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In a rare acknowledgement, China Monday described the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistan-based LeT terror outfit as one of "the most notorious terrorist attacks".

In a white paper on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-nearly-13000-terrorists-arrested-in-xinjiang-204016">massive crackdown against militants</a> in the restive Xinjiang province, China said the global spread of terrorism and extremism over the years had inflicted agony on humanity.

The paper described the Mumbai terror attacks as one of "the most notorious terrorist attacks", adding that the "global spread of terrorism and extremism over the years has inflicted agony on humanity".

The release of the paper titled "The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang", interestingly coincided with Pakistan Foreign Minister's Shah Mehmood <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regional-tensions-to-be-discussed-during-talks-with-pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-china-204052">Qureshi's visit to China</a>.

Throughout the world, terrorism and extremism gravely threaten peace and development, and endanger the life and property of individuals, said the white paper released by China's State Council Information Office.

The paper came days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left more than 40 CRPF personnel dead and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Striking aggressively at terrorism and furthering the de-radicalisation effort is the common responsibility of the international community and essential to the protection of human rights," it said.

China opposes all forms of terrorism and extremism and opposes double standards on fighting terrorism, said the white paper, adding that Beijing opposes linking terrorism and extremism with specific countries, ethnic groups or religions.

China advocates comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and the root causes, with the dual purposes of striking at terrorist activities and eliminating poverty, so that there will be no room for terrorism to breed, it said.

In one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in the country's history, 166 people, including Americans, were killed and over 300 injured as 10 heavily-armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) created mayhem in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief, Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan.

The US has offered a $10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.

In a rare acknowledgement, China Monday described the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistan-based LeT terror outfit as one of "the most notorious terrorist attacks".

In a rare acknowledgement, China Monday described the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistan-based LeT terror outfit as one of "the most notorious terrorist attacks". In a white paper on its massive crackdown against militants in the restive Xinjiang province, China said the global spread of terrorism and extremism over the years had inflicted agony on humanity. The paper described the Mumbai terror attacks as one of "the most notorious terrorist attacks", adding that the "global spread of terrorism and extremism over the years has inflicted agony on humanity". The release of the paper titled "The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang", interestingly coincided with Pakistan Foreign Minister's Shah Mehmood Qureshi's visit to China. Throughout the world, terrorism and extremism gravely threaten peace and development, and endanger the life and property of individuals, said the white paper released by China's State Council Information Office. The paper came days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left more than 40 CRPF personnel dead and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. "Striking aggressively at terrorism and furthering the de-radicalisation effort is the common responsibility of the international community and essential to the protection of human rights," it said. China opposes all forms of terrorism and extremism and opposes double standards on fighting terrorism, said the white paper, adding that Beijing opposes linking terrorism and extremism with specific countries, ethnic groups or religions. China advocates comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and the root causes, with the dual purposes of striking at terrorist activities and eliminating poverty, so that there will be no room for terrorism to breed, it said. In one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in the country's history, 166 people, including Americans, were killed and over 300 injured as 10 heavily-armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) created mayhem in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief, Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan. The US has offered a $10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.

China says 26/11 one of the 'most notorious' terrorist attacks

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999.

"The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay.

RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014.

"During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said.

During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh.

RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP.

Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party.

Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh.

When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls.

The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP.

The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats.

In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank.

Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them.

Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura.

Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost.

In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat.

After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats.

While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat.

Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues."

SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election. In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999. "The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay. RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014. "During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said. During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh. RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP. Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party. Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh. When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls. The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP. The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats. In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank. Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them. Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura. Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost. In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat. After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats. While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat. Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues." SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After alliance with SP-BSP, RLD looks to revive itself in west Uttar Pradesh

Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev, has said that Moscow is supportive of India in the recent India-Pak tensions in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Kudashev said Moscow is "most supportive of the Indian position upon the issue. On the issue of the recent flare-up. The recent attack of international terror."

"There is a large understanding of the global issue (between Russia and India). First and foremost on countering terror and terrorism, countering drugs and crime, there is a lot of understandings on other issues like regional development, a regional architecture for security and co-operation," Nikolay Kudashev added.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. In his conversation with PM Modi on February 27, Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack and conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.

Calling India "a great friend and a privileged strategic partner," the Russian envoy said ties between both the countries are "extremely close" and "very special".

He also told WION that the next India-Russia informal summit will take place this year "possibly in India." Last year, PM Modi and Putin meet in Sochi, Russia for an informal summit.

Later the Ambassador, speaking at an event in Delhi, also observed a minute of silence in the memory of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-and-times-of-manohar-parrikar-203926#parrikars-early-life-203917">former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar</a> and called him "a great statesman, a daring visionary, and a true friend of Russia", one who contributed "enormously to enhancing Russia India relationship".

Prime Minister Modi has been invited to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok later this year. Over 60 per cent of Indian defence equipment is of Russian origin. Last year, New Delhi approved the S-400 missile deal with the country despite Washington's hopes that India will not go ahead with the deal.&nbsp;

Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev, has said that Moscow is supportive of India in the recent India-Pak tensions in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev, has said that Moscow is supportive of India in the recent India-Pak tensions in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel. Speaking exclusively to WION, Kudashev said Moscow is "most supportive of the Indian position upon the issue. On the issue of the recent flare-up. The recent attack of international terror." "There is a large understanding of the global issue (between Russia and India). First and foremost on countering terror and terrorism, countering drugs and crime, there is a lot of understandings on other issues like regional development, a regional architecture for security and co-operation," Nikolay Kudashev added. Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. In his conversation with PM Modi on February 27, Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack and conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism. Calling India "a great friend and a privileged strategic partner," the Russian envoy said ties between both the countries are "extremely close" and "very special". He also told WION that the next India-Russia informal summit will take place this year "possibly in India." Last year, PM Modi and Putin meet in Sochi, Russia for an informal summit. Later the Ambassador, speaking at an event in Delhi, also observed a minute of silence in the memory of former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and called him "a great statesman, a daring visionary, and a true friend of Russia", one who contributed "enormously to enhancing Russia India relationship". Prime Minister Modi has been invited to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok later this year. Over 60 per cent of Indian defence equipment is of Russian origin. Last year, New Delhi approved the S-400 missile deal with the country despite Washington's hopes that India will not go ahead with the deal.

Russian envoy reiterates support to India over tensions with Pak, calls Parrikar daring visionary

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10.

The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y&nbsp;Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV.

The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa.

President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting.

Earlier March 6, The Chairman of&nbsp;Parliamentary Committee&nbsp;on&nbsp;Information Technology,&nbsp;Anurag Thakur&nbsp;had said that social media giants&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security.&nbsp;

Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Whatsapp&nbsp;and Instagram.

Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur&nbsp;had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Tuesday met with heads and representatives of various social media platforms ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues related to social media content in lieu of Model Code of Conduct which has been implemented in India since after the announcement of Lok Sabha Elections on March 10. The social media heads and representatives who attended the meeting included Mahima Kaul from Twitter, Piyush Poddar and Chetan Krishnaswamy from Google, Sasha Mathew from WhatsApp, Shivnath Thujral from Facebook, Chitrita Chatterjee from Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Berges Y Malu from Share Chat , Apruva Mehta from Tiktok and Nagesh Banga from Bigo TV. The meeting was also attended by Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa. President of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) Subho Roy was also present in the meeting. Earlier March 6, The Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology, Anurag Thakur had said that social media giants Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram have accepted that there is a need for corrective measures to keep a check on posts that lead to communal tensions, incite violence or pose threat to national security. Thakur made these remarks after meeting with officials of Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. Even prior to that, following concerns by various political parties, Thakur had allowed Colin Crowell, Vice President and Global Policy Head of Twitter to appear before the committee on February 6 and had directed the micro-blogging site to ensure no interference of foreign entities in Indian elections.

Lok Sabha polls: Chief Election Commissioner meets with social media heads on Model Code of Conduct

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose has been appointed as India's first Lokpal by President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, ANI news agency reported.

