Rahul Gandhi's plea against Election Commission delayed as Supreme Court registry flags 14 ‘defects’

Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 forms of Goddess Durga and 9 colours- Check the complete list

Korean peninsula tensions escalate as North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles, PACOM says 'no threat to US personnel'

Trump weighs firing Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece amid misconduct allegations: Report

Anti-SIR protest in Mumbai: Protestors wear black masks & ribbons in Mumbai 

UK PM Andy Birnham renews claims of Russian meddling in Brexit vote

BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi

'Absolutely disgusting': Australia slams US plan to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution; Mike Johnson raises concerns, warns of terrorist propaganda

1,500 drones illuminate Mumbai sky as Cordelia Cruises unveils second ship, Cordelia Sky

Houthis warns US of 'painful response' if Washington joins Saudi war in Yemen as airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia

India Rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Commission, Tells Islamabad to Drop 'Theatrics' | GRAVITAS

Congress demands action against chief election commissioner 

Apple HomeView smart home hub may launch soon with A18 chip, display and Siri controls: What to expect

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

'I will not be silenced': Ilhan Omar alleges political intimidation after federal officers search her Washington home

Robotic surgery, advanced treatment: What is coming to this small Gujarat town?

Pakistan's government blames PTI for rise of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

‘This is just the start’: Maaya Rajeshwaran on historic ITF title, confidence boost and future goals

How does a robot decide what to do next?

Trump says he 'may' meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during upcoming Asia trip

'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row

Sidhu Moose Wala’s younger brother wins hearts by recreating late singer’s signature move at Toronto Hologram Show

UK school ditches technology, shifts from screen to pen and paper for learning

Opposition’s 10 demands in Supreme Court petition range from stay on SIR to audit of voter rolls

'I am thoroughly unamused': Judge slams Trump administration after 400 trees cut at Washington golf course

Portugal Federation confirms Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to national team despite suspension

New OTT releases this week (October 12-18, 2026): Sacrifice, Koffee with Karan S9, Roadies Rebirth- 6 titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

India's Ajit Doval, Iran's Mohsen Rezaei hold talks amid escalating West Asia tensions, discuss 'issues of mutual interest'

'Almost certainly': UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Iran's IRGC behind RAF Fairford threat

Elon Musk pumps $276 million into Republican campaigns ahead of US midterm elections

A National Conference (NC) worker was shot at by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara on Thursday highlighting the grim security situation in the valley.&nbsp;

The NC worker identified as Mohammad Ismail was shot by the terrorists near Thajiwara area in the evening following which searches were conducted in the area to nab the suspects.&nbsp;

Police said Ismail has received gunshot injuries and has been admitted to hospital for treatment.”&nbsp;

This is the first time a political leader has been targetted after the announcement of Lok Sabha polls in the state by the election commission of India. ECI has deferred state elections stating the security situation in the valley.&nbsp;

The National Conference said that the injured was its block President for Bijbehara.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My <a href="https://twitter.com/JKNC_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JKNC_</a> colleague Mohd Ismail Wani, block President Bijbehara block in South Kashmir of has been shot &amp; injured. He has been referred to Srinagar. Praying for his recovery.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1106173315125858305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The incident has once again put the focus on the security situation in the valley, just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Police registered a case and are investigating.&nbsp;

A National Conference (NC) worker was shot at by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara on Thursday highlighting the grim security situation in the valley. The NC worker identified as Mohammad Ismail was shot by the terrorists near Thajiwara area in the evening following which searches were conducted in the area to nab the suspects.

A National Conference (NC) worker was shot at by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara on Thursday highlighting the grim security situation in the valley. The NC worker identified as Mohammad Ismail was shot by the terrorists near Thajiwara area in the evening following which searches were conducted in the area to nab the suspects. Police said Ismail has received gunshot injuries and has been admitted to hospital for treatment.” This is the first time a political leader has been targetted after the announcement of Lok Sabha polls in the state by the election commission of India. ECI has deferred state elections stating the security situation in the valley. The National Conference said that the injured was its block President for Bijbehara. My @JKNC_ colleague Mohd Ismail Wani, block President Bijbehara block in South Kashmir of has been shot & injured. He has been referred to Srinagar. Praying for his recovery. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 14, 2019 × The incident has once again put the focus on the security situation in the valley, just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Police registered a case and are investigating.

J&K: National Conference leader shot at by terrorists

The BSE benchmark Sensex rose over 150 points Thursday led by gains in financial stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflow and positive domestic cues.

The 30-share index was trading 141.80 points, or 0.38 per cent, higher at 37,893.97, while the 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 33.75 points, or 0.30 per cent, to 11,375.45.

In the previous session, the 30-share BSE index ended 216.51 points or 0.58 per cent, higher at 37,752.17. The broader NSE Nifty closed with gains of 40.50 points, or 0.36 per cent, at 11,341.70.

Top gainers in early trade include Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Kotak Bank, HDFC twins, L&amp;T, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank and RIL, rising up to 2.50 per cent.

While, Hero MotoCorp, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, HUL, TCS, ITC and M&amp;M were among the top losers, falling up to 1.37 per cent.

According to Sahaj Agrawal of Kotak Securities, Nifty has given a strong breakout and is expected to remain strong going ahead. Broad-based participation is seen which supportive of the positive outlook of the market.

Domestic equities extended their gains to the fourth session as investors anticipate a better performance by the ruling NDA government in the upcoming general election, helping investors develop risk appetite, amid sustained foreign fund inflows, experts said.

On a net basis, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 2,722.28 crore on Wednesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,508.14 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.01 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.09 per cent, Kospi shed 0.16 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was up 0.19 per cent in early trade.

On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.58 per cent higher on Wednesday.

The rupee, meanwhile, fell 24 paise to 69.78 against the US dollar in opening trade Thursday on increased demand for the greenback from importers and banks and rising crude oil prices.

The benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.37 per cent to trade at USD 67.80 per barrel.

The BSE benchmark Sensex rose over 150 points Thursday led by gains in financial stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflow and positive domestic cues. The 30-share index was trading 141.

