 'Chowkidar' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on Twitter to 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi'.&nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted out earlier this month launching -#MainBhiChowkidar campaign.

"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle. The user tweeted out calling Swaraj "the only one sensible leader in the BJP" who, he thought, would not hop on to the 'Chowkidar' bandwagon on Twitter. Swaraj replied saying that she is one of the country's watchdog and that she looks after the security of national interests and the nationals abroad. "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad," read her tweet. Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad. https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 30, 2019 × Scores of BJP leaders changed their Twitter handle to add 'Chowkidar' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on Twitter to 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi'. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted out earlier this month launching -#MainBhiChowkidar campaign. "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then.

Because I'm doing 'chowkidari' of Indian interests and nationals abroad: Swaraj on adding 'Chowkidar' to Twitter handle

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

No casualties have been reported. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

The incident comes over a month after the Pulwama terror attack which killed over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured after terrorists lobbed grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, today. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC">https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1111946631300202496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The man who carried out the terror attack was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. He rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on February 14.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday sent alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/close-aide-of-pulwama-attack-mastermind-sent-to-judicial-custody-till-april-26-206529">Sajjad Khan to judicial custody till April 26</a>.&nbsp;

Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan who was gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on March 11.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported.

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported. No casualties have been reported. More details are awaited. The incident comes over a month after the Pulwama terror attack which killed over 40 CRPF personnel. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. #UPDATE: One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured after terrorists lobbed grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, today. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2019 × The man who carried out the terror attack was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. He rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on February 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday sent alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Sajjad Khan to judicial custody till April 26. Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan who was gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on March 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists hurl grenade at CRPF bunker in Pulwama, one jawaan injured

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain."

Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’

Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah.

He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies.

Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other. Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain." Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’ Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah. He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies. Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.

Opposition's defeat is certain; BJP, Shiv Sena are together in Lok Sabha polls: Uddhav Thackeray

People saw in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lots-to-be-done-to-take-country-forward-im-here-to-complete-that-work-pm-modi-206738">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-files-nomination-for-gandhinagar-seat-206682">BJP chief Amit Shah</a> claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president.

Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally.

"This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said.

"Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said.

Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country.

"The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said.

Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

"I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said.

Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers.

"Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said.

Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP."

The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country. Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president. Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally. "This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said. "Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said. Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country. "The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said. Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. "I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said. Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers. "Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said. Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP." The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Modi the leader they waited for 70 years: Amit Shah

India and the United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

The two countries exchanged views on threats posed by international terrorist organisations during the US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue that concluded here Friday.&nbsp;

While the US delegation was led by State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales, the Indian side was headed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Mahaveer Singhvi.

"Both sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible, and verifiable action against terrorists and terrorist groups," according to a joint statement.&nbsp;

It said the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation between them and resolved to continue close coordination on this important element of the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;

Sales, according to the joint statement, emphasised the US support for the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism.&nbsp;

There was also discussion of strengthening cooperation on information sharing and other steps to disrupt the ability of terrorists to travel, consistent with the important provisions and obligations outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396.

Indian and American officials also highlighted their efforts on some of the world's most pressing counterterrorism challenges, including countering the financing and operations of terrorist organisations, terrorist use of the internet, and prosecuting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating returning foreign terrorist fighters, said the statement.

The US, it said, welcomed India's participation in international efforts to counter terrorism finance.

The two sides also shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions designations against terrorist groups and individuals, the statement said.&nbsp;

India and the United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil.

India and the United States on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil. The two countries exchanged views on threats posed by international terrorist organisations during the US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue that concluded here Friday. While the US delegation was led by State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales, the Indian side was headed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Mahaveer Singhvi. "Both sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible, and verifiable action against terrorists and terrorist groups," according to a joint statement. It said the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation between them and resolved to continue close coordination on this important element of the bilateral relationship. Sales, according to the joint statement, emphasised the US support for the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism. There was also discussion of strengthening cooperation on information sharing and other steps to disrupt the ability of terrorists to travel, consistent with the important provisions and obligations outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396. Indian and American officials also highlighted their efforts on some of the world's most pressing counterterrorism challenges, including countering the financing and operations of terrorist organisations, terrorist use of the internet, and prosecuting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating returning foreign terrorist fighters, said the statement. The US, it said, welcomed India's participation in international efforts to counter terrorism finance. The two sides also shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions designations against terrorist groups and individuals, the statement said.

India, US seek meaningful and irreversible action from Pakistan on terror 

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