Justice Ghose, who retired from the Supreme Court in May 2017, is a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Former SSB chief Archana Ramasundaram and former Maharashtra Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar Jain are named as non-judicial members of Lokpal.&nbsp;

President&nbsp;also appointed&nbsp;Justice Dilip B Bhosale, Justice P K Mohanty, Justice Abhilasha Kumari and Justice AK Tripathi as judicial members.

These appointments were recommended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee and approved by President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Lokpal Act, which envisages the establishment of anti-graft body Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to look into cases of corruption against certain categories of public servants, was passed in 2013.&nbsp;

According to rules, there is provision for a chairperson and a maximum of eight members in the Lokpal panel. Of these, four need to be judicial members.

Not less than 50 per cent of the members of the Lokpal shall be from amongst the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women, the rules say.

Upon selection, the chairperson and members shall hold office for a term of five years or till they attain 70 years of age.

(With inputs from PTI)

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose has been appointed as India's first Lokpal by President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, ANI news agency reported. Justice Ghose, who retired from the Supreme Court in May 2017, is a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose has been appointed as India's first Lokpal by President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, ANI news agency reported. Justice Ghose, who retired from the Supreme Court in May 2017, is a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Former SSB chief Archana Ramasundaram and former Maharashtra Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar Jain are named as non-judicial members of Lokpal. President also appointed Justice Dilip B Bhosale, Justice P K Mohanty, Justice Abhilasha Kumari and Justice AK Tripathi as judicial members. These appointments were recommended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee and approved by President Ram Nath Kovind. The Lokpal Act, which envisages the establishment of anti-graft body Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to look into cases of corruption against certain categories of public servants, was passed in 2013. According to rules, there is provision for a chairperson and a maximum of eight members in the Lokpal panel. Of these, four need to be judicial members. Not less than 50 per cent of the members of the Lokpal shall be from amongst the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women, the rules say. Upon selection, the chairperson and members shall hold office for a term of five years or till they attain 70 years of age. (With inputs from PTI)

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose appointed as India's first Lokpal

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show cause notice to BJP leader Babul Supriyo for a poll code violation on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu said, ''We are keeping a close watch on media and through the surveillance, we came to know of the election campaign song of Babul Supriyo. The All India Trinamool Congress has also registered a complaint against the song with us. We investigated the complaint and it seems that he (Babul Supriyo) promoted the song without media certification in the electronic media, social sites.''

Sanjay Basu added, ''This is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We have issued a show cause notice to Babul Supriyo. He has to reply to the show cause notice within 48 hours. As far as the content is concerned, we have received another complaint from the All India Trinamool Congress.''

Supriyo, on the other hand, claimed that he had not created the music video, rather media houses had covered it during the recording of the song.&nbsp;

''I will definitely reply to the show cause notice. The song will be sent to the media certification department and will be released in a proper manner from the BJP party office. I have not released the song on the social site also. During the recording, I had shared it with the party members and it seems that they have circulated it. I will abide by all the rules and regulations of the Election Commission,'' said Supriyo.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, an FIR was lodged against Supriyo at the Asansol South Police Station for the song slamming the ruling party in the state – Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;

On the same day, a high-level delegation of the Trinamool Congress, comprising party leaders Derek O'Brien, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Dr Chandan Mitra, met the officials of Election Commission of India in Delhi on a range of issues.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show cause notice to BJP leader Babul Supriyo for a poll code violation on Tuesday. The additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu said, ''We are keeping a close watch on media and through the surveillance, we came to know of the election campaign song of Babul Supriyo.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show cause notice to BJP leader Babul Supriyo for a poll code violation on Tuesday. The additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu said, ''We are keeping a close watch on media and through the surveillance, we came to know of the election campaign song of Babul Supriyo. The All India Trinamool Congress has also registered a complaint against the song with us. We investigated the complaint and it seems that he (Babul Supriyo) promoted the song without media certification in the electronic media, social sites.'' Sanjay Basu added, ''This is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We have issued a show cause notice to Babul Supriyo. He has to reply to the show cause notice within 48 hours. As far as the content is concerned, we have received another complaint from the All India Trinamool Congress.'' Supriyo, on the other hand, claimed that he had not created the music video, rather media houses had covered it during the recording of the song. ''I will definitely reply to the show cause notice. The song will be sent to the media certification department and will be released in a proper manner from the BJP party office. I have not released the song on the social site also. During the recording, I had shared it with the party members and it seems that they have circulated it. I will abide by all the rules and regulations of the Election Commission,'' said Supriyo. Earlier in the day, an FIR was lodged against Supriyo at the Asansol South Police Station for the song slamming the ruling party in the state – Trinamool Congress. On the same day, a high-level delegation of the Trinamool Congress, comprising party leaders Derek O'Brien, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Dr Chandan Mitra, met the officials of Election Commission of India in Delhi on a range of issues.

Election Commission issues a show cause notice to Babul Supriyo for poll code violation

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat.

Out of 56 candidates, 22 are from Andhra Pradesh, five from Assam, six from Odisha, eight from Telangana, two from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from West Bengal and 1 from Lakshadweep.

So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11.

The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Other than Raju, the 21 other candidates who will contest from Andhra Pradesh include, Shruti V. Devi (Araku), Dola Jaganmohan Rao (Srikakulam), Yedla Adiraju (Vizianagaram), Sreeram Murthy (Anakapalle), Janga Gowtham (Amalapuram), Nalluri Vijaya Srinivasa Rao (Rajahmundry), Kanumuri Bapurajau (Narsapuram), Jetti Gurunadho Rao (Eluru), Gollu Krishna (Machilipatnam), Shaik Mastan Valu (Guntur), Pakkala Suribabu (Narasdaraopet), Jesudasu Seelam (Bapatla), SDJM Prasad (Ongole), Ahmed Ali Khan (Kurnool), Kuncham Rajeev Reddy (Anantapur), KT Sreedhar (Hindpur), Gundlakunta Sreeramulu (Kadapa), Chevuru Devakumar Reddy (Nellore), Chinta Mohan (Tirupati) and Mohd Shahjahan Basha (Rajampet).

Voting for all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh shall take place on April 11 in a single phase along with the Assembly polls.

Among those contesting from Telangana include Madhu Yashki Goud from Telangana's Nizamabad, M. Anjan Kumar Yadav from Secunderabad, Firoz Khan from Hyderabad, Dr CH Vamshichand Reddy from Mahbubnagar, Dr Mallu Ravi from Nagarkurnool, N Uttam Kumar Reddy from Nalgonda, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy from Bhongir, and Dommati Sambaiah from Warangal.

All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11, which is also the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In Assam, the Congress has fielded Dr Cheemala Rangappa (Autonomous), Bhubaneswar Kalita (Mangaldoi), MGVK Bhanu (Tezpur), Pradyut Bordoloi (Nowgong) and Anil Borgohain (Lakhimpur).

Pradeep Kumar Devta (Bargarh), George Tirkey (Sundargarh), Bhakta Charan Das (Kalahandi), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur), Manoj Kumar Acharya (Kandhamal) and V Chandrasekhar Naidu (Berhampur) are the six candidates who will contest on Parliamentary constituency from Odisha.

The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, beginning from April 11.

The last phase of polling in Odisha, which has 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats at stake, will take place on April 29.

Congress'&nbsp;Harendra Agarwal, Dolly Sharma and Bansi Lal Pahadia will contest from the three major seats Meerut, Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr, respectively, in Uttar Pradesh where 80 Lok Sabha are seats are at stake.

Voting will take place in this state during all seven phases - from April 11 to May 19.

The 10 candidates for West Bengal, other than Abhijit Mukherjee, include Priya Roy Chowdhury from Coochbehar, Mohan Lal Basumata from Alipurduars, Mani Kumar Sarnal from Jalpaiguri, Shankar Malakar from Darjeeling, Deepa Dashmunshi from Raiganj, Sadik Sarkar from Balurghat, Isha Khan Chowdhary from Maldaha Uttar, Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury from Maldaha Dakshin, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and Abhu Neha from Murshidabad.