The BSE benchmark Sensex rose over 150 points Thursday led by gains in financial stocks amid unabated foreign fund inflow and positive domestic cues. The 30-share index was trading 141.80 points, or 0.38 per cent, higher at 37,893.97, while the 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 33.75 points, or 0.30 per cent, to 11,375.45. In the previous session, the 30-share BSE index ended 216.51 points or 0.58 per cent, higher at 37,752.17. The broader NSE Nifty closed with gains of 40.50 points, or 0.36 per cent, at 11,341.70. Top gainers in early trade include Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Kotak Bank, HDFC twins, L&T, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank and RIL, rising up to 2.50 per cent. While, Hero MotoCorp, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, HUL, TCS, ITC and M&M were among the top losers, falling up to 1.37 per cent. According to Sahaj Agrawal of Kotak Securities, Nifty has given a strong breakout and is expected to remain strong going ahead. Broad-based participation is seen which supportive of the positive outlook of the market. Domestic equities extended their gains to the fourth session as investors anticipate a better performance by the ruling NDA government in the upcoming general election, helping investors develop risk appetite, amid sustained foreign fund inflows, experts said. On a net basis, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 2,722.28 crore on Wednesday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,508.14 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.01 per cent, Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.09 per cent, Kospi shed 0.16 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was up 0.19 per cent in early trade. On Wall Street, Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.58 per cent higher on Wednesday. The rupee, meanwhile, fell 24 paise to 69.78 against the US dollar in opening trade Thursday on increased demand for the greenback from importers and banks and rising crude oil prices. The benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.37 per cent to trade at USD 67.80 per barrel.

Sensex jumps over 150 points; Nifty nears 11,400

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital.&nbsp;Mumbai Police said the bridge used to connect CST railway station's platform no. 1 with BT Lane near the Times of India building.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mumbai: A team of NDRF and dog squad also present at the spot where portion of a foot over bridge near CSMT railways station collapsed earlier this evening. 5 people have died, 36 injured. Toll is likely to rise. <a href="https://t.co/KxR4uxQ7BC">pic.twitter.com/KxR4uxQ7BC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106227246463967232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Foot over bridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot.
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice/status/1106197431526543366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A picture&nbsp;from the accident site (see below) showed that a large section of the floor of the bridge had collapsed.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Two people died, 23 injured when part of a foot over bridge near CSMT station in Mumbai collapsed earlier this evening. (Pic source: NDRF) <a href="https://t.co/LjI1qvRqlE">pic.twitter.com/LjI1qvRqlE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106208805489127424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said 10 to 12 people are thought to be trapped under the debris. They added that a team had been rushed to CST railway station.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: A foot over bridge near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station has collapsed. Multiple injuries have been reported. <a href="https://t.co/r43zS5eA0l">pic.twitter.com/r43zS5eA0l</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106201091279151107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A foot overbridge at another Mumbai railway station had collapsed in September 2017. That collapse, at Mumbai's Elphinstone Road railway station, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saw-woman-fall-off-lie-dead-on-the-ground-witnesses-tell-of-mumbai-stampede-horror-20845">had left 23 people dead</a>.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the news agency ANI quoted the Ministry of Railways as saying the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was responsible for the foot overbridge at CST. "However, we're extending all our support&nbsp;to the victims. Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," the Ministry of Railways added.&nbsp;

Maharastra minister Vinod Tawde, who visited the accident site, said "a slab of the bridge had collapsed".&nbsp;He added that the "bridge wasn't in a bad condition". And that "it required minor repairs for which work was underway".&nbsp;

"Why was it not closed until the work was completed? It'll also be probed," he said.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had ordered a "high-level inquiry" into the collapse.

"A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such incident happened, it raises question on the audit. Inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken," he said.&nbsp;

Tawde meanwhile said an enquiry into the collapse would be conducted by the Railways and the BMC.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Raj Purohit, BJP MLA on portion of foot over bridge near CSMT Railway station collapse: It's unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened. Action should be taken against the engineer who gave certificate to this bridge in auditing, he should be arrested. He should be punished. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qzx55j0j7s">pic.twitter.com/Qzx55j0j7s</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106221391043530758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Fadnavis said an ex-gratia&nbsp;payment of Rs 5 lakh would be made to the families of each of the dead, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured. He added that the state government would provide for their treatment.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant reaches St George hospital to meet the people injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. <a href="https://t.co/TdKmG5TXwU">pic.twitter.com/TdKmG5TXwU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106236244013387776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mumbai: Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar arrives at St George Hospital to meet the people who were injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. <a href="https://t.co/RkZxquhL2Z">pic.twitter.com/RkZxquhL2Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106232018067775488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said he was "deeply anguished by the loss of lives".&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106225943176273920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital.

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital. Mumbai Police said the bridge used to connect CST railway station's platform no. 1 with BT Lane near the Times of India building. Mumbai: A team of NDRF and dog squad also present at the spot where portion of a foot over bridge near CSMT railways station collapsed earlier this evening. 5 people have died, 36 injured. Toll is likely to rise. pic.twitter.com/KxR4uxQ7BC — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Foot over bridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) March 14, 2019 × A picture from the accident site (see below) showed that a large section of the floor of the bridge had collapsed. #SpotVisuals: Two people died, 23 injured when part of a foot over bridge near CSMT station in Mumbai collapsed earlier this evening. (Pic source: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/LjI1qvRqlE — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said 10 to 12 people are thought to be trapped under the debris. They added that a team had been rushed to CST railway station. #WATCH Mumbai: A foot over bridge near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station has collapsed. Multiple injuries have been reported. pic.twitter.com/r43zS5eA0l — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × A foot overbridge at another Mumbai railway station had collapsed in September 2017. That collapse, at Mumbai's Elphinstone Road railway station, had left 23 people dead. On Thursday, the news agency ANI quoted the Ministry of Railways as saying the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was responsible for the foot overbridge at CST. "However, we're extending all our support to the victims. Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," the Ministry of Railways added. Maharastra minister Vinod Tawde, who visited the accident site, said "a slab of the bridge had collapsed". He added that the "bridge wasn't in a bad condition". And that "it required minor repairs for which work was underway". "Why was it not closed until the work was completed? It'll also be probed," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had ordered a "high-level inquiry" into the collapse. "A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such incident happened, it raises question on the audit. Inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken," he said. Tawde meanwhile said an enquiry into the collapse would be conducted by the Railways and the BMC. Raj Purohit, BJP MLA on portion of foot over bridge near CSMT Railway station collapse: It's unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened. Action should be taken against the engineer who gave certificate to this bridge in auditing, he should be arrested. He should be punished. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/Qzx55j0j7s — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Fadnavis said an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh would be made to the families of each of the dead, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured. He added that the state government would provide for their treatment. Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant reaches St George hospital to meet the people injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/TdKmG5TXwU — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Mumbai: Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar arrives at St George Hospital to meet the people who were injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/RkZxquhL2Z — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said he was "deeply anguished by the loss of lives". Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2019 × "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he added.

