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Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;

Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. &nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">skipped some of its veteran leaders</a>. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-bjp-snubs-veteran-leaders-murli-manohar-joshi-asked-not-to-contest-205698">veteran leaders ageing above 75 years</a> in its move to promote younger candidates.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The list includes party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Some of the other prominent leaders in the list are Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Chavan, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, KC Venugopal, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Milind Deora and cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin, among others. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released its list of star campaigners and skipped some of its veteran leaders. The BJP, for this year's Lok Sabha polls, has decided not to field veteran leaders ageing above 75 years in its move to promote younger candidates. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, last week, in its 'star campaigners' list left out party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav who was hastily added back to the list a day later.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress' list of star campaigners includes Gandhi clan, former CM, party bigwigs and Mohammad Azharuddin

The customs department in India's southern Chennai airport apprehended a passenger for wildlife trafficking and seized a horned pit viper snake, rare tortoises, iguanas and other animals on Monday.

Authorities were alerted when a passenger passing through the 'Nothing to declare' lane was questioned and eventually searched. The airport's Commissioner of Customs, Rajan Chaudhary said it led to the discovery of the endangered amphibians and reptiles.

A horned pit viper snake, five Iguanas, four Blue-tongued skinks, three green tree frogs and 22 Egyptian tortoises were seized from his luggage. The Egyptian tortoise is recognized as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals.

The horned pit viper is a venomous snake found in Africa and easily identified by its horns, while the endangered Egyptian tortoises are native to Egypt and Libya.

The seized wildlife animals will be sent back to their country of origin - Thailand - while an investigation is underway. Thailand has long been a hub for illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products.

The customs department in India's southern Chennai airport apprehended a passenger for wildlife trafficking and seized a horned pit viper snake, rare tortoises, iguanas and other animals on Monday.

The customs department in India's southern Chennai airport apprehended a passenger for wildlife trafficking and seized a horned pit viper snake, rare tortoises, iguanas and other animals on Monday. Authorities were alerted when a passenger passing through the 'Nothing to declare' lane was questioned and eventually searched. The airport's Commissioner of Customs, Rajan Chaudhary said it led to the discovery of the endangered amphibians and reptiles. A horned pit viper snake, five Iguanas, four Blue-tongued skinks, three green tree frogs and 22 Egyptian tortoises were seized from his luggage. The Egyptian tortoise is recognized as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals. The horned pit viper is a venomous snake found in Africa and easily identified by its horns, while the endangered Egyptian tortoises are native to Egypt and Libya. The seized wildlife animals will be sent back to their country of origin - Thailand - while an investigation is underway. Thailand has long been a hub for illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products.

Customs department seizes horned pit viper, endangered tortoise

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-changes-name-on-twitter-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi-amit-shah-piyush-goyal-follow-suit-203811">Chowkidar' Narendra Modi</a>. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit.&nbsp;

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Union Minister &amp; BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. <a href="https://t.co/5hcvCV6M96">pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110433156560310274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

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Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation. 
 
But, I am not alone. 
 
Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. 
 
Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. 
 
Today, every Indian is saying-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106759555315314689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter.

He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message.

PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure".

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that he is pretty sure of another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, in middle of his statement, got caught in a poetic frenzy and said, "Chowkidar is not a chor, he is pure and another term for him is sure". Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his Twitter handle to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi. Scores of BJP bigwigs, including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, followed suit. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted on. Union Minister & BJP leader Rajnath Singh at a public rally in Delhi: Chowkidar chorr nahi, Chowkidar pure hai. Chowkidar ka dobara PM banana sure hai, desh ki samasyaon ka woh hi cure hai. pic.twitter.com/5hcvCV6M96 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2019 × "Your Chowkidar is standing firm and serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he wrote on Twitter. He also posted a three-minute long video to drive home his message. PM Modi has often described himself as a "chowkidar" by the opposition. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe at the Prime Minister to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, a charge the BJP-led government has rejected.

Chowkidar is pure, another term for him is sure: Rajnath Singh goes poetic on Modi

Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday dismissed the application of rape convict and self-styled godman Asaram for suspension of the sentence in the case.

Earlier on February 21, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court had rejected the interim bail application filed by Asaram, saying it did not have any sympathy for such criminals.

Asaram, who has been given a life term for raping a minor girl, had filed the bail application citing poor health condition of his wife Laxmi Devi and that he had been lodged in jail for the last five years.

Asaram was found guilty of raping a minor girl in Manai village near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment in April last year by Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court.

He was found guilty of various charges, including sections 370(4) (trafficking), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354A (outraging modesty), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The court had also sentenced two other accused, Shilpi and Sharad, to 20 years jail term each in connection with the case

Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday dismissed the application of rape convict and self-styled godman Asaram for suspension of the sentence in the case. Earlier on February 21, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court had rejected the interim bail application filed by Asaram, saying it did not have any sympathy for such criminals.

Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday dismissed the application of rape convict and self-styled godman Asaram for suspension of the sentence in the case. Earlier on February 21, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court had rejected the interim bail application filed by Asaram, saying it did not have any sympathy for such criminals. Asaram, who has been given a life term for raping a minor girl, had filed the bail application citing poor health condition of his wife Laxmi Devi and that he had been lodged in jail for the last five years. Asaram was found guilty of raping a minor girl in Manai village near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment in April last year by Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court. He was found guilty of various charges, including sections 370(4) (trafficking), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354A (outraging modesty), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court had also sentenced two other accused, Shilpi and Sharad, to 20 years jail term each in connection with the case

High Court dismisses Asaram's application for suspension of sentence in rape case

The original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage as the then Defence Minister A K Antony felt there was something wrong in the process and asked for a review, defence ministry sources claimed.