M. Hamdullah Sayeed will contest from Lakshadweep which has only one Lok Sabha constituency. Voters in Lakshadweep will cast their vote on April 11.

The fifth list was declared after a meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee (CCE) chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.&nbsp;

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat.

The Congress Party on Monday released its fifth list of 56 candidates including former President Pranab Mukherjee's son and sitting MP Abhijeet Mukherjee from West Bengal's Jangipur Lok Sabha seat, and former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju from Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada seat. Out of 56 candidates, 22 are from Andhra Pradesh, five from Assam, six from Odisha, eight from Telangana, two from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from West Bengal and 1 from Lakshadweep. So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23. Other than Raju, the 21 other candidates who will contest from Andhra Pradesh include, Shruti V. Devi (Araku), Dola Jaganmohan Rao (Srikakulam), Yedla Adiraju (Vizianagaram), Sreeram Murthy (Anakapalle), Janga Gowtham (Amalapuram), Nalluri Vijaya Srinivasa Rao (Rajahmundry), Kanumuri Bapurajau (Narsapuram), Jetti Gurunadho Rao (Eluru), Gollu Krishna (Machilipatnam), Shaik Mastan Valu (Guntur), Pakkala Suribabu (Narasdaraopet), Jesudasu Seelam (Bapatla), SDJM Prasad (Ongole), Ahmed Ali Khan (Kurnool), Kuncham Rajeev Reddy (Anantapur), KT Sreedhar (Hindpur), Gundlakunta Sreeramulu (Kadapa), Chevuru Devakumar Reddy (Nellore), Chinta Mohan (Tirupati) and Mohd Shahjahan Basha (Rajampet). Voting for all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh shall take place on April 11 in a single phase along with the Assembly polls. Among those contesting from Telangana include Madhu Yashki Goud from Telangana's Nizamabad, M. Anjan Kumar Yadav from Secunderabad, Firoz Khan from Hyderabad, Dr CH Vamshichand Reddy from Mahbubnagar, Dr Mallu Ravi from Nagarkurnool, N Uttam Kumar Reddy from Nalgonda, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy from Bhongir, and Dommati Sambaiah from Warangal. All 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will go to polls in a single phase on April 11, which is also the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. In Assam, the Congress has fielded Dr Cheemala Rangappa (Autonomous), Bhubaneswar Kalita (Mangaldoi), MGVK Bhanu (Tezpur), Pradyut Bordoloi (Nowgong) and Anil Borgohain (Lakhimpur). Pradeep Kumar Devta (Bargarh), George Tirkey (Sundargarh), Bhakta Charan Das (Kalahandi), Pradeep Majhi (Nabarangpur), Manoj Kumar Acharya (Kandhamal) and V Chandrasekhar Naidu (Berhampur) are the six candidates who will contest on Parliamentary constituency from Odisha. The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, beginning from April 11. The last phase of polling in Odisha, which has 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats at stake, will take place on April 29. Congress' Harendra Agarwal, Dolly Sharma and Bansi Lal Pahadia will contest from the three major seats Meerut, Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr, respectively, in Uttar Pradesh where 80 Lok Sabha are seats are at stake. Voting will take place in this state during all seven phases - from April 11 to May 19. The 10 candidates for West Bengal, other than Abhijit Mukherjee, include Priya Roy Chowdhury from Coochbehar, Mohan Lal Basumata from Alipurduars, Mani Kumar Sarnal from Jalpaiguri, Shankar Malakar from Darjeeling, Deepa Dashmunshi from Raiganj, Sadik Sarkar from Balurghat, Isha Khan Chowdhary from Maldaha Uttar, Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury from Maldaha Dakshin, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and Abhu Neha from Murshidabad. M. Hamdullah Sayeed will contest from Lakshadweep which has only one Lok Sabha constituency. Voters in Lakshadweep will cast their vote on April 11. The fifth list was declared after a meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee (CCE) chaired by party chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases 5th list; fields Pranab Mukherjee's son from Jangipur

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) met on Tuesday to discuss seat-sharing allocation in 10 states.

The meeting, currently underway, at the party's headquarters here is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president&nbsp;Amit Shah.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Rajnath Singh are also present at the meeting.

According to sources, discussions will be held on seat allocation in 10 states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Odisha.

BJP has so far not released any list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Congress, on the other hand, has already released five lists. So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Election Commission&nbsp;of India had on Monday issued a notification for the first phase of&nbsp;Lok Sabha&nbsp;election, which is due to be held on April 11 
States that will go to polls on April 11 in the first phase of the upcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

As many as 91 Parliamentary constituencies spread over 20 states and Union Territories will go to polls in this phase. The last date for filing of nominations is March 25 and the scrutiny of the nomination papers will be carried out on March 26.

The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is March 28.

Among the constituencies going for polls in the first phase are - eight in Uttar Pradesh, five in Uttarakhand, four in Bihar, seven in Maharashtra, five in Assam, four in Odisha, two each in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal, and one each in Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) met on Tuesday to discuss seat-sharing allocation in 10 states. The meeting, currently underway, at the party's headquarters here is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Central Election Committee (CEC) met on Tuesday to discuss seat-sharing allocation in 10 states. The meeting, currently underway, at the party's headquarters here is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah. Union Minister Arun Jaitley, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Rajnath Singh are also present at the meeting. According to sources, discussions will be held on seat allocation in 10 states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Odisha. BJP has so far not released any list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress, on the other hand, has already released five lists. So far, the Congress has declared 137 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19 and the counting of votes will take place on May 23. The Election Commission of India had on Monday issued a notification for the first phase of Lok Sabha election, which is due to be held on April 11 States that will go to polls on April 11 in the first phase of the upcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. As many as 91 Parliamentary constituencies spread over 20 states and Union Territories will go to polls in this phase. The last date for filing of nominations is March 25 and the scrutiny of the nomination papers will be carried out on March 26. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is March 28. Among the constituencies going for polls in the first phase are - eight in Uttar Pradesh, five in Uttarakhand, four in Bihar, seven in Maharashtra, five in Assam, four in Odisha, two each in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal, and one each in Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

BJP holds Central Election Committee meeting in presence of PM Modi, Amit Shah

In a "heartfelt" message, industrialist and RCom chief Anil Ambani thanked his elder brother Mukesh Ambani for his "timely support". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reliance-communication-pays-ericsson-rs-550-crore-204153">Anil Ambani's RCom managed to pay back Swedish telecom giant Ericsson on Monday</a>, just a day before a Supreme Court deadline, thereby avoiding a prison term.&nbsp;

In the message, Anil Ambani elaborated on the "importance of staying true" to their family value, something he said was exhibited by his elder brother's support. He added that he is "grateful" that they have "moved beyond the past".

“My sincere and heartfelt thanks to my respected elder brother, Mukesh, and Nita, for standing by me during these trying times, and demonstrating the importance of staying true to our strong family values by extending this timely support. I and my family are grateful we have moved beyond the past, and are deeply touched with this gesture,” the message read.&nbsp;

The public feud between the Ambani brothers, over control of the Reliance empire, grew after their father's demise in the year 2002. The differences led to a split in the conglomerate.&nbsp;

Country's richest man Mukesh Ambani, who controls oil-to-telecoms powerhouse Reliance Industries, appears&nbsp;to have offered some kind of support to ensure Anil paid off a Rs 550 crore debt that was owed to Swedish telecom equipment company Ericsson and had been run up by his telecoms group Reliance Communications.&nbsp;

The development may mark a watershed moment in the relationship between the two brothers, who carved their separate businesses in 2005 with Mukesh Ambani getting the oil and petrochemicals business and Anil winning control of power, telecoms and financial services.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India had ordered Anil Ambani and two RCom directors to pay Ericsson within four weeks or face a three-month jail term for contempt of court.