Five dead, 36 injured after foot overbridge collapses at Mumbai's CST railway station

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case.

Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council."

Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region."

India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing.

The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal."

The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations.&nbsp;

JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack.

During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership &amp; our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism."

A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks."

NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

“Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added.

The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project. Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case. Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council." Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region." India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing. The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal." The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack. During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed. In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership & our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism." A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks." NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism. Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.” “Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added. The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit.

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections.

‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’ is the message of the posters released at the JD(U) state headquarters here on Wednesday. The subtext ‘Sankalp hamara NDA dobara (our resolve, NDA again) is also there but relegated to a corner, in smaller fonts.’

Releasing the posters, the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said: “We want to convey the message to the voters that Nitish Kumar is a man who fulfils the promises he makes and does not lie.”

Kumar has called the shots in the party ever since it came into being a couple of decades ago but formally took over as its president only in 2016 when he relieved Sharad Yadav, now in a sulk and out of the party and struggling to find a foothold in the opposition Grand Alliance, of the post.

A year before he assumed the top post in the party, Kumar had made a record of sorts by romping home as chief minister for the third consecutive term. He had fought the elections in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress but remained in the centre stage as the 2015 slogan ‘Bihar mein bahar hai Nitish Kumar hai’ (Bihar blossoms under the leadership of Nitish Kumar) reverberated through the landscape.

The shift of focus from the celebration of the states economic turnaround to the chief ministers “honesty” comes at a time when Kumar faces a trust deficit in the wake of his volte-face of 2017 when he resigned guided by his “inner voice” but formed a new government less than 24 hours later, dumping his pre-poll allies and joining hands with the BJP, which he had bitterly fought. The dramatic turnaround has earned him the unsavoury epithet “Palturam” though Kumar has been at pains to explain that he took the drastic step keeping the best interests of Bihar in mind given that the BJP was also in power at the Centre and in keeping with his “zero tolerance of corruption”.

However, it seemed to be an insufficient explanation to critics and surprisingly to his confidant Prashant Kishor, who occupies the post of national vice-president in the JD(U). Kishor ruffled many feathers in the party when in a recent interview to a news portal he said he “disagreed” with the method adopted by Kumar for realigning with the BJP and that ideally, the chief minister “should have sought a fresh mandate”. Although the BJP is expected to highlight issues such as national security and the need for a strong government at the Centre, the alliance as a whole – is likely to go with the JD(U) line by focusing on the performance of its government in Bihar and clean image of Kumar.

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections.

He is honest and nice, let's go with Nitish says the new poll catchphrase coined by the Bihar chief ministers party which is seeking to reinvent itself as an ally of the NDA, the coalition which it had dumped ahead of the previous Lok Sabha elections. ‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’ is the message of the posters released at the JD(U) state headquarters here on Wednesday. The subtext ‘Sankalp hamara NDA dobara (our resolve, NDA again) is also there but relegated to a corner, in smaller fonts.’ Releasing the posters, the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said: “We want to convey the message to the voters that Nitish Kumar is a man who fulfils the promises he makes and does not lie.” Kumar has called the shots in the party ever since it came into being a couple of decades ago but formally took over as its president only in 2016 when he relieved Sharad Yadav, now in a sulk and out of the party and struggling to find a foothold in the opposition Grand Alliance, of the post. A year before he assumed the top post in the party, Kumar had made a record of sorts by romping home as chief minister for the third consecutive term. He had fought the elections in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress but remained in the centre stage as the 2015 slogan ‘Bihar mein bahar hai Nitish Kumar hai’ (Bihar blossoms under the leadership of Nitish Kumar) reverberated through the landscape. The shift of focus from the celebration of the states economic turnaround to the chief ministers “honesty” comes at a time when Kumar faces a trust deficit in the wake of his volte-face of 2017 when he resigned guided by his “inner voice” but formed a new government less than 24 hours later, dumping his pre-poll allies and joining hands with the BJP, which he had bitterly fought. The dramatic turnaround has earned him the unsavoury epithet “Palturam” though Kumar has been at pains to explain that he took the drastic step keeping the best interests of Bihar in mind given that the BJP was also in power at the Centre and in keeping with his “zero tolerance of corruption”. However, it seemed to be an insufficient explanation to critics and surprisingly to his confidant Prashant Kishor, who occupies the post of national vice-president in the JD(U). Kishor ruffled many feathers in the party when in a recent interview to a news portal he said he “disagreed” with the method adopted by Kumar for realigning with the BJP and that ideally, the chief minister “should have sought a fresh mandate”. Although the BJP is expected to highlight issues such as national security and the need for a strong government at the Centre, the alliance as a whole – is likely to go with the JD(U) line by focusing on the performance of its government in Bihar and clean image of Kumar.

‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’: JD-U launches slogan for Lok Sabha polls, banks on Nitish’s ‘honest’ image

After China blocked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">United Nations Security Council's</a>(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

Before the close of the deadline, China put the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC proposal on hold seeking</a> "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate&nbsp;occasions&nbsp;earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXlvjcQFaH4" width="560"></iframe>

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice."

"We are disappointed," the MEA added.

"We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate. Before the close of the deadline, China put the UNSC proposal on hold seeking "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate occasions earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice." "We are disappointed," the MEA added. "We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

Will continue to work with sanctions committee to ensure designations list is updated, US on Masood Azhar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after&nbsp;China blocked&nbsp;yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar&nbsp;as a "global terrorist".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-joins-other-nations-in-grounding-737-max-jets-after-second-crash-203179">US joins other nations in grounding 737 MAX jets after Ethiopian Airlines plane</a>

The United States on Wednesday joined Europe, China and other countries in grounding&nbsp;Boeing Co's 737 MAX jets, because of safety concerns after an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash that killed 157 people, the second disaster involving the 737 in less than five months.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-probing-facebooks-data-deals-report-203195">US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report</a>

US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc&nbsp;struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-trump-senate-votes-to-end-us-support-for-yemen-war-203188">Defying Trump, Senate votes to end US support for Yemen war</a>

The US Senate on Wednesday dealt a stinging bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump's foreign policy and his alliance with Riyadh, voting to end support for the bloody Saudi-led&nbsp;war effort in Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196">India, </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196">United</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196"> States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India</a>

The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US&nbsp;nuclear power plants in India,&nbsp;the two countries said in a joint statement.

