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In a fresh setback to Congress in Telangana, another party MLA announced his decision Wednesday to quit the party and join the ruling TRS.

Jajula Surender, MLA from Yellareddy, met TRS working president K T Rama Rao here, TRS sources said.

In a statement, Surender appreciated the TRS government's development and welfare initiatives.

He said he has decided to join TRS after consulting well-wishers.

Announcing his decision to quit Congress, he said he would resign from the MLA post if necessary.

Surender is the 10th Congress MLA to announce his decision to leave the party and join TRS.

Congress had won 19 Assembly seats among the total 119 in the Assembly polls held in December last.

Hitting out at the TRS for allegedly encouraging defection of its MLAs, Congress recently petitioned the Governor E S L Narasimhan on the issue.

The party said it would complain to Lokpal on the alleged defection of its MLAs to the ruling TRS.

Surender's decision came on a day Congress had cause for cheer after its senior leader T Jeevan Reddy emerged victorious in the MLC polls.

TRS sources also said TDP leader Kuna Venkatesam Goud, who unsuccessfully contested from Sanatnagar segment in Hyderabad in the Telangana Assembly polls in December last, also joined the ruling TRS on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In a fresh setback to Congress in Telangana, another party MLA announced his decision Wednesday to quit the party and join the ruling TRS. Jajula Surender, MLA from Yellareddy, met TRS working president K T Rama Rao here, TRS sources said.

In a fresh setback to Congress in Telangana, another party MLA announced his decision Wednesday to quit the party and join the ruling TRS. Jajula Surender, MLA from Yellareddy, met TRS working president K T Rama Rao here, TRS sources said. In a statement, Surender appreciated the TRS government's development and welfare initiatives. He said he has decided to join TRS after consulting well-wishers. Announcing his decision to quit Congress, he said he would resign from the MLA post if necessary. Surender is the 10th Congress MLA to announce his decision to leave the party and join TRS. Congress had won 19 Assembly seats among the total 119 in the Assembly polls held in December last. Hitting out at the TRS for allegedly encouraging defection of its MLAs, Congress recently petitioned the Governor E S L Narasimhan on the issue. The party said it would complain to Lokpal on the alleged defection of its MLAs to the ruling TRS. Surender's decision came on a day Congress had cause for cheer after its senior leader T Jeevan Reddy emerged victorious in the MLC polls. TRS sources also said TDP leader Kuna Venkatesam Goud, who unsuccessfully contested from Sanatnagar segment in Hyderabad in the Telangana Assembly polls in December last, also joined the ruling TRS on Wednesday.

Another Congress MLA quits party in Telangana; to join ruling TRS

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately.

"The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the nation on electronic media yesterday afternoon has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;

The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct," read a statement from the electoral body.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier today interacted through video-conference with the team of scientists and engineers involved in the development and testing of the Anti-Satellite missile.

Soon after his address, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of breaching the Model Code of Conduct.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately.

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately. "The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the nation on electronic media yesterday afternoon has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India. The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct," read a statement from the electoral body. Prime Minister Modi had earlier today interacted through video-conference with the team of scientists and engineers involved in the development and testing of the Anti-Satellite missile. Soon after his address, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of breaching the Model Code of Conduct.

EC will examine if PM Modi's address to nation violated Model Code of Conduct

China &amp; Pakistan have found themselves in a tight spot after the US moved a resolution on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations.&nbsp;

Criticising Washington's action, Pakistan has said that the move will weaken the UN sanction body 1267 UNSC committee while China said that it will complicate the issue.

Spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry Mohammad Faisal in his weekly briefing said, "We regret that a resolution has been circulated in the UNSC at a time when the matter was under consideration by the 1267 sanctions committee. Such efforts to circumvent the established machinery for this purpose will only weaken the 1267 regime."

He added, "Any action outside the committee will undermine the integrity of the sanctions regime and must be avoided. Pakistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Sanctions regime."

Hours later echoing the sentiments in Islamabad, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, " The US has bypassed the 1267 committee and directly filed the draft resolution to the Security Council. This is not in line with the resolution of the issue through dialogue and negotiations."

Adding further, Geng said, US action 'will only complex the issue' and asked it to 'act cautiously and avoid forcefully moving forward this resolution draft.'

In a major development, the US has called for a public vote on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The US has for now circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

The draft resolution does not require a consensus like with the UNSC 1267 committee. Instead, it needs 9 votes in favour in the 15 members UNSC and no member of the P5 or permanent five members of the UNSC -China, Russia, the United States, France or Britain should veto it. The exact date of the vote still hasn't been announced.&nbsp;

The US, UK, and France had after the Pulwama terrorist attack last month proposed the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, but China put a technical hold on the move on March 13.&nbsp;

China has previously blocked the listing of Masood Azhar three times — in 2009, in 2016 and in 2017. This public voting will bypass the 1267 committee mode to designate Masood Azhar and each country has to publically state the reason for the veto.

Last month after the Pulwama terror attack, US along with UK and France had proposed the listing of Azhar but China on 13th of March had put a hold on the listing.

The JeM, of which Azhar is a co-founder, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed over 40 Indian security personnel.

Indian govt has said that it is aware that a draft has been initiated for consideration of Council members to list Masood Azhar but said it will not comment since it's still being discussed informally by the UNSC.

But New Delhi has reiterated its views on Azhar saying he is the founder-leader of the JeM, the group behind a number of terror attacks in India including Pulwama.

China & Pakistan have found themselves in a tight spot after the US moved a resolution on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations.

China & Pakistan have found themselves in a tight spot after the US moved a resolution on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations. Criticising Washington's action, Pakistan has said that the move will weaken the UN sanction body 1267 UNSC committee while China said that it will complicate the issue. Spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry Mohammad Faisal in his weekly briefing said, "We regret that a resolution has been circulated in the UNSC at a time when the matter was under consideration by the 1267 sanctions committee. Such efforts to circumvent the established machinery for this purpose will only weaken the 1267 regime." He added, "Any action outside the committee will undermine the integrity of the sanctions regime and must be avoided. Pakistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Sanctions regime." Hours later echoing the sentiments in Islamabad, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, " The US has bypassed the 1267 committee and directly filed the draft resolution to the Security Council. This is not in line with the resolution of the issue through dialogue and negotiations." Adding further, Geng said, US action 'will only complex the issue' and asked it to 'act cautiously and avoid forcefully moving forward this resolution draft.' In a major development, the US has called for a public vote on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The US has for now circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council. The draft resolution does not require a consensus like with the UNSC 1267 committee. Instead, it needs 9 votes in favour in the 15 members UNSC and no member of the P5 or permanent five members of the UNSC -China, Russia, the United States, France or Britain should veto it. The exact date of the vote still hasn't been announced. The US, UK, and France had after the Pulwama terrorist attack last month proposed the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, but China put a technical hold on the move on March 13. China has previously blocked the listing of Masood Azhar three times — in 2009, in 2016 and in 2017. This public voting will bypass the 1267 committee mode to designate Masood Azhar and each country has to publically state the reason for the veto. Last month after the Pulwama terror attack, US along with UK and France had proposed the listing of Azhar but China on 13th of March had put a hold on the listing. The JeM, of which Azhar is a co-founder, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed over 40 Indian security personnel. Indian govt has said that it is aware that a draft has been initiated for consideration of Council members to list Masood Azhar but said it will not comment since it's still being discussed informally by the UNSC. But New Delhi has reiterated its views on Azhar saying he is the founder-leader of the JeM, the group behind a number of terror attacks in India including Pulwama.