The court had found RCom's chairman guilty of contempt of court for failing to pay the Swedish company.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

In a "heartfelt" message, industrialist and RCom chief Anil Ambani thanked his elder brother Mukesh Ambani for his "timely support". Anil Ambani's RCom managed to pay back Swedish telecom giant Ericsson on Monday, just a day before a Supreme Court deadline, thereby avoiding a prison term.

In a "heartfelt" message, industrialist and RCom chief Anil Ambani thanked his elder brother Mukesh Ambani for his "timely support". Anil Ambani's RCom managed to pay back Swedish telecom giant Ericsson on Monday, just a day before a Supreme Court deadline, thereby avoiding a prison term. In the message, Anil Ambani elaborated on the "importance of staying true" to their family value, something he said was exhibited by his elder brother's support. He added that he is "grateful" that they have "moved beyond the past". “My sincere and heartfelt thanks to my respected elder brother, Mukesh, and Nita, for standing by me during these trying times, and demonstrating the importance of staying true to our strong family values by extending this timely support. I and my family are grateful we have moved beyond the past, and are deeply touched with this gesture,” the message read. The public feud between the Ambani brothers, over control of the Reliance empire, grew after their father's demise in the year 2002. The differences led to a split in the conglomerate. Country's richest man Mukesh Ambani, who controls oil-to-telecoms powerhouse Reliance Industries, appears to have offered some kind of support to ensure Anil paid off a Rs 550 crore debt that was owed to Swedish telecom equipment company Ericsson and had been run up by his telecoms group Reliance Communications. The development may mark a watershed moment in the relationship between the two brothers, who carved their separate businesses in 2005 with Mukesh Ambani getting the oil and petrochemicals business and Anil winning control of power, telecoms and financial services. The Supreme Court of India had ordered Anil Ambani and two RCom directors to pay Ericsson within four weeks or face a three-month jail term for contempt of court. The court had found RCom's chairman guilty of contempt of court for failing to pay the Swedish company. (With inputs from Reuters)

In heartfelt message, Anil Ambani thanks brother Mukesh for 'timely support during trying times'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-pramod-sawant-takes-oath-as-goa-chief-minister-says-will-never-be-able-to-do-as-much-as-parrikar-204182">BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar'</a>

The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him.&nbsp;

"I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-working-overtime-to-blame-me-for-new-zealand-mosque-attacks-204207">Media 'working overtime to blame me' for New Zealand mosque attacks: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump has said the media is "working overtime to blame me" for the New Zealand mosque attacks.&nbsp;

The attacks on the two mosques last Friday in Christchurch have left 50 people dead. Trump has condemned the attacks but he has refused to come down as strongly on white nationalism.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-feared-dead-in-mozambique-storm-204202">Over 1,000 feared dead in Mozambique storm</a>

More than a thousand people are feared to have died in a cyclone that smashed into Mozambique last week, while scores were killed and more than 200 are missing in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-vows-mosque-gunman-will-face-full-force-of-law-204206">New Zealand PM Ardern vows mosque gunman will face 'full force of law'</a>

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised on Tuesday that the man responsible for last week's deadly mosque massacres would face "the full force of the law", as she vowed never to utter his name.

"He sought many things from his act of terror, but one was notoriety —&nbsp;that is why you will never hear me mention his name," Ardern said in an emotional address to a special meeting of parliament, which she opened with the Arabic greeting "as salaam aleikum" —&nbsp;'peace be upon you'.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-is-not-planning-to-contest-2019-lok-sabha-elections-204188">Akshay Kumar not planning to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a>

If there is an actor who has been making films with the theme of nation-building, it's Akshay Kumar. The actor's past few blockbuster hits have all had nationalism as their theme which made many speculate if the actor was planning to join politics.&nbsp;

There were also rumours that the BJP was planning on making Akshay contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar.&nbsp;

Quashing rumours about his debut in politics, Akshay said, "Politics is not on my agenda. I feel what I am doing through my films, I will never be able to do that through politics." The actor was speaking to the press while promoting his upcoming film 'Kesari'.&nbsp;

BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar' The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.

BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar' The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him. "I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics. Media 'working overtime to blame me' for New Zealand mosque attacks: Trump US President Donald Trump has said the media is "working overtime to blame me" for the New Zealand mosque attacks. The attacks on the two mosques last Friday in Christchurch have left 50 people dead. Trump has condemned the attacks but he has refused to come down as strongly on white nationalism. Over 1,000 feared dead in Mozambique storm More than a thousand people are feared to have died in a cyclone that smashed into Mozambique last week, while scores were killed and more than 200 are missing in neighbouring Zimbabwe. New Zealand PM Ardern vows mosque gunman will face 'full force of law' New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised on Tuesday that the man responsible for last week's deadly mosque massacres would face "the full force of the law", as she vowed never to utter his name. "He sought many things from his act of terror, but one was notoriety — that is why you will never hear me mention his name," Ardern said in an emotional address to a special meeting of parliament, which she opened with the Arabic greeting "as salaam aleikum" — 'peace be upon you'. Akshay Kumar not planning to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections If there is an actor who has been making films with the theme of nation-building, it's Akshay Kumar. The actor's past few blockbuster hits have all had nationalism as their theme which made many speculate if the actor was planning to join politics. There were also rumours that the BJP was planning on making Akshay contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar. Quashing rumours about his debut in politics, Akshay said, "Politics is not on my agenda. I feel what I am doing through my films, I will never be able to do that through politics." The actor was speaking to the press while promoting his upcoming film 'Kesari'.

News brief: Big stories of the day

BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pramod-sawant-parrikar-loyalist-and-rss-man-rises-to-top-as-goa-cm-204187">Pramod Sawant</a> on Tuesday took oath as Goa's 11th chief minister. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-pramod-sawant-takes-oath-as-goa-chief-minister-says-will-never-be-able-to-do-as-much-as-parrikar-204182">The swearing-in ceremony took place in the wee hours, around 2am, on Tuesday</a>. Shortly after the ceremony ended, Sawant interacted with media and stated that he will give his best to provide stability to Goa. He remembered Parrikar and said his political career began all because of the former late Goa CM.&nbsp;

"I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics.&nbsp;

"The party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him," Sawant said.&nbsp;

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Pramod Sawant: Party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goa</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y6pBz3rbsL">pic.twitter.com/Y6pBz3rbsL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1107723976627892225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sawant took charge as Goa's chief minister after the demise of Manohar Parrikar who was battling a pancreatic ailment for a long time.&nbsp;

46-year-old Sawant is a two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa and served as the Speaker of the state Assembly before taking charge as Goa CM.&nbsp;

Sawant's swearing-in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later.&nbsp;

The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

BJP's Pramod Sawant on Tuesday took oath as Goa's 11th chief minister. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the wee hours, around 2am, on Tuesday. Shortly after the ceremony ended, Sawant interacted with media and stated that he will give his best to provide stability to Goa.

BJP's Pramod Sawant on Tuesday took oath as Goa's 11th chief minister. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the wee hours, around 2am, on Tuesday. Shortly after the ceremony ended, Sawant interacted with media and stated that he will give his best to provide stability to Goa. He remembered Parrikar and said his political career began all because of the former late Goa CM. "I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics. "The party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him," Sawant said. Pramod Sawant: Party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him. #Goa pic.twitter.com/Y6pBz3rbsL — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019 × Sawant took charge as Goa's chief minister after the demise of Manohar Parrikar who was battling a pancreatic ailment for a long time. 46-year-old Sawant is a two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa and served as the Speaker of the state Assembly before taking charge as Goa CM. Sawant's swearing-in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later. The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership, news agency PTI reported. The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents. (With inputs from agencies)

Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar: New Goa CM Pramod Sawant

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-threaten-to-stop-flying-from-april-1-204355">Jet Airways</a> on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today.&nbsp;

Current availability of aircraft in the fleet for operation is 41 and accordingly scheduled for 603 domestic flights and 382 international flights have been drawn. However, it is a dynamic situation and there may be further attrition in the coming weeks. &nbsp;

DGCA instructed them to comply with relevant provisions of applicable CARs for facilitation of passengers regarding timely communication, compensation and providing alternate flights.

