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Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

The focus of the manifesto was on the relationship with Pakistan, saying it will open talks with Pakistan while also insisting discussions on the issue of terrorism. "We will open talks with Pakistan during which we will insist on discussing terrorism," read the manifesto.

While releasing the manifesto, NCP general secretary DP Tripathi said: "It is necessary to strengthen our stand in global circumstances. Hence, the pathway of talks should never be closed. I don't say dialogues will immediately resolve the situation, but it'll lessen the problems".

Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led Government on its foreign policy, the manifesto stated: "It is important to at least continue working relations with Pakistan as we have with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The reason for the crisis in foreign policy is due to the current Government moving away from the principles set up by our founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. We will follow the Panchsheel philosophy which has worked for us well".

On the issue of national security, NCP manifesto said: "Our endeavour will be to bring the youth into the mainstream and thereby prevent them from falling prey to radicalisation. Stern action will be taken against those engaged in radicalising youth. This declaration has been made in the view of Jammu and Kashmir and a prolonged turmoil situation there."

"The NDA Government, in five years, has failed miserably to contain terrorism. In these five years of NDA rule, there have been three terror attacks on military and paramilitary forces and no one is held accountable" the manifesto added.

Apart from core traditional issues like farmers' distress, unemployment and job losses, issues like foreign policy, national security and defence also got a considerable space in the manifesto.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is contesting on 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra out of 48, released its manifesto named 'Aao Milkar Desh Banaye' here on Monday ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The focus of the manifesto was on the relationship with Pakistan, saying it will open talks with Pakistan while also insisting discussions on the issue of terrorism. "We will open talks with Pakistan during which we will insist on discussing terrorism," read the manifesto. While releasing the manifesto, NCP general secretary DP Tripathi said: "It is necessary to strengthen our stand in global circumstances. Hence, the pathway of talks should never be closed. I don't say dialogues will immediately resolve the situation, but it'll lessen the problems". Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led Government on its foreign policy, the manifesto stated: "It is important to at least continue working relations with Pakistan as we have with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The reason for the crisis in foreign policy is due to the current Government moving away from the principles set up by our founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. We will follow the Panchsheel philosophy which has worked for us well". On the issue of national security, NCP manifesto said: "Our endeavour will be to bring the youth into the mainstream and thereby prevent them from falling prey to radicalisation. Stern action will be taken against those engaged in radicalising youth. This declaration has been made in the view of Jammu and Kashmir and a prolonged turmoil situation there." "The NDA Government, in five years, has failed miserably to contain terrorism. In these five years of NDA rule, there have been three terror attacks on military and paramilitary forces and no one is held accountable" the manifesto added. Apart from core traditional issues like farmers' distress, unemployment and job losses, issues like foreign policy, national security and defence also got a considerable space in the manifesto.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: NCP releases manifesto, advocates talks with Pakistan

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Monday accused the CBI before a Delhi court of harassing him by repeatedly seeking dates to advance arguments on his anticipatory bail plea in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Special Judge O P Saini extended till April 26 the interim protection from arrest granted to the senior Congress leader and his son Karti after their counsel told the court that the CBI be given whatever time it wanted but arguments should start on the next date of hearing.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal for the father-son duo claimed that CBI has failed to disclose any information to prove the allegations against the Chidambarams in the case, filed by the CBI and the ED.

"This is harassment of the highest order and how many times will CBI do this," Sibal said.

CBI claimed non-cooperation by the Chidambarams and sought three weeks from the court to advance arguments on the ground that further investigation was required.

The case relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

The Congress leader had earlier also accused the two agencies of "delaying" the cases and had sought an early hearing on the bail pleas as well as the charge sheet filed in the cases.

The father-son duo had approached the court through advocates P K Dubey and Arshdeep Singh seeking anticipatory bail, claiming that they were afraid of arrest in both the cases being probed by the ED and the CBI.

Their protection from arrest has been extended from time to time.

The CBI had earlier informed the court that the Centre has granted sanction to prosecute five people, including serving and former bureaucrats, accused in the case including the Chidambarams.

CBI had on November 16 last year informed the court that similar nod was procured for Chidambaram. There are 18 accused in the case.

Chidambaram and Karti were named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI in the case on July 19 last year.

CBI is probing how Chidambaram, when finance minister in 2006, granted FIPB approval to a foreign firm, when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it.

CBI and ED, in their replies to the anticipatory bail pleas, had told the court that custodial interrogation of both the accused was required since various new materials have surfaced after the filing of the charge sheet, alleging that they were not cooperating in the probe.

The father-son duo had denied the allegations of both the agencies that they were evasive and non-cooperative during the probe in the case.

They have come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

In the charge sheet filed earlier in the case against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others, the CBI alleged that Chidambaram granted FIPB approval in March 2006 to Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Maxis.

The Maran brothers and the other accused named in the CBI charge sheet were discharged by the special court, which said the agency had failed to produce any material against them to proceed with the trial.

The ED is also probing a separate money laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter, in which the Chidambarams have been questioned by the agency and their anticipatory bail is pending.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Monday accused the CBI before a Delhi court of harassing him by repeatedly seeking dates to advance arguments on his anticipatory bail plea in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Monday accused the CBI before a Delhi court of harassing him by repeatedly seeking dates to advance arguments on his anticipatory bail plea in the Aircel-Maxis case. Special Judge O P Saini extended till April 26 the interim protection from arrest granted to the senior Congress leader and his son Karti after their counsel told the court that the CBI be given whatever time it wanted but arguments should start on the next date of hearing. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal for the father-son duo claimed that CBI has failed to disclose any information to prove the allegations against the Chidambarams in the case, filed by the CBI and the ED. "This is harassment of the highest order and how many times will CBI do this," Sibal said. CBI claimed non-cooperation by the Chidambarams and sought three weeks from the court to advance arguments on the ground that further investigation was required. The case relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The Congress leader had earlier also accused the two agencies of "delaying" the cases and had sought an early hearing on the bail pleas as well as the charge sheet filed in the cases. The father-son duo had approached the court through advocates P K Dubey and Arshdeep Singh seeking anticipatory bail, claiming that they were afraid of arrest in both the cases being probed by the ED and the CBI. Their protection from arrest has been extended from time to time. The CBI had earlier informed the court that the Centre has granted sanction to prosecute five people, including serving and former bureaucrats, accused in the case including the Chidambarams. CBI had on November 16 last year informed the court that similar nod was procured for Chidambaram. There are 18 accused in the case. Chidambaram and Karti were named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI in the case on July 19 last year. CBI is probing how Chidambaram, when finance minister in 2006, granted FIPB approval to a foreign firm, when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it. CBI and ED, in their replies to the anticipatory bail pleas, had told the court that custodial interrogation of both the accused was required since various new materials have surfaced after the filing of the charge sheet, alleging that they were not cooperating in the probe. The father-son duo had denied the allegations of both the agencies that they were evasive and non-cooperative during the probe in the case. They have come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. In the charge sheet filed earlier in the case against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others, the CBI alleged that Chidambaram granted FIPB approval in March 2006 to Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Maxis. The Maran brothers and the other accused named in the CBI charge sheet were discharged by the special court, which said the agency had failed to produce any material against them to proceed with the trial. The ED is also probing a separate money laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter, in which the Chidambarams have been questioned by the agency and their anticipatory bail is pending.