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist". US joins other nations in grounding 737 MAX jets after Ethiopian Airlines plane The United States on Wednesday joined Europe, China and other countries in grounding Boeing Co's 737 MAX jets, because of safety concerns after an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash that killed 157 people, the second disaster involving the 737 in less than five months. US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. Defying Trump, Senate votes to end US support for Yemen war The US Senate on Wednesday dealt a stinging bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump's foreign policy and his alliance with Riyadh, voting to end support for the bloody Saudi-led war effort in Yemen. India, United States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US nuclear power plants in India, the two countries said in a joint statement.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>a global terrorist, responsible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC members</a> warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said.

The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. "This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. "China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. "Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. "The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. "Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. "Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said. The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. “I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. “Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. “I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. “Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. “This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. “Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Responsible UNSC members may be forced to pursue other actions: UNSC diplomat on Masood Azhar

The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plant-projects-169664">nuclear power plants in India,</a> the two countries said in a joint statement.

The agreement came after two days of talks in Washington. The United States under President Donald Trump has been looking to sell more energy products to India, the world’s third-biggest buyer of oil.

The talks involved Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Andrea Thompson, the U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

“They committed to strengthening bilateral security and civil nuclear cooperation, including the establishment of six US&nbsp;nuclear power plants in India,” the joint statement said.

It gave no further details of the nuclear plant project.

The two countries have been discussing the supply of U.S. nuclear reactors to energy-hungry India for more than a decade, but a longstanding obstacle has been the need to bring Indian liability rules in-line with international norms, which require the costs of any accident to be channelled to the operator rather than the maker of a nuclear power station.

Pittsburgh-based Westinghouse has been negotiating to build reactors in India for years, but progress has been slow, partly because of India’s nuclear liability legislation, and the project was thrown into doubt when Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after cost overruns on U.S. reactors.

Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management bought Westinghouse from Toshiba in August 2018. Last April Westinghouse received strong support from U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry for its India project, which envisaged the building of six AP1000 reactors in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The agreement to build the reactors, announced in 2016, followed on from a U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement signed in 2008.

India plans to triple its nuclear capacity by 2024 to wean Asia’s third-largest economy off polluting fossil fuels.

Last October, India and Russia signed a pact to build six more nuclear reactors at a new site in India following summit talks between their leaders in New Delhi.

The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US nuclear power plants in India, the two countries said in a joint statement.

The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US nuclear power plants in India, the two countries said in a joint statement. The agreement came after two days of talks in Washington. The United States under President Donald Trump has been looking to sell more energy products to India, the world’s third-biggest buyer of oil. The talks involved Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Andrea Thompson, the U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security. “They committed to strengthening bilateral security and civil nuclear cooperation, including the establishment of six US nuclear power plants in India,” the joint statement said. It gave no further details of the nuclear plant project. The two countries have been discussing the supply of U.S. nuclear reactors to energy-hungry India for more than a decade, but a longstanding obstacle has been the need to bring Indian liability rules in-line with international norms, which require the costs of any accident to be channelled to the operator rather than the maker of a nuclear power station. Pittsburgh-based Westinghouse has been negotiating to build reactors in India for years, but progress has been slow, partly because of India’s nuclear liability legislation, and the project was thrown into doubt when Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after cost overruns on U.S. reactors. Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management bought Westinghouse from Toshiba in August 2018. Last April Westinghouse received strong support from U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry for its India project, which envisaged the building of six AP1000 reactors in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The agreement to build the reactors, announced in 2016, followed on from a U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement signed in 2008. India plans to triple its nuclear capacity by 2024 to wean Asia’s third-largest economy off polluting fossil fuels. Last October, India and Russia signed a pact to build six more nuclear reactors at a new site in India following summit talks between their leaders in New Delhi.

India, United States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-review-petition-security-of-state-supersedes-everything-government-tells-supreme-court-203317">Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court</a>

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption.&nbsp;

The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leader-donald-tusk-backs-long-delay-if-britain-rethinks-brexit-203291">EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit</a>

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it."

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-will-have-joint-rallies-in-uttar-pradesh-says-akhilesh-203316">Lok Sabha polls: SP &amp; BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh</a>

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.&nbsp;

'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandans-debiefing-complete-he-will-now-go-on-sick-leave-iaf-sources-203327">Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources</a>

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">toxic</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324"> waste dump</a>

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything".

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption. The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan. EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it." Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday. 'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday. Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after toxic waste dump Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said. A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">China blocked</a> yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-unsc-listing-china-hints-it-may-block-move-to-declare-him-a-global-terrorist-203145">chief Masood Azhar </a>as a "global terrorist".

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold.

The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves.

The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again moved the proposal with the P3 -- the United States, the United Kingdom and France -- in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist". In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold. The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves. The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. "We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again moved the proposal with the P3 -- the United States, the United Kingdom and France -- in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-meets-wing-commander-abhinandan-he-is-currently-undergoing-cooling-process-200730">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing</a> is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison had been shot down over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on February 27, a day after the IAF's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

In retaliation, Pakistan had on February 27 dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Indian authorities said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they had missed their targets.&nbsp;

Indian jets had been scrambled to give chase to the Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Wing Commander Abhinandan's MiG-21 had been one of them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wc-abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-202214">Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16</a>, before being shot down himself.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Abhinandan was being released as a "peace gesture". (Abhinandan's release very quickly de-escalated tensions between the two countries.)&nbsp;

After his release, Abhinandan was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi where he underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IAF Sources: A medical review board in the near future will assess the medical fitness of Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanVarthaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanVarthaman</a> and decide on when can he resume his operations as a fighter pilot. <a href="https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY">https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106147562267033602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Thursday, the IAF sources said a medical review board will assess Abhinandan in the near future and decide when he can resume his flying duties.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison had been shot down over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on February 27, a day after the IAF's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. In retaliation, Pakistan had on February 27 dropped bombs on Indian territory from its side of the Line of Control. Indian authorities said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they had missed their targets. Indian jets had been scrambled to give chase to the Pakistanis. Wing Commander Abhinandan's MiG-21 had been one of them. Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16, before being shot down himself. Abhinandan was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Abhinandan was being released as a "peace gesture". (Abhinandan's release very quickly de-escalated tensions between the two countries.) After his release, Abhinandan was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi where he underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process. IAF Sources: A medical review board in the near future will assess the medical fitness of Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman and decide on when can he resume his operations as a fighter pilot. https://t.co/B4DAZR4jhY — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × On Thursday, the IAF sources said a medical review board will assess Abhinandan in the near future and decide when he can resume his flying duties.

Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.&nbsp;

'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,'&nbsp;he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday.&nbsp;

'The meeting was to discuss the poll strategy for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. We have decided on meeting and rallies of SP and BSP. We have also planned joint rallies,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alliance-with-bsp-rld-final-seat-sharing-no-problem-akhilesh-yadav-191195">SP-BSP are fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in UP as allies</a>. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38.&nbsp;

Three seats have been left for the RLD — Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Bagpat. Two seats — Rae Bareli and Amethi — <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">have been left for the Congress</a>.&nbsp;

Exuding confidence, Yadav said that his party would now reach out to the people of the state, where Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 11 to end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Yadav said: “The Lok Sabha election dates have been declared. Every party is announcing its candidates. SP and BSP have also announced some candidates. It is the time to reach out to the people of the state.”&nbsp;

Attacking the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, Akhilesh said: “The government has not achieved anything which was promised to the people to come to power. Where are laptops he was supposed to give? Where are jobs? And where is the share of farmers?” &nbsp;

Yadav, however, avoided questions on Congress general secretary and in-charge for the party`s east UP affairs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meeting with Bhim army chief Chandrashekar Azad in a hospital in Meerut on Wednesday. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, NDA had won 73 seats from the state. SP had got just five seats, while BSP drew a blank.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday. 'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday. 'The meeting was to discuss the poll strategy for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. We have decided on meeting and rallies of SP and BSP. We have also planned joint rallies,' he said. SP-BSP are fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in UP as allies. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been left for the RLD — Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Bagpat. Two seats — Rae Bareli and Amethi — have been left for the Congress. Exuding confidence, Yadav said that his party would now reach out to the people of the state, where Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 11 to end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. Yadav said: “The Lok Sabha election dates have been declared. Every party is announcing its candidates. SP and BSP have also announced some candidates. It is the time to reach out to the people of the state.” Attacking the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, Akhilesh said: “The government has not achieved anything which was promised to the people to come to power. Where are laptops he was supposed to give? Where are jobs? And where is the share of farmers?” Yadav, however, avoided questions on Congress general secretary and in-charge for the party`s east UP affairs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meeting with Bhim army chief Chandrashekar Azad in a hospital in Meerut on Wednesday. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, NDA had won 73 seats from the state. SP had got just five seats, while BSP drew a blank.

Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States.

The energy-to-telecoms conglomerate has also stopped exporting diluents to the crisis-hit South American country, it told AFP.

The announcements come after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-urges-india-to-stop-buying-oil-from-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-government-top-envoy-202463">Pompeo asked India to halt all crude imports from Nicolas Maduro's regime</a>, which the United States does not recognise.

"Our US subsidiary has completely stopped all business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PdVSA, and its global parent has not increased crude purchases," Reliance said in an emailed statement.

"Reliance has halted all supply of diluent to PdVSA and will not resume such sales until sanctions are lifted," added the company, which is owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Venezuela — a once-rich oil-producing nation — is in the grip of an economic and political crisis and analysts said ending diluent exports would hamper Venezuela's output.

"Venezuelan oil is thick and needs these raw materials for processing crude," Petrovitch editor Madhu Nainan told AFP.

Venezuela is reeling from an unprecedented, week-long nationwide blackout and inflation is projected to reach 10 million percent this year, according to the IMF.

The country's infrastructure has degraded over years because of a lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies.

The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports.

India became the top importer of crude from Venezuela in February after US President Donald Trump issued a de facto ban on imports.

The US and European Union recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

On Tuesday, Pompeo asked India to stop buying crude from Venezuela, so as not to provide an "economic lifeline" to Maduro's regime.

The following day, New Delhi warned oil companies that they faced "undisclosed consequences" if they continued to buy Venezuelan oil.

"We will continue a constructive dialogue with the US government to ensure Reliance remains in compliance," the conglomerate, which operates the world's biggest refining complex, added in its statement.

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States.

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States. The energy-to-telecoms conglomerate has also stopped exporting diluents to the crisis-hit South American country, it told AFP. The announcements come after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked India to halt all crude imports from Nicolas Maduro's regime, which the United States does not recognise. "Our US subsidiary has completely stopped all business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PdVSA, and its global parent has not increased crude purchases," Reliance said in an emailed statement. "Reliance has halted all supply of diluent to PdVSA and will not resume such sales until sanctions are lifted," added the company, which is owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani. Venezuela — a once-rich oil-producing nation — is in the grip of an economic and political crisis and analysts said ending diluent exports would hamper Venezuela's output. "Venezuelan oil is thick and needs these raw materials for processing crude," Petrovitch editor Madhu Nainan told AFP. Venezuela is reeling from an unprecedented, week-long nationwide blackout and inflation is projected to reach 10 million percent this year, according to the IMF. The country's infrastructure has degraded over years because of a lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies. The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports. India became the top importer of crude from Venezuela in February after US President Donald Trump issued a de facto ban on imports. The US and European Union recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. On Tuesday, Pompeo asked India to stop buying crude from Venezuela, so as not to provide an "economic lifeline" to Maduro's regime. The following day, New Delhi warned oil companies that they faced "undisclosed consequences" if they continued to buy Venezuelan oil. "We will continue a constructive dialogue with the US government to ensure Reliance remains in compliance," the conglomerate, which operates the world's biggest refining complex, added in its statement.

After Pompeo urging, Reliance caps oil purchases from Venezuela

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/rafale-is-a-dud-bomb-now-184041">the Rafale case</a> which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption.&nbsp;

The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

Their petition includes documents which the government says were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">stolen from the Defence Ministry</a>. On Thursday, Venugopal told the court that it should direct the removal of the "leaked pages" from the review petition since the government was claiming privilege over the documents.&nbsp;

"What privilege do you (attorney general) claim? They have already produced them (the documents) in court," the court said.&nbsp;

"They have produced it after stealing it," Venugopal replied.&nbsp;

"State documents can't be published without explicit permission," he added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court then said to Venugopal that the RTI Act can override even the Official Secrets Act since Section 22 and Section 24 of the RTI Act says "even intelligence and security establishments bound to give information about corruption and human rights violations".&nbsp;

To which Venugopal replied: "Security of state supersedes everything."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SC while referring to RTI Act has overriding effect on Official Secrets Act as per Section 22 and Section 24 RTI Act says 'even intelligence &amp;security establishments bound to give info about corruption&amp; human rights violations.' AG: Security of state supersedes everything <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/pUWyW0IevX">https://t.co/pUWyW0IevX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106131088156618753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The court on Thursday reserves its order on the Centre claiming privilege over the allegedly leaked documents.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption.