US calls for public vote in UNSC to list Masood Azhar: Frustrated China, Pakistan criticize the move

The Delhi High Court Thursday termed it as "unfortunate" that CBI's own lawyers have not been shown its status report on the probe in a bribery case involving the agency's then special director Rakesh Asthana and others.

Justice Mukta Gupta said if the agency has "no confidence" in its own lawyers, "what does it show?"

"It is unfortunate that even the (CBI) counsel are not privy to it (status report). If you have no confidence in your counsel, what does it show? If your own counsel is not supposed to read it, why should I," the judge said.

In response, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee, appearing for CBI, told the court that the report was not shown to anyone due to the sensitivity of the matter.

However, the court was not in agreement with the argument.

CBI has moved the application seeking more time to complete probe in the main petition moved by DSP Devender Kumar seeking quashing of the CBI's FIR lodged against him, Asthana and middleman Manoj Prasad in the bribery case.

The agency told the court that similar applications were also filed in two other petitions moved by Asthana and Prasad seeking quashing of the FIR and they were pending clearance in the high court registry.

All three petitions were disposed of by the high court on January 11 by a common order in which CBI was directed to complete investigation in the case within ten weeks.

On Thursday, the court said that since all the applications have to be taken up together, it will hear the matter on April 4.

During the hearing, Kumar's lawyers told the court that the application was not maintainable according to section 362 of the Criminal Procedure Code which states that a court may not alter or review its final order in a matter except to correct a clerical or arithmetical error.

The judge did not agree with the contention, saying the instant matters were writ petitions and not a criminal complaint and therefore, section 362 may not be applicable.

The court gave them time till the next date to file their reply to the application.

CBI has filed the application for more time as the 10 weeks granted to it by the high court on January 11 for completing the probe had expired.

Asthana was booked on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under the relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption Act.

Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who had alleged having paid bribe to get relief in the case. He was arrested on October 22 and granted bail on October 31.

The Delhi High Court Thursday termed it as "unfortunate" that CBI's own lawyers have not been shown its status report on the probe in a bribery case involving the agency's then special director Rakesh Asthana and others.

The Delhi High Court Thursday termed it as "unfortunate" that CBI's own lawyers have not been shown its status report on the probe in a bribery case involving the agency's then special director Rakesh Asthana and others. Justice Mukta Gupta said if the agency has "no confidence" in its own lawyers, "what does it show?" "It is unfortunate that even the (CBI) counsel are not privy to it (status report). If you have no confidence in your counsel, what does it show? If your own counsel is not supposed to read it, why should I," the judge said. In response, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee, appearing for CBI, told the court that the report was not shown to anyone due to the sensitivity of the matter. However, the court was not in agreement with the argument. CBI has moved the application seeking more time to complete probe in the main petition moved by DSP Devender Kumar seeking quashing of the CBI's FIR lodged against him, Asthana and middleman Manoj Prasad in the bribery case. The agency told the court that similar applications were also filed in two other petitions moved by Asthana and Prasad seeking quashing of the FIR and they were pending clearance in the high court registry. All three petitions were disposed of by the high court on January 11 by a common order in which CBI was directed to complete investigation in the case within ten weeks. On Thursday, the court said that since all the applications have to be taken up together, it will hear the matter on April 4. During the hearing, Kumar's lawyers told the court that the application was not maintainable according to section 362 of the Criminal Procedure Code which states that a court may not alter or review its final order in a matter except to correct a clerical or arithmetical error. The judge did not agree with the contention, saying the instant matters were writ petitions and not a criminal complaint and therefore, section 362 may not be applicable. The court gave them time till the next date to file their reply to the application. CBI has filed the application for more time as the 10 weeks granted to it by the high court on January 11 for completing the probe had expired. Asthana was booked on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under the relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption Act. Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who had alleged having paid bribe to get relief in the case. He was arrested on October 22 and granted bail on October 31.

Rakesh Asthana bribery case: Delhi HC raps CBI, says it's 'unfortunate' you don't trust your counsel

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A day after&nbsp;President Trump asked&nbsp;Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

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At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

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Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material."

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/syria-backs-india-as-a-full-fledged-member-of-the-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-206265">Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a>

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas.&nbsp;In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations. Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital. Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation. Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material." Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

News brief: Big stories of the day

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas.&nbsp;

In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

On March 1, India was for the first time invited at OIC foreign minister meet.

He also spoke on the US recognising Golan heights and said his govt will go to the international court of justice against the decision.&nbsp;

WION: Your reaction to US decision to recognise Golan heights?

Dr Riad Abbas: The resolution is a dirty deal between 2 persons, US president Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for there personal benefit. Netanyahu got a guarantee he will win elections in Israel. This declaration will not change anything on the ground in Syria. Syrian Golan occupied by Israel is Syrian land and will put effort to make it back as Syrian country by political way or another way.

WION: Do you plan to go to the International court of justice?&nbsp;

Dr Riad Abbas: We will do whatever on our right. we will take any action in the international arena and united nations, international court. Our govt will not keep quiet on our right on Golan height.

WION: How do you see India Syria relationship?

Dr Riad Abbas: There is a good relationship between both the countries since independence. and relation enhanced a few years ago and there have been high-level mutual visits. we highly appreciate the Indian position on the Syrian issue. we will never forget Indian support. Thank u India.

WION: How do u see India at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

Dr Riad Abbas: On behalf of our govt, we want India to be a full member of OIC and India has a big number of Islamic people. They have to be a full member at &nbsp;OIC. Syria govt support India at OIC and other international groupings. Syria has a positive position to support India at OIC and all Islamic conference. India has full right to be a permanent member of OIC and we would like to see New Delhi as a full member of OIC.

WION: Reports of Indians in Islamic State (IS)?

Dr Riad Abbas: Full cooperation between the securities of both countries. If the Syrian army gets an Indian in IS we will hand over to India. There is full cooperation between 2 countries on security.

WION: New Delhi's role in solving the Syrian crisis?

Dr Riad Abbas: we appreciate Indian position and we have full trust in Indian policy and look forward to India to do best in the international arena — in middle east or intl arena.

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On March 1, India was for the first time invited at OIC foreign minister meet. He also spoke on the US recognising Golan heights and said his govt will go to the international court of justice against the decision. WION: Your reaction to US decision to recognise Golan heights? Dr Riad Abbas: The resolution is a dirty deal between 2 persons, US president Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for there personal benefit. Netanyahu got a guarantee he will win elections in Israel. This declaration will not change anything on the ground in Syria. Syrian Golan occupied by Israel is Syrian land and will put effort to make it back as Syrian country by political way or another way. WION: Do you plan to go to the International court of justice? Dr Riad Abbas: We will do whatever on our right. we will take any action in the international arena and united nations, international court. Our govt will not keep quiet on our right on Golan height. WION: How do you see India Syria relationship? Dr Riad Abbas: There is a good relationship between both the countries since independence. and relation enhanced a few years ago and there have been high-level mutual visits. we highly appreciate the Indian position on the Syrian issue. we will never forget Indian support. Thank u India. WION: How do u see India at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)? Dr Riad Abbas: On behalf of our govt, we want India to be a full member of OIC and India has a big number of Islamic people. They have to be a full member at OIC. Syria govt support India at OIC and other international groupings. Syria has a positive position to support India at OIC and all Islamic conference. India has full right to be a permanent member of OIC and we would like to see New Delhi as a full member of OIC. WION: Reports of Indians in Islamic State (IS)? Dr Riad Abbas: Full cooperation between the securities of both countries. If the Syrian army gets an Indian in IS we will hand over to India. There is full cooperation between 2 countries on security. WION: New Delhi's role in solving the Syrian crisis? Dr Riad Abbas: we appreciate Indian position and we have full trust in Indian policy and look forward to India to do best in the international arena — in middle east or intl arena.

Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief alleged that the people of Delhi are insulted time and again by the central government which has given a "half status" to the national capital. He appealed to them to unite and join the movement towards full statehood.

"At the time of Sheila ji's government (former chief minister Sheila Dikshit) the power tariff used to increase every year for 15 years but we reduced it to half," he said, addressing a rally in Kondli in East Delhi.

Kejriwal claimed that if the city-state gets full statehood, he would "build a model city in which everyone would have their own flat and the national capital would be an example for the whole world".

"The real Delhi resides beyond the ring road, the real Delhi is in small lanes where there were no proper roads earlier," he said.

At another rally in R K Puram, Kejriwal claimed that no party is going to get absolute majority this time and urged people to vote for full statehood this time and not for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Accusing the Centre of creating "hurdles" for Delhi's development, the AAP leader alleged that he faced several obstructions at various stages to get clearances from the central government.

He said the people of Delhi pay Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth Income Tax and receive only Rs 325 crore from the Centre.

"Why should we pay so much and get so less in return? What have Delhiites done to the central government to deserve this? The situation is similar to the time before India got independence.

"First Britishers looted us, now the central government is looting us," the chief minister said.

"Just for political enmity, PM Modi stopped the development work for the common man of Delhi. Last time you voted for him, but this time do not vote for him, otherwise he would not let me work for development," he added.

The ruling AAP in the city is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha election on the agenda of granting full statehood to Delhi.

Raising the slogan of 'Poorna Rajya Banao Jhadu ka Button Dabao', the party is busy convincing people to vote for AAP to get full statehood for Delhi.

The election to the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital will be held on May 12.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday said if Delhi is granted full statehood, he will turn it into a model city and an example for the world with everyone in the national capital having their own flat. The Aam Aadmi Party chief alleged that the people of Delhi are insulted time and again by the central government which has given a "half status" to the national capital. He appealed to them to unite and join the movement towards full statehood. "At the time of Sheila ji's government (former chief minister Sheila Dikshit) the power tariff used to increase every year for 15 years but we reduced it to half," he said, addressing a rally in Kondli in East Delhi. Kejriwal claimed that if the city-state gets full statehood, he would "build a model city in which everyone would have their own flat and the national capital would be an example for the whole world". "The real Delhi resides beyond the ring road, the real Delhi is in small lanes where there were no proper roads earlier," he said. At another rally in R K Puram, Kejriwal claimed that no party is going to get absolute majority this time and urged people to vote for full statehood this time and not for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Accusing the Centre of creating "hurdles" for Delhi's development, the AAP leader alleged that he faced several obstructions at various stages to get clearances from the central government. He said the people of Delhi pay Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth Income Tax and receive only Rs 325 crore from the Centre. "Why should we pay so much and get so less in return? What have Delhiites done to the central government to deserve this? The situation is similar to the time before India got independence. "First Britishers looted us, now the central government is looting us," the chief minister said. "Just for political enmity, PM Modi stopped the development work for the common man of Delhi. Last time you voted for him, but this time do not vote for him, otherwise he would not let me work for development," he added. The ruling AAP in the city is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha election on the agenda of granting full statehood to Delhi. Raising the slogan of 'Poorna Rajya Banao Jhadu ka Button Dabao', the party is busy convincing people to vote for AAP to get full statehood for Delhi. The election to the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital will be held on May 12.

Granted statehood, Delhi will be turned into model city, example for world: Kejriwal

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mozambique-focus-on-containing-outbreak-of-malaria-and-cholera-205967">Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone</a> Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country.

The vessel departed from Mumbai for Port Beira in Mozambique and is carrying 300 T of relief supplies including essential medicines, anti-epidemic drugs, food provisions, clothing, repair and rehabilitation equipment, and temporary shelters.

The warship is also carrying a naval Chetak Light Utility helicopter that will be used in the ongoing relief operations especially to locate people stranded in far off areas.

Indian naval crew has rescued more than 200 people in the country and provided medical assistance to over 1000 people.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone.

Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa on March 15 and caused extensive damage to several countries in that region.&nbsp;

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country.

Days after India sent three Navy ships--INS Sujata, Shardul and Sarathi--to help Mozambique in the aftermath of category four cyclone Idai, the Indian authorities on Thursday sent their fourth ship INS Magar to help the south African-country. The vessel departed from Mumbai for Port Beira in Mozambique and is carrying 300 T of relief supplies including essential medicines, anti-epidemic drugs, food provisions, clothing, repair and rehabilitation equipment, and temporary shelters. The warship is also carrying a naval Chetak Light Utility helicopter that will be used in the ongoing relief operations especially to locate people stranded in far off areas. Indian naval crew has rescued more than 200 people in the country and provided medical assistance to over 1000 people. The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI. Assistance is also being sent to neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi which were hit by the cyclone. Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa on March 15 and caused extensive damage to several countries in that region.

India sends fourth Naval ship to help cyclone ravaged Mozambique

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families.

Taking to Twitter, Panagariya said, "Going by 2011-12 expenditure survey, even assuming that incomes of poorest households rose as fast as national average, 40% rural and 10% urban families remained below Rs. 12,000 per month in 2018-19. So NYAY will not bring all families above 12000."

However, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the party had consulted eminent economists including former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan before it came up with the minimum guaranteed income scheme, which ensures that nobody in the country remains below the benchmark of Rs 12,000 per month.

The Congress clarified that its minimum income guarantee initiative, NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana), is not a "top-up scheme" but assures Rs 72,000 to 20 per cent of India`s poorest families.

This came after Rahul Gandhi had announced that if his party comes to power, it will implement a "ground-breaking" NYAY under which 20 per cent of the poorest families of the country will be entitled to up to Rs 72,000 per year.

Describing the scheme as unique in the entire world, he told media here that the minimum income guarantee scheme will be implemented in a phased manner as part of the "final assault on poverty".&nbsp;

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families.

Former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya has asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi`s proposed minimum income guarantee initiative NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) will not be able to provide Rs 12,000 per month to all needy families. Taking to Twitter, Panagariya said, "Going by 2011-12 expenditure survey, even assuming that incomes of poorest households rose as fast as national average, 40% rural and 10% urban families remained below Rs. 12,000 per month in 2018-19. So NYAY will not bring all families above 12000." However, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the party had consulted eminent economists including former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan before it came up with the minimum guaranteed income scheme, which ensures that nobody in the country remains below the benchmark of Rs 12,000 per month. The Congress clarified that its minimum income guarantee initiative, NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana), is not a "top-up scheme" but assures Rs 72,000 to 20 per cent of India`s poorest families. This came after Rahul Gandhi had announced that if his party comes to power, it will implement a "ground-breaking" NYAY under which 20 per cent of the poorest families of the country will be entitled to up to Rs 72,000 per year. Describing the scheme as unique in the entire world, he told media here that the minimum income guarantee scheme will be implemented in a phased manner as part of the "final assault on poverty".

NYAY scheme will not be able to cater to all needy families: Ex-Niti Ayog VC

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material."

The ED further said that Vadra was a common citizen a few years ago, didn't have any property and is now involved in huge deals.

"Robert Vadra is the kingpin. He is connected with a political family and makes mockery of the system. He plays important role in defence deals in exchange of hefty commission," the agency further said before the court.

Vadra's counsel KTS Tulsi And Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the ED request for custodian interrogation saying the agency has all the documents. "They have already questioned my client for 60 hours but didn't find anything. They also have the emails of my client, so there is no need for any custodial interrogation," advocate Tulsi said.

The court had last week granted Vadra relief from arrest; Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in a case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds.