Aircel-Maxis: Chidambaram alleges CBI harassment; court extends interim protection from arrest

The Supreme Court Monday referred to another bench a fresh plea seeking a direction to authorities not to evict any forest dweller in Chhattisgarh and to set up an SIT to look into the alleged illegal acquisition of tribals’ land. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta sent the plea filed by Chhattisgarh-based Tarika Tarangini Larka to a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, which is already seized of a similar plea relating to eviction of alleged illegal forest dwellers.

“List this matter before the bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra,” the bench said, adding that in any case, the February 13 order, directing 21 states to evict 11.8 lakh illegal forest dwellers, has already been stayed by the bench concerned. Lawyer M L Sharma, appearing for Larka, submitted that the issues raised in the PIL were of larger interest for forest dwellers and hence, the notice be issued.

The apex court had on March 5 taken cognisance of another plea filed by Larka, seeking a direction to the Centre not to allot possession of any forest land belonging to tribals to anyone other than ‘adivasi’ residing in that particular area. The top court, while dealing with other similar pending petition, had on February 28 stayed its February 13 order directing 21 states to evict 11.8 lakh illegal forest dwellers whose claims over the forest land have been rejected by authorities.

In the fresh petition, filed through lawyer M L Sharma, Larka has alleged that authorities in Tamnar of Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district have “forcibly” grabbed a large area of tribal land and handed it to outsiders and now are trying to oust ‘adivasi’ from the area. “For this, they adopted simple strategy declaring forest dweller as non-adivasi to grab their land in the forest and village by rejecting their claim upon land,” the plea has said. It has sought restoration of land acquired by the government from tribals in Chhattisgarh for mining and other purposes and to provide them value of mined minerals.

The petition has also sought setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) comprising retired judges of the apex court to look into the alleged illegal acquisition of land belonging to tribals throughout the country. Besides, it has sought a direction to the CBI to register an FIR under the provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act to investigate the matters brought to light by the SIT and to file their report before the apex court.

The Supreme Court Monday referred to another bench a fresh plea seeking a direction to authorities not to evict any forest dweller in Chhattisgarh and to set up an SIT to look into the alleged illegal acquisition of tribals’ land.

The Supreme Court Monday referred to another bench a fresh plea seeking a direction to authorities not to evict any forest dweller in Chhattisgarh and to set up an SIT to look into the alleged illegal acquisition of tribals’ land. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta sent the plea filed by Chhattisgarh-based Tarika Tarangini Larka to a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, which is already seized of a similar plea relating to eviction of alleged illegal forest dwellers. “List this matter before the bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra,” the bench said, adding that in any case, the February 13 order, directing 21 states to evict 11.8 lakh illegal forest dwellers, has already been stayed by the bench concerned. Lawyer M L Sharma, appearing for Larka, submitted that the issues raised in the PIL were of larger interest for forest dwellers and hence, the notice be issued. The apex court had on March 5 taken cognisance of another plea filed by Larka, seeking a direction to the Centre not to allot possession of any forest land belonging to tribals to anyone other than ‘adivasi’ residing in that particular area. The top court, while dealing with other similar pending petition, had on February 28 stayed its February 13 order directing 21 states to evict 11.8 lakh illegal forest dwellers whose claims over the forest land have been rejected by authorities. In the fresh petition, filed through lawyer M L Sharma, Larka has alleged that authorities in Tamnar of Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district have “forcibly” grabbed a large area of tribal land and handed it to outsiders and now are trying to oust ‘adivasi’ from the area. “For this, they adopted simple strategy declaring forest dweller as non-adivasi to grab their land in the forest and village by rejecting their claim upon land,” the plea has said. It has sought restoration of land acquired by the government from tribals in Chhattisgarh for mining and other purposes and to provide them value of mined minerals. The petition has also sought setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) comprising retired judges of the apex court to look into the alleged illegal acquisition of land belonging to tribals throughout the country. Besides, it has sought a direction to the CBI to register an FIR under the provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act to investigate the matters brought to light by the SIT and to file their report before the apex court.

Supreme Court refers to other bench plea against eviction of forest dwelling tribals in Chhattisgarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia</a>

US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago.

While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/huge-jump-in-rahul-gandhis-income-says-bjp-asks-where-its-coming-from-205426">'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from</a>

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.&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;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">court</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">, </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">man</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430"> suspected to have assisted in their&nbsp;wedding held</a>

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report.&nbsp;

The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stricken-norway-cruise-ship-reaches-port-after-airlift-drama-205421">Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama</a>

A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation.

Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship.

The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">On the back foot, Democrats demand </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">release</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409"> of full Mueller report</a>

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump.

The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election.

Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes. The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago. While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017. 'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from 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. Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach court, man suspected to have assisted in their wedding held A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report. The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue. Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation. Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship. The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks. On the back foot, Democrats demand release of full Mueller report Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump. The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election. Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”.

Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme.

“If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said.