The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA).

The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper then the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore.

The sources said Antony's apprehensions may have been genuine and he may have had bonafide reasons for such an intervention. The price negotiating committee was at that time examining the deal after initially getting approval for it from the then defence minister.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-cabinet-approves-purchase-of-36-rafale-fighter-jets-source-6629">&nbsp;Indian cabinet approves purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets: Source</a>

The sources also said that the Eurofighter Typhoon had offered to bring down their prices by 25 per cent after Rafale was declared L1 vendor.

"Such a proposal after declaring the winning bidder was not at all acceptable as per laid down procedure. You cannot do that," said a source.

Alleging a "scam", the opposition Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to USD 80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of USD 241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates.

The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning.

However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime.

Asked why NDA government did not go for Eurofighter Typhoon as it had offered a 25 per cent price cut, the sources said several European countries were involved in manufacturing of Eurofighter and France was preferred for the inter- governmental deal.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-attacks-jaitley-sitaraman-with-facts-over-rafale-deal-32340">Congress president</a>, on Friday, called out Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter and said: "You said the UPA never released prices of Defence purchases? To nail your lie, here are 3 Parliamentary replies by the UPA with full transparency on pricing. Now do ask our Raksha Mantri to tell India how much each RAFALE jet cost."&nbsp;

With that, he attached screenshots of documents - one dated 9 August 2010 titled "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov" and another 4 March 2013 titled "Upgradation of Aircraft" - by the Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

The sources said the rates cannot be compared as price depended on the weapons package.

In a detailed statement, the defence ministry had on Wednesday termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rs 58,000-crore deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security.

It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet.

The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence&nbsp;minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of 126 jets.

The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA)

The original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage as the then Defence Minister A K Antony felt there was something wrong in the process and asked for a review, defence ministry sources claimed. The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper then the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. The sources said Antony's apprehensions may have been genuine and he may have had bonafide reasons for such an intervention. The price negotiating committee was at that time examining the deal after initially getting approval for it from the then defence minister. Also read: Indian cabinet approves purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets: Source The sources also said that the Eurofighter Typhoon had offered to bring down their prices by 25 per cent after Rafale was declared L1 vendor. "Such a proposal after declaring the winning bidder was not at all acceptable as per laid down procedure. You cannot do that," said a source. Alleging a "scam", the opposition Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to USD 80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of USD 241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime. Asked why NDA government did not go for Eurofighter Typhoon as it had offered a 25 per cent price cut, the sources said several European countries were involved in manufacturing of Eurofighter and France was preferred for the inter- governmental deal. The Congress president, on Friday, called out Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter and said: "You said the UPA never released prices of Defence purchases? To nail your lie, here are 3 Parliamentary replies by the UPA with full transparency on pricing. Now do ask our Raksha Mantri to tell India how much each RAFALE jet cost." With that, he attached screenshots of documents - one dated 9 August 2010 titled "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov" and another 4 March 2013 titled "Upgradation of Aircraft" - by the Ministry of Defence. The sources said the rates cannot be compared as price depended on the weapons package. In a detailed statement, the defence ministry had on Wednesday termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rs 58,000-crore deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security. It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet. The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of 126 jets.

There was no Rafale deal under UPA: Defence ministry sources

PadMan makers released a new song Thursday from the film, titled Sayaani -- picturised on Sonam Kapoor and women from the rural village, from where the story originates.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padman-akshay-kumar-says-sanitary-pads-should-be-free-29590" target="_blank">Akshay Kumar</a>, who plays the titular role of PadMan in the film&nbsp;took to Twitter to share the song with a caption that reads:&nbsp;"Ladki #Sayaani ho gayi, hum kab honge ?"

The song opens with Sonam Kapoor's character mumbling:&nbsp;"How can a man be so obsessed with chums?"

Then cut to a scene from the village where some ladies can be seen following the&nbsp;age-old tradition of celebrating the commencement of menstruation of a girl, while a few young boys term it as a "test match". The video also has Akshay's powerful dialogues from the movie.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-i-will-be-grateful-to-him-for-a-lifetime-says-bhansali-after-akshay-postpones-padman-30091" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;'I will be grateful to him for a lifetime', says Bhansali after Akshay postpones 'PadMan'</a>

Sayaani&nbsp;is composed by Amit Trivedi, while Kausar Munir has penned the lyrics. Yashita Sharma, Jonita Gandhi, Yashika Sikka and Rani Kaur have sung this beautiful number that celebrates a girl's first period.

PadMan, directed by R Balki is the maiden production venture of Twinkle Khanna.