The data is being monitored by DGCA on a regular basis. They are also ensuring that all aircraft in the fleet whether in operation or on the ground are maintained in accordance with Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP).

Jet Airways was also directed to ensure that no Pilots/Cabin Crew/AMEs should be rostered on duty who had reported stress of any nature.&nbsp;

According to sources, ''DGCA held a meeting with domestic airlines over a spike in airfares, haven't issued a diktat but advisory advised airlines to increase capacity &amp; keep fares in check. Several domestic factors led to a spike in fares but airlines have promised to keep them under control.''

Shri Prabhu also instructed DGCA to avoid last minute cancellation or change in schedule so as to minimize passenger inconvenience, and 
ensure that affected passengers are duly adjusted/refunded as per the relevant regulations.

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of Jet Airways on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today.

As per the direction of Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviewed the performance of Jet Airways on operational, airworthiness and passenger facilitation today. Current availability of aircraft in the fleet for operation is 41 and accordingly scheduled for 603 domestic flights and 382 international flights have been drawn. However, it is a dynamic situation and there may be further attrition in the coming weeks. DGCA instructed them to comply with relevant provisions of applicable CARs for facilitation of passengers regarding timely communication, compensation and providing alternate flights. The data is being monitored by DGCA on a regular basis. They are also ensuring that all aircraft in the fleet whether in operation or on the ground are maintained in accordance with Approved Maintenance Programme (AMP). Jet Airways was also directed to ensure that no Pilots/Cabin Crew/AMEs should be rostered on duty who had reported stress of any nature. According to sources, ''DGCA held a meeting with domestic airlines over a spike in airfares, haven't issued a diktat but advisory advised airlines to increase capacity & keep fares in check. Several domestic factors led to a spike in fares but airlines have promised to keep them under control.'' Shri Prabhu also instructed DGCA to avoid last minute cancellation or change in schedule so as to minimize passenger inconvenience, and ensure that affected passengers are duly adjusted/refunded as per the relevant regulations.

DGCA reviews Jet Airways' performance on operational, airworthiness & passenger facilitation

N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telegu Desam party on Tuesday released a list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections along with its third list of 36 candidates for the state assembly elections.&nbsp;

According to reports, Ashok Gajapathi Raju will contest from Vizianagaram Lok Sabha seat, Kesineni Srinivas from Vijayawada, Galla Jayadev from Guntur and N Sivaprasad from Chittoor.

This comes just a few days after the party released a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-announces-126-candidates-for-assembly-polls-naidu-son-nara-lokesh-to-contest-203399">list of 126 candidates for the April 11 assembly elections</a> last Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to contest from Kuppam assembly constituency while his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh will fight from Mangalagiri.

Andhra Pradesh will conduct state assembly elections on April 11.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora had announced the elections for the 175 Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh will take place on April 11 in a single phase.

The results of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telegu Desam party on Tuesday released a list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections along with its third list of 36 candidates for the state assembly elections.

N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telegu Desam party on Tuesday released a list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections along with its third list of 36 candidates for the state assembly elections. According to reports, Ashok Gajapathi Raju will contest from Vizianagaram Lok Sabha seat, Kesineni Srinivas from Vijayawada, Galla Jayadev from Guntur and N Sivaprasad from Chittoor. This comes just a few days after the party released a list of 126 candidates for the April 11 assembly elections last Thursday. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is slated to contest from Kuppam assembly constituency while his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh will fight from Mangalagiri. Andhra Pradesh will conduct state assembly elections on April 11. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora had announced the elections for the 175 Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh will take place on April 11 in a single phase. The results of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23. (With inputs from ANI)

TDP releases names of 25 candidates for Lok Sabha polls, third list for assembly elections 

Days after China put on hold the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-time-for-continued-consultations-issue-will-be-resolved-china-to-india-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-203822"> Masood Azhar as a terrorist</a> in the UNSC, discussions&nbsp;have&nbsp;started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655">&nbsp;Masood Azhar by European Union</a>. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion"

On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with European Union. 
&nbsp; 
A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move.

China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine&nbsp;months before which Beijing has to take a&nbsp;decision on listing of Azhar.

JeM&nbsp;is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist. Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of Masood Azhar by European Union. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion" On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move. China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine months before which Beijing has to take a decision on listing of Azhar. JeM is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

European Union begins discussions on declaring Masood Azhar a terrorist

The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him.&nbsp;

"I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-and-times-of-manohar-parrikar-203926#parrikars-early-life-203917">Parrikar</a> who had brought him into politics.&nbsp;

Sawant said his aim would be to provide "stability and move ahead together with all allies". He added that "it'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works."&nbsp;

Sawant, who used to be Speaker of the assembly, will have two deputy chief ministers&nbsp;which is unprecedented for Goa.&nbsp;The two deputy CMs are Sudhin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party.

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Pramod Sawant: Party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goa</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y6pBz3rbsL">pic.twitter.com/Y6pBz3rbsL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1107723976627892225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sawant's swearing in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later.&nbsp;

The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and&nbsp;Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership.&nbsp;

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Newly-appointed Goa CM Pramod Sawant: I have to provide a stability &amp; move ahead together with all allies. It'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works. I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible. <a href="https://t.co/BImogFkxp0">pic.twitter.com/BImogFkxp0</a>
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Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, the party's Goa in-charge, was present at Sawant's swearing-in ceremony. It was Gadkari who led the discussions over the chief ministership with the BJP's allies but the news agency PTI reported that BJP president Amit Shah finally stepped in to break the deadlock.&nbsp;

The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents.

All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post.

Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo will officiate as Speaker till elections for the post are held.&nbsp;

Sawant had been scheduled to be sworn in at 11 pm but there was an unexplained delay for another two hours.&nbsp;

Parrikar had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for the last two years;&nbsp;his health had dipped suddenly over the last two days.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">Parrikar was cremated with state honours</a> on Monday at Goa's Miramar beach, with thousands bidding the affable politician a fond farewell.

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him. "I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office.

The BJP's Pramod Sawant was sworn in as chief minister of Goa at 1.50 am on Tuesday. Eleven ministers were sworn in along with him. "I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible," Sawant said shortly after taking office. He added that it was Parrikar who had brought him into politics. Sawant said his aim would be to provide "stability and move ahead together with all allies". He added that "it'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works." Sawant, who used to be Speaker of the assembly, will have two deputy chief ministers which is unprecedented for Goa. The two deputy CMs are Sudhin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party. Pramod Sawant: Party has given me a huge responsibility, I will try my best to carry it out in the best possible manner. Whatever I am today is all due to Manohar Parrikar. It was he who brought me to politics, I became the Speaker and the CM today, due to him. #Goa pic.twitter.com/Y6pBz3rbsL — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019 × Sawant's swearing in early Tuesday capped a hectic day of parleying between the BJP and its allies after former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar died Sunday. He was cremated on Monday evening, and Sawant was sworn in a few hours later. The two deputy chief ministerships were how the deadlock was broken — Dhavalikar and Sardesai had both staked a claim to the chief ministership. Newly-appointed Goa CM Pramod Sawant: I have to provide a stability & move ahead together with all allies. It'll be my responsibility to complete the incomplete works. I will not be able to work as much as Manohar Parrikar ji but I will definitely try to work as much as possible. pic.twitter.com/BImogFkxp0 — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2019 × Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, the party's Goa in-charge, was present at Sawant's swearing-in ceremony. It was Gadkari who led the discussions over the chief ministership with the BJP's allies but the news agency PTI reported that BJP president Amit Shah finally stepped in to break the deadlock. The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents. All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post. Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo will officiate as Speaker till elections for the post are held. Sawant had been scheduled to be sworn in at 11 pm but there was an unexplained delay for another two hours. Parrikar had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for the last two years; his health had dipped suddenly over the last two days. Parrikar was cremated with state honours on Monday at Goa's Miramar beach, with thousands bidding the affable politician a fond farewell. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP's Pramod Sawant sworn in as new Goa chief minister, says 'will never be able to do as much as Parrikar'

The umbrella body of the domestic pilots of the nearly crippled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-fell-by-5-amid-massive-flights-cancellation-204299">Jet Airways</a> Tuesday threatened to stop flying from April 1, if the resolution plan is delayed and salary dues are not cleared by the end of this month.