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The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1110172294679285760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it.

“This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added.

The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff. Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme. “If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said. The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 25, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty. However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it. “This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added. The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi’s minimum income guarantee is a bluff announcement, says Arun Jaitley

Three terrorists affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-delhi-polices-special-cell-arrests-close-aide-of-jem-mastermind-mudasir-khan-204827">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)</a> were arrested on Sunday, officials informed.

The action was taken based on a credible input and the three car-borne terrorists were arrested by police and security forces informed Jammu and Kashmir police.

J&amp;K Police also added that incriminating material including ammunition and live rounds were recovered after the arrest.

A case has been registered and the investigation is under process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three terrorists affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were arrested on Sunday, officials informed. The action was taken based on a credible input and the three car-borne terrorists were arrested by police and security forces informed Jammu and Kashmir police.

Three terrorists affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were arrested on Sunday, officials informed. The action was taken based on a credible input and the three car-borne terrorists were arrested by police and security forces informed Jammu and Kashmir police. J&K Police also added that incriminating material including ammunition and live rounds were recovered after the arrest. A case has been registered and the investigation is under process.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three JeM terrorists arrested

The AIIMS administration has ordered an inquiry to identify the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fire-breaks-out-at-aiims-trauma-centre-205328">cause of the fire at the trauma centre</a> and suggest further measures for improvement, an official statement said on Sunday.

According to AIIMS, smoke was noticed at around 5:45 pm in one of the stores adjacent to the Operation Theatre area on the ground floor of the JPNA Trauma Centre (JPNATC) of the hospital.

The staff and doctors of the JPNATC showed alertness and took quick action to douse the fire while alerting the fire safety team of AIIMS and the fire brigade who responded immediately to the call.

"As an abundant measure of precaution, the doctors and staff shifted the patients from the vicinity of the affected area to a safe zone. The situation was brought under control and the fire was doused by the joint efforts of the fire brigade, the fire safety team and staff of AIIMS," the statement read.

The director of AIIMS along with other higher authorities was on the spot and monitored the situation.&nbsp;

The fire safety measures had automatically kicked into action.

No patients or their attendants were in any way harmed or injured due to the fire incident.&nbsp;

"There has been no injury to the staff as well. The extent of damage is not yet known and will be assessed later," the statement said.&nbsp;

The AIIMS administration has ordered an inquiry to identify the cause of the fire at the trauma centre and suggest further measures for improvement, an official statement said on Sunday.

The AIIMS administration has ordered an inquiry to identify the cause of the fire at the trauma centre and suggest further measures for improvement, an official statement said on Sunday. According to AIIMS, smoke was noticed at around 5:45 pm in one of the stores adjacent to the Operation Theatre area on the ground floor of the JPNA Trauma Centre (JPNATC) of the hospital. The staff and doctors of the JPNATC showed alertness and took quick action to douse the fire while alerting the fire safety team of AIIMS and the fire brigade who responded immediately to the call. "As an abundant measure of precaution, the doctors and staff shifted the patients from the vicinity of the affected area to a safe zone. The situation was brought under control and the fire was doused by the joint efforts of the fire brigade, the fire safety team and staff of AIIMS," the statement read. The director of AIIMS along with other higher authorities was on the spot and monitored the situation. The fire safety measures had automatically kicked into action. No patients or their attendants were in any way harmed or injured due to the fire incident. "There has been no injury to the staff as well. The extent of damage is not yet known and will be assessed later," the statement said.

AIIMS institutes probe panel to identify causes of trauma centre fire

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> on Sunday accused the opposition of politicising the air strike in Pakistan's Balakot.

The Defence Minister said: "The Opposition is the one who is politicising the airstrike issue and indulging in false allegations."

She was speaking at an event at Butta Convention Centre in Madhapur, Hyderabad.

"Why is the opposition asking for proof after we attacked Balakot? They ask if we have taken selfies with the killed terrorists or not," she said.

"Airforce personnel say it was their honour to carry out the airstrike. We have given freedom to our armed forces and they will take the call," she said.

The Defence Minister said the first Rafale jet will be delivered in September 2019 and the remaining will be delivered in 2022.

"The war memorial was built in the nation after 70 years by Prime Minister Modi led BJP government," she said, adding that Rs 35,000 crore was given under 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) to the armed forces.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday accused the opposition of politicising the air strike in Pakistan's Balakot. The Defence Minister said: "The Opposition is the one who is politicising the airstrike issue and indulging in false allegations.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday accused the opposition of politicising the air strike in Pakistan's Balakot. The Defence Minister said: "The Opposition is the one who is politicising the airstrike issue and indulging in false allegations." She was speaking at an event at Butta Convention Centre in Madhapur, Hyderabad. "Why is the opposition asking for proof after we attacked Balakot? They ask if we have taken selfies with the killed terrorists or not," she said. "Airforce personnel say it was their honour to carry out the airstrike. We have given freedom to our armed forces and they will take the call," she said. The Defence Minister said the first Rafale jet will be delivered in September 2019 and the remaining will be delivered in 2022. "The war memorial was built in the nation after 70 years by Prime Minister Modi led BJP government," she said, adding that Rs 35,000 crore was given under 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) to the armed forces.

Opposition is politicising Balakot air strike, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced names of nine more candidates for the ensuing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-announces-list-of-100-candidates-for-odisha-assembly-polls-204777">Assembly elections in the state</a>.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has fielded Kishore Mohanty from Brajaraj Nagar while AN Singh will contest from Bolangir.

The list also includes Pradeep Behera (Loisinga), Pitam Padhi (Pottangi), PK Dishari (Lanjigarh), PC Majhi (Jharigam), Mukunda Sodi (Malkangiri), Dr R Panigrahi (Sambalpur) and Rohit Pujari (Rairakhol). So far the BJD has declared its 63 candidates who will contest the coming Assembly polls.&nbsp;

Three MPs and three MLAs have quit the BJD after being denied tickets in the Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly polls.