The property is reportedly owned by him.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material." The ED further said that Vadra was a common citizen a few years ago, didn't have any property and is now involved in huge deals. "Robert Vadra is the kingpin. He is connected with a political family and makes mockery of the system. He plays important role in defence deals in exchange of hefty commission," the agency further said before the court. Vadra's counsel KTS Tulsi And Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the ED request for custodian interrogation saying the agency has all the documents. "They have already questioned my client for 60 hours but didn't find anything. They also have the emails of my client, so there is no need for any custodial interrogation," advocate Tulsi said. The court had last week granted Vadra relief from arrest; Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in a case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is reportedly owned by him.

Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody

Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation.

He said, "Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Pt. Nehru’s govt. in the Constitution in 1954 vide Presidential order is responsible for discrimination by the J&amp;K Govt between two categories of citizens on the basis of declaring some as permanent residents while leaving out the others."

In his latest blog, Jaitley also questioned Pt Jawaharlal Nehru's&nbsp;policy on J&amp;K and said: Has the Nehruvian course on which Jammu &amp; Kashmir embarked, being a historical blunder? The seven-decade history of the State confronts changing India with this question. Most Indians rightly believe that erroneous Nehruvian vision has been responsible for J&amp;K’s situation today.

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Article 35A surreptitiously inserted in the Constitution prevented investment &amp; job creation in J&amp;K and sufferers are people of the State. <a href="https://t.co/61UU3ONqrj">pic.twitter.com/61UU3ONqrj</a>
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1111207476169449478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Rule of Law and the State of Jammu &amp; Kashmir <a href="https://t.co/0hDV1Ff6gU">https://t.co/0hDV1Ff6gU</a>
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1111196675698315264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Praising Centre's policy towards J&amp;K Jaitley said today, the separatists and the terrorists in the valley have been badly hit. Various developmental projects have been initiated &amp; thousands of jobs created in the State. The People of State are welcoming the socio-economic changes that have taken place in the State.

"The govt. led by PM Narendra Modi Ji has decided that the rule of law in the interest of the people of Kashmir Valley &amp; the larger interest of India, must equally apply to J&amp;K. Those indulging in subversive activities in J&amp;K are dealt with in similar ways today as elsewhere," he added.

Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation.

Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation. He said, "Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Pt. Nehru’s govt. in the Constitution in 1954 vide Presidential order is responsible for discrimination by the J&K Govt between two categories of citizens on the basis of declaring some as permanent residents while leaving out the others." In his latest blog, Jaitley also questioned Pt Jawaharlal Nehru's policy on J&K and said: Has the Nehruvian course on which Jammu & Kashmir embarked, being a historical blunder? The seven-decade history of the State confronts changing India with this question. Most Indians rightly believe that erroneous Nehruvian vision has been responsible for J&K’s situation today. Article 35A surreptitiously inserted in the Constitution prevented investment & job creation in J&K and sufferers are people of the State. pic.twitter.com/61UU3ONqrj — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 28, 2019 × The Rule of Law and the State of Jammu & Kashmir https://t.co/0hDV1Ff6gU — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 28, 2019 × Praising Centre's policy towards J&K Jaitley said today, the separatists and the terrorists in the valley have been badly hit. Various developmental projects have been initiated & thousands of jobs created in the State. The People of State are welcoming the socio-economic changes that have taken place in the State. "The govt. led by PM Narendra Modi Ji has decided that the rule of law in the interest of the people of Kashmir Valley & the larger interest of India, must equally apply to J&K. Those indulging in subversive activities in J&K are dealt with in similar ways today as elsewhere," he added.

Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has&nbsp;a&nbsp;prosthetic&nbsp;leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive.

He carried out the feat&nbsp;at Nasik today&nbsp;along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information.

This was the first ever skydiving jump for the battle casualty veteran (leg amputee) conducted in India.
<img alt="SKYDIVING" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93776dc2-8a4a-4371-8ef5-199c2beb5483" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MAJOR.JPG" />
The freefall was conducted to endorse the “spirit of adventure” for all disabled soldiers who have suffered physical and war injuries in peace time.

Major DP Singh,&nbsp;widely known as the “Indian blade runner”,&nbsp;was trained by Indian Army to perform the first ever successful skydive.

Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC, COAS approved the activity for the officer to commemorate “Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty”.

The journey to train the retired officer was started on March 18 when he was trained on first jump course.
<img alt="TRAINING" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83087482-0ac0-4cff-b587-5f4d1d40aa3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MAJ.JPG" />
The training&nbsp;which&nbsp;was witnessed by soldiers and recruits of training establishment successfully culminated on March 28 by safe and successful landing at the Dropzone.

&nbsp;

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has a prosthetic leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive. He carried out the feat at Nasik today along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information.

Major DP Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army, who has a prosthetic leg has become the first battle casualty veteran to skydive. He carried out the feat at Nasik today along with the team of Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information. This was the first ever skydiving jump for the battle casualty veteran (leg amputee) conducted in India. The freefall was conducted to endorse the “spirit of adventure” for all disabled soldiers who have suffered physical and war injuries in peace time. Major DP Singh, widely known as the “Indian blade runner”, was trained by Indian Army to perform the first ever successful skydive. Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC, COAS approved the activity for the officer to commemorate “Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty”. The journey to train the retired officer was started on March 18 when he was trained on first jump course. The training which was witnessed by soldiers and recruits of training establishment successfully culminated on March 28 by safe and successful landing at the Dropzone.

'Indian blade runner': Army veteran Major DP Singh becomes first battle casualty veteran to skydive

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-main-bhi-chowkidar-campaign-hollow-rhetoric-shatrughan-sinha-204739">BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress.&nbsp;

Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner."&nbsp;

The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shatrughan-joins-opposition-leaders-at-kolkata-rally-says-not-afraid-if-bjp-removes-him-191463">the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat </a>in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner".

On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers."

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Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru &amp; ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent &amp; permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/1110911307321143297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It has come as a rude shock &amp; that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show &amp; 2 men army. This action &nbsp;is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste &amp; disappointing."

"For a man of the standing &amp; stature of Shri. L.K.Advani &amp; for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi &amp; Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

 
&nbsp;

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner.

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha who was widely speculated to be leaving the party will join the Congress. Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress in-charge of Bihar said: "Shatrughan Sinha has decided that he will join the Congress party and will work as our star leader and star campaigner." The former actor had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's regime. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. Sinha fell out of favour with the BJP after he began criticising the leadership of the BJP and was sidelined by the party in the last few years. BJP snubbed him recently while handing out the Lok Sabha ticket to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Congress hasn't officially stated that it would give the ticket to Sinha for the Patna Sahib seat with Gohil announcing that the former Bollywood star will be a "star leader and star campaigner". On Wednesday, Sinha tweeted saying: "Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers." Father figure, most revered, learned, friend, philosopher, guide, guru & ultimate leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party, Shri. L.K.Advani has been shown the door/royal exit from the electoral politics without his consent & permission (as he was to be part of the decision makers — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 27, 2019 × "It has come as a rude shock & that too at this juncture of his illustrious political career, though it was only expected in this autocratic rule of 1 man show & 2 men army. This action is not only disgraceful, in very poor taste & disappointing." "For a man of the standing & stature of Shri. L.K.Advani & for other veterans like Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi & Shri.Shanta Kumar also...totally humiliating!" he added.