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption. The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Their petition includes documents which the government says were stolen from the Defence Ministry. On Thursday, Venugopal told the court that it should direct the removal of the "leaked pages" from the review petition since the government was claiming privilege over the documents. "What privilege do you (attorney general) claim? They have already produced them (the documents) in court," the court said. "They have produced it after stealing it," Venugopal replied. "State documents can't be published without explicit permission," he added. The Supreme Court then said to Venugopal that the RTI Act can override even the Official Secrets Act since Section 22 and Section 24 of the RTI Act says "even intelligence and security establishments bound to give information about corruption and human rights violations". To which Venugopal replied: "Security of state supersedes everything." SC while referring to RTI Act has overriding effect on Official Secrets Act as per Section 22 and Section 24 RTI Act says 'even intelligence &security establishments bound to give info about corruption& human rights violations.' AG: Security of state supersedes everything #Rafale https://t.co/pUWyW0IevX — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × The court on Thursday reserves its order on the Centre claiming privilege over the allegedly leaked documents.

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes.

Vadakkan, who joined the saffron party in the presence of Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and later met its president Amit Shah, said, "I am deeply hurt and that is why I am here."

Asserting that the Congress questioned the integrity of armed forces, he said, "The attack by Pakistan on our land and the reaction from my party was sad indeed."

"I left the party with a heavy heart. If a party is working against national interest, there is no other option but to leave it," he told reporters.

In an apparent attack on party chief Rahul Gandhi's leadership of the Congress, he said he gave the party two decades of his life but it has now resorted to a practice of "use and throw".

Dynastic politics has reached its zenith in the Congress, he said, adding that he believed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development narrative.

The BJP may field Vadakkan in the Lok Sabha elections from a seat in Kerala.&nbsp;

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes.

In a huge embarrassment to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its spokesperson Tom Vadakkan, once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP Thursday and attacked his former party for its stand on Balakot air strikes. Vadakkan, who joined the saffron party in the presence of Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and later met its president Amit Shah, said, "I am deeply hurt and that is why I am here." Asserting that the Congress questioned the integrity of armed forces, he said, "The attack by Pakistan on our land and the reaction from my party was sad indeed." "I left the party with a heavy heart. If a party is working against national interest, there is no other option but to leave it," he told reporters. In an apparent attack on party chief Rahul Gandhi's leadership of the Congress, he said he gave the party two decades of his life but it has now resorted to a practice of "use and throw". Dynastic politics has reached its zenith in the Congress, he said, adding that he believed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development narrative. The BJP may field Vadakkan in the Lok Sabha elections from a seat in Kerala.

Congress leader Tom Vadakkan joins BJP

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee.

China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said.

"As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D4RIPU9d7Ws" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said.

India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar.

The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold.

To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations."

On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. 
"This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee. China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said. "As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said. × "Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said. India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold. To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations." On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. "This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China defends move to block ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says needs time to conduct thorough probe

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-lion-air-plane-with-189-on-board-crashes-into-sea-authorities-search-for-remains-174139">crashed off the coast of Indonesia</a> on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011. Before joining the Indonesian company, Suneja worked as trainee with Emirates for four months.

Suneja did his schooling from Ahlcon Pubic School in Mayur Vihar and obtained the commercial pilot license after graduating from Bel-Air International flight school in 2009.

The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital early on Monday, plunging into the Java Sea with 189 passengers and crew.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-air-safety-still-remains-questionable-174127">Indonesian airlines have some of the world's worst safety records</a>

Video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho tweeted pictures of debris of Lion Air flight JT610, including what appeared to be an emergency slide and various parts of a smashed mobile phone.

Items such as handphones and life vests were found in waters about 30 metres to 35 metres deep near where the plane lost contact, Indonesia's search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi said.

"We don't know yet whether there are any survivors," agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference, adding that no distress signal had been received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter.

"We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm."

Ambulances were lined up at Karawang, on the coast east of Jakarta and police were preparing rubber dinghies, a Reuters reporter said.

At least 23 government officials were on board the plane, which an air navigation spokesman said had sought to turn back just before losing contact.

The privately owned airline said in a statement, the aircraft, which had only been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having accumulated 11,000 hours of flying time.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which crashed off the coast of Indonesia on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident. According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011.

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which crashed off the coast of Indonesia on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident. According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011. Before joining the Indonesian company, Suneja worked as trainee with Emirates for four months. Suneja did his schooling from Ahlcon Pubic School in Mayur Vihar and obtained the commercial pilot license after graduating from Bel-Air International flight school in 2009. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital early on Monday, plunging into the Java Sea with 189 passengers and crew. Also read: Indonesian airlines have some of the world's worst safety records Video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho tweeted pictures of debris of Lion Air flight JT610, including what appeared to be an emergency slide and various parts of a smashed mobile phone. Items such as handphones and life vests were found in waters about 30 metres to 35 metres deep near where the plane lost contact, Indonesia's search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi said. "We don't know yet whether there are any survivors," agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference, adding that no distress signal had been received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter. "We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm." Ambulances were lined up at Karawang, on the coast east of Jakarta and police were preparing rubber dinghies, a Reuters reporter said. At least 23 government officials were on board the plane, which an air navigation spokesman said had sought to turn back just before losing contact. The privately owned airline said in a statement, the aircraft, which had only been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having accumulated 11,000 hours of flying time. (With inputs from Reuters)

Delhi boy Bhavye Suneja was flying Lion Air plane that crashed with 189 on board 

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-hopes-for-meaningful-talks-may-raise-khalistani-propaganda-with-pakistan-203092">Attari-Wagah border today</a> to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ddeX986uL0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor.

Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today".

There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment.&nbsp;

India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory.

It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence.

India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year. While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry. Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor. Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today". There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment. India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory. It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence. India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

India, Pak officials meet at Wagah to discuss Kartarpur Corridor development

The Supreme Court Wednesday clarified its last year order on police reforms and said officers who have a minimum of six months tenure left in service shall be considered for the post of director general of police (DGP).&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the recommendation for the post of DGP by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and preparation of the panel should be purely on the basis of merit.

The apex court passed the verdict on a modification plea filed by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh.&nbsp;

Singh had alleged that July 3, 2018, the directive was being misused by state governments who were ignoring competent senior officers for appointment as DGPs.&nbsp;

The court had in July last year passed a slew of directions on police reforms and restrained all states and Union territories from appointing any police officer as acting DGPs to avoid favouritism and nepotism in such high-level appointments.

The Supreme Court Wednesday clarified its last year order on police reforms and said officers who have a minimum of six months tenure left in service shall be considered for the post of director general of police (DGP).