Just today, Sonam also shared an image from the movie, where she can be seen playing the tabla.&nbsp;

Watch the song:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_GymOGmbCDM" width="970"></iframe>

&nbsp;

The film PadMan will release on February 9

PadMan makers released a new song Thursday from the film, titled Sayaani -- picturised on Sonam Kapoor and women from the rural village, from where the story originates. Akshay Kumar, who plays the titular role of PadMan in the film took to Twitter to share the song with a caption that reads: "Ladki #Sayaani ho gayi, hum kab honge ?" The song opens with Sonam Kapoor's character mumbling: "How can a man be so obsessed with chums?" Then cut to a scene from the village where some ladies can be seen following the age-old tradition of celebrating the commencement of menstruation of a girl, while a few young boys term it as a "test match". The video also has Akshay's powerful dialogues from the movie. Also Read: 'I will be grateful to him for a lifetime', says Bhansali after Akshay postpones 'PadMan' Sayaani is composed by Amit Trivedi, while Kausar Munir has penned the lyrics. Yashita Sharma, Jonita Gandhi, Yashika Sikka and Rani Kaur have sung this beautiful number that celebrates a girl's first period. PadMan, directed by R Balki is the maiden production venture of Twinkle Khanna. Just today, Sonam also shared an image from the movie, where she can be seen playing the tabla. Watch the song:

Watch: 'PadMan' new song titled 'Sayaani'

The director of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priya-prakash-varrier-co-star-roshan-abdul-rahoof-profile-32755">Malayalam film "Oru </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priya-prakash-varrier-co-star-roshan-abdul-rahoof-profile-32755">Adaar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priya-prakash-varrier-co-star-roshan-abdul-rahoof-profile-32755"> Love" Omar</a> Lulu and its music director Shan Rehman said on Wednesday that the song "Manikya Malaraya poovi" would not be withdrawn for the time being.

The statement, made at a late night press conference by Omar Lulu and Shan Rehman on Wednesday, comes after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plaint-against-oru-adaar-lovedirector-for-hurting-the-muslim-sentiments-32848">police complaint</a> against the director stating that the lyrics of the song hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

"The song will not be withdrawn for the time being. It will be part of the movie. There are eight more songs in the film," Omar Lulu said.

Omar Lulu said the song had no objectionable reference and said Muslims in the Malabar region of North Kerala had been singing it for over four decades. He also claimed support from the entire Kerala community.

"The song written by CMA Jabbar is sung during marriages and every celebration in Malabar region of North Kerala. Malabar Muslims have been singing this song since 1978. If it was not objectionable then, how has it become objectionable now?" Lulu said.

He told PTI that it was for the censor board to take a final call on the matter.

"We have changed only its music and not the lyrics," he said.&nbsp;

The director and the music director said they were tense after getting some phone calls over the song on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The complainants had alleged that "Manikya Malaraya poovi" had an "objectionable" reference to Prophet Muhammad's wife.

The complaint was filed at the Falaknuma police station in Hyderabad by businessman Zaheer Ali Khan, engineering student Muqeeth Khan and others.

Zaheer Khan alleged that the song's lyrics hurt the sentiments of Muslims and demanded that either the song be removed from the film or its words be changed.

After the news of the FIR spread, the movie's crew members had said the song would be withdrawn.

A clip from the song, featuring actor Priya Prakash Varrier, has gone viral on social media sites.

The complainants have clarified that they had not mentioned the actor's name in their representation before the police.

"We don't have any objection against the actors," Zaheer Khan said.

The police said it had registered a case.

"Following the complaint, we took legal opinion and subsequently a case under IPC section 295A (hurting religious sentiments) has been registered against the film's director, Omar Lulu," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Falaknuma division) Syed Fayaz told PTI.

As part of their investigation, the police will take the opinion of some Islamic clerics on this after getting a translation of the song, he said.

"We will proceed based on their opinion... If the song has really hurt the sentiments then definitely action will be initiated against those involved," the ACP said.

The film is up for release later this year.

The statement, made at a late night press conference by Omar Lulu and music director Shan Rehman on Wednesday, comes after a police complaint against the director stating that the lyrics of the song hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims

The director of the Malayalam film "Oru Adaar Love" Omar Lulu and its music director Shan Rehman said on Wednesday that the song "Manikya Malaraya poovi" would not be withdrawn for the time being. The statement, made at a late night press conference by Omar Lulu and Shan Rehman on Wednesday, comes after a police complaint against the director stating that the lyrics of the song hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. "The song will not be withdrawn for the time being. It will be part of the movie. There are eight more songs in the film," Omar Lulu said. Omar Lulu said the song had no objectionable reference and said Muslims in the Malabar region of North Kerala had been singing it for over four decades. He also claimed support from the entire Kerala community. "The song written by CMA Jabbar is sung during marriages and every celebration in Malabar region of North Kerala. Malabar Muslims have been singing this song since 1978. If it was not objectionable then, how has it become objectionable now?" Lulu said. He told PTI that it was for the censor board to take a final call on the matter. "We have changed only its music and not the lyrics," he said. The director and the music director said they were tense after getting some phone calls over the song on Wednesday afternoon. The complainants had alleged that "Manikya Malaraya poovi" had an "objectionable" reference to Prophet Muhammad's wife. The complaint was filed at the Falaknuma police station in Hyderabad by businessman Zaheer Ali Khan, engineering student Muqeeth Khan and others. Zaheer Khan alleged that the song's lyrics hurt the sentiments of Muslims and demanded that either the song be removed from the film or its words be changed. After the news of the FIR spread, the movie's crew members had said the song would be withdrawn. A clip from the song, featuring actor Priya Prakash Varrier, has gone viral on social media sites. The complainants have clarified that they had not mentioned the actor's name in their representation before the police. "We don't have any objection against the actors," Zaheer Khan said. The police said it had registered a case. "Following the complaint, we took legal opinion and subsequently a case under IPC section 295A (hurting religious sentiments) has been registered against the film's director, Omar Lulu," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Falaknuma division) Syed Fayaz told PTI. As part of their investigation, the police will take the opinion of some Islamic clerics on this after getting a translation of the song, he said. "We will proceed based on their opinion... If the song has really hurt the sentiments then definitely action will be initiated against those involved," the ACP said. The film is up for release later this year.