Shatrughan Sinha to join Congress, will be 'star leader and star campaigner': Shakti Singh Gohil

Four terrorists have been killed in two encounters in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter erupted after forces received a tip-off about the presence of the terrorists in two villages in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security forces have killed three terrorists belonging to proscribed terror outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba following in operation an operation at Yawran area of Shopian district.&nbsp;

"They were wanted in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release.&nbsp;

The operation was conducted by the joint forces of 23 paratroopers of the Indian army, J&amp;K police and CRPF. &nbsp;Police have also recovered three AK rifles from the encounter spot.&nbsp;

In another encounter in north Kashmir's Handwara, forces established contact fire with the terrorists&nbsp;after a night-long search.&nbsp;30 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian army, CRPF and J&amp;K Police are conducting the operation.&nbsp;

Based on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in Yaroo area of Langate in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched by Police and security forces in the area.

As the searches were going on, the search party was fired upon by the hiding terrorists. The fire was retaliated leading to a gunfight.

In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. The identification and affiliation of the killed terrorist are being ascertained.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the matter. Incriminating materials including rifle and grenades were recovered from the site of encounter.

Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.

Four terrorists have been killed in two encounters in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter erupted after forces received a tip-off about the presence of the terrorists in two villages in Jammu and Kashmir.

Four terrorists have been killed in two encounters in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter erupted after forces received a tip-off about the presence of the terrorists in two villages in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have killed three terrorists belonging to proscribed terror outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba following in operation an operation at Yawran area of Shopian district. "They were wanted in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release. The operation was conducted by the joint forces of 23 paratroopers of the Indian army, J&K police and CRPF. Police have also recovered three AK rifles from the encounter spot. In another encounter in north Kashmir's Handwara, forces established contact fire with the terrorists after a night-long search. 30 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian army, CRPF and J&K Police are conducting the operation. Based on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in Yaroo area of Langate in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched by Police and security forces in the area. As the searches were going on, the search party was fired upon by the hiding terrorists. The fire was retaliated leading to a gunfight. In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. The identification and affiliation of the killed terrorist are being ascertained. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the matter. Incriminating materials including rifle and grenades were recovered from the site of encounter. Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.

Four terrorists killed in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir 

After India's Mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile test, the United States embassy in New Delhi issued a statement saying, it will continue to pursue shared interests in space with India.

"As part of our strong strategic partnership with India, we will continue to pursue shared interests in space and scientific and technical cooperation, including collaboration on safety and security in space," the US embassy said in a statement.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Washington raised concern one concern of space debris but stressed that India will handle the issue.

"The issue of space debris is an important concern for the U.S. government. &nbsp;We took note of Indian government statements that the test was designed to address space debris issues," the statement said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">India had shot down a satellite in space</a>. He added that India was now part of an elite space club since only three other countries — America, Russia and China — have the capability to do that.&nbsp;

Modi added that the operation was dubbed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-need-to-know-about-mission-shakti-indias-anti-satellite-missile-test-205998#which-satellite-was-used-205989">Mission Shakti</a>, and had taken three minutes to complete.&nbsp;

The remnants of the satellite that India shot down on Wednesday and others like it are what is called space debris.&nbsp;

Space debris can also be natural (caused by meteors).&nbsp;

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US State Dept on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a>: Saw PM Modi's statement announcing India's anti-satellite test. As part of our strong strategic partnership with India,we'll continue to pursue shared interests in space&amp;scientific&amp;technical cooperation including collaboration on security in space
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1111083725511634944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The European Space Agency has said that as of January 2018, there were about 29,000 objects larger than 10 centimetres, about 750,000 objects between 1 cm and 10 cm, and about 166 million objects between 1 mm and 1 cm in orbit around earth.&nbsp;

These millions of objects move at about 8 kilometres per second. If two of them should collide, that would lead to a domino effect.&nbsp;

They could also knock satellites that now control such a large part of our lives (Google Maps for example) out of the sky.&nbsp;

After India's Mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile test, the United States embassy in New Delhi issued a statement saying, it will continue to pursue shared interests in space with India.

After India's Mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile test, the United States embassy in New Delhi issued a statement saying, it will continue to pursue shared interests in space with India. "As part of our strong strategic partnership with India, we will continue to pursue shared interests in space and scientific and technical cooperation, including collaboration on safety and security in space," the US embassy said in a statement. However, Washington raised concern one concern of space debris but stressed that India will handle the issue. "The issue of space debris is an important concern for the U.S. government. We took note of Indian government statements that the test was designed to address space debris issues," the statement said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that India had shot down a satellite in space. He added that India was now part of an elite space club since only three other countries — America, Russia and China — have the capability to do that. Modi added that the operation was dubbed Mission Shakti, and had taken three minutes to complete. The remnants of the satellite that India shot down on Wednesday and others like it are what is called space debris. Space debris can also be natural (caused by meteors). US State Dept on #MissionShakti: Saw PM Modi's statement announcing India's anti-satellite test. As part of our strong strategic partnership with India,we'll continue to pursue shared interests in space&scientific&technical cooperation including collaboration on security in space — ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2019 × The European Space Agency has said that as of January 2018, there were about 29,000 objects larger than 10 centimetres, about 750,000 objects between 1 cm and 10 cm, and about 166 million objects between 1 mm and 1 cm in orbit around earth. These millions of objects move at about 8 kilometres per second. If two of them should collide, that would lead to a domino effect. They could also knock satellites that now control such a large part of our lives (Google Maps for example) out of the sky.

Will continue to pursue shared interests in space with New Delhi: US on India’s ASAT Test

A special court in Panchkula, which had acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the Samjhauta Express blast case, has said a dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of credible and admissible evidence.

All the four accused -- Naba Kumar Sarkar alias Swami Aseemanand, Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan and Rajinder Chaudhary -- had been acquitted by the court here on March 20.

"I have to conclude this judgment with deep pain and anguish as a dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of credible and admissible evidence. There are gaping holes in the prosecution evidence and an act of terrorism has remained unsolved," NIA court Judge Jagdeep Singh said in his judgment.

The blast in the India-Pakistan train took place near Panipat in Haryana on February 18, 2007, when it was on its way to Attari in Amritsar, the last station on the Indian side. As many as 68 people were killed in the blast.

The judge said terrorism has no religion because no religion in the world preaches violence.

"A court of law is not supposed to proceed on popular or predominant public perception or the political discourse of the day and ultimately it has to appreciate the evidence on record and arrive at final conclusion on the basis of relevant statutory provisions and settled law applicable thereto," he said in the detailed judgment made public on March 28.

"Since findings of a court of law are based on admissible evidence as per law, the pain becomes more acute when perpetrators of heinous crime remain unidentified and unpunished," he said.

The judge observed that "suspicion, however, grave cannot take place of proof".

"It is further trite to say that suspicion, however grave, cannot take the place of proof and it is cardinal principal of criminal jurisprudence that charge against an accused can only be established by adducing evidence beyond reasonable doubt.&nbsp;

A few bits here and a few bits there on which prosecution relies cannot be held to be adequate or connecting the accused with the crime in question," he said in his judgment.

"In criminal cases, conviction cannot be based upon morality and there must be admissible and credible evidence to base conviction and moreover it is well-settled canon of criminal jurisprudence that 'fouler the crime higher the proof' and mandate of law is that the prosecution has to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubt," the special court judge said.

He said the prosecution is under obligation to place and prove all necessary circumstances constituting complete chain without there being any missing link and also pointing to the hypothesis that except the accused none else had committed the crime.

"In the present case, there is no evidence regarding any agreement to commit the crime amongst the accused persons. There is no evidence regarding any meeting of minds between the accused to commit the crime. No concrete oral, documentary or scientific evidence has been brought on record to connect the accused, facing the trial, with the crime in question. There is not an iota of evidence to make out any motive on the part of the accused to indulge in the crime," the judge said.