The decision was taken at the annual meeting of Jet Airways domestic pilots body National Aviators Guild after a meeting here lasting for over 90 minutes.

The guild, which came into being almost a decade ago, represents around 1,000 domestic pilots at the airline.

"If there is no proper clarity on the resolution process and salary payments, by March 31, we will stop flying from April 1," the guild said.

The pilots and other senior staff have not RPT not been getting their full salaries since December.

Having failed to get any assurance from the management on salaries, the guild last week had written to Union labour minister Santosh Gangwar, seeking his intervention.

Meanwhile, aviation minister Suresh Prabhu Tuesday also directed his the secretary to hold an emergency meeting on the debt-ridden airline that has been cancelling flights abruptly following grounding of a large part of its fleet.&nbsp;

The umbrella body of the domestic pilots of the nearly crippled Jet Airways Tuesday threatened to stop flying from April 1, if the resolution plan is delayed and salary dues are not cleared by the end of this month.

The umbrella body of the domestic pilots of the nearly crippled Jet Airways Tuesday threatened to stop flying from April 1, if the resolution plan is delayed and salary dues are not cleared by the end of this month. The decision was taken at the annual meeting of Jet Airways domestic pilots body National Aviators Guild after a meeting here lasting for over 90 minutes. The guild, which came into being almost a decade ago, represents around 1,000 domestic pilots at the airline. "If there is no proper clarity on the resolution process and salary payments, by March 31, we will stop flying from April 1," the guild said. The pilots and other senior staff have not RPT not been getting their full salaries since December. Having failed to get any assurance from the management on salaries, the guild last week had written to Union labour minister Santosh Gangwar, seeking his intervention. Meanwhile, aviation minister Suresh Prabhu Tuesday also directed his the secretary to hold an emergency meeting on the debt-ridden airline that has been cancelling flights abruptly following grounding of a large part of its fleet.

Jet Airways pilots threaten to stop flying from April 1

From being an Ayurveda practitioner to being the Goa chief minister, 46-year-old Pramod Sawant has come a long way.

The two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa, Sawant, who was Speaker of the state Assembly, is a dedicated RSS worker.

The politician, recently seen in the RSS uniform at a Sangh event, was sworn in as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-pramod-sawant-takes-oath-as-goa-chief-minister-says-will-never-be-able-to-do-as-much-as-parrikar-204182">new chief minister of Goa in the wee hours of Tuesday</a> following Manohar Parrikar's death.

His elevation to the top post in the coastal state followed hectic parleys between the BJP and its alliance partners.

Sawant's political career began in the BJP as a youth leader. A staunch Parrikar supporter, he had worked closely with the late leader.

He won the 2012 and 2017 Assembly elections from North Goa's Sankhalim constituency, which used to be a Congress stronghold.

He was among the few BJP MLAs who got re-elected in their constituencies during the state polls two years ago when the party managed to win only 13 seats as compared to&nbsp;21 in the 2012 elections.

When Parrikar cobbled up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Independents in 2017 despite the Congress being the single largest party, Sawant was elected the Assembly Speaker.

He is a former chairman of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, a special purpose vehicle set up by Parrikar to take up various infrastructure works in the coastal state.

Sawant holds a Bachelor's Degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery from Ganga Education Society's Ayurvedic College in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.

His wife Sulakshana heads the BJP Mahila Morcha in Goa.&nbsp;

From being an Ayurveda practitioner to being the Goa chief minister, 46-year-old Pramod Sawant has come a long way. The two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa, Sawant, who was Speaker of the state Assembly, is a dedicated RSS worker.

From being an Ayurveda practitioner to being the Goa chief minister, 46-year-old Pramod Sawant has come a long way. The two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa, Sawant, who was Speaker of the state Assembly, is a dedicated RSS worker. The politician, recently seen in the RSS uniform at a Sangh event, was sworn in as the new chief minister of Goa in the wee hours of Tuesday following Manohar Parrikar's death. His elevation to the top post in the coastal state followed hectic parleys between the BJP and its alliance partners. Sawant's political career began in the BJP as a youth leader. A staunch Parrikar supporter, he had worked closely with the late leader. He won the 2012 and 2017 Assembly elections from North Goa's Sankhalim constituency, which used to be a Congress stronghold. He was among the few BJP MLAs who got re-elected in their constituencies during the state polls two years ago when the party managed to win only 13 seats as compared to 21 in the 2012 elections. When Parrikar cobbled up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Independents in 2017 despite the Congress being the single largest party, Sawant was elected the Assembly Speaker. He is a former chairman of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, a special purpose vehicle set up by Parrikar to take up various infrastructure works in the coastal state. Sawant holds a Bachelor's Degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery from Ganga Education Society's Ayurvedic College in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. His wife Sulakshana heads the BJP Mahila Morcha in Goa.

Pramod Sawant, Parrikar loyalist and RSS man, rises to top as Goa CM

Extradition proceedings of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pnb-scam-uk-court-issues-arrest-warrant-against-nirav-modi-cbi-ed-officials-to-visit-london-soon-204148">fugitive businessman Nirav Modi</a> are underway, sources in Central Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday.

"The extradition process of Nirav Modi is on, we are doing everything as per the law. It takes its own time. The process is legalistic from their side also," sources in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told ANI.

"When we issue a Red Corner Notice (RCN), it is an (international) warrant against the person to whom it is issued," the sources said.

On Monday, a London court issued an arrest warrant against diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India for an alleged loan default case, according to the sources in the Enforcement Directorate.

The arrest warrant was issued by the Westminster Court, the sources added.

The development comes days after the fugitive was tracked down to a 33-storey Centre Point Apartment complex in London`s Theatre District.

The tower was an office complex and was converted into luxury residences with prices ranging from PS2 million to PS55 million all with superb views over the city of London.

Modi is believed to be living in a property worth PS8 million apartments in the tower, the rent for a similar apartment in the tower comes to approximately PS17,000 a month, stated the Daily Telegraph.

One of the prime accused in the PNB scam in India, Modi is the subject of an extradition request by India, along with an Interpol Red Corner Notice being issued against him. Modi is the prime accused in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB fraud, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi.

Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018, while Modi is in London.

Both Modi and Choksi left India in January last year before the PNB scam came out in the public. The duo has not returned to India despite repeated summons from probe agencies and courts.

Extradition proceedings of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi are underway, sources in Central Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday. "The extradition process of Nirav Modi is on, we are doing everything as per the law.

Extradition proceedings of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi are underway, sources in Central Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday. "The extradition process of Nirav Modi is on, we are doing everything as per the law. It takes its own time. The process is legalistic from their side also," sources in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told ANI. "When we issue a Red Corner Notice (RCN), it is an (international) warrant against the person to whom it is issued," the sources said. On Monday, a London court issued an arrest warrant against diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India for an alleged loan default case, according to the sources in the Enforcement Directorate. The arrest warrant was issued by the Westminster Court, the sources added. The development comes days after the fugitive was tracked down to a 33-storey Centre Point Apartment complex in London`s Theatre District. The tower was an office complex and was converted into luxury residences with prices ranging from PS2 million to PS55 million all with superb views over the city of London. Modi is believed to be living in a property worth PS8 million apartments in the tower, the rent for a similar apartment in the tower comes to approximately PS17,000 a month, stated the Daily Telegraph. One of the prime accused in the PNB scam in India, Modi is the subject of an extradition request by India, along with an Interpol Red Corner Notice being issued against him. Modi is the prime accused in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB fraud, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018, while Modi is in London. Both Modi and Choksi left India in January last year before the PNB scam came out in the public. The duo has not returned to India despite repeated summons from probe agencies and courts.