'Oru Adaar Love' director refuses to withdraw song from film

Veteran actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaya-prada-says-azam-khan-reminds-her-of-padmaavats-khilji-35299">Jaya Prada</a> has joined the BJP.

The announcement was made in Delhi.&nbsp;The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency.&nbsp;

Jaya Prada has won twice from Rampur, but on a Samajwadi Party ticket.&nbsp;

Jaya Prada was a close associate of the former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Veteran actor and former MP Jaya Prada joins Bharatiya Janata Party. <a href="https://t.co/vmZD3H1PSL">pic.twitter.com/vmZD3H1PSL</a>
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If fielded from Rampur, Jaya Prada will take on senior SP leader Azam Khan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Veteran actor Jaya Prada has joined the BJP. The announcement was made in Delhi. The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency.

Veteran actor Jaya Prada has joined the BJP. The announcement was made in Delhi. The news agency PTI meanwhile reported that the BJP is expected to field Jaya Prada from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur constituency. Jaya Prada has won twice from Rampur, but on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Jaya Prada was a close associate of the former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh. Delhi: Veteran actor and former MP Jaya Prada joins Bharatiya Janata Party. pic.twitter.com/vmZD3H1PSL — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × If fielded from Rampur, Jaya Prada will take on senior SP leader Azam Khan. (With inputs from PTI)

Veteran actor, former MP Jaya Prada joins the BJP

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan. Indian government sources said the reports were "false and motivated."

Mohamad had been chief guest at Pakistan's National Day on February 23.&nbsp;

WION has learnt that the Malaysian PM had to take a longer route to Pakistan despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation saying he could fly over India since Pakistan had blocked its airspace to flights overflying India.

The government sources told WION that it was strange that Pakistan did not make an exception even for the chief guest of their National Day, thereby forcing him to fly a longer route.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iaf-operation-in-balakot-india-calls-pakistans-nuclear-bluff-199844">an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a> in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The air strike was in retaliation for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">over 40 CRPF personnel dead</a>.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27,&nbsp;the Pakistan Air Force dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control.

Pakistan said the bombs were aimed at displaying its "deterrence capabilities". India says the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

Pakistan's airspace has remained partially closed since February 27. And the country's civil aviation authority has since then denied permission to planes overflying India to enter Pakistani airspace, including apparently that of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.&nbsp;

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan.

India has strongly dismissed reports in the Pakistani media that it denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad the right to fly over India during his recent visit to Pakistan. Indian government sources said the reports were "false and motivated." Mohamad had been chief guest at Pakistan's National Day on February 23. WION has learnt that the Malaysian PM had to take a longer route to Pakistan despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation saying he could fly over India since Pakistan had blocked its airspace to flights overflying India. The government sources told WION that it was strange that Pakistan did not make an exception even for the chief guest of their National Day, thereby forcing him to fly a longer route. The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The air strike was in retaliation for the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. A day later, on February 27, the Pakistan Air Force dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said the bombs were aimed at displaying its "deterrence capabilities". India says the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. Pakistan's airspace has remained partially closed since February 27. And the country's civil aviation authority has since then denied permission to planes overflying India to enter Pakistani airspace, including apparently that of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Did not deny Malaysia PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad right to fly over India: Government sources

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-sixth-list-of-candidates-204430">The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-announces-list-of-100-candidates-for-odisha-assembly-polls-204777">Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates</a> for assembly polls in Odisha last week.&nbsp;

Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively.

The Congress has released its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Odisha. According to reports, the party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udaygiri and Hinjili, respectively. The Congress, last week, released its 6th list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections - seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, the party has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. The Bharatiya Janata Party also released a list of 100 candidates for assembly polls in Odisha last week. Damodar Rout, Kusum Tete, Prakash Behera, and K Narayan Rao, who recently joined BJP after quitting BJD, have been given tickets to contest polls in the state. Rout has been fielded from Balikuda-Ersama assembly constituency, Prakash Behera from Salepur, Kusum Tete from Sundergarh and K Narayan Rao from Paralakhemundi, news agency ANI reported. In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJP had won 10 out of 147 seats in Odisha. Odisha will go to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for the 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases list of candidates for Odisha assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday&nbsp;released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

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BJP has released list of star campaigners for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani &amp; Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners
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Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-to-kick-off-campaign-blitz-in-bihar-as-poll-heat-picks-up-205646">Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar</a>.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. BJP has released list of star campaigners for #LokSabhaElections2019 for UP. PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti feature on the list. Names of LK Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi missing from the list 40 star campaigners — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 26, 2019 × Interestingly, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners. Meanwhile, the party is all set to launch its Lok Sabha election campaign in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on July 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. Before PM's visit, party chief Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls: BJP's list of star campaigners skips Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjps-list-of-star-campaigners-skips-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-205654">Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar</a> Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said.

The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.&nbsp;

BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders.

The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91).

Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections.

He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has asked former BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Murli Manohar Joshi not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, his office said. The move is being seen in line of the party's decision to not field some its veteran candidates, those ageing over 75 years. BJP leaders said the party has taken a "principled decision" that veterans should make the way for younger leaders. The BJP has also not given tickets to likes of BC Khanduri, Kariya Munda, Kalraj Mishra, Bijoya Chakravarty - all many term MPs and over 80 years of age - besides Advani (91). Joshi's office confirmed the development saying that the 85-year-old leader has issued a statement in Kanpur, the Lok Sabha constituency from where he won in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The statement said BJP general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal, a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) appointee, had conveyed Joshi the party leadership's decision that he should not be contesting the elections. He had vacated Varanasi seat, which he had won in 2009, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its list of star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to reports, BJP's star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah along with union ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. Here also, the party has kept out some of the tallest party leaders and political bigwigs like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out from its list of 40 star campaigners.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Murli Manohar Joshi asked not to contest, says his office

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases.&nbsp;

On March 8, the Samajwadi Party had released its first list of nine candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri.

The party later announced that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav would contest from Kannauj, where she is the sitting MP.

The party has decided to field MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from the current seats of Badaun and Firozabad, respectively.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced that Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) are now a part of Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will fight on 38. Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal was being considered the third wheel of the alliance. Lok Sabha 2019 will be held in seven phases starting April 11, ending on May 19. Uttar Pradesh will cast vote in seven phases. On March 8, the Samajwadi Party had released its first list of nine candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri. The party later announced that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav would contest from Kannauj, where she is the sitting MP. The party has decided to field MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from the current seats of Badaun and Firozabad, respectively.

Lok Sabha polls: Nishad Party and Janvadi Party (Socialist) join SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh

Supreme Court rejected a PIL Monday challenging the bus fare of Rs 49 to go to the temple in Sabarimala in Kerala.&nbsp;

A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, "Sorry, we can't decide here what should be the bus fare? Are we now going to decide the bus fare?"

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Supreme Court rejected a PIL challenging the bus fare of Rs 49 to go to the temple in Sabarimala in Kerala. A bench of the apex court, headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said,"Sorry, we can't decide here what should be the bus fare?Are we now going to decide the bus fare?"
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110055246854676481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Supreme court also refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-plea-seeking-ban-on-roadshows-bike-rallies-during-polls-205462">to ban roadshows</a> and bike rallies during polls.

Supreme Court rejected a PIL Monday challenging the bus fare of Rs 49 to go to the temple in Sabarimala in Kerala. A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, "Sorry, we can't decide here what should be the bus fare?

Supreme Court rejected a PIL Monday challenging the bus fare of Rs 49 to go to the temple in Sabarimala in Kerala. A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, "Sorry, we can't decide here what should be the bus fare? Are we now going to decide the bus fare?" Supreme Court rejected a PIL challenging the bus fare of Rs 49 to go to the temple in Sabarimala in Kerala. A bench of the apex court, headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said,"Sorry, we can't decide here what should be the bus fare?Are we now going to decide the bus fare?" — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Supreme court also refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

'Are we now to decide bus fare?' asks Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

"We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal.

Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls.

The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to ban roadshows and bike rallies during polls. "We are not inclined to entertain this," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta told advocate Virag Gupta, who was appearing for petitioners Vikram Singh and Shaivika Agrawal. Singh, a former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, said in his petition that the roadshows and bike rallies violate EC's instructions and cause damage to the environment.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking ban on roadshows, bike rallies during polls

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of instant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-nod-to-ordinance-on-triple-talaq-arun-jaitley-198369">'triple talaq'</a> a punishable offence.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed a plea of a Kerala-based outfit and said it will not like to interfere.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance was first notified on September 19 last year, hours after the Union Cabinet had cleared it.

Instant 'triple talaq', also known as 'talaq-e-biddat', is an instant divorce whereby a Muslim man can legally divorce his wife by pronouncing 'talaq' three times in one go.

The ordinance making the practice of instant 'triple talaq' a punishable offence was issued for the third time in less than a year on February 21.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of instant 'triple talaq' a punishable offence.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of instant 'triple talaq' a punishable offence. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed a plea of a Kerala-based outfit and said it will not like to interfere. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance was first notified on September 19 last year, hours after the Union Cabinet had cleared it. Instant 'triple talaq', also known as 'talaq-e-biddat', is an instant divorce whereby a Muslim man can legally divorce his wife by pronouncing 'talaq' three times in one go. The ordinance making the practice of instant 'triple talaq' a punishable offence was issued for the third time in less than a year on February 21.

Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging constitutional validity of 'triple talaq' ordinance

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls</a> to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same.&nbsp;

"I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today.&nbsp;

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I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh <a href="https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d">https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TOIWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOIWorld</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109653044763877377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'.&nbsp;

As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi.&nbsp;

The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls.

The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out.&nbsp;

The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province. Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same. "I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. @IndiainPakistan Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d via @TOIWorld — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province. The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'. As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi. The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls. The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out. The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.

Sushma Swaraj takes note of Hindu girls' 'forcible' conversion to Islam in Pakistan, demands report

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of&nbsp;Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government.&nbsp;

Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad&nbsp;to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities."

The development comes after India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asking Indian high commissioner in Pakistan on Twitter to send a report on the abduction of Hindu girls drawing an angry response from Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Swaraj responded to Chaudhry's response by saying, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience."