He said the prosecution has failed to adduce evidence beyond reasonable doubt to make out culpability of accused persons for the charged offences. 
"Therefore, all the accused persons facing trial are entitled to be acquitted of the charges framed against them," he said.

The judge also said in his judgment that "it is generally noticed that a malaise has set in the investigating agencies which coin various terms -- Muslim terrorism, Hindu fundamentalism, etc or brand an act of criminal(s) as act(s) of particular religion, caste or community".

"A criminal element, belonging to a particular religion, community or caste, cannot be projected as representative of such particular religion, community or caste and branding the entire community, caste or religion in the name of such criminal element(s) would be totally unjustified and it would be in the best interests of human kind to nip such tendencies in the bud lest we should be heading towards intense civil war or caught in a whirlpool of fratricide," he said.

"It is high time we made this world a place of peaceful co- existence lest the sentiments of mutual hatred or false notions of supremacy over one other would engulf the planet," he added.

The blast had ripped apart two coaches of the cross-border train.

The Haryana police registered a case, but the probe was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in July 2010.

The NIA filed a charge sheet in July 2011 against eight people for their alleged roles in the terror attack.

Of the eight, Swami Aseemanand, Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan and Rajinder Chaudhary appeared before the court and faced trial.

Sunil Joshi, the alleged mastermind of the attack, was shot dead near his home in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district in December 2007.

The three other accused -- Ramchandra Kalsangra, Sandeep Dange and Amit -- could not be arrested and were declared proclaimed offenders.

Aseemanand was out on bail, while three others were in judicial custody. 
The NIA had charged the accused with murder and criminal conspiracy, and under the Explosive Substances Act and the Railways Act.&nbsp;

A special court in Panchkula, which had acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the Samjhauta Express blast case, has said a dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of credible and admissible evidence.

A special court in Panchkula, which had acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the Samjhauta Express blast case, has said a dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of credible and admissible evidence. All the four accused -- Naba Kumar Sarkar alias Swami Aseemanand, Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan and Rajinder Chaudhary -- had been acquitted by the court here on March 20. "I have to conclude this judgment with deep pain and anguish as a dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of credible and admissible evidence. There are gaping holes in the prosecution evidence and an act of terrorism has remained unsolved," NIA court Judge Jagdeep Singh said in his judgment. The blast in the India-Pakistan train took place near Panipat in Haryana on February 18, 2007, when it was on its way to Attari in Amritsar, the last station on the Indian side. As many as 68 people were killed in the blast. The judge said terrorism has no religion because no religion in the world preaches violence. "A court of law is not supposed to proceed on popular or predominant public perception or the political discourse of the day and ultimately it has to appreciate the evidence on record and arrive at final conclusion on the basis of relevant statutory provisions and settled law applicable thereto," he said in the detailed judgment made public on March 28. "Since findings of a court of law are based on admissible evidence as per law, the pain becomes more acute when perpetrators of heinous crime remain unidentified and unpunished," he said. The judge observed that "suspicion, however, grave cannot take place of proof". "It is further trite to say that suspicion, however grave, cannot take the place of proof and it is cardinal principal of criminal jurisprudence that charge against an accused can only be established by adducing evidence beyond reasonable doubt. A few bits here and a few bits there on which prosecution relies cannot be held to be adequate or connecting the accused with the crime in question," he said in his judgment. "In criminal cases, conviction cannot be based upon morality and there must be admissible and credible evidence to base conviction and moreover it is well-settled canon of criminal jurisprudence that 'fouler the crime higher the proof' and mandate of law is that the prosecution has to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubt," the special court judge said. He said the prosecution is under obligation to place and prove all necessary circumstances constituting complete chain without there being any missing link and also pointing to the hypothesis that except the accused none else had committed the crime. "In the present case, there is no evidence regarding any agreement to commit the crime amongst the accused persons. There is no evidence regarding any meeting of minds between the accused to commit the crime. No concrete oral, documentary or scientific evidence has been brought on record to connect the accused, facing the trial, with the crime in question. There is not an iota of evidence to make out any motive on the part of the accused to indulge in the crime," the judge said. He said the prosecution has failed to adduce evidence beyond reasonable doubt to make out culpability of accused persons for the charged offences. "Therefore, all the accused persons facing trial are entitled to be acquitted of the charges framed against them," he said. The judge also said in his judgment that "it is generally noticed that a malaise has set in the investigating agencies which coin various terms -- Muslim terrorism, Hindu fundamentalism, etc or brand an act of criminal(s) as act(s) of particular religion, caste or community". "A criminal element, belonging to a particular religion, community or caste, cannot be projected as representative of such particular religion, community or caste and branding the entire community, caste or religion in the name of such criminal element(s) would be totally unjustified and it would be in the best interests of human kind to nip such tendencies in the bud lest we should be heading towards intense civil war or caught in a whirlpool of fratricide," he said. "It is high time we made this world a place of peaceful co- existence lest the sentiments of mutual hatred or false notions of supremacy over one other would engulf the planet," he added. The blast had ripped apart two coaches of the cross-border train. The Haryana police registered a case, but the probe was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in July 2010. The NIA filed a charge sheet in July 2011 against eight people for their alleged roles in the terror attack. Of the eight, Swami Aseemanand, Lokesh Sharma, Kamal Chauhan and Rajinder Chaudhary appeared before the court and faced trial. Sunil Joshi, the alleged mastermind of the attack, was shot dead near his home in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district in December 2007. The three other accused -- Ramchandra Kalsangra, Sandeep Dange and Amit -- could not be arrested and were declared proclaimed offenders. Aseemanand was out on bail, while three others were in judicial custody. The NIA had charged the accused with murder and criminal conspiracy, and under the Explosive Substances Act and the Railways Act.

Dastardly act of violence remained unpunished for want of evidence: Special court in Samjhauta case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.&nbsp;

"Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut.&nbsp;

"I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added.&nbsp;

Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs.&nbsp;

"Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said.&nbsp;

"Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said&nbsp;

"Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG
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"Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said.&nbsp;

Modi will next speak in Rudrapur.&nbsp;

India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19.&nbsp;

The results will be out on May 23.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself. "Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut. "I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added. Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs. "Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said. "Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said "Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added. Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday. PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2019 × "Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said. Modi will next speak in Rudrapur. India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19. The results will be out on May 23.

Will give account of last 5 years, but will also ask others for theirs: PM Modi

Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT).

According to the EC`s seizure report dated March 27, liquor worth Rs 104.49 crore has been seized across the country.

Authorities have seized drugs and narcotics worth Rs 145.384 crore, while precious metals worth Rs 170.708 crore have been seized.

Furthermore, the EC seized freebies and other items worth Rs 11.67 crore across the country, as per data provided by the poll body.

EC seized the highest amount of cash in Andhra Pradesh (Rs 62.29 crore), followed by Tamil Nadu (Rs 49.48 crore).&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum seizure of liquor (Rs 24.50 crore), followed by Karnataka (Rs 20.45 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 17.13 crore).

Punjab recorded the maximum seizure of drugs and narcotics (Rs 92.45 crore), followed by Manipur (Rs 23.58 crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 17.04 crore).

Seven phase elections will be held between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT).

Nearly three weeks after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Election Commission has seized Rs 613.176 crore worth of cash and other material from 29 states and seven Union Territories (UT). According to the EC`s seizure report dated March 27, liquor worth Rs 104.49 crore has been seized across the country. Authorities have seized drugs and narcotics worth Rs 145.384 crore, while precious metals worth Rs 170.708 crore have been seized. Furthermore, the EC seized freebies and other items worth Rs 11.67 crore across the country, as per data provided by the poll body. EC seized the highest amount of cash in Andhra Pradesh (Rs 62.29 crore), followed by Tamil Nadu (Rs 49.48 crore). Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum seizure of liquor (Rs 24.50 crore), followed by Karnataka (Rs 20.45 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 17.13 crore). Punjab recorded the maximum seizure of drugs and narcotics (Rs 92.45 crore), followed by Manipur (Rs 23.58 crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 17.04 crore). Seven phase elections will be held between April 11 and May 19. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission seizures cross Rs 613 crore

Modi said India's space scientists had shot down a low Earth orbit satellite with an A-sat (anti-satellite) missile. 