Odisha has 147 Assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four phases starting April 11, which will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced names of nine more candidates for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has fielded Kishore Mohanty from Brajaraj Nagar while AN Singh will contest from Bolangir.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced names of nine more candidates for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has fielded Kishore Mohanty from Brajaraj Nagar while AN Singh will contest from Bolangir. The list also includes Pradeep Behera (Loisinga), Pitam Padhi (Pottangi), PK Dishari (Lanjigarh), PC Majhi (Jharigam), Mukunda Sodi (Malkangiri), Dr R Panigrahi (Sambalpur) and Rohit Pujari (Rairakhol). So far the BJD has declared its 63 candidates who will contest the coming Assembly polls. Three MPs and three MLAs have quit the BJD after being denied tickets in the Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly polls. Odisha has 147 Assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four phases starting April 11, which will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Naveen Patnaik announces nine more candidates for Odisha Assembly polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524">Pakistan foreign ministry submits </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524">proposal</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524"> to PM Imran Khan to open Sharada temple for Indians</a>

Pakistan foreign ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the temple, government sources have told WION.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/naresh-goyal-quits-jet-airways-205510">Naresh Goyal quits Jet Airways; bank-led board to run airline</a>

Jet Airways promoter and former chairman Naresh Goyal quit the airline he founded over two decades ago after the board meeting ended on Monday afternoon, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-again-denies-meddling-in-2016-us-presidential-election-says-ready-to-improve-ties-205519">Russia again denies meddling in 2016 US presidential election, says ready to improve ties</a>

The Kremlin on Monday again denied Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election after Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report found there no conclusive evidence of Russian meddling.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strike-kills-13-civilians-mostly-children-in-afghanistan-205525">Air strike kills 13 civilians, mostly children, in Afghanistan</a>

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-denies-firing-rocket-that-hit-house-near-tel-aviv-official-205536">Hamas denies firing rocket that hit </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-denies-firing-rocket-that-hit-house-near-tel-aviv-official-205536">house</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-denies-firing-rocket-that-hit-house-near-tel-aviv-official-205536"> near Tel Aviv: Official</a>

A Hamas official denied Israel's accusation that it was behind Monday's rocket strike north of Tel Aviv which wounded seven Israelis and led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a strong response.

&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign ministry submits proposal to PM Imran Khan to open Sharada temple for Indians Pakistan foreign ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the temple, government sources have told WION.

Pakistan foreign ministry submits proposal to PM Imran Khan to open Sharada temple for Indians Pakistan foreign ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the temple, government sources have told WION. Naresh Goyal quits Jet Airways; bank-led board to run airline Jet Airways promoter and former chairman Naresh Goyal quit the airline he founded over two decades ago after the board meeting ended on Monday afternoon, reports said. Russia again denies meddling in 2016 US presidential election, says ready to improve ties The Kremlin on Monday again denied Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election after Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report found there no conclusive evidence of Russian meddling. Air strike kills 13 civilians, mostly children, in Afghanistan At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday. Hamas denies firing rocket that hit house near Tel Aviv: Official A Hamas official denied Israel's accusation that it was behind Monday's rocket strike north of Tel Aviv which wounded seven Israelis and led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a strong response.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-to-contest-from-azamgarh-205208">Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons</a> over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek.

"The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed.

"Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said.

The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds. He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek. "The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed. "Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said. The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

‘Ancestral corrupt’: Yogi Adityanath takes a dig at Akhilesh-Mulayam after SC seeks status report on 13-year-old DA case

Finally, Jet Airways chief Naresh Goyal quits

Congress Election Manifesto: Rs.72,000 annually for those who earn below 12,000

Kamal Haasan not to contest Lok Sabha elections 2019

A Delhi court on Monday allowed Dubai-based businessman and alleged middleman Rajiv Saxena to become an approver in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case.

Special judge Arvind Kumar allowed Saxena to turn approver.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier told the court that it has no objection with Saxena being allowed to turn approver as it would be very useful for the agency.

Saxena, who had sought to become an approver in the case, recorded his statement in March 6 during in-chamber proceedings after which the court sent the copies of his statement to the special judge hearing the case.

He was earlier granted bail by the court on medical grounds after the perusal of reports submitted by AIIMS.

Saxena, director at two Dubai-based firms — UHY Saxena and Matrix Holdings — is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by ED in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

A Delhi court on Monday allowed Dubai-based businessman and alleged middleman Rajiv Saxena to become an approver in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case.

A Delhi court on Monday allowed Dubai-based businessman and alleged middleman Rajiv Saxena to become an approver in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case. Special judge Arvind Kumar allowed Saxena to turn approver. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier told the court that it has no objection with Saxena being allowed to turn approver as it would be very useful for the agency. Saxena, who had sought to become an approver in the case, recorded his statement in March 6 during in-chamber proceedings after which the court sent the copies of his statement to the special judge hearing the case. He was earlier granted bail by the court on medical grounds after the perusal of reports submitted by AIIMS. Saxena, director at two Dubai-based firms — UHY Saxena and Matrix Holdings — is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by ED in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam. (With inputs from PTI)

Agustawestland Chopper Case: Delhi court allows Rajeev Saxena to turn approver

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Election Commission (EC) to reply by March 28 if it can increase the number of samples in its VVPAT survey from one in each assembly segment for the upcoming general and assembly elections.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta sought the response of the poll panel by 4 pm on March 28 and directed it to apprise whether the number of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) samples can be increased for the satisfaction of the electorate.

The bench indicated that it wanted the number of VVPAT survey samples to be increased, saying it was not the question of ‘casting aspersions” rather it was a matter of “satisfaction”.

“No institution shall insulate itself from suggestions… There is a room for improvement in everything,” the bench said, adding that it was not casting any aspersion on the existing system but would like that the EC consider increasing the samples.

The bench has now posted for April 1 the plea of 21 opposition leaders, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, seeking that VVPAT slips of at least 50 per cent voting machines in each assembly seat be checked randomly in the Lok Sabha elections.

The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, have also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.

The parties include the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI (Marxist), CPI, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Loktantrik Janata Dal and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

The plea had referred to the 1975 verdict of the apex court in the case of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi which held that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India.

It had also referred to the 2013 verdict of apex court in the case of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy where it was held that paper trail for EVMs are an “indispensable requirement” for free and fair elections.