The Supreme Court Wednesday clarified its last year order on police reforms and said officers who have a minimum of six months tenure left in service shall be considered for the post of director general of police (DGP). A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the recommendation for the post of DGP by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and preparation of the panel should be purely on the basis of merit. The apex court passed the verdict on a modification plea filed by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh. Singh had alleged that July 3, 2018, the directive was being misused by state governments who were ignoring competent senior officers for appointment as DGPs. The court had in July last year passed a slew of directions on police reforms and restrained all states and Union territories from appointing any police officer as acting DGPs to avoid favouritism and nepotism in such high-level appointments.

Police reforms: DGPs must have at least six months left in tenure on the appointment, says Supreme Court

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent.&nbsp;

In an address at a think tank on Modi government's foreign policy, she said Pakistan was worried that India would escalate the situation and she was contacted by a number of foreign ministers over it.

"I used to receive calls from foreign ministers who used to first condole the Pulwama attack, then express their solidarity and then they used to softly say that we think India will not escalate the situation," she said.

"To which I used to reply that no, I assure you India will not escalate the situation but if there is any other terror attack then we will not remain silent as we cannot say Pulwama as our destiny," she said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

Pakistan retaliated the strike by attempting unsuccessfully to target Indian military installations. However, the IAF thwarted its plans.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent. In an address at a think tank on Modi government's foreign policy, she said Pakistan was worried that India would escalate the situation and she was contacted by a number of foreign ministers over it. "I used to receive calls from foreign ministers who used to first condole the Pulwama attack, then express their solidarity and then they used to softly say that we think India will not escalate the situation," she said. "To which I used to reply that no, I assure you India will not escalate the situation but if there is any other terror attack then we will not remain silent as we cannot say Pulwama as our destiny," she said. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26. Pakistan retaliated the strike by attempting unsuccessfully to target Indian military installations. However, the IAF thwarted its plans. The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

India won't escalate situation with Pak, but won't take Pulwama as its destiny: Swaraj

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime.

"Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence.

All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said.

Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces.

The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections.

West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11.

Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday met Trinamool Congress candidates and advised them about strategies of campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. The TMC supremo urged them to inform the people about the "achievements" of her government in the past seven years and to campaign about the "failures" of the Narendra Modi regime. "Didi (Banerjee) gave us details about various modes of campaigning and the issues that need to be raised," said a TMC candidate after the meeting at Banerjee's residence. All the candidates were briefed on how to take on the BJP in their respective constituencies, the candidate said. Banerjee yesterday released the list of candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs and bringing in 18 new faces. The list, which is a mix of seasoned political players and greenhorns, has 17 women candidates, five more than the last elections. West Bengal goes to seven-phase polls beginning April 11. Of the 42 seats in the state, TMC had won 34 in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Mamata briefs party candidates about strategies of campaigning

JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda Wednesday turned emotional and said he was pained by allegations of dynasty politics against him.

The former prime minister's emotional response was to growing criticism of his family's alleged dynasty politics with JD(S) fielding both his grandsons Nikil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna from party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively for the Lok Sabha polls.

"...So many allegations, from the morning in the media (they talk about) Deve Gowda, Revanna, Kumaraswamy and their sons," Gowda said as he broke down at an event in Hassan to launch the poll campaign of PrajwalRevanna.

Prajwal, son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna, is Congress-JDS coalition's candidate from Hassan.

Seeing Gowda wiping tears and speaking in a heavy voice, JD(S) supporters gathered at the event requested him to calm down.

BJP has hit out at Deve Gowda, by calling the emotional episode as "drama".

The event also witnessed both Prajwal and his father Revanna too getting emotional.

Prajwal broke down as Gowda declared him as the candidate and Revanna while MLA Balakrishna was speaking about Gowda not contesting from Hassan this time.

Later speaking to reporters, Gowda said, he was pained by controversy in Mandya against his other grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil's candidature.

He said, "It was the decision of JD(S) leaders to field Nikil from Mandya. I had not announced. I'm deeply pained, they are saying Nikhil Go Back..." 
"...I will go to Mandya... Let them shout go back... for whom I fought in the last 60 years, I will place everything before the people of Mandya," he added.

The opposition is simmering against Nikhil's candidature in Mandya, as many who claim to be JD(S) supporters have hit out at the party leadership for sidelining loyal party workers to favour someone from their family despite not being actively involved in party activities.

A social media campaign titled "Go back Nikhil" had gained momentum in Mandya a couple of days ago to oppose the "dynasty politics" of the Deve Gowda family.

BJP said: "First Drama for the 2019 elections begins now," as it tweeted videos of Gowda and family getting emotional at the Hassan event.

"If "CRYING" was an art Sri. @H_D_Devegowda &amp; his family would hold the record for mastering the "Art Of Crying" to constantly fool people for decades. Matter of the fact isBefore elections Deve Gowda &amp; his family cries. After elections people who vote this family cries," it said in another tweet.

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy is also prone to sentimental outbursts over coalition troubles.

"Emotions are my weakness. It is in my blood. It is very difficult to control," Kumaraswamy had said last month.

With tears trickling down his cheeks, Kumaraswamy had said in July last year that he was not happy being the chief minister and "I have swallowed poison like Lord Vishakantha (Shiva)."&nbsp;

JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda Wednesday turned emotional and said he was pained by allegations of dynasty politics against him. The former prime minister's emotional response was to growing criticism of his family's alleged dynasty politics with JD(S) fielding both his grandsons Nikil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna from party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively for the Lok Sabha polls.

JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda Wednesday turned emotional and said he was pained by allegations of dynasty politics against him. The former prime minister's emotional response was to growing criticism of his family's alleged dynasty politics with JD(S) fielding both his grandsons Nikil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna from party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively for the Lok Sabha polls. "...So many allegations, from the morning in the media (they talk about) Deve Gowda, Revanna, Kumaraswamy and their sons," Gowda said as he broke down at an event in Hassan to launch the poll campaign of PrajwalRevanna. Prajwal, son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna, is Congress-JDS coalition's candidate from Hassan. Seeing Gowda wiping tears and speaking in a heavy voice, JD(S) supporters gathered at the event requested him to calm down. BJP has hit out at Deve Gowda, by calling the emotional episode as "drama". The event also witnessed both Prajwal and his father Revanna too getting emotional. Prajwal broke down as Gowda declared him as the candidate and Revanna while MLA Balakrishna was speaking about Gowda not contesting from Hassan this time. Later speaking to reporters, Gowda said, he was pained by controversy in Mandya against his other grandson and chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil's candidature. He said, "It was the decision of JD(S) leaders to field Nikil from Mandya. I had not announced. I'm deeply pained, they are saying Nikhil Go Back..." "...I will go to Mandya... Let them shout go back... for whom I fought in the last 60 years, I will place everything before the people of Mandya," he added. The opposition is simmering against Nikhil's candidature in Mandya, as many who claim to be JD(S) supporters have hit out at the party leadership for sidelining loyal party workers to favour someone from their family despite not being actively involved in party activities. A social media campaign titled "Go back Nikhil" had gained momentum in Mandya a couple of days ago to oppose the "dynasty politics" of the Deve Gowda family. BJP said: "First Drama for the 2019 elections begins now," as it tweeted videos of Gowda and family getting emotional at the Hassan event. "If "CRYING" was an art Sri. @H_D_Devegowda & his family would hold the record for mastering the "Art Of Crying" to constantly fool people for decades. Matter of the fact isBefore elections Deve Gowda & his family cries. After elections people who vote this family cries," it said in another tweet. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy is also prone to sentimental outbursts over coalition troubles. "Emotions are my weakness. It is in my blood. It is very difficult to control," Kumaraswamy had said last month. With tears trickling down his cheeks, Kumaraswamy had said in July last year that he was not happy being the chief minister and "I have swallowed poison like Lord Vishakantha (Shiva)."

Deve Gowda, son, grandson turn emotional, BJP dubs it 'drama'

No alliance with Congress anywhere for 2019 Lok Sabha polls: Mayawati

AAP leaders Atishi Marlena and Raghav Chadha on Wednesday reached a police station in south-east Delhi to register their protest against alleged harassment of call centre employees hired by the party to inform citizens about voter deletion.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to begin on April 11, the Election Commission had directed the police to take "necessary action" against people making "misleading" phone calls about the city's electoral rolls. An FIR was also filed in this matter.

A BJP team also held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and alleged that the AAP was behind such phone calls.

Meanwhile, the AAP leaders asserted that they were responsible for hiring the call centre employees and the police should question the leaders instead of these workers.

Speaking from the police station in south-east Delhi, Chadha asserted, "If the BJP wants to fight us, we dare them to arrest us. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, myself and various MLAs are present here and if they consider that getting voters reinstated is a crime, then they must arrest us."&nbsp;

"If the BJP thinks they can intimidate and threaten those who work with us and shut down our awareness campaign, they are mistaken and we will not let it happen. Why are they intimidating the vendors? What is their fault? When somebody protests, arrest the protesters, but why arrest the man setting up the tent?" he said.

"It is a crime to illegally and unlawfully get a registered voter's name deleted from the electoral roll, snatching away their democratic rights. The BJP will pay for this crime. But creating awareness and getting the deleted names reinstated is certainly not a crime," Chadha added.&nbsp;

AAP leaders Atishi Marlena and Raghav Chadha on Wednesday reached a police station in south-east Delhi to register their protest against alleged harassment of call centre employees hired by the party to inform citizens about voter deletion.

AAP leaders Atishi Marlena and Raghav Chadha on Wednesday reached a police station in south-east Delhi to register their protest against alleged harassment of call centre employees hired by the party to inform citizens about voter deletion. Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to begin on April 11, the Election Commission had directed the police to take "necessary action" against people making "misleading" phone calls about the city's electoral rolls. An FIR was also filed in this matter. A BJP team also held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and alleged that the AAP was behind such phone calls. Meanwhile, the AAP leaders asserted that they were responsible for hiring the call centre employees and the police should question the leaders instead of these workers. Speaking from the police station in south-east Delhi, Chadha asserted, "If the BJP wants to fight us, we dare them to arrest us. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, myself and various MLAs are present here and if they consider that getting voters reinstated is a crime, then they must arrest us." "If the BJP thinks they can intimidate and threaten those who work with us and shut down our awareness campaign, they are mistaken and we will not let it happen. Why are they intimidating the vendors? What is their fault? When somebody protests, arrest the protesters, but why arrest the man setting up the tent?" he said. "It is a crime to illegally and unlawfully get a registered voter's name deleted from the electoral roll, snatching away their democratic rights. The BJP will pay for this crime. But creating awareness and getting the deleted names reinstated is certainly not a crime," Chadha added.

AAP leaders meet Delhi Police over harassment of call centre employees hired by party

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday.&nbsp;

"On credible input, a joint party of police and other security forces busted a hideout in a residential house at Kulgam district's Yaripora area, and recovered arms and ammunition, including grenades and live rounds, last night," a police spokesman said.&nbsp;

Mohammad Ayoub Rather, a resident of Yaripora, was arrested, he said.

Police have registered a case and an investigation has been initiated, the spokesman said.

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday.

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday. "On credible input, a joint party of police and other security forces busted a hideout in a residential house at Kulgam district's Yaripora area, and recovered arms and ammunition, including grenades and live rounds, last night," a police spokesman said. Mohammad Ayoub Rather, a resident of Yaripora, was arrested, he said. Police have registered a case and an investigation has been initiated, the spokesman said.

J&K: One arrested as security forces bust terrorist hideout in Kulgam, arms and ammunition seized

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

J&K: National Conference leader shot at by terrorists

Sensex jumps over 150 points; Nifty nears 11,400

Five dead, 36 injured after foot overbridge collapses at Mumbai's CST railway station

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

‘Sacha hai, acha hai, chalo Nitish ke saath’: JD-U launches slogan for Lok Sabha polls, banks on Nitish’s ‘honest’ image

Will continue to work with sanctions committee to ensure designations list is updated, US on Masood Azhar

News brief: Big stories of the day

Responsible UNSC members may be forced to pursue other actions: UNSC diplomat on Masood Azhar

India, United States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India

News brief: Big stories of the day

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources

Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh

After Pompeo urging, Reliance caps oil purchases from Venezuela

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court

Congress leader Tom Vadakkan joins BJP

China defends move to block ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says needs time to conduct thorough probe

Delhi boy Bhavye Suneja was flying Lion Air plane that crashed with 189 on board

India, Pak officials meet at Wagah to discuss Kartarpur Corridor development

Police reforms: DGPs must have at least six months left in tenure on the appointment, says Supreme Court

India won't escalate situation with Pak, but won't take Pulwama as its destiny: Swaraj

Mamata briefs party candidates about strategies of campaigning

Deve Gowda, son, grandson turn emotional, BJP dubs it 'drama'

No alliance with Congress anywhere for 2019 Lok Sabha polls: Mayawati

AAP leaders meet Delhi Police over harassment of call centre employees hired by party

J&K: One arrested as security forces bust terrorist hideout in Kulgam, arms and ammunition seized