India now an elite space power, Modi says in 'important message' to nation

The CBI will send a team of its officials for the hearing in the loan default case against businessman Nirav Modi on March 29 in London.

Modi was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London last week in the connection with the case.&nbsp;

A day after the arrest, he was sent to jail by a London court till March 29.

Modi sought bail and offered 5 lakh pounds but the court rejected it, saying that there was substantial ground to believe that the businessman may not surrender.&nbsp;

His counsel had told the court that he has provided documents to the police including travel documents. His lawyer also showed employment pass, Hong Kong ID card, other bank cards to bring home his point.

The fugitive diamond merchant is wanted for his alleged involvement in Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan default case.

A non-bailable warrant (NBW) has also been issued against Ami Modi, wife of Nirav, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources had earlier said.&nbsp;

The CBI will send a team of its officials for the hearing in the loan default case against businessman Nirav Modi on March 29 in London. Modi was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London last week in the connection with the case.

The CBI will send a team of its officials for the hearing in the loan default case against businessman Nirav Modi on March 29 in London. Modi was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London last week in the connection with the case. A day after the arrest, he was sent to jail by a London court till March 29. Modi sought bail and offered 5 lakh pounds but the court rejected it, saying that there was substantial ground to believe that the businessman may not surrender. His counsel had told the court that he has provided documents to the police including travel documents. His lawyer also showed employment pass, Hong Kong ID card, other bank cards to bring home his point. The fugitive diamond merchant is wanted for his alleged involvement in Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan default case. A non-bailable warrant (NBW) has also been issued against Ami Modi, wife of Nirav, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources had earlier said.

CBI team to attend Nirav Modi's case hearing in London on March 29

The Election Commission is learnt to have decided to seek details of remarks made by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise.

Sources in the poll panel said, since Kumar is part of "bureaucratic executive", such remarks may be violative of the model code.

"It is not a case of one politician attacking the other or one party attacking the other," said a functionary.

Kumar had accused the Congress of promising the moon to win elections.&nbsp;

He had also tweeted, saying "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test".

In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented."

Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also.

At a press conference here on Monday, Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if Congress comes to power.&nbsp;

The Election Commission is learnt to have decided to seek details of remarks made by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise.

The Election Commission is learnt to have decided to seek details of remarks made by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise. Sources in the poll panel said, since Kumar is part of "bureaucratic executive", such remarks may be violative of the model code. "It is not a case of one politician attacking the other or one party attacking the other," said a functionary. Kumar had accused the Congress of promising the moon to win elections. He had also tweeted, saying "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test". In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented." Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also. At a press conference here on Monday, Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if Congress comes to power.

EC to seek details of Niti Aayog vice-chairman's remarks against Congress over minimum income promise

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.

“The meeting was excellent. We are now proud to say that Makkal Needhi Maiam is in an alliance with the Trinamool Congress for Andaman and we hope that this special relationship evolves in future,'' said Haasan.

''I’ll be going to Andaman on April 6 to campaign for the Trinamool Congress. I may not be able 'to campaign in Bengal as I have my hands full with Tamil Nadu. Ours is a regional party and I’m supporting Trinamool Congress as I love Bengal,” Haasan said as he was leaving the West Bengal state secretariat after meeting with Banerjee.

Earlier in the day, after arriving at the Kolkata airport he said, “Our relationship with the honourable chief minister is quite old and I am coming to take my best wishes from her like last time''.

The meeting over tea between the two lasted over one-and-a-half hours and sources close to the CM said that elections were discussed.

“We are really grateful that Kamal Haasan is giving full support to us and he will be going to Andaman on April 6 to address a public meeting there. From our side, Sujit Bose and Anita will be there. It is a great opportunity for Tamil Nadu and Bengal to work together. Haasan has very very good credentials not just as a politician but also from the cultural field. We are privileged and grateful to him for his initiative,'' said TMC.

TMC will be contesting elections in Odisha, Jharkhand, Andaman, Assam and Bihar besides West Bengal.&nbsp;

The party has fielded Ayan Mondal in Andaman seat.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.

Actor-turned-politician and founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam Kamal Haasan said he would be campaigning for Trinamool Congress candidate in Andaman after his recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. “The meeting was excellent. We are now proud to say that Makkal Needhi Maiam is in an alliance with the Trinamool Congress for Andaman and we hope that this special relationship evolves in future,'' said Haasan. ''I’ll be going to Andaman on April 6 to campaign for the Trinamool Congress. I may not be able 'to campaign in Bengal as I have my hands full with Tamil Nadu. Ours is a regional party and I’m supporting Trinamool Congress as I love Bengal,” Haasan said as he was leaving the West Bengal state secretariat after meeting with Banerjee. Earlier in the day, after arriving at the Kolkata airport he said, “Our relationship with the honourable chief minister is quite old and I am coming to take my best wishes from her like last time''. The meeting over tea between the two lasted over one-and-a-half hours and sources close to the CM said that elections were discussed. “We are really grateful that Kamal Haasan is giving full support to us and he will be going to Andaman on April 6 to address a public meeting there. From our side, Sujit Bose and Anita will be there. It is a great opportunity for Tamil Nadu and Bengal to work together. Haasan has very very good credentials not just as a politician but also from the cultural field. We are privileged and grateful to him for his initiative,'' said TMC. TMC will be contesting elections in Odisha, Jharkhand, Andaman, Assam and Bihar besides West Bengal. The party has fielded Ayan Mondal in Andaman seat.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Kamal Haasan to campaign for Trinamool Congress in Andaman

A number of BJP leaders Tuesday hit out at the ruling BJD and the Congress accusing their leaders of showing scant respect to the victims of Pulwama terror attack and questioning India's retaliatory air strike.

BJP vice-president and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister R K Singh and party vice-president Baijayant Panda slammed the two parties during poll rallies in Nimapara, Jajpur and Balasore respectively.

Criticising Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Chouhan claimed that a BJD MLA had manhandled a relative of a CRPF jawan of Odisha, who was killed in the Pulwama attack.

The incident took place shortly before the funeral of the slain soldier Manoj Kumar Behera.

"It is unfortunate that the chief minister did not take any action against the MLA. He did not even condemn the action which triggered public outcry," Chouhan said.

The BJP vice-president said Sam Pitroda, the technical advisor to the Odisha Government, had also raised questions on the air strike undertaken by India in Balakot in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror strike.

"Like the BJD MLA who assaulted the martyr's relative, Pitroda was also close to the chief minister," he said.

Chouhan also came down heavily on Congress for raising questions about the Balakot air strike and its outcome.

Alleging that crimes against women in Odisha showed an alarming rise, he said conviction rate in heinous crimes like rape is abysmally low in the state.

He claimed that Odisha government has failed to provide basic amenities including electricity and water to farmers for which they are committing suicide.

Chouhan further alleged that the chief minister is shielding corrupt officials during his 19 years of rule.

Addressing a public meeting at Jajpur, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh said people have full faith on Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of significant achievements made during the last five years.

The people of Odisha are also keen to bring about a change as there has been no development and they are fed up with corruption, he said.

Retaliation of Pulwama terror attack is a strong message to Pakistan and China that India will take strong action if it is attacked, he said.