The plea had further stated that the directions are being sought for giving effect to the judgment of this court declaring VVPAT as “integral and intrinsic to free and fair elections which, in turn are part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India”.

The parties had raised apprehensions in a meeting with the EC in February about the credibility of EVMs, although the poll panel has denied allegations of machines being tampered with.

The EC, while announcing the Lok Sabha election schedule, had said that mandatory checking of EVMs and VVPAT will be done on the basis of one polling station for each Lok Sabha constituency.

Earlier, Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot last year had approached the apex court for conducting VVPAT verification at least 10 per cent of randomly selected polling booths in each assembly constituency to ensure free and fair elections in MP and Rajasthan last year.

However, the apex court, which was dealing with other poll issues ahead of the assembly polls in MP and Rajasthan had refused to go into the VVPAT issue in its judgement delivered on October 12, 2018 saying these issues were dealt by the apex court in earlier petitions and orders have been passed.

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Election Commission (EC) to reply by March 28 if it can increase the number of samples in its VVPAT survey from one in each assembly segment for the upcoming general and assembly elections.

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Election Commission (EC) to reply by March 28 if it can increase the number of samples in its VVPAT survey from one in each assembly segment for the upcoming general and assembly elections. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta sought the response of the poll panel by 4 pm on March 28 and directed it to apprise whether the number of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) samples can be increased for the satisfaction of the electorate. The bench indicated that it wanted the number of VVPAT survey samples to be increased, saying it was not the question of ‘casting aspersions” rather it was a matter of “satisfaction”. “No institution shall insulate itself from suggestions… There is a room for improvement in everything,” the bench said, adding that it was not casting any aspersion on the existing system but would like that the EC consider increasing the samples. The bench has now posted for April 1 the plea of 21 opposition leaders, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, seeking that VVPAT slips of at least 50 per cent voting machines in each assembly seat be checked randomly in the Lok Sabha elections. The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, have also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat. The parties include the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI (Marxist), CPI, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Loktantrik Janata Dal and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The plea had referred to the 1975 verdict of the apex court in the case of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi which held that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India. It had also referred to the 2013 verdict of apex court in the case of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy where it was held that paper trail for EVMs are an “indispensable requirement” for free and fair elections. The plea had further stated that the directions are being sought for giving effect to the judgment of this court declaring VVPAT as “integral and intrinsic to free and fair elections which, in turn are part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India”. The parties had raised apprehensions in a meeting with the EC in February about the credibility of EVMs, although the poll panel has denied allegations of machines being tampered with. The EC, while announcing the Lok Sabha election schedule, had said that mandatory checking of EVMs and VVPAT will be done on the basis of one polling station for each Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier, Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot last year had approached the apex court for conducting VVPAT verification at least 10 per cent of randomly selected polling booths in each assembly constituency to ensure free and fair elections in MP and Rajasthan last year. However, the apex court, which was dealing with other poll issues ahead of the assembly polls in MP and Rajasthan had refused to go into the VVPAT issue in its judgement delivered on October 12, 2018 saying these issues were dealt by the apex court in earlier petitions and orders have been passed.

Can VVPATs be increased for satisfaction of electorate? SC asks poll panel to respond by March 28

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-plea-seeking-ban-on-roadshows-bike-rallies-during-polls-205462">Supreme Court Monday</a> issued a notice to CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it place the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case against SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the CBI to file its response in two weeks on the status of the investigation against the Samajwadi Party patriarch and his sons.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Vishwanath Chaturvedi seeking a direction to the probe agency to apprise the court of the status of the investigation.

Chaturvedi in 2005 filed the PIL in the top court seeking directions to CBI to take appropriate action to prosecute Yadav, Akhilesh and his wife Dimple and Prateek under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly acquiring assets more than the known sources of their income by misusing their powers.

The apex court in its verdict of March 1, 2007 directed CBI "to enquire into allegations" and find out as to whether the plea with regard to disproportionate assets of the SP leaders was "correct or not".

In 2012, the court dismissed the review petitions of Yadav and his sons against its verdict and directed CBI to go ahead with the probe against them in the disproportionate assets case.

It allowed the review plea of Dimple and directed CBI to drop the inquiry against her saying that she was not holding any public office.

The court had modified its March 1, 2007 order and asked CBI to file the status report before the court and not the government.

Chaturvedi, in his fresh plea, said: "Despite the yawning gap between the complaint made/court's directions and the pendency of filing of a regular Case in this matter, an unusually long period as already escaped without any action being taken on the matter for 11 long years."

The matter is still pending with CBI for registration of a regular case.

Till date, no FIR has been registered against the Yadavs and it has not only caused "some irremediable and irrecoverable damaged to the whole case, but also raised serious questions of credibility and integrity of our investigating agencies", the plea had said.

The CBI is duty bound to register a regular case as mandated by the provisions of law and also report the FIR to the jurisdictional magistrate as mandatory and provided by procedure law, it said.

Referring to the CBI's earlier status report, the fresh plea said it indicated that disproportionate assets were possessed not only by Yadav, Akhilesh and Prateek but also by Dimple.

On the basis of Income Tax Returns and reliable documents of the Yadav family members, the disproportionate assets were calculated at Rs 2.63 crore, it said.

The Supreme Court Monday issued a notice to CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it place the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case against SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek.