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Mr.Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a> - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109740418151772160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<img alt="Sushma Swaraj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54a947e1-7fee-411b-9692-aa03fd7737d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ch%20fawad%20hussain_0.JPG" />

According to the Pakistan Information Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab that girls should immediately be recovered.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hindu Council has called for strict action against clerics Miyan Mithu Barchundi, Pir Ayub Jaan Sirhindi who the minorities in the Sindh region accuse of abducting the girls. The committee is headed by Ramesh Vankhwani, member of National Assembly member, and a Hindu.

The Sarhandi shrine in Samaro in Umerkot and Barchundi Sharif in Sindh's Mirpurkhas District are active in religious conversions of Hindus and claimed to have converted thousands of Hindu girls and young women to Islam.

New Delhi's strong stance will irk Pakistan that has been raising the issue of minorities in India for months now.

On December 25, 2018, the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India"

Statistics in recent years have revealed that Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Its three districts - Mirpurkhas (with 33% Hindu population), Tharparkar (with 36% Hindu population) and Umerkot (with 49% Hindu population) contribute to the significant Hindu community in the country. But these are the districts were most forced conversion &amp; marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported.

In the past also India has strongly taken up the matter of situation of minorities in Pakistan. These cases include the abduction of two 16-year-old Hindu girls in January 2019, forceful conversation of another 16-year-old in June 2017 and kidnapping of a 17-year-old Sikh girl who was married off to a local in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship, with the Pakistan government in February 2019, June 2018 and December 2017.

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government. Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities.

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government. Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities." The development comes after India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asking Indian high commissioner in Pakistan on Twitter to send a report on the abduction of Hindu girls drawing an angry response from Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry. Swaraj responded to Chaudhry's response by saying, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience." Mr.Minister @fawadchaudhry - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. @IndiainPakistan — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × According to the Pakistan Information Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab that girls should immediately be recovered. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hindu Council has called for strict action against clerics Miyan Mithu Barchundi, Pir Ayub Jaan Sirhindi who the minorities in the Sindh region accuse of abducting the girls. The committee is headed by Ramesh Vankhwani, member of National Assembly member, and a Hindu. The Sarhandi shrine in Samaro in Umerkot and Barchundi Sharif in Sindh's Mirpurkhas District are active in religious conversions of Hindus and claimed to have converted thousands of Hindu girls and young women to Islam. New Delhi's strong stance will irk Pakistan that has been raising the issue of minorities in India for months now. On December 25, 2018, the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India" Statistics in recent years have revealed that Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Its three districts - Mirpurkhas (with 33% Hindu population), Tharparkar (with 36% Hindu population) and Umerkot (with 49% Hindu population) contribute to the significant Hindu community in the country. But these are the districts were most forced conversion & marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported. In the past also India has strongly taken up the matter of situation of minorities in Pakistan. These cases include the abduction of two 16-year-old Hindu girls in January 2019, forceful conversation of another 16-year-old in June 2017 and kidnapping of a 17-year-old Sikh girl who was married off to a local in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship, with the Pakistan government in February 2019, June 2018 and December 2017.

Pakistan gets a taste of its own medicine as India strongly raises the issue of abducted Hindu girls in Sindh

IEW: Karti Chidambaram's candidature sparks a furor in Congress

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a>'s income and asked where the money was coming from.&nbsp;

The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.&nbsp;

"How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked.&nbsp;

Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence.&nbsp;

Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim.

Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi".

The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore.&nbsp;

"We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014. "How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked. Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence. Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim. Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi". The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues. On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. "We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added. (With inputs from PTI)

'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from

IEW: Rahul's Minimum Income Guarantee scheme promise fiscally viable?

Using hashtag #VoteKar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-over-100-farmers-from-tamil-nadu-set-to-challenge-pm-modi-in-varanasi-205231">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi tweeted 16 times in just half-an-hour using the hashtag.

“My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turn out in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future,” he tweeted.

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My fellow Indians, 
 
The time has come to say- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteKar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteKar</a>. 
 
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turnout in record numbers. 
 
Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109822374008877056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He later went on to tag film celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anupam Kher, Kabir Bedi, R Madhavan, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Madhur Bhandarkar, Rajkummar Rao, Parineeti Chopra and Kartik Aryan among others to ask their respective fans to go and vote in the coming election.

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/AnilKapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnilKapoor</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajaydevgn</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MadhuriDixit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MadhuriDixit</a>, 
 
After the box office, it is time to create Total Dhamaal at the polling booths. 
 
Your support to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteKar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteKar</a> movement will augur well for India’s democracy. 
 
Let us ensure high voter turnout!
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1109824861084344320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This was the second time when Prime Minister Modi made such an appeal.

On March 13, he had urged various politicians to encourage voter participation and urged them to inspire more people to come out and vote during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“I appeal to Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and MK Stalin to encourage increased voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric,” Prime Minister Modi wrote at that time.

He later went on to call upon Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to “work towards bringing maximum Indians to the polling booths in the upcoming elections. May voter awareness efforts be strengthened across the length and breadth of India.”