At a rally at Remuna in Balasore, Panda said people of Odisha now want change as there has been a rise in crime against women and children in the last 19 years.&nbsp;

A number of BJP leaders Tuesday hit out at the ruling BJD and the Congress accusing their leaders of showing scant respect to the victims of Pulwama terror attack and questioning India's retaliatory air strike.

A number of BJP leaders Tuesday hit out at the ruling BJD and the Congress accusing their leaders of showing scant respect to the victims of Pulwama terror attack and questioning India's retaliatory air strike. BJP vice-president and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister R K Singh and party vice-president Baijayant Panda slammed the two parties during poll rallies in Nimapara, Jajpur and Balasore respectively. Criticising Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Chouhan claimed that a BJD MLA had manhandled a relative of a CRPF jawan of Odisha, who was killed in the Pulwama attack. The incident took place shortly before the funeral of the slain soldier Manoj Kumar Behera. "It is unfortunate that the chief minister did not take any action against the MLA. He did not even condemn the action which triggered public outcry," Chouhan said. The BJP vice-president said Sam Pitroda, the technical advisor to the Odisha Government, had also raised questions on the air strike undertaken by India in Balakot in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror strike. "Like the BJD MLA who assaulted the martyr's relative, Pitroda was also close to the chief minister," he said. Chouhan also came down heavily on Congress for raising questions about the Balakot air strike and its outcome. Alleging that crimes against women in Odisha showed an alarming rise, he said conviction rate in heinous crimes like rape is abysmally low in the state. He claimed that Odisha government has failed to provide basic amenities including electricity and water to farmers for which they are committing suicide. Chouhan further alleged that the chief minister is shielding corrupt officials during his 19 years of rule. Addressing a public meeting at Jajpur, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh said people have full faith on Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of significant achievements made during the last five years. The people of Odisha are also keen to bring about a change as there has been no development and they are fed up with corruption, he said. Retaliation of Pulwama terror attack is a strong message to Pakistan and China that India will take strong action if it is attacked, he said. At a rally at Remuna in Balasore, Panda said people of Odisha now want change as there has been a rise in crime against women and children in the last 19 years.

Chouhan slams BJD, Congress for showing "no respect" to Pulwama victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message".&nbsp;

"I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted. &nbsp;

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मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, 
 
आज सवेरे लगभग 11.45 - 12.00 बजे मैं एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश लेकर आप के बीच आऊँगा। 
 
I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message. 
 
Do watch the address on television, radio or social media.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110781818238693376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message". "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message". "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted. मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, आज सवेरे लगभग 11.45 - 12.00 बजे मैं एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश लेकर आप के बीच आऊँगा। I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × "Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he added.

PM Modi to address nation today with 'important message'

India Election Watch: Can Mamata win in West Bengal?

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as "very very serious" the revelations made by CBI in its status report relating to the recent interrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chit-fund-scams-kolkata-police-chief-grilled-for-11-hours-in-second-round-of-questioning-196473">the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot "close its eyes" if some "very very serious facts" are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT to probe the chit fund scam.

The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application. Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter.

The top court refused to drop the contempt proceedings against the West Bengal DGP, the chief secretary and Kumar.

It was hearing the CBI's contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged tampering of evidence including call data records (CDRs) of key accused and Sardha group CMD Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee.

The court, which had earlier directed CBI Director to file an affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West Bengal cops and others in the case, perused the reply of the CBI chief and the fresh status report, pertaining to quizzing of Kumar.

"We have gone through your (CBI's) status report. There are something very very serious," the bench said.

The bench asked Attorney General K K Venugopal, representing CBI, to file an appropriate application as it cannot pass any order on the prayers as they were part of the sealed cover report to which the other side has no access.

"File an application or an affidavit, if you want to press for your reliefs. We cannot act unilaterally and the other side has to be heard," the bench said.

"We are not passing any order. File an application and give the other side an opportunity to reply," the bench said.

Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for West Bengal officials, opposed the liberty being granted to CBI to file an application against Kumar.

"While considering the contempt matter, suppose some very very serious things come to our notice then, should we close our eyes to that," the bench said while asking CBI to file the fresh plea.&nbsp;

At the outset, Venugopal referred to the reply of the CBI Director and alleged that the West Bengal police has not been cooperating with the probe, providing incomplete and tampered with details to the probe agency.

He said the CDRs, provided by the state police, of the key accused to the CBI were matched with those provide by the mobile service providers and various discrepancies were found in them.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also appearing for CBI, said that there has been serious breach of the apex court order asking state police to cooperate in the investigation.

Earlier, the court had asked the CBI Director to provide information in support of the allegations of tampering and destruction of CDRs by Kumar.

The apex court had said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was an "obligation" on part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner.&nbsp;

It had questioned CBI for the delay in moving the apex court when the agency allegedly noticed the tampering of electronic evidence in June 2018.

The probe agency came out with a contempt petition after the February 3 incident in which the CBI sleuths, who had gone to probe Kumar at his residence, were taken into custody and manhandled by the West Bengal Police.

Though the apex court had taken note of the February 3 incident in which the top cops of the state police allegedly sat with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on dharna, it was annoyed as to why the CBI did not bring to its notice the tampering of the CDRs when it happened in June 2018.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as "very very serious" the revelations made by CBI in its status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case.

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as "very very serious" the revelations made by CBI in its status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot "close its eyes" if some "very very serious facts" are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT to probe the chit fund scam. The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application. Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter. The top court refused to drop the contempt proceedings against the West Bengal DGP, the chief secretary and Kumar. It was hearing the CBI's contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged tampering of evidence including call data records (CDRs) of key accused and Sardha group CMD Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee. The court, which had earlier directed CBI Director to file an affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West Bengal cops and others in the case, perused the reply of the CBI chief and the fresh status report, pertaining to quizzing of Kumar. "We have gone through your (CBI's) status report. There are something very very serious," the bench said. The bench asked Attorney General K K Venugopal, representing CBI, to file an appropriate application as it cannot pass any order on the prayers as they were part of the sealed cover report to which the other side has no access. "File an application or an affidavit, if you want to press for your reliefs. We cannot act unilaterally and the other side has to be heard," the bench said. "We are not passing any order. File an application and give the other side an opportunity to reply," the bench said. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for West Bengal officials, opposed the liberty being granted to CBI to file an application against Kumar. "While considering the contempt matter, suppose some very very serious things come to our notice then, should we close our eyes to that," the bench said while asking CBI to file the fresh plea. At the outset, Venugopal referred to the reply of the CBI Director and alleged that the West Bengal police has not been cooperating with the probe, providing incomplete and tampered with details to the probe agency. He said the CDRs, provided by the state police, of the key accused to the CBI were matched with those provide by the mobile service providers and various discrepancies were found in them. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also appearing for CBI, said that there has been serious breach of the apex court order asking state police to cooperate in the investigation. Earlier, the court had asked the CBI Director to provide information in support of the allegations of tampering and destruction of CDRs by Kumar. The apex court had said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was an "obligation" on part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner. It had questioned CBI for the delay in moving the apex court when the agency allegedly noticed the tampering of electronic evidence in June 2018. The probe agency came out with a contempt petition after the February 3 incident in which the CBI sleuths, who had gone to probe Kumar at his residence, were taken into custody and manhandled by the West Bengal Police. Though the apex court had taken note of the February 3 incident in which the top cops of the state police allegedly sat with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on dharna, it was annoyed as to why the CBI did not bring to its notice the tampering of the CDRs when it happened in June 2018.

Saradha chit fund scam case: 'Very very serious' revelations made by CBI in status report, says Supreme Court

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