Extradition proceedings against Nirav Modi underway: CBI sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-has-suspended-oil-exports-to-india-russia-and-china-main-destinations-azerbaijan-energy-ministry-204333">Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry</a>

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat</a>

Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said.

At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan</a>

Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reincarnation-of-the-dalai-lama-should-follow-national-rules-china-204287">Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China</a>

China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-man-performs-emotional-haka-dance-to-pay-tribute-to-new-zealand-mosque-shooting-victims-204322">Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims</a>

New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister. European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said. At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added. Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday. Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government. Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported.

Around 40 people are feared trapped at the site of the collapse.

An under-construction building collapsed on Tuesday in Kumareshwar Nagar area of Karnataka's Dharwad district.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted, "Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I've instructed the chief secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad."

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Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dharwad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dharwad</a> .
— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1107971878537162752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kumaraswamy also tweeted that, ''the rescue operation is on and five people have been extricated, so far, from the debris. I have instructed the concerned officials to be on location.''

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported.

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported. Around 40 people are feared trapped at the site of the collapse. An under-construction building collapsed on Tuesday in Kumareshwar Nagar area of Karnataka's Dharwad district. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted, "Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I've instructed the chief secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad." Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to #Dharwad . — H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) March 19, 2019 × Kumaraswamy also tweeted that, ''the rescue operation is on and five people have been extricated, so far, from the debris. I have instructed the concerned officials to be on location.''

Karnataka: One dead, six injured after under-construction building collapses

Esplanade Court on Tuesday sent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-bridge-collapse-auditor-neeraj-desai-arrested-204147">Neeraj Desai, the auditor</a> of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station&nbsp;Bridge which collapsed on March 14, to police custody till March 25.

This comes a day after he was arrested by the Mumbai Police.

"Initially when we visited the spot an offence of IPC under Sections 304 A, 337 and 338 was registered by seeing the incident. After an investigation, it came out that the structural audit and the negligence on the part of various officials," said DCP Abhishek Trimukhe on Monday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the people that corrective measures will be taken. "There should be no blame game. If there is a fault in the structural audit then it is serious. We will take corrective measures," said Fadnavis.

Six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of the overbridge near the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed on the evening of March 14.&nbsp;

Esplanade Court on Tuesday sent Neeraj Desai, the auditor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station Bridge which collapsed on March 14, to police custody till March 25.

Esplanade Court on Tuesday sent Neeraj Desai, the auditor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station Bridge which collapsed on March 14, to police custody till March 25. This comes a day after he was arrested by the Mumbai Police. "Initially when we visited the spot an offence of IPC under Sections 304 A, 337 and 338 was registered by seeing the incident. After an investigation, it came out that the structural audit and the negligence on the part of various officials," said DCP Abhishek Trimukhe on Monday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the people that corrective measures will be taken. "There should be no blame game. If there is a fault in the structural audit then it is serious. We will take corrective measures," said Fadnavis. Six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of the overbridge near the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed on the evening of March 14.

Mumbai bridge collapse: Auditor Neeraj Desai sent to police custody till March 25

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nia-court-issues-non-bailable-warrants-against-hafiz-saeed-syed-salahuddin-175174">terrorist Syed Salahuddin</a>, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

The central probe agency issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach the properties worth Rs 1.22 crore, which it said belonged to one Mohammad Shafi Shah, a resident of Bandipora, and six other residents of the state who allegedly worked for the terror outfit.

The ED said it filed a criminal case of money laundering in this instance after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against Salahuddin, Shah and others under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Action (UAPA).

"Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the most active terror outfit in Kashmir, has been responsible for funding terrorist and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Headed by Syed Salahuddin, its self-styled commander based out of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, it funds terrorism on Indian soil through monies organised by a trust called JKART (Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust) in alleged connivance with ISI and other Pakistan-based entities,"&nbsp; 
the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement.

It said probe found that "terror funds" were being sent to India through hawala and other channels.

Shah is lodged in the Tihar jail in the national capital in connection with an alleged terror funding case, it said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based terrorist Syed Salahuddin, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based terrorist Syed Salahuddin, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. The central probe agency issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach the properties worth Rs 1.22 crore, which it said belonged to one Mohammad Shafi Shah, a resident of Bandipora, and six other residents of the state who allegedly worked for the terror outfit. The ED said it filed a criminal case of money laundering in this instance after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against Salahuddin, Shah and others under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Action (UAPA). "Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the most active terror outfit in Kashmir, has been responsible for funding terrorist and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Headed by Syed Salahuddin, its self-styled commander based out of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, it funds terrorism on Indian soil through monies organised by a trust called JKART (Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust) in alleged connivance with ISI and other Pakistan-based entities," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement. It said probe found that "terror funds" were being sent to India through hawala and other channels. Shah is lodged in the Tihar jail in the national capital in connection with an alleged terror funding case, it said.

Enforcement Directorate attaches 13 assets in J&K in terror funding probe against Syed Salahuddin

A technical meet of India and Pakistan officials happened at the proposed zero point of Kartarpur corridor on Tuesday and it was decided that experts would be doing the survey of the site and will discuss the alignment of the corridor.

Along with this, both sides in future would also hold meetings to discuss the coordinates and engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points.&nbsp;

Zero point is the point where the Indian side of the corridor and the Pakistani side of the corridor will be meeting. India had shared the coordinates point with Pakistan earlier this year but the Pakistani side gave alternate points.

India and Pakistani engineers and surveyors were also present in the meeting. New Delhi had been seeking this meeting for a long time and had suggested the meet to happen on February 15 but Islamabad had linked the meet with draft agreement.

WION was first to broke the new on February 9 that India had proposed engineers meet on February 15.

The outcomes of Tuesday's site visit would be further discussed at the meeting on April 2 when the second round of talks between Indian and Pakistani officials will take place in Wagha, Pakistan.&nbsp;

The first round was done on March 14 on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border.

While India has proposed that the corridor should be open to 5000 Indian citizens every day, Pakistan has said that they can allow only 700 people that too only Indian citizens on designated days with a paid permit.

A technical meet of India and Pakistan officials happened at the proposed zero point of Kartarpur corridor on Tuesday and it was decided that experts would be doing the survey of the site and will discuss the alignment of the corridor.

A technical meet of India and Pakistan officials happened at the proposed zero point of Kartarpur corridor on Tuesday and it was decided that experts would be doing the survey of the site and will discuss the alignment of the corridor. Along with this, both sides in future would also hold meetings to discuss the coordinates and engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points. Zero point is the point where the Indian side of the corridor and the Pakistani side of the corridor will be meeting. India had shared the coordinates point with Pakistan earlier this year but the Pakistani side gave alternate points. India and Pakistani engineers and surveyors were also present in the meeting. New Delhi had been seeking this meeting for a long time and had suggested the meet to happen on February 15 but Islamabad had linked the meet with draft agreement. WION was first to broke the new on February 9 that India had proposed engineers meet on February 15. The outcomes of Tuesday's site visit would be further discussed at the meeting on April 2 when the second round of talks between Indian and Pakistani officials will take place in Wagha, Pakistan. The first round was done on March 14 on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border. While India has proposed that the corridor should be open to 5000 Indian citizens every day, Pakistan has said that they can allow only 700 people that too only Indian citizens on designated days with a paid permit.

Kartarpur talks: India, Pakistan officials meet; experts to survey the site

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Tuesday promised a slew of measures in its election manifesto, including a national poverty eradication initiative that will be named after the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Releasing the manifesto for the general election at a press conference here, AIADMK coordinator and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the party would "vigorously pursue" the Amma National Poverty Eradication Initiative (ANPEI).