Seven-phased elections in the country will begin on April 11, and will culminate on May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Using hashtag #VoteKar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Using hashtag #VoteKar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday went on a tweet spree again urging celebrities from various fields to motivate people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi tweeted 16 times in just half-an-hour using the hashtag. “My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turn out in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future,” he tweeted. My fellow Indians, The time has come to say- #VoteKar. In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ensure that you as well as your family and friends turnout in record numbers. Your doing so will have a positive impact on the nation’s future. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2019 × He later went on to tag film celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anupam Kher, Kabir Bedi, R Madhavan, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Madhur Bhandarkar, Rajkummar Rao, Parineeti Chopra and Kartik Aryan among others to ask their respective fans to go and vote in the coming election. Dear @AnilKapoor, @ajaydevgn & @MadhuriDixit, After the box office, it is time to create Total Dhamaal at the polling booths. Your support to the #VoteKar movement will augur well for India’s democracy. Let us ensure high voter turnout! — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2019 × This was the second time when Prime Minister Modi made such an appeal. On March 13, he had urged various politicians to encourage voter participation and urged them to inspire more people to come out and vote during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. “I appeal to Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and MK Stalin to encourage increased voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric,” Prime Minister Modi wrote at that time. He later went on to call upon Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to “work towards bringing maximum Indians to the polling booths in the upcoming elections. May voter awareness efforts be strengthened across the length and breadth of India.” Seven-phased elections in the country will begin on April 11, and will culminate on May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi tweets 16 times, tells people to vote

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">CRPF will procure a new fleet</a> of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The paramilitary has also decided to enhance the number of its bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS) for its about 65 battalions based in the Kashmir Valley for anti-terror and law and order duties. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
These new measures have been chalked out by the force in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel travelling in a bus, part of a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar, was killed by a suicide bomber as he exploded a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"We are enhancing our counter-IED capabilities in Kashmir. We are procuring and sending more MPVs and are bullet-proofing force buses. As it is difficult to armour large buses, we are looking at procuring small 30-seater buses that can be better armour plated," CRPF Director General (DG) R R Bhatnagar said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The force uses MPVs for limited troop movements in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and some of them are being used in Jammu and Kashmir too. About six personnel can travel in these four-wheeled vehicles.

Bhatnagar said small buses can be better fabricated and provided bullet-resistant armour as compared to the standard large buses that seat 54-57 people.

A similar large bus was blown up during the Pulwama attack.

Officials said once a large bus is fabricated with bullet-proof sheets, its engine takes a toll and its speed and endurance are restricted due to the weight of the additional metal used for the armour.

The CRPF chief said it has been decided to provide bomb detection and disposal squads to each battalion of the force deployed in the Kashmir Valley and those units which had them will see an increase in the number of personnel and equipment to detect and counter explosives and IEDs.

Seats have been increased in the Pune-based IED education school of the force so that more personnel are trained in the trade of detection and disarming such bombs in Kashmir, Bhatnagar said.

The bullet-proof armour to the buses will only save force personnel from firing attacks by terrorists and will not provide fool-proof protection from explosions like the one that was carried out in Pulwama, a senior officer said.

To counter Pulwama-like attacks, new procedures for convoy movement and protection have been notified, he added.

The new convoy movement procedure involves restricting the movement of civilian vehicles, regularly changing halting points and dynamic movement of convoys to and from the Kashmir Valley, he said.

Facing criticism for allowing large convoys to ply on roads in an operationally sensitive area like Jammu and Kashmir, the home ministry had announced last month that all jawans and officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the Kashmir Valley can now take a commercial flight while going in to join duty or for tour and while proceeding on leave.

The CRPF cavalcade that came under attack on February 14 had seventy-eight vehicles and the ill-fated bus was fifth in line.

The CRPF will procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said.

The CRPF will procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said. The paramilitary has also decided to enhance the number of its bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS) for its about 65 battalions based in the Kashmir Valley for anti-terror and law and order duties. These new measures have been chalked out by the force in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel travelling in a bus, part of a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar, was killed by a suicide bomber as he exploded a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). "We are enhancing our counter-IED capabilities in Kashmir. We are procuring and sending more MPVs and are bullet-proofing force buses. As it is difficult to armour large buses, we are looking at procuring small 30-seater buses that can be better armour plated," CRPF Director General (DG) R R Bhatnagar said. The force uses MPVs for limited troop movements in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and some of them are being used in Jammu and Kashmir too. About six personnel can travel in these four-wheeled vehicles. Bhatnagar said small buses can be better fabricated and provided bullet-resistant armour as compared to the standard large buses that seat 54-57 people. A similar large bus was blown up during the Pulwama attack. Officials said once a large bus is fabricated with bullet-proof sheets, its engine takes a toll and its speed and endurance are restricted due to the weight of the additional metal used for the armour. The CRPF chief said it has been decided to provide bomb detection and disposal squads to each battalion of the force deployed in the Kashmir Valley and those units which had them will see an increase in the number of personnel and equipment to detect and counter explosives and IEDs. Seats have been increased in the Pune-based IED education school of the force so that more personnel are trained in the trade of detection and disarming such bombs in Kashmir, Bhatnagar said. The bullet-proof armour to the buses will only save force personnel from firing attacks by terrorists and will not provide fool-proof protection from explosions like the one that was carried out in Pulwama, a senior officer said. To counter Pulwama-like attacks, new procedures for convoy movement and protection have been notified, he added. The new convoy movement procedure involves restricting the movement of civilian vehicles, regularly changing halting points and dynamic movement of convoys to and from the Kashmir Valley, he said. Facing criticism for allowing large convoys to ply on roads in an operationally sensitive area like Jammu and Kashmir, the home ministry had announced last month that all jawans and officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the Kashmir Valley can now take a commercial flight while going in to join duty or for tour and while proceeding on leave. The CRPF cavalcade that came under attack on February 14 had seventy-eight vehicles and the ill-fated bus was fifth in line.

Post-Pulwama, mine-protected vehicles, 30-seater buses for CRPF convoys in J&K

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta dismissed a plea of a Kerala-based outfit Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema and said it will not like to interfere.

“As the challenge in the petition is to an Ordinance, we are not inclined to entertain the writ petition. However, we make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case. The writ petition is, accordingly, dismissed,” the bench said.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance was first notified on September 19 last year, hours after the Union Cabinet had cleared it. ‘Triple talaq’, also known as ‘talaq-e-biddat’, is an instant divorce whereby a Muslim man can legally divorce his wife by pronouncing ‘talaq’ three times in one go.

The ordinance making the practice of instant ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence was issued for the third time in less than a year on February 21. The apex court had on March 11, refused to entertain a batch of pleas challenging re-promulgation of an ordinance which makes the practice of instant ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence.

The court was informed that the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha but it was pending in the Rajya Sabha. Under the ordinance, instant ‘triple talaq’ has been declared as illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

Seeking to allay the fears that the proposed law could be misused, the government has included certain safeguards, such as adding a provision of bail for the accused before trial. In a landmark verdict, the apex court had in August 2017, put the curtains down on the 1,400-year-old practice and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of an ordinance which makes the practice of ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta dismissed a plea of a Kerala-based outfit Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema and said it will not like to interfere. “As the challenge in the petition is to an Ordinance, we are not inclined to entertain the writ petition. However, we make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case. The writ petition is, accordingly, dismissed,” the bench said. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance was first notified on September 19 last year, hours after the Union Cabinet had cleared it. ‘Triple talaq’, also known as ‘talaq-e-biddat’, is an instant divorce whereby a Muslim man can legally divorce his wife by pronouncing ‘talaq’ three times in one go. The ordinance making the practice of instant ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence was issued for the third time in less than a year on February 21. The apex court had on March 11, refused to entertain a batch of pleas challenging re-promulgation of an ordinance which makes the practice of instant ‘triple talaq’ a punishable offence. The court was informed that the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha but it was pending in the Rajya Sabha. Under the ordinance, instant ‘triple talaq’ has been declared as illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. Seeking to allay the fears that the proposed law could be misused, the government has included certain safeguards, such as adding a provision of bail for the accused before trial. In a landmark verdict, the apex court had in August 2017, put the curtains down on the 1,400-year-old practice and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat.

SC dismisses plea challenging constitutional validity of ‘triple talaq’ ordinance

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday.

The poll body, last week, appointed two retired Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officers as special expenditure observers for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is the first time that such observers have been appointed for any polls in the country.

They said few more such observers could be appointed by the next week to oversee the work of about 800 central expenditure monitoring teams and observers who track black money, liquor, drugs and other freebies given to voters illegally.

The maximum number of election expenditure observers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), while others belong to the IRS (Indirect Taxes and Customs).

Officials said the Election Commission, till now, has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies in the country for general elections and it is awaiting the report of some state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to identify more such segments.

The identified expenditure sensitive constituencies are in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, among others, while a similar report from states like Maharashtra and few others are awaited.

An expenditure sensitive constituency is identified as a seat which is prone to high expenditure and corrupt practices. For such a constituency, the Election Commission rules mandate, there shall be two assistant expenditure observers, a similar number of flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams.

The Election Commission on Monday also reviewed the poll preparedness with the two special observers for the subject, Shailendra Handa (Maharashtra) and Madhu Mahajan (Tamil Nadu) here.

The full Election Commission bench, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra, will hold the second review meeting with all the central observers -- general, police and expenditure -- on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan.

The first such meeting was held early this month.

The seven-phase election will begin on April 11 and conclude on May 19.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday. The poll body, last week, appointed two retired Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officers as special expenditure observers for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is the first time that such observers have been appointed for any polls in the country. They said few more such observers could be appointed by the next week to oversee the work of about 800 central expenditure monitoring teams and observers who track black money, liquor, drugs and other freebies given to voters illegally. The maximum number of election expenditure observers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), while others belong to the IRS (Indirect Taxes and Customs). Officials said the Election Commission, till now, has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies in the country for general elections and it is awaiting the report of some state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to identify more such segments. The identified expenditure sensitive constituencies are in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, among others, while a similar report from states like Maharashtra and few others are awaited. An expenditure sensitive constituency is identified as a seat which is prone to high expenditure and corrupt practices. For such a constituency, the Election Commission rules mandate, there shall be two assistant expenditure observers, a similar number of flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams. The Election Commission on Monday also reviewed the poll preparedness with the two special observers for the subject, Shailendra Handa (Maharashtra) and Madhu Mahajan (Tamil Nadu) here. The full Election Commission bench, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra, will hold the second review meeting with all the central observers -- general, police and expenditure -- on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan. The first such meeting was held early this month. The seven-phase election will begin on April 11 and conclude on May 19.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy more special expenditure observers, 120 sensitive seats identified

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Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy more special expenditure observers, 120 sensitive seats identified