The Supreme Court Monday issued a notice to CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it place the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case against SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the CBI to file its response in two weeks on the status of the investigation against the Samajwadi Party patriarch and his sons. The bench was hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Vishwanath Chaturvedi seeking a direction to the probe agency to apprise the court of the status of the investigation. Chaturvedi in 2005 filed the PIL in the top court seeking directions to CBI to take appropriate action to prosecute Yadav, Akhilesh and his wife Dimple and Prateek under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly acquiring assets more than the known sources of their income by misusing their powers. The apex court in its verdict of March 1, 2007 directed CBI "to enquire into allegations" and find out as to whether the plea with regard to disproportionate assets of the SP leaders was "correct or not". In 2012, the court dismissed the review petitions of Yadav and his sons against its verdict and directed CBI to go ahead with the probe against them in the disproportionate assets case. It allowed the review plea of Dimple and directed CBI to drop the inquiry against her saying that she was not holding any public office. The court had modified its March 1, 2007 order and asked CBI to file the status report before the court and not the government. Chaturvedi, in his fresh plea, said: "Despite the yawning gap between the complaint made/court's directions and the pendency of filing of a regular Case in this matter, an unusually long period as already escaped without any action being taken on the matter for 11 long years." The matter is still pending with CBI for registration of a regular case. Till date, no FIR has been registered against the Yadavs and it has not only caused "some irremediable and irrecoverable damaged to the whole case, but also raised serious questions of credibility and integrity of our investigating agencies", the plea had said. The CBI is duty bound to register a regular case as mandated by the provisions of law and also report the FIR to the jurisdictional magistrate as mandatory and provided by procedure law, it said. Referring to the CBI's earlier status report, the fresh plea said it indicated that disproportionate assets were possessed not only by Yadav, Akhilesh and Prateek but also by Dimple. On the basis of Income Tax Returns and reliable documents of the Yadav family members, the disproportionate assets were calculated at Rs 2.63 crore, it said.

Supreme Court notice to CBI in disproportionate assets case against former UP CMs Mulayam, Akhilesh

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said Monday that once the Rafale is inducted into the Indian Air Force, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-gamechanger-hal-still-deal-iaf-chief-dhanoa-169154">Pakistan "will not come anywhere near the LoC"</a>.&nbsp;

He added that "the deterrence of our air defence will increase manifold" and that Pakistan will not "have an answer" to the Rafale.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force chief was speaking in Chandigarh at the induction into the air force of the first Chinook helicopters. This first unit of Chinooks — India took possession of them from Boeing on February 1 — will be deployed in Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Dhanoa said Monday that another unit would be deployed in Dinjan in Assam.&nbsp;

"Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet," Dhanoa said on Monday.&nbsp;

On February 27 this year, the Indian and Pakistani air forces had engaged in a dogfight for the first time in over 40 years.&nbsp;

Both air forces lost a plane each — the Indians a MiG-21 Bison and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp;

A day earlier, on February 26, the IAF had conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The strike had been retaliation for the suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">that left at least 40 CRPF personnel dead</a>.&nbsp;

On February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said it was proving its "deterrence capabilities".&nbsp;

India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that the February 26 air strike would have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-country-missing-rafale-slams-opposition-for-doubting-balakot-air-strike-200822">more effective</a> if India had had the Rafale.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa: When the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> comes in, the deterrence of our air defence will increase manifold,and they (Pak) will not come anywhere near the LoC or the border,with the kind of of capability that we will posses, for which presently they(Pak) don't have an answer <a href="https://t.co/mVnM62kQyz">pic.twitter.com/mVnM62kQyz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110053548111351810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The previous UPA government had signed a deal with Dassault Aviation — the maker of the Rafale — to buy 126 of the planes. Then, in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra announced a new government-to-government deal to purchase 36 of the planes.&nbsp;

India is still to get possession of the fighter planes. Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the first planes will arrive in India in September 2019.&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said Monday that once the Rafale is inducted into the Indian Air Force, Pakistan "will not come anywhere near the LoC". He added that "the deterrence of our air defence will increase manifold" and that Pakistan will not "have an answer" to the Rafale.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said Monday that once the Rafale is inducted into the Indian Air Force, Pakistan "will not come anywhere near the LoC". He added that "the deterrence of our air defence will increase manifold" and that Pakistan will not "have an answer" to the Rafale. The Indian Air Force chief was speaking in Chandigarh at the induction into the air force of the first Chinook helicopters. This first unit of Chinooks — India took possession of them from Boeing on February 1 — will be deployed in Chandigarh. Dhanoa said Monday that another unit would be deployed in Dinjan in Assam. "Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet," Dhanoa said on Monday. On February 27 this year, the Indian and Pakistani air forces had engaged in a dogfight for the first time in over 40 years. Both air forces lost a plane each — the Indians a MiG-21 Bison and the Pakistanis an F-16. A day earlier, on February 26, the IAF had conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The strike had been retaliation for the suicide attack on a security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that left at least 40 CRPF personnel dead. On February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said it was proving its "deterrence capabilities". India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that the February 26 air strike would have been more effective if India had had the Rafale. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa: When the #Rafale comes in, the deterrence of our air defence will increase manifold,and they (Pak) will not come anywhere near the LoC or the border,with the kind of of capability that we will posses, for which presently they(Pak) don't have an answer pic.twitter.com/mVnM62kQyz — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2019 × The previous UPA government had signed a deal with Dassault Aviation — the maker of the Rafale — to buy 126 of the planes. Then, in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra announced a new government-to-government deal to purchase 36 of the planes. India is still to get possession of the fighter planes. Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the first planes will arrive in India in September 2019.

When Rafale comes, Pakistan will not come anywhere near LoC: IAF chief BS Dhanoa

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first unit of four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-chinook-helicopter-handed-over-to-india-at-philadelphia-boeings-facility-194538">Chinook heavy-lift choppers</a> on Monday in Chandigarh, where the helicopters have been deployed. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presided over the induction ceremony.

''Country faces multiple security challenges, we require vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain. Chinook has been procured with India specific enhancements; it's a national asset,'' Dhanoa said.

''Chinook helicopter can carry out military operations, not only in day but during night too; another unit will be created for the east in Dinjan (Assam). Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet,'' Dhanoa added.

India has paid close to $1.5 billion for 15 of the helicopters which will be used to deploy troops and machinery at high-altitude locations.

India was officially handed over the first of the Chinook helicopters on February 1. The handover took place at Boeing's facility in Philadelphia in the presence of Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Shringla.

The Chinook is operated by 18 other defence forces around the world.

Large sections of the Chinook fuselage, interestingly, are being manufactured in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first unit of four Chinook heavy-lift choppers on Monday in Chandigarh, where the helicopters have been deployed. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presided over the induction ceremony.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first unit of four Chinook heavy-lift choppers on Monday in Chandigarh, where the helicopters have been deployed. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presided over the induction ceremony. ''Country faces multiple security challenges, we require vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain. Chinook has been procured with India specific enhancements; it's a national asset,'' Dhanoa said. ''Chinook helicopter can carry out military operations, not only in day but during night too; another unit will be created for the east in Dinjan (Assam). Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet,'' Dhanoa added. India has paid close to $1.5 billion for 15 of the helicopters which will be used to deploy troops and machinery at high-altitude locations. India was officially handed over the first of the Chinook helicopters on February 1. The handover took place at Boeing's facility in Philadelphia in the presence of Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Shringla. The Chinook is operated by 18 other defence forces around the world. Large sections of the Chinook fuselage, interestingly, are being manufactured in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Air Force inducts first unit of four Chinook choppers, chief BS Dhanoa calls it 'game changer'

Indian Air Force inducts four heavy-lift Chinook helicopter

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-robert-vadras-anticipatory-bail-till-march-25-ed-says-his-custodial-interrogation-required-204293">accused Robert Vadra</a> and Manoj Arora on their pleas seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.

"The anticipatory bail plea is already being heard in the Patiala House court, hence, we will not interfere right now," a division bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Vinod Goel said.&nbsp;

It directed the ED to furnish a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR)/FIR filed in Delhi against Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and his aide Arora.

The bench asked the agency to file a response to another prayer of the petitioners challenging the constitutional validity of certain sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

During the proceedings, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the petition, saying that the matter concerned is pending before the Supreme Court.

Mehta, appearing for the ED, told the court that Vadra and Arora`s pleas seeking quashing of the case against them is an abuse of the process of the law.

The court also sought a response from the Centre and then slated the matter for hearing on May 2. Vadra has challenged sections 3 (offence of money laundering), 19 (power to arrest), 24 (burden of proof) and 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and evidence, etc) of the PMLA.

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KTS Tulsi appeared for Vadra and Arora while Solicitor General Tusshar Mehta and advocate DP Singh represented the ED.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Vadra had moved the high court seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the ED in a money laundering case for which he has been interrogated by the agency.

Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, has also sought to declare certain sections of the PLMA, 2002 as ultra vires to the Constitution.

The money laundering case filed against Vadra is related to the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square, allegedly worth 1.9 million pounds.

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to accused Robert Vadra and Manoj Arora on their pleas seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to accused Robert Vadra and Manoj Arora on their pleas seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. "The anticipatory bail plea is already being heard in the Patiala House court, hence, we will not interfere right now," a division bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Vinod Goel said. It directed the ED to furnish a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR)/FIR filed in Delhi against Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and his aide Arora. The bench asked the agency to file a response to another prayer of the petitioners challenging the constitutional validity of certain sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). During the proceedings, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the petition, saying that the matter concerned is pending before the Supreme Court. Mehta, appearing for the ED, told the court that Vadra and Arora`s pleas seeking quashing of the case against them is an abuse of the process of the law. The court also sought a response from the Centre and then slated the matter for hearing on May 2. Vadra has challenged sections 3 (offence of money laundering), 19 (power to arrest), 24 (burden of proof) and 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and evidence, etc) of the PMLA. Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KTS Tulsi appeared for Vadra and Arora while Solicitor General Tusshar Mehta and advocate DP Singh represented the ED. On Wednesday, Vadra had moved the high court seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the ED in a money laundering case for which he has been interrogated by the agency. Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, has also sought to declare certain sections of the PLMA, 2002 as ultra vires to the Constitution. The money laundering case filed against Vadra is related to the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square, allegedly worth 1.9 million pounds.

Delhi High Court refuses to grant interim relief to Robert Vadra, Manoj Arora

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy.

India will be conducting separate bilateral forums with Croatia, Bolivia and Chile during President Kovind's visit to these countries, from March 25 to April 2, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"The large business delegations joining in the bilateral business forums organized as part of the visit of President, indicate the increasing interest of Indian companies in expanding business ties with these countries," the statement read.

President Kovind will first visit Croatia from March 25 to 28 in what would be the first visit by an Indian president to the European country. He is scheduled to participate in the India-Croatia Business Forum and deliver an address at the University of Zagreb.

In Bolivia from March 28 to 30, the President will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales. This is the first high-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"Bolivia's Lithium and our needs for eMobility and eStorage provide natural synergies. As Bolivia embarks on the industrialization of its resources, India is a willing partner for know-how, technology and skills. In the Financial Year 2017-18, the bilateral trade grew by 205% to reach US$ 772 million," the statement outlined.

On March 30, President Kovind will head to Chile. The visit comes at a time when the 70th year of establishment of India-Chile diplomatic relations is being celebrated.

Besides holding talks with Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera, President Kovind is scheduled to participate in a business meet and address the University of Chile.

"President's state visits to the three countries would reinvigorate bilateral ties and provide new direction to multi-faceted development of our bilateral relations," the MEA statement noted.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy. India will be conducting separate bilateral forums with Croatia, Bolivia and Chile during President Kovind's visit to these countries, from March 25 to April 2, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said. "The large business delegations joining in the bilateral business forums organized as part of the visit of President, indicate the increasing interest of Indian companies in expanding business ties with these countries," the statement read. President Kovind will first visit Croatia from March 25 to 28 in what would be the first visit by an Indian president to the European country. He is scheduled to participate in the India-Croatia Business Forum and deliver an address at the University of Zagreb. In Bolivia from March 28 to 30, the President will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales. This is the first high-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. "Bolivia's Lithium and our needs for eMobility and eStorage provide natural synergies. As Bolivia embarks on the industrialization of its resources, India is a willing partner for know-how, technology and skills. In the Financial Year 2017-18, the bilateral trade grew by 205% to reach US$ 772 million," the statement outlined. On March 30, President Kovind will head to Chile. The visit comes at a time when the 70th year of establishment of India-Chile diplomatic relations is being celebrated. Besides holding talks with Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera, President Kovind is scheduled to participate in a business meet and address the University of Chile. "President's state visits to the three countries would reinvigorate bilateral ties and provide new direction to multi-faceted development of our bilateral relations," the MEA statement noted.

President Ram Nath Kovind embarks on state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile

The body of a 27-year-old woman from Kerala, who was among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-orders-top-level-inquiry-into-mosque-massacres-205464">the 50 people killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques</a> in New Zealand, was brought to the state Monday and laid to rest.

Prayers were held at the Cheraman Juma mosque at Kodungallor before the body of the woman, Ancia Alibava, was laid to rest. The mosque is said to be the oldest in the Indian subcontinent.

Police sources at Kodungallor said the last rites were held at the mosque at around 11 am.

The body was airlifted to the international airport at Kochi from New Zealand early Monday morning and brought to her native place at Kodungallor.

It was taken to the house of Ancia's husband, Abdul Nazar and her parents' house before being kept for public homage at a hall in Kodungalloor.

Hundreds of people from various walks of life, including state Education Minister C Ravindranath, Thrissur district Collector, TV Anupama, were among those who paid homage to the woman.

Ancia was pursuing her M.Tech degree in an agricultural university in New Zealand.

She had gone to the mosque to offer prayers along with her husband Abdul Nazar when the shooting took place on March 15 during Friday prayers.

The body of a 27-year-old woman from Kerala, who was among the 50 people killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand, was brought to the state Monday and laid to rest.

The body of a 27-year-old woman from Kerala, who was among the 50 people killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand, was brought to the state Monday and laid to rest. Prayers were held at the Cheraman Juma mosque at Kodungallor before the body of the woman, Ancia Alibava, was laid to rest. The mosque is said to be the oldest in the Indian subcontinent. Police sources at Kodungallor said the last rites were held at the mosque at around 11 am. The body was airlifted to the international airport at Kochi from New Zealand early Monday morning and brought to her native place at Kodungallor. It was taken to the house of Ancia's husband, Abdul Nazar and her parents' house before being kept for public homage at a hall in Kodungalloor. Hundreds of people from various walks of life, including state Education Minister C Ravindranath, Thrissur district Collector, TV Anupama, were among those who paid homage to the woman. Ancia was pursuing her M.Tech degree in an agricultural university in New Zealand. She had gone to the mosque to offer prayers along with her husband Abdul Nazar when the shooting took place on March 15 during Friday prayers.

Woman killed in New Zealand mosque attack laid to rest in Kerala

After Karnataka government Sunday revoked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ola-licence-suspended-for-six-months-in-karnataka-204905">suspension on Ola cabs</a>, the company issued an official statement.

The statement said, ''We are glad that the issue stands resolved and we regret any inconvenience caused to our driver-partners and passengers since Friday.''

''We look forward to continue working with the State, to help address the challenges of mobility. We are committed to creating and enhancing livelihood opportunities for millions of driver-partners in the time to come,'' the statement further added.

The state government suspended the licence of Ola Cabs on March 22 for the next six months with immediate effect saying that it was running bike taxis without permission.

The suspension was lifted after the executives of Ola Cabs had a detailed discussion with state chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar and other senior officials.

After Karnataka government Sunday revoked the suspension on Ola cabs, the company issued an official statement. The statement said, ''We are glad that the issue stands resolved and we regret any inconvenience caused to our driver-partners and passengers since Friday.

After Karnataka government Sunday revoked the suspension on Ola cabs, the company issued an official statement. The statement said, ''We are glad that the issue stands resolved and we regret any inconvenience caused to our driver-partners and passengers since Friday.'' ''We look forward to continue working with the State, to help address the challenges of mobility. We are committed to creating and enhancing livelihood opportunities for millions of driver-partners in the time to come,'' the statement further added. The state government suspended the licence of Ola Cabs on March 22 for the next six months with immediate effect saying that it was running bike taxis without permission. The suspension was lifted after the executives of Ola Cabs had a detailed discussion with state chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar and other senior officials.

Karnataka: Glad issue is resolved, regret any inconvenience, says Ola

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi.

Ayyakannu said the move is to urge the BJP to include their demands, including "profitable prices for farm produce," in its manifesto with a promise of fulfiling the same, adding that the "moment they assure in their manifesto that our demands will be fulfilled, we will drop our decision to contest against Modi."

In the event of that not happening, he said they would go ahead and contest against the Prime Minister.

"We are not against the BJP or our PM Modi. Before assuming power, Modi ji promised to fulfil our demands and assured to double our income. 
Even today he is our Prime Minister and the BJP is the ruling party and that is why we are making this demand to them," he told PTI.&nbsp;

Already, he said, he has booked train tickets for 300 farmers to go to Varanasi. Farmers from districts, including Tiruvannamalai and Tiruchirappalli, will reach Varanasi, he added.

In November 2018, farmers led by Ayyakannu had gone to Delhi with two "skulls," to take part in a kisan rally, saying it belonged to their colleagues who had allegedly committed suicide over debt.&nbsp;

Parties like the DMK and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have assured full loan waiver, which is also one of the farmers' demands, in their manifestos, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi. Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi.

As many as 111 farmers from Tamil Nadu are set to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections from his home constituency, Varanasi. Tamil Nadu farmers leader P Ayyakannu said on Saturday that 111 farmers from the state will contest against the Prime Minister from Varanasi. Ayyakannu said the move is to urge the BJP to include their demands, including "profitable prices for farm produce," in its manifesto with a promise of fulfiling the same, adding that the "moment they assure in their manifesto that our demands will be fulfilled, we will drop our decision to contest against Modi." In the event of that not happening, he said they would go ahead and contest against the Prime Minister. "We are not against the BJP or our PM Modi. Before assuming power, Modi ji promised to fulfil our demands and assured to double our income. Even today he is our Prime Minister and the BJP is the ruling party and that is why we are making this demand to them," he told PTI. Already, he said, he has booked train tickets for 300 farmers to go to Varanasi. Farmers from districts, including Tiruvannamalai and Tiruchirappalli, will reach Varanasi, he added. In November 2018, farmers led by Ayyakannu had gone to Delhi with two "skulls," to take part in a kisan rally, saying it belonged to their colleagues who had allegedly committed suicide over debt. Parties like the DMK and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have assured full loan waiver, which is also one of the farmers' demands, in their manifestos, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha 2019: Over 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu set to challenge PM Modi in Varanasi

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Lok Sabha 2019: Over 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu set to challenge PM Modi in Varanasi