"Based on the experience already gained by the AIADMK government in this regard, a direct transfer of Rs 1,500 per month to the targeted population of the poor and deprived (people below poverty line, destitute women, widows without income, differently-abled, landless agricultural labourers, rural and urban manual labourers, destitute senior citizens etc) should not be difficult to implement," the party said.

Jayalalithaa is addressed as 'Amma' (mother) by her supporters and the ruling AIADMK has been implementing welfare measures under the brand Amma initiative, including the popular Amma subsidised canteens.

Panneerselvam, flanked by party co-coordinator and Chief Minister K Palaniswami, along with senior leaders and ministers, read out the salient features of the manifesto.

Reiterating the party's stand, Panneerselvam said AIADMK would press for the release of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-aiadmk-dmk-say-will-urge-centre-to-release-7-convicted-in-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-204248">seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case</a> and strive for the scrapping of the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test for medical admissions.

"AIADMK will urge the Government of India and the president to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for the release of seven Tamil convicts as ordered by the Supreme Court and approved by the cabinet of Tamil Nadu government," he said.

In September 2018, the cabinet had recommended to Governor Banwarilal Purohit the release of Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Nalini, all serving life in prison for their involvement in the killing of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at an election rally here in 1991 by an LTTE suicide bomber.

On the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, AIADMK said it would press the Centre to take up the issue of "massacre" of civilian Tamils in the island republic during the peak of hostilities, with the International Criminal Court at the Hague.

Further, the party would urge the Centre to implement river interlinking programmes like the Cauvery-Godaveri linking project.

The manifesto said AIADMK would urge the Centre to waive education loans of students and also urge the government to come up with a firm policy to waive the loans obtained by small and medium farmers in the country.

It would urge the Centre to move education from the Concurrent List to the State List.

It said it would also urge the Centre to accept the Justice Sachar Committee recommendation to treat the converted SCs/STs, BCs and MBCs (to both Islam and Christianity) as "regular SC/ST/BC/MBC and provide them with all concessions now provided" for them.

The party said it would urge the Union government to implement Tamil as one of the official languages of the country and also impress upon it to declare Cauvery delta region a protected agriculture zone.

Panneerselvam said his party would urge the Centre to accord full statehood to the Union Territory of Puducherry to fulfil the aspirations of people.

Stressing that there is a need to skill the youth, the party said it would pursue with the Centre to institutionalise an arrangement similar to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines.

On the pricing of petroleum products, AIADMK said it would urge the Centre to take away the price-fixing power from the consortium of oil companies and take it upon itself and evolve a people friendly policy so that prices of commodities come under control.

"Frequent increase in prices of petroleum products by oil marketing companies have been augmenting the cost of all essential commodities, consumer goods and transport cost to all commuters, increasing the cost of living of consumers," it said.

On FDI, the party said it would urge the Union government to give up the policy of allowing foreign direct investment in retail to protect small and tiny retailers, reflecting Jayalalithaa's firm stand on this subject.

Its other promises included urging the Centre to establish a national commission for the welfare of fishermen.

AIADMK is leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The NDA constituents in Tamil Nadu are BJP, DMDK, PMK, TMC, Puthiya Neethi Katchi and Puthiya Tamizhagam while former Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy-led All India NR Congress is the party's ally in the neighbouring union territory.

Polls to 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry are scheduled on April 18.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Tuesday promised a slew of measures in its election manifesto, including a national poverty eradication initiative that will be named after the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Tuesday promised a slew of measures in its election manifesto, including a national poverty eradication initiative that will be named after the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Releasing the manifesto for the general election at a press conference here, AIADMK coordinator and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the party would "vigorously pursue" the Amma National Poverty Eradication Initiative (ANPEI). "Based on the experience already gained by the AIADMK government in this regard, a direct transfer of Rs 1,500 per month to the targeted population of the poor and deprived (people below poverty line, destitute women, widows without income, differently-abled, landless agricultural labourers, rural and urban manual labourers, destitute senior citizens etc) should not be difficult to implement," the party said. Jayalalithaa is addressed as 'Amma' (mother) by her supporters and the ruling AIADMK has been implementing welfare measures under the brand Amma initiative, including the popular Amma subsidised canteens. Panneerselvam, flanked by party co-coordinator and Chief Minister K Palaniswami, along with senior leaders and ministers, read out the salient features of the manifesto. Reiterating the party's stand, Panneerselvam said AIADMK would press for the release of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and strive for the scrapping of the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test for medical admissions. "AIADMK will urge the Government of India and the president to give due direction to the Governor of Tamil Nadu for the release of seven Tamil convicts as ordered by the Supreme Court and approved by the cabinet of Tamil Nadu government," he said. In September 2018, the cabinet had recommended to Governor Banwarilal Purohit the release of Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Nalini, all serving life in prison for their involvement in the killing of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at an election rally here in 1991 by an LTTE suicide bomber. On the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, AIADMK said it would press the Centre to take up the issue of "massacre" of civilian Tamils in the island republic during the peak of hostilities, with the International Criminal Court at the Hague. Further, the party would urge the Centre to implement river interlinking programmes like the Cauvery-Godaveri linking project. The manifesto said AIADMK would urge the Centre to waive education loans of students and also urge the government to come up with a firm policy to waive the loans obtained by small and medium farmers in the country. It would urge the Centre to move education from the Concurrent List to the State List. It said it would also urge the Centre to accept the Justice Sachar Committee recommendation to treat the converted SCs/STs, BCs and MBCs (to both Islam and Christianity) as "regular SC/ST/BC/MBC and provide them with all concessions now provided" for them. The party said it would urge the Union government to implement Tamil as one of the official languages of the country and also impress upon it to declare Cauvery delta region a protected agriculture zone. Panneerselvam said his party would urge the Centre to accord full statehood to the Union Territory of Puducherry to fulfil the aspirations of people. Stressing that there is a need to skill the youth, the party said it would pursue with the Centre to institutionalise an arrangement similar to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines. On the pricing of petroleum products, AIADMK said it would urge the Centre to take away the price-fixing power from the consortium of oil companies and take it upon itself and evolve a people friendly policy so that prices of commodities come under control. "Frequent increase in prices of petroleum products by oil marketing companies have been augmenting the cost of all essential commodities, consumer goods and transport cost to all commuters, increasing the cost of living of consumers," it said. On FDI, the party said it would urge the Union government to give up the policy of allowing foreign direct investment in retail to protect small and tiny retailers, reflecting Jayalalithaa's firm stand on this subject. Its other promises included urging the Centre to establish a national commission for the welfare of fishermen. AIADMK is leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The NDA constituents in Tamil Nadu are BJP, DMDK, PMK, TMC, Puthiya Neethi Katchi and Puthiya Tamizhagam while former Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy-led All India NR Congress is the party's ally in the neighbouring union territory. Polls to 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry are scheduled on April 18.

Lok Sabha polls: AIADMK manifesto promises national poverty eradication scheme

A Delhi court Tuesday extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-interim-protection-from-arrest-granted-to-robert-vadra-till-march-19-200712">Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail</a> in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation.

Special judge Arvind Kumar granted the relief to Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds.&nbsp;

The property is allegedly owned by him.

On February 16, the court had extended his protection from arrest till today.

ED had said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds each, six other flats and more properties.&nbsp;

A Delhi court Tuesday extended Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation.

A Delhi court Tuesday extended Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation. Special judge Arvind Kumar granted the relief to Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is allegedly owned by him. On February 16, the court had extended his protection from arrest till today. ED had said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds each, six other flats and more properties.

Delhi Court extends Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail till March 25, ED says his custodial interrogation required

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions.

Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country.

On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar''&nbsp;(I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country. Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions. Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country. On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar'' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi to interact with people on March 31 over 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign

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PM Modi to interact with people on March 31 over 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign