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Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">India has put its air defence systems on high alert</a>, government sources said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Loud bangs were heard in the area due to the sonic booms, they said.&nbsp;

In the wake of the development, all Indian air defences and radar systems are on high alert, the sources said.&nbsp;

On February 27, Pakistani fighters had transgressed into the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir and tried to target Indian military positions before they were chased away.&nbsp;

In the dogfight, one F-16 fighter of Pakistan Air Force was shot down by the Indian Air Force, which also lost a MiG-21 Bison plane.&nbsp;

Subsequently, there have been a number of instances of Pakistani drones trying to engage in reconnaissance in India.&nbsp;

Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which India has put its air defence systems on high alert, government sources said on Wednesday.

Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which India has put its air defence systems on high alert, government sources said on Wednesday. Loud bangs were heard in the area due to the sonic booms, they said. In the wake of the development, all Indian air defences and radar systems are on high alert, the sources said. On February 27, Pakistani fighters had transgressed into the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir and tried to target Indian military positions before they were chased away. In the dogfight, one F-16 fighter of Pakistan Air Force was shot down by the Indian Air Force, which also lost a MiG-21 Bison plane. Subsequently, there have been a number of instances of Pakistani drones trying to engage in reconnaissance in India.

Pakistani jets went supersonic over PoK Tuesday night, Indian air defence systems on high alert

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.&nbsp;

News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said.

The seat sharing was hammered out at a meeting betweenCongress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali at Kochi in Kerala this evening, party sources said.

JD(S) will contest in Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Bengaluru North and Vijayapura, according to the sources.

During a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Delhi, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had scaled down his party's demand and asked the national party to allot at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats to his party.

JD(S) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest.

JD(S) has already announced Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna as candidates from the party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively.

While Nikhil is son of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Prajwal is the son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said.

After days of hectic parleys, Congress and JD(S) have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. News agency PTI quoting JD(S) sources said that Congress will contest 20 Lok Sabha seats while JD(S) eight under a deal finalised by the two ruling coalition partners Wednesday, the JDS said. The seat sharing was hammered out at a meeting betweenCongress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali at Kochi in Kerala this evening, party sources said. JD(S) will contest in Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Bengaluru North and Vijayapura, according to the sources. During a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi at Delhi, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had scaled down his party's demand and asked the national party to allot at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats to his party. JD(S) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest. JD(S) has already announced Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna as candidates from the party bastions of Mandya and Hassan respectively. While Nikhil is son of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Prajwal is the son of Gowda's elder son and PWD Minister H D Revanna. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress to contest 20 seats and JDS 8 in Lok Sabha polls

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">goal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991"> of regional stability: US</a>

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-rejects-prime-minister-theresa-mays-brexit-deal-by-149-votes-202966">Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again</a>

Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-test-fires-smart-weapon-for-pafs-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jet-202980">Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet</a>

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range&nbsp;"smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter&nbsp;jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

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The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground&nbsp;Boeing Co 737 MAX planes&nbsp;after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have&nbsp;suspended the aircraft's operations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal</a>

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee. Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground Boeing Co 737 MAX planes after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have suspended the aircraft's operations. US, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday inadvertently said "Narendra" instead of Nirav Modi while addressing a gathering of college students in Chennai&nbsp;

"We want to take the money that is going to 15-17 corrupt business people like Narendra...not Narendra, Nirav Modi and open the banking system to entrepreneurs like yourself," Rahul Gandhi said while talking about rampant corruption taking place in the country.

Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering of students at Chennai's Stella Maris college.

During his informal interaction with the students, he also brought up the issue of the Rafale deal and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process.

"I will be the first person to say it... Investigate Robert Vadra but also investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Modi is a "corrupt" man, he bypassed negotiations and ran parallel negotiations on the Rafale deal, Gandhi alleged while responding to the question.

The Congress chief said the prime minister should have the guts to face the media and asked why Modi was "hiding".

The BJP and the government have repeatedly rejected Congress's allegation of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

He asked the gathering, "Did you like demonetisation?"

When the audience answered, "No", he said, "I think it's pretty clear the damage demonetisation did. PM should have taken your advice." 
Gandhi, who asked the students to challenge him and "make him uncomfortable", also questioned whether the prime minister could stand in a large audience and answer people's questions.

Gandhi also called his party's minimum income guarantee scheme a revolutionary idea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday inadvertently said "Narendra" instead of Nirav Modi while addressing a gathering of college students in Chennai "We want to take the money that is going to 15-17 corrupt business people like Narendra.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday inadvertently said "Narendra" instead of Nirav Modi while addressing a gathering of college students in Chennai "We want to take the money that is going to 15-17 corrupt business people like Narendra...not Narendra, Nirav Modi and open the banking system to entrepreneurs like yourself," Rahul Gandhi said while talking about rampant corruption taking place in the country. Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering of students at Chennai's Stella Maris college. During his informal interaction with the students, he also brought up the issue of the Rafale deal and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process. "I will be the first person to say it... Investigate Robert Vadra but also investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said. Modi is a "corrupt" man, he bypassed negotiations and ran parallel negotiations on the Rafale deal, Gandhi alleged while responding to the question. The Congress chief said the prime minister should have the guts to face the media and asked why Modi was "hiding". The BJP and the government have repeatedly rejected Congress's allegation of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He asked the gathering, "Did you like demonetisation?" When the audience answered, "No", he said, "I think it's pretty clear the damage demonetisation did. PM should have taken your advice." Gandhi, who asked the students to challenge him and "make him uncomfortable", also questioned whether the prime minister could stand in a large audience and answer people's questions. Gandhi also called his party's minimum income guarantee scheme a revolutionary idea. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra...no, Nirav Modi: Rahul Gandhi fumbles while addressing students in Chennai 

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27.&nbsp;

"I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.&nbsp;

China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar.&nbsp;

China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all.

Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies".&nbsp;

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said.

Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials.&nbsp;

India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue. The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27. "I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar. China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all. Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies". On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said. Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials. India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist. The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Masood Azhar's UNSC listing: China hints it may block move to declare him a global terrorist 

A 36-year-old man, who was detained near the International Border on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, has been arrested, officials said here Tuesday.

Nawab Khan, a resident of Sam area near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, was detained on Sunday, an official said.

Khan was involved in espionage activities and was working as a jeep driver, Additional Director General of Intelligence Umesh Mishra said.

Khan used to share information to his handlers based in Pakistan through WhatsApp in code language in lieu of money, Mishra said.

Khan visited Pakistan last year where he came in touch with an agent of that country's intelligence agency ISI. The ISI agent trained him and gave him tasks of collecting and sharing information related to Army movement, the officer said.

He was arrested after being interrogated by a joint team of security agencies.

A 36-year-old man, who was detained near the International Border on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, has been arrested, officials said here Tuesday. Nawab Khan, a resident of Sam area near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, was detained on Sunday, an official said.

A 36-year-old man, who was detained near the International Border on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, has been arrested, officials said here Tuesday. Nawab Khan, a resident of Sam area near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, was detained on Sunday, an official said. Khan was involved in espionage activities and was working as a jeep driver, Additional Director General of Intelligence Umesh Mishra said. Khan used to share information to his handlers based in Pakistan through WhatsApp in code language in lieu of money, Mishra said. Khan visited Pakistan last year where he came in touch with an agent of that country's intelligence agency ISI. The ISI agent trained him and gave him tasks of collecting and sharing information related to Army movement, the officer said. He was arrested after being interrogated by a joint team of security agencies.

Pakistan spy assigned to collect info on Indian Army arrested in Rajasthan: Official

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who kickstarted party campaign in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, addressed students as part of outreach programme and during an address, a girl student asked him a question and addressed him as ''sir''. The Gandhi scion in response asked her to call him sir.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi asks a student at Stella Maris College, Chennai, to call him Rahul, when she starts a question with "Hi Sir". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/01LF5AxSex">pic.twitter.com/01LF5AxSex</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105755567379771392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi was addressing the students of Chennai Stella Maris College when a student rose&nbsp;to ask a question addressing him as sir. Gandhi intervened immediately and told her, can you call me Rahul? Following which the students erupted in a burst of huge laughter.&nbsp;

Gandhi also said that he has "genuine" affection for Narendra Modi and that is what he tried to show when he hugged the prime minister after watching him become "very angry" in Parliament.

Congress president recalled the day he hugged Modi and said he cannot hate him since love "is in the country's grain, every religion, and the Tamil people".

When a student asked why he chose to hug the prime minister, Gandhi said he watched a 'very angry' Modi in Parliament running down his party, his late father Rajiv Gandhi and mother Sonia.

However, deep inside, he said, he felt affection for Modi and he thought Modi was angry "because he is not able to see the beauty of the world".

"So I thought that at least from my side, I should show him some affection."

When Rahul said, "I genuinely feel love for the Prime Minister," the students broke into laughter and raised their voices, to which he repeated "I genuinely do (love him)."

The Congress leader, participating in his first such interaction during his one-day tour of Tamil Nadu, said people who do not have affection towards others are the ones who are not loved. "... And that was why he (Modi) generates anger," he claimed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who kickstarted party campaign in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, addressed students as part of outreach programme and during an address, a girl student asked him a question and addressed him as ''sir''.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who kickstarted party campaign in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, addressed students as part of outreach programme and during an address, a girl student asked him a question and addressed him as ''sir''. The Gandhi scion in response asked her to call him sir. #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi asks a student at Stella Maris College, Chennai, to call him Rahul, when she starts a question with "Hi Sir". #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/01LF5AxSex — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2019 × Gandhi was addressing the students of Chennai Stella Maris College when a student rose to ask a question addressing him as sir. Gandhi intervened immediately and told her, can you call me Rahul? Following which the students erupted in a burst of huge laughter. Gandhi also said that he has "genuine" affection for Narendra Modi and that is what he tried to show when he hugged the prime minister after watching him become "very angry" in Parliament. Congress president recalled the day he hugged Modi and said he cannot hate him since love "is in the country's grain, every religion, and the Tamil people". When a student asked why he chose to hug the prime minister, Gandhi said he watched a 'very angry' Modi in Parliament running down his party, his late father Rajiv Gandhi and mother Sonia. However, deep inside, he said, he felt affection for Modi and he thought Modi was angry "because he is not able to see the beauty of the world". "So I thought that at least from my side, I should show him some affection." When Rahul said, "I genuinely feel love for the Prime Minister," the students broke into laughter and raised their voices, to which he repeated "I genuinely do (love him)." The Congress leader, participating in his first such interaction during his one-day tour of Tamil Nadu, said people who do not have affection towards others are the ones who are not loved. "... And that was why he (Modi) generates anger," he claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Can you call me Rahul? Congress president tells Chennai student who called him 'sir'  

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a>.&nbsp;The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.&nbsp;

Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.&nbsp;

Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago.&nbsp;

The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later.&nbsp;

The army said Ashiq had been sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regimental centre on March 21, 2018. He then went on three days of leave on September 14 and never returned.&nbsp;

Since he never took his oath as a solider, the army said, Ashiq is technically a civilian.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir: A 25-year old man has been shot dead by terrorists outside his house at Pingleena village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama. A joint team of Army and SOG has launched a cordon and search operation in the area to nab the assailants. <a href="https://t.co/b9JxFzgDHz">pic.twitter.com/b9JxFzgDHz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105767457753427968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A joint team of the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group meanwhile has launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area to nab Ashiq's killers.&nbsp;

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village.

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago. The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later. The army said Ashiq had been sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regimental centre on March 21, 2018. He then went on three days of leave on September 14 and never returned. Since he never took his oath as a solider, the army said, Ashiq is technically a civilian. Jammu and Kashmir: A 25-year old man has been shot dead by terrorists outside his house at Pingleena village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama. A joint team of Army and SOG has launched a cordon and search operation in the area to nab the assailants. pic.twitter.com/b9JxFzgDHz — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2019 × A joint team of the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group meanwhile has launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area to nab Ashiq's killers.

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102">J&amp;K: Suspected terrorists shoot </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102">dead</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102"> man who had enrolled with the army</a>

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.&nbsp;

Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.&nbsp;

Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago.&nbsp;

The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114">Rafale case: Petitioners' documents jeopardised national security, </a><a class="gr-progress" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114">government</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114"> tells Supreme Court</a>

The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-all-boeing-737-max-planes-now-grounded-government-warns-tomorrow-will-be-real-challenging-day-203110">India: All Boeing 737 Max planes now grounded, government warns tomorrow will be 'real challenging day'</a>

All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia.&nbsp;

"As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day".&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-today-on-whether-they-want-no-deal-brexit-203112">British MPs to vote today on whether they want no-deal Brexit</a>

British MPs will vote Wednesday on whether they want to avert a potentially chaotic "no-deal" exit from the EU, as business leaders warned the country was "staring down the precipice" after parliament rejected a divorce agreement.

Parliament is expected to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal — although it remains the default option unless an alternative can be secured by the fast-approaching March 29 Brexit date.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-hopes-for-meaningful-talks-may-raise-khalistani-propaganda-with-pakistan-203092">Kartarpur corridor: India hopes for 'meaningful' talks with Pakistan, may raise Khalistan propaganda</a>

India and Pakistan will hold talks on Thursday to decide the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor was agreed upon by both countries in November 2018.&nbsp;

The talks will be held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago. The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later. Rafale case: Petitioners' documents jeopardised national security, government tells Supreme Court The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security. India: All Boeing 737 Max planes now grounded, government warns tomorrow will be 'real challenging day' All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia. "As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day". British MPs to vote today on whether they want no-deal Brexit British MPs will vote Wednesday on whether they want to avert a potentially chaotic "no-deal" exit from the EU, as business leaders warned the country was "staring down the precipice" after parliament rejected a divorce agreement. Parliament is expected to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal — although it remains the default option unless an alternative can be secured by the fast-approaching March 29 Brexit date. Kartarpur corridor: India hopes for 'meaningful' talks with Pakistan, may raise Khalistan propaganda India and Pakistan will hold talks on Thursday to decide the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor was agreed upon by both countries in November 2018. The talks will be held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border.

All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/four-indians-among-those-dead-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash-202378">two recent crashes of the aircraft</a>, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia.&nbsp;

"As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day".&nbsp;

"Today, SpiceJet cancelled 14 flights. It operates 500 plus flights daily and 14 were cancelled. They've been able to accommodate all passengers on their own. Tomorrow is going to be a real challenging day, as today grounding came into effect in second half of the day," Kharola said.&nbsp;

He added that the government had had a "discussion with the airlines as to how they plan to reduce inconvenience to passengers".&nbsp;

At the moment, SpiceJet is the only Indian airline flying the Boeing 737 Max 8.&nbsp;

It has 12 of them.&nbsp;

Jet Airlines has 5 of the Boeings, but they were already grounded before the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday.&nbsp;

"SpiceJet says they've increased utilisation of existing aircraft," Kharola said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He said that "about 30-35 flights will get affected tomorrow" but that SpiceJet have "assured that no airport that has SpiceJet service will go unserviced."&nbsp;

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MoCA Secy: Today SpiceJet has cancelled 14 flights, it operates 500 plus flights daily &amp; 14 were cancelled. They've been able to accommodate all passengers on their own. Tomorrow is going to be a real challenging day, as today grounding came into effect in 2nd half of the day <a href="https://t.co/S7aykJOaf2">pic.twitter.com/S7aykJOaf2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105794691751129088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He added that SpiceJet would set up a special cell to monitor passengers' complaints.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia.

All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia. "As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day". "Today, SpiceJet cancelled 14 flights. It operates 500 plus flights daily and 14 were cancelled. They've been able to accommodate all passengers on their own. Tomorrow is going to be a real challenging day, as today grounding came into effect in second half of the day," Kharola said. He added that the government had had a "discussion with the airlines as to how they plan to reduce inconvenience to passengers". At the moment, SpiceJet is the only Indian airline flying the Boeing 737 Max 8. It has 12 of them. Jet Airlines has 5 of the Boeings, but they were already grounded before the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday. "SpiceJet says they've increased utilisation of existing aircraft," Kharola said on Wednesday. He said that "about 30-35 flights will get affected tomorrow" but that SpiceJet have "assured that no airport that has SpiceJet service will go unserviced." MoCA Secy: Today SpiceJet has cancelled 14 flights, it operates 500 plus flights daily & 14 were cancelled. They've been able to accommodate all passengers on their own. Tomorrow is going to be a real challenging day, as today grounding came into effect in 2nd half of the day pic.twitter.com/S7aykJOaf2 — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2019 × He added that SpiceJet would set up a special cell to monitor passengers' complaints.

India: All Boeing 737 Max planes now grounded, government warns tomorrow will be 'real challenging day'

The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">unauthorisedly-accessed</a>” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security.

The Ministry of Defence sought dismissal of both the review petition and the miscellaneous application in the matter even as it contended that “it has become imperative for the Union of India to seek removal of these documents from the record of the Review Petition and Miscellaneous application filed by the petitioners.”

The affidavit came days after details of some internal documents of the Defence Ministry related to the Rafale fighter deal came out in a section of the media.

Those who conspired in photocopying sensitive documents without Centre's consent to annex it in petition committed theft, Centre told SC and&nbsp;accused petitioners Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan of being guilty of leaking ''sensitive information''.

The Centre also told the court ''unauthorised photocopy of Rafale documents adversely affected Sovereignty, Security, friendly relations with foreign nations. These matters are now subject of an internal enquiry which commenced on February 28,” the affidavit added.

The Centre also accused the petitioners of using unauthorisedly accessed documents to present selective, incomplete picture of internal deliberations on national security and defence.&nbsp;

“Petitioners have no authority whatsoever to produce the same before this Court without the explicit permission of the Government of India, Ministry of Defence. In fact, the said documents produced by the petitioners unauthorisedly are also exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (a) of the Right to Information Act, 2005,” it said.

“Those who have conspired in this leakage are guilty of penal offences under the Indian Penal Code including theft by unauthorized photocopying and leakage of sensitive official documents affecting National Security,” the government said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security.

The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security. The Ministry of Defence sought dismissal of both the review petition and the miscellaneous application in the matter even as it contended that “it has become imperative for the Union of India to seek removal of these documents from the record of the Review Petition and Miscellaneous application filed by the petitioners.” The affidavit came days after details of some internal documents of the Defence Ministry related to the Rafale fighter deal came out in a section of the media. Those who conspired in photocopying sensitive documents without Centre's consent to annex it in petition committed theft, Centre told SC and accused petitioners Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan of being guilty of leaking ''sensitive information''. The Centre also told the court ''unauthorised photocopy of Rafale documents adversely affected Sovereignty, Security, friendly relations with foreign nations. These matters are now subject of an internal enquiry which commenced on February 28,” the affidavit added. The Centre also accused the petitioners of using unauthorisedly accessed documents to present selective, incomplete picture of internal deliberations on national security and defence. “Petitioners have no authority whatsoever to produce the same before this Court without the explicit permission of the Government of India, Ministry of Defence. In fact, the said documents produced by the petitioners unauthorisedly are also exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (a) of the Right to Information Act, 2005,” it said. “Those who have conspired in this leakage are guilty of penal offences under the Indian Penal Code including theft by unauthorized photocopying and leakage of sensitive official documents affecting National Security,” the government said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rafale case: Petitioners' documents jeopardised national security, government tells Supreme Court

Over 870 cases of swine flu have been recorded in the national capital in the last three weeks, taking the total number of people affected by the H1N1 virus in the city this year to 2,835, according to a report of the Directorate General of Health Services Monday.

As per the report, the death toll due to swine flu in Delhi this year still stands at six.

The city had recorded 1,965 cases till February 18 and on Monday the number of people affected by the H1N1 infection rose to 2,835, it said.

The report had also mentioned the deaths of five more persons from comorbidity.

As per the report of the six persons who have died of swine flu this year, one belonged to Delhi, while the rest were residents of other states.

Amid the mounting cases of the H1N1 infection in the city, the Delhi government had in February issued a health advisory, prescribing the do's and don'ts.

Medical Director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital Kishore Singh said the hospital is well-equipped to handle swine flu cases with adequate stock of medicines.

However, two Centre-run hospitals here have reported 13 deaths due to swine flu this year.

According to senior officials at the Safdarjung Hospital, three deaths due to swine flu have been recorded this season, while the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has reported 10 fatalities.&nbsp;

Nine of the 10 people who died at the RML Hospital were from Delhi and another was from outside the city, officials said.

Seasonal Influenza (H1N1) is a self-limiting viral, air-borne disease spread from person-to-person, through large droplets generated through coughing and sneezing, indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface (fomite transmission like telephone, cell phones, computers, door handles etc) and close contact (including shaking hands, hugging, kissing), the advisory said.

The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing.

Other symptoms may include body ache, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting and blood-stained sputum.

There are three categories of H1N1 influenza -- A, B and C.

After holding a state-level review meeting on H1N1, the Delhi government recently said all government hospitals in the city are equipped with necessary logistics required for the management of the disease and drug oseltamivir along with personal protective equipment (PPE kits) and N95 masks are also available.

The advisory also asked people to avoid crowded places in the swine flu season and stay more than an arm's length distance away from persons sick with flu.

Over 870 cases of swine flu have been recorded in the national capital in the last three weeks, taking the total number of people affected by the H1N1 virus in the city this year to 2,835, according to a report of the Directorate General of Health Services Monday.

Over 870 cases of swine flu have been recorded in the national capital in the last three weeks, taking the total number of people affected by the H1N1 virus in the city this year to 2,835, according to a report of the Directorate General of Health Services Monday. As per the report, the death toll due to swine flu in Delhi this year still stands at six. The city had recorded 1,965 cases till February 18 and on Monday the number of people affected by the H1N1 infection rose to 2,835, it said. The report had also mentioned the deaths of five more persons from comorbidity. As per the report of the six persons who have died of swine flu this year, one belonged to Delhi, while the rest were residents of other states. Amid the mounting cases of the H1N1 infection in the city, the Delhi government had in February issued a health advisory, prescribing the do's and don'ts. Medical Director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital Kishore Singh said the hospital is well-equipped to handle swine flu cases with adequate stock of medicines. However, two Centre-run hospitals here have reported 13 deaths due to swine flu this year. According to senior officials at the Safdarjung Hospital, three deaths due to swine flu have been recorded this season, while the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has reported 10 fatalities. Nine of the 10 people who died at the RML Hospital were from Delhi and another was from outside the city, officials said. Seasonal Influenza (H1N1) is a self-limiting viral, air-borne disease spread from person-to-person, through large droplets generated through coughing and sneezing, indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface (fomite transmission like telephone, cell phones, computers, door handles etc) and close contact (including shaking hands, hugging, kissing), the advisory said. The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms may include body ache, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting and blood-stained sputum. There are three categories of H1N1 influenza -- A, B and C. After holding a state-level review meeting on H1N1, the Delhi government recently said all government hospitals in the city are equipped with necessary logistics required for the management of the disease and drug oseltamivir along with personal protective equipment (PPE kits) and N95 masks are also available. The advisory also asked people to avoid crowded places in the swine flu season and stay more than an arm's length distance away from persons sick with flu.

Swine flu cases in Delhi mount to 2,835

The cross-LoC trade was suspended on Wednesday after Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control by resorting to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said.

Five mortar shells hit the trade facilitation centre at Chakan-da-Bagh, damaging a few sheds, including the one housing the X-ray scanner, custodian of LoC trade centre, Poonch, Fareed Kohli told.

He said the shelling took place around 12.30 pm, when the process of scanning of the trucks was almost complete.

There were no casualties but the shelling caused panic among those present at the centre, he said, adding that the main building remained safe.

Kohli said the cross-LoC trade was suspended for the day in view of the shelling. Officials said the shelling started in Krishna Ghati sector around 10.30 am and later spread to Poonch sector.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, they said, adding that the shelling was continuing when last reports were received.

The cross-LoC trade between Poonch on this side and Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which started in October 2008, takes place from Tuesday to Friday every week on barter system.

The latest ceasefire violation comes after a two-day lull in the cross-border skirmishes which had witnessed a spurt after India's pre-emptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.&nbsp;

The strike followed the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The cross-LoC trade was suspended on Wednesday after Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control by resorting to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said.

The cross-LoC trade was suspended on Wednesday after Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control by resorting to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said. Five mortar shells hit the trade facilitation centre at Chakan-da-Bagh, damaging a few sheds, including the one housing the X-ray scanner, custodian of LoC trade centre, Poonch, Fareed Kohli told. He said the shelling took place around 12.30 pm, when the process of scanning of the trucks was almost complete. There were no casualties but the shelling caused panic among those present at the centre, he said, adding that the main building remained safe. Kohli said the cross-LoC trade was suspended for the day in view of the shelling. Officials said the shelling started in Krishna Ghati sector around 10.30 am and later spread to Poonch sector. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, they said, adding that the shelling was continuing when last reports were received. The cross-LoC trade between Poonch on this side and Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which started in October 2008, takes place from Tuesday to Friday every week on barter system. The latest ceasefire violation comes after a two-day lull in the cross-border skirmishes which had witnessed a spurt after India's pre-emptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. The strike followed the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cross-LoC trade suspended in J&K's Poonch after Pakistan violates ceasefire

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">Session of the Human Rights Council</a> for its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">support to terrorism</a> and raking up <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Kashmir</a> and situation of minorities in the country.

In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month."

She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists &amp; 22 terrorist entities.

The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee.

The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan."

Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February.

On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings."

She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country.

New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country.

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country. In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month." She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists & 22 terrorist entities. The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee. The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan." Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February. On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings." She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India slams Pakistan ahead of the decision on Masood Azhar; highlights Islamabad's role in Pulwama attack

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state.&nbsp;

A BJP delegation including Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitharaman, J P Nadda and party's general secretaries Bhupender Yadav and Kailash Vijayvargiya met top officials of the poll body and apprised them of their demands.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Prasad said, "We have requested the Election Commission that the state of West Bengal should be declared as super-sensitive. And have also demanded that central forces should be deployed at all polling booths in the state."

He said the party has also requested the poll panel to transfer those police officers whose electoral impartiality is questionable as well as the withdrawal of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from election duty.

The BJP is trying to make inroads into TMC's bastion state (West Bengal) which has 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 34 seats, the Congress four, while the BJP and CPI(M) bagged two seats each from the state.

The state assumes importance for the saffron party as it aims to win a sizeable number of seats there.&nbsp;

The BJP delegation also alleged that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi broke the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and complained to the poll panel regarding the same.

"The party has requested the Election Commission to take action against Rahul Gandhi for levelling unverified allegations against the prime minister yesterday in Ahmedabad, where the model code of conduct is already in effect," Prasad said.

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state.

The BJP Wednesday urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal as a "super sensitive state" to enure fair Lok Sabha polls there and demanded that central forces be deployed at all polling stations in the state. A BJP delegation including Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitharaman, J P Nadda and party's general secretaries Bhupender Yadav and Kailash Vijayvargiya met top officials of the poll body and apprised them of their demands. Briefing the media after the meeting, Prasad said, "We have requested the Election Commission that the state of West Bengal should be declared as super-sensitive. And have also demanded that central forces should be deployed at all polling booths in the state." He said the party has also requested the poll panel to transfer those police officers whose electoral impartiality is questionable as well as the withdrawal of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from election duty. The BJP is trying to make inroads into TMC's bastion state (West Bengal) which has 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won 34 seats, the Congress four, while the BJP and CPI(M) bagged two seats each from the state. The state assumes importance for the saffron party as it aims to win a sizeable number of seats there. The BJP delegation also alleged that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi broke the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and complained to the poll panel regarding the same. "The party has requested the Election Commission to take action against Rahul Gandhi for levelling unverified allegations against the prime minister yesterday in Ahmedabad, where the model code of conduct is already in effect," Prasad said.

Declare West Bengal 'super sensitive' state: BJP to Election Commission

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor.&nbsp;

The Indian delegation will include officials from the Ministry of home affairs(MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The delegation will be led by Joint Secretary (Foreigners) MHA, &nbsp;Anil Malik and will also include 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.&nbsp;

The talks will start from 10 am in the morning and will end at 4 pm.&nbsp;

New Delhi and Islamabad had last week confirmed that talks are on schedule despite the India Pakistan tensions. Meanwhile, India has clarified that talks are not a resumption of dialogue.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on 9th March said, "It is not a resumption of bilateral dialogue..its related to emotions and sentiments of Indian citizens of Sikh faith and our decision to meet reflects our strong commitment to the operationalisation of Kartarpur Sahib corridor"

India has already approved the building of a passenger terminal building (PTB complex) at the cost of Rs 190 crores which will be able to handle immigration and customs clearance facilities for5000 pilgrims every day. The design of the complex has been inspired by "Khanda" which is the symbol of Sikhism. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point.

In November 2018, both India and Pakistan approved the building of the corridor. The &nbsp;Holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur is the place where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. The 2019 year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp;

Both India and Pakistan believe the corridor can help in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds of the 2 countries.

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor.

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor. The Indian delegation will include officials from the Ministry of home affairs(MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The delegation will be led by Joint Secretary (Foreigners) MHA, Anil Malik and will also include 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. The talks will start from 10 am in the morning and will end at 4 pm. New Delhi and Islamabad had last week confirmed that talks are on schedule despite the India Pakistan tensions. Meanwhile, India has clarified that talks are not a resumption of dialogue. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on 9th March said, "It is not a resumption of bilateral dialogue..its related to emotions and sentiments of Indian citizens of Sikh faith and our decision to meet reflects our strong commitment to the operationalisation of Kartarpur Sahib corridor" India has already approved the building of a passenger terminal building (PTB complex) at the cost of Rs 190 crores which will be able to handle immigration and customs clearance facilities for5000 pilgrims every day. The design of the complex has been inspired by "Khanda" which is the symbol of Sikhism. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point. In November 2018, both India and Pakistan approved the building of the corridor. The Holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur is the place where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. The 2019 year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Both India and Pakistan believe the corridor can help in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds of the 2 countries.

India-Pakistan Kartarpur talks on March 14; Indian delegation to comprise of officials from MHA & MEA

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalised its alliances in the Northeast, setting a target of winning at least 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats from eight states of the region, party general secretary Ram Madhav claimed on Wednesday.

Madhav, the BJP's in-charge of the Northeast, held a series of discussions here on Tuesday till past midnight and sealed the alliances with the Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), National People's Party, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

The BJP leader will be holding a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and leaders of the IPFT in Agartala on Wednesday.

The alliances have been finalised under the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's political coalition with the regional parties of the region.

"This alliance has the potential of winning not less than 22 out of 25 seats in the region and play an important role in seeing Modi-ji as the PM once again," Madhav posted on Facebook.

On Tuesday, Madhav had met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Madhav also met a delegation of the AGP, the led by party president Atul Bora, and finalised reunion of the former allies.

"It was a hectic day of parlays yesterday in the North East. Sustained negotiations at Dimapur and Guwahati with different senior leaders. Have finally sealed the alliance and electoral understanding between the BJP and all major parties in the North East," he added in the post.

"The BJP, NPP, NDPP, AGP and BPF will fight together in Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh with the mission of defeating Congress party at the hustings. In Tripura, the BJP will fight the elections together with IPFT, our alliance partner," Madhav said.

In Sikkim, BJP's alliance will be with the main opposition party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, he added.

"While the Opposition is still talking and talking about 'Mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance), we already have ours in place in the North East and the rest of the country. The NDA is a much stronger coalition today than before," Madhav said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalised its alliances in the Northeast, setting a target of winning at least 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats from eight states of the region, party general secretary Ram Madhav claimed on Wednesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalised its alliances in the Northeast, setting a target of winning at least 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats from eight states of the region, party general secretary Ram Madhav claimed on Wednesday. Madhav, the BJP's in-charge of the Northeast, held a series of discussions here on Tuesday till past midnight and sealed the alliances with the Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), National People's Party, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha. The BJP leader will be holding a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and leaders of the IPFT in Agartala on Wednesday. The alliances have been finalised under the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's political coalition with the regional parties of the region. "This alliance has the potential of winning not less than 22 out of 25 seats in the region and play an important role in seeing Modi-ji as the PM once again," Madhav posted on Facebook. On Tuesday, Madhav had met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma. Madhav also met a delegation of the AGP, the led by party president Atul Bora, and finalised reunion of the former allies. "It was a hectic day of parlays yesterday in the North East. Sustained negotiations at Dimapur and Guwahati with different senior leaders. Have finally sealed the alliance and electoral understanding between the BJP and all major parties in the North East," he added in the post. "The BJP, NPP, NDPP, AGP and BPF will fight together in Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh with the mission of defeating Congress party at the hustings. In Tripura, the BJP will fight the elections together with IPFT, our alliance partner," Madhav said. In Sikkim, BJP's alliance will be with the main opposition party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, he added. "While the Opposition is still talking and talking about 'Mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance), we already have ours in place in the North East and the rest of the country. The NDA is a much stronger coalition today than before," Madhav said.

BJP seals alliances in Northeast, aims 22 Lok Sabha seats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-thesis-of-gandhian-thought-is-the-congress-culture-says-pm-modi-on-dandi-march-anniversary-202757">one more blog</a> in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish.

The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process.

"If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote.

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Four requests for a stronger democracy. 
 
An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. <a href="https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ">https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ</a>
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The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government. In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish. The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process. "If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote. Four requests for a stronger democracy. An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019 × The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: PM Narendra Modi's four requests to voters

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel.

According to initial indications, RJD will be fighting on 20 seats, Congress on 11 seats, and RLSP on 3 Lok Sabha seats. HAM and LEFT parties have been given two seats each while Vikasshil Insan Party and Loktantrik Janata Dal will fight on one seat each in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

However, the final seat sharing agreement will be announced after the meeting of senior Mahagathbandhan leaders including Tejaswi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav with Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party would contest on 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while an equal number of seats will go to the Janata Dal (United). Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan led-Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP) will contest on six seats.

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel.

Leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will meet today in the national capital to finalise the seat-sharing for 40 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Majhi, Vikasheel Insaan Party's (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Bihar Congress chief Shakti Singh Gohil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh, and Loktantrik Janata Dal's (LJD) president Sharad Yadav are likely to meet at the residence of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Patel. According to initial indications, RJD will be fighting on 20 seats, Congress on 11 seats, and RLSP on 3 Lok Sabha seats. HAM and LEFT parties have been given two seats each while Vikasshil Insan Party and Loktantrik Janata Dal will fight on one seat each in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. However, the final seat sharing agreement will be announced after the meeting of senior Mahagathbandhan leaders including Tejaswi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party would contest on 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while an equal number of seats will go to the Janata Dal (United). Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan led-Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP) will contest on six seats.

Leaders of Mahagathbandhan to discuss seat-sharing for Bihar today

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

"BJP may emerge as the single largest party post parliamentary elections and will have to seek the support of allies (to form the government). In that scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term," Pawar said.

The former Union minister said he will meet some regional parties across the country on March 14 and 15 in New Delhi, where the further strategy of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be discussed.

When asked about some regional parties going away from the Congress and NCP alliance in Maharashtra, Pawar said, "I appreciate the PWP for extending support to the NCP in the Lok Sabha election.

NCP has also held talks with the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) for seat-sharing, but the farmers' front has some expectations from the Congress as well. It will be decided by these two parties."

On Monday, Pawar had said he will not contest next month's Lok Sabha election. The 78-year-old veteran politician had said as two members of his family are going to contest the polls, "somebody had to step back."

However, Pawar had earlier announced that his party workers wanted him to contest from Madha constituency in Solapur district, currently represented by NCP leader Vijaysinh Mohite Patil.

Reacting to Pawar's announcement of not contesting the Lok Sabha polls, Fadnavis had said the NCP leader "sensed the change in the air", and decided to rethink on plans to contest Lok Sabha poll from Madha LS seat.

On the chief minister's remarks, Pawar said, "It is childish to call my decision as a defeat as I have won elections 14 times, including the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections that I contested so far. On the other hand, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and (BJP veteran) L K Advani had tasted defeat."&nbsp;

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar Tuesday said the BJP may emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term in office. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here. "BJP may emerge as the single largest party post parliamentary elections and will have to seek the support of allies (to form the government). In that scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to get a second term," Pawar said. The former Union minister said he will meet some regional parties across the country on March 14 and 15 in New Delhi, where the further strategy of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be discussed. When asked about some regional parties going away from the Congress and NCP alliance in Maharashtra, Pawar said, "I appreciate the PWP for extending support to the NCP in the Lok Sabha election. NCP has also held talks with the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) for seat-sharing, but the farmers' front has some expectations from the Congress as well. It will be decided by these two parties." On Monday, Pawar had said he will not contest next month's Lok Sabha election. The 78-year-old veteran politician had said as two members of his family are going to contest the polls, "somebody had to step back." However, Pawar had earlier announced that his party workers wanted him to contest from Madha constituency in Solapur district, currently represented by NCP leader Vijaysinh Mohite Patil. Reacting to Pawar's announcement of not contesting the Lok Sabha polls, Fadnavis had said the NCP leader "sensed the change in the air", and decided to rethink on plans to contest Lok Sabha poll from Madha LS seat. On the chief minister's remarks, Pawar said, "It is childish to call my decision as a defeat as I have won elections 14 times, including the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections that I contested so far. On the other hand, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and (BJP veteran) L K Advani had tasted defeat."

BJP may emerge as single largest party, but second term for PM Modi unlikely: Sharad Pawar

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

In a blog titled–‘Prime Minister Modi’s Evolving National Security Doctrine,’ Jaitley said the Congress is one with the Central government on condemning the ghastly terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama but is disturbed about the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan and hence the party “repeatedly rubbishes the surgical strikes.”

“It contends that they have either taken place in the past also or alternatively they never took place under Prime Minister Modi. On the air strikes, their conduct is even more dubious. While giving lip sympathy to the Indian Air Force for the first two days, they started a multi-pronged attack. They questioned the success of the strikes. They started demanding proof that terrorists had died at Balakot,” Jaitley said in the blog.

“They even contended that the strike had taken place not against terror but to ensure BJP’s victory in the forthcoming elections. This was a self-goal by the Congress in domestic politics. This was also playing into the hands of Pakistan where statements of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were played out on television channels in Pakistan. Pakistan Government cited these statements to bolster their own falsehood,” he added.

Underlining that Jammu and Kashmir was a “foremost victim of terror” and its people are the “worst sufferers,” Jaitley said that the Congress had no structured plan during ten years of UPA on how to deal with the problem. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi inherited this as a legacy issue. He experimented the conventional method of trying to soften the relationship with Pakistan in a hope that wiser sense would prevail, but Pakistan responded with Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama,” he said.

“He encouraged the mainstream political parties of the Valley to be a part of the national coalition in Kashmir but unfortunately the double talk of support from Delhi and the pressure from the Jamat-e-Islami were to the detriment of anti-separatists policy,” Jaitley elaborated. Continuing his tirade against the Congress, the Finance Minister wrote, “When the Batla House encounter took place and the terrorists were killed, the Congress leaders dubbed it as a fake encounter. The terrorists they claimed were innocent.”

“When the guilty of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, 26/11 attack on India’s commercial capital and the Parliament attack case were to be executed, many Congressmen started appealing for amnesty. The ‘disruptionists’ who prefer to call themselves ‘Left liberals’, fought a legal battle to save the terrorists.”

Jaitley asserted that the “low point” in Congress party’s attitude towards separatism and terror was reached when a combination of separatists, jehadis and Maoists ganged up to raise slogans on ‘Desh ke tukde tukde’ at New Delhi’s JNU, where Congress President Rahul Gandhi “stood shoulder to shoulder with them to defend their right of free speech to champion the cause of breaking India into pieces.”

“He deviated from the Congress legacy of not associating with these extremists. Once the identification of Congressmen with the Maoists and the separatists was signalled by Rahul Gandhi, it was natural for Congressmen and their friends to support the cause of ‘urban Maoists’ who were allegedly conspiring to assassinate India’s Prime Minister,” Jaitley said.

He went on to add: “It is, therefore, not surprising that the new Government in Chhattisgarh, the hub of Left-wing extremism, has now taken several decisions, including the appointment of committees to effectively examine the ‘misuse’ of police powers against the Maoists.” Jaitley went on to say that the battle against terror has been weakened on account of Congress party and its ‘mahagathbandhan’ friends diluting the fight for the “sake of votes.”

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. In a blog titled–‘Prime Minister Modi’s Evolving National Security Doctrine,’ Jaitley said the Congress is one with the Central government on condemning the ghastly terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama but is disturbed about the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan and hence the party “repeatedly rubbishes the surgical strikes.” “It contends that they have either taken place in the past also or alternatively they never took place under Prime Minister Modi. On the air strikes, their conduct is even more dubious. While giving lip sympathy to the Indian Air Force for the first two days, they started a multi-pronged attack. They questioned the success of the strikes. They started demanding proof that terrorists had died at Balakot,” Jaitley said in the blog. “They even contended that the strike had taken place not against terror but to ensure BJP’s victory in the forthcoming elections. This was a self-goal by the Congress in domestic politics. This was also playing into the hands of Pakistan where statements of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were played out on television channels in Pakistan. Pakistan Government cited these statements to bolster their own falsehood,” he added. Underlining that Jammu and Kashmir was a “foremost victim of terror” and its people are the “worst sufferers,” Jaitley said that the Congress had no structured plan during ten years of UPA on how to deal with the problem. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi inherited this as a legacy issue. He experimented the conventional method of trying to soften the relationship with Pakistan in a hope that wiser sense would prevail, but Pakistan responded with Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama,” he said. “He encouraged the mainstream political parties of the Valley to be a part of the national coalition in Kashmir but unfortunately the double talk of support from Delhi and the pressure from the Jamat-e-Islami were to the detriment of anti-separatists policy,” Jaitley elaborated. Continuing his tirade against the Congress, the Finance Minister wrote, “When the Batla House encounter took place and the terrorists were killed, the Congress leaders dubbed it as a fake encounter. The terrorists they claimed were innocent.” “When the guilty of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, 26/11 attack on India’s commercial capital and the Parliament attack case were to be executed, many Congressmen started appealing for amnesty. The ‘disruptionists’ who prefer to call themselves ‘Left liberals’, fought a legal battle to save the terrorists.” Jaitley asserted that the “low point” in Congress party’s attitude towards separatism and terror was reached when a combination of separatists, jehadis and Maoists ganged up to raise slogans on ‘Desh ke tukde tukde’ at New Delhi’s JNU, where Congress President Rahul Gandhi “stood shoulder to shoulder with them to defend their right of free speech to champion the cause of breaking India into pieces.” “He deviated from the Congress legacy of not associating with these extremists. Once the identification of Congressmen with the Maoists and the separatists was signalled by Rahul Gandhi, it was natural for Congressmen and their friends to support the cause of ‘urban Maoists’ who were allegedly conspiring to assassinate India’s Prime Minister,” Jaitley said. He went on to add: “It is, therefore, not surprising that the new Government in Chhattisgarh, the hub of Left-wing extremism, has now taken several decisions, including the appointment of committees to effectively examine the ‘misuse’ of police powers against the Maoists.” Jaitley went on to say that the battle against terror has been weakened on account of Congress party and its ‘mahagathbandhan’ friends diluting the fight for the “sake of votes.”

Country safe under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure.

Kickstarting his party's election campaign in the coastal city of Kakinada, Reddy said the time has come for people to teach Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu a fitting lesson for having cheated people on all counts.

"These elections are not between two political parties but a fight between credibility and opportunism. It is a fight between democracy and anarchy.

It is high time that such an unscrupulous person (Chandrababu Naidu) should go, as people are vexed with his lies, U-turns, deceptions and cheating," the Leader of Opposition said.

Jagan alleged Naidu was responsible for the division of the state and also stalling Special Category Status (SCS).

"He defaced the Polavaram project and stood as a promoter of real estate business in the (Amaravati) capital region," the YSRC chief alleged.

"The time has come to usher in a change, one for betterment and prosperity," Reddy said.

Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRC was seeking to win the elections through conspiracies.

"He (Reddy) has been to jail and sent several others as well. YSRC has a criminal history. If Jagan Mohan Reddy is trusted, he will send everyone to jail," Naidu told his party cadre through teleconference.

"In this just war, victory will be TDPs," Naidu added.

Over 3.71 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise for electing 25 Lok Sabha members and 175 members of the state assembly in the polls, the first after the state was bifurcated to create Telangana in 2014.

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure.

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure. Kickstarting his party's election campaign in the coastal city of Kakinada, Reddy said the time has come for people to teach Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu a fitting lesson for having cheated people on all counts. "These elections are not between two political parties but a fight between credibility and opportunism. It is a fight between democracy and anarchy. It is high time that such an unscrupulous person (Chandrababu Naidu) should go, as people are vexed with his lies, U-turns, deceptions and cheating," the Leader of Opposition said. Jagan alleged Naidu was responsible for the division of the state and also stalling Special Category Status (SCS). "He defaced the Polavaram project and stood as a promoter of real estate business in the (Amaravati) capital region," the YSRC chief alleged. "The time has come to usher in a change, one for betterment and prosperity," Reddy said. Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRC was seeking to win the elections through conspiracies. "He (Reddy) has been to jail and sent several others as well. YSRC has a criminal history. If Jagan Mohan Reddy is trusted, he will send everyone to jail," Naidu told his party cadre through teleconference. "In this just war, victory will be TDPs," Naidu added. Over 3.71 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise for electing 25 Lok Sabha members and 175 members of the state assembly in the polls, the first after the state was bifurcated to create Telangana in 2014.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Polls a fight between credibility and opportunism, says YSRC chief

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

Party leaders led by its chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former prime minister Manmohan Singh sought to give a symbolic message to the people of the country ahead of the general elections by remembering Mahatma and his ideals of non-violence and tolerance.

Other party leaders like A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Tarun Gogoi, Harish Rawat and Oommen Chandy attended a prayer meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram.

Rahul while addressing Congress booth workers in Delhi on March 11 had said the upcoming general elections will be a battle between Mahatma Gandhi's India and Nathuram Godse's India with love on one side and hate on the other.

March 12 also marks the anniversary of the famous 'Dandi March' started by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930 with a group of Satyagrahis.

"Today marks the anniversary of the #DandiMarch, led by Mahatma Gandhi, which played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. The march was a non-violent protest against the rigorous and oppressive British policies on salt," the Congress said on its official Twitter handle.

The Congress, at its meeting of the working committee-- the highest decision-making body, later in the day will give the final shape to its strategy for the general elections.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is being held at Vallabhbhai Patel's national memorial here, with top party leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in attendance. This will be the first official meeting of Priyanka after assuming an active political role in the Congress party.

Later, the party will sound the poll bugle from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, with a 'Jan Sankalp Rally', party leaders said.

The day-long meeting of the Congress Working Committee assumes significance as it comes barely two days after the declaration of the poll schedule.

Sources said the Congress is seeking to give a strong political message to the nation from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, with the party leadership holding the prayer meeting at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, followed by the CWC meet at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel national memorial in the state.

The CWC meeting is being held in Gujarat after a gap of 58 years. It was last held in the state at Bhavnagar in 1961.

The party will also hold a public meeting in Adalaj in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat with the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to address this meeting in her first public rally after entering politics.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who shot to fame by spearheading quota stir in the state and is set to fight the Lok Sabha polls, will join the Congress at the meeting in the presence of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Besides giving final shape to its Lok Sabha election strategy, the party will demand answers from Modi and the BJP on what it calls the "failures" and "unfulfilled promises" of the government.

The top Congress leadership led by Rahul, Sonia, Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders will deliberate on key issues for the national elections beginning April 11.

The party leaders will also discuss ways to corner Modi and his government on issues of governance, agrarian and economic crisis, unemployment and lack of job creation, national security and women's safety.

The party has maintained that the narrative for the general elections needs to be steered towards real issues and problems confronting people rather than the "propaganda" plank of the current regime, especially after the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrike on terror camps in Pakistan.

Sources said the party will issue a statement after the CWC, covering all these issues.

The Congress leaders feel that the party needs to demand answers from the prime minister on the status of the promises made by him five years ago and on his governance track record.

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. Party leaders led by its chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former prime minister Manmohan Singh sought to give a symbolic message to the people of the country ahead of the general elections by remembering Mahatma and his ideals of non-violence and tolerance. Other party leaders like A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Tarun Gogoi, Harish Rawat and Oommen Chandy attended a prayer meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram. Rahul while addressing Congress booth workers in Delhi on March 11 had said the upcoming general elections will be a battle between Mahatma Gandhi's India and Nathuram Godse's India with love on one side and hate on the other. March 12 also marks the anniversary of the famous 'Dandi March' started by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930 with a group of Satyagrahis. "Today marks the anniversary of the #DandiMarch, led by Mahatma Gandhi, which played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. The march was a non-violent protest against the rigorous and oppressive British policies on salt," the Congress said on its official Twitter handle. The Congress, at its meeting of the working committee-- the highest decision-making body, later in the day will give the final shape to its strategy for the general elections. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is being held at Vallabhbhai Patel's national memorial here, with top party leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in attendance. This will be the first official meeting of Priyanka after assuming an active political role in the Congress party. Later, the party will sound the poll bugle from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, with a 'Jan Sankalp Rally', party leaders said. The day-long meeting of the Congress Working Committee assumes significance as it comes barely two days after the declaration of the poll schedule. Sources said the Congress is seeking to give a strong political message to the nation from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, with the party leadership holding the prayer meeting at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, followed by the CWC meet at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel national memorial in the state. The CWC meeting is being held in Gujarat after a gap of 58 years. It was last held in the state at Bhavnagar in 1961. The party will also hold a public meeting in Adalaj in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat with the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to address this meeting in her first public rally after entering politics. Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who shot to fame by spearheading quota stir in the state and is set to fight the Lok Sabha polls, will join the Congress at the meeting in the presence of party chief Rahul Gandhi. Besides giving final shape to its Lok Sabha election strategy, the party will demand answers from Modi and the BJP on what it calls the "failures" and "unfulfilled promises" of the government. The top Congress leadership led by Rahul, Sonia, Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders will deliberate on key issues for the national elections beginning April 11. The party leaders will also discuss ways to corner Modi and his government on issues of governance, agrarian and economic crisis, unemployment and lack of job creation, national security and women's safety. The party has maintained that the narrative for the general elections needs to be steered towards real issues and problems confronting people rather than the "propaganda" plank of the current regime, especially after the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrike on terror camps in Pakistan. Sources said the party will issue a statement after the CWC, covering all these issues. The Congress leaders feel that the party needs to demand answers from the prime minister on the status of the promises made by him five years ago and on his governance track record.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress begins poll campaign from PM Narendra Modi's bastion Gujarat

India has grounded all Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said late Tuesday that it had banned the aircraft from flying in light of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-call-you-when-i-land-texted-indian-passenger-who-lost-life-in-ethiopia-crash-202892">Ethiopian Airlines crash</a> on Sunday which killed all 157 people, including four Indians, on board.&nbsp;

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Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken the decision to ground the Boeing 737-MAX planes immediately. <a href="https://t.co/jWS7qZaDYQ">pic.twitter.com/jWS7qZaDYQ</a>
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This was the second Boeing 737 Max 8 crash in less than five months.&nbsp;

On October 29 last year, a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft belonging to the Indonesian carrier Lion Air <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-boy-bhavye-suneja-was-reportedly-flying-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-with-189-on-board-174149">had crashed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after taking off</a> from Jakarta.&nbsp;

The Ethiopian Airlines plane, which had been en route to Nairobi, had crashed about six minutes after taking off from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

"We are likely to ban the use of 737 Max 8 by Indian airlines... The discussions are ongoing," PTI had quoted a DGCA official as saying earlier on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spicejet-defends-sophisticated-boeing-737-max-202917">SpiceJet</a> currently has around 12 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft in its fleet, while Jet Airways has five, which are currently grounded.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India has grounded all Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said late Tuesday that it had banned the aircraft from flying in light of the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday which killed all 157 people, including four Indians, on board.

India has grounded all Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said late Tuesday that it had banned the aircraft from flying in light of the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday which killed all 157 people, including four Indians, on board. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken the decision to ground the Boeing 737-MAX planes immediately. pic.twitter.com/jWS7qZaDYQ — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × This was the second Boeing 737 Max 8 crash in less than five months. On October 29 last year, a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft belonging to the Indonesian carrier Lion Air had crashed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after taking off from Jakarta. The Ethiopian Airlines plane, which had been en route to Nairobi, had crashed about six minutes after taking off from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. "We are likely to ban the use of 737 Max 8 by Indian airlines... The discussions are ongoing," PTI had quoted a DGCA official as saying earlier on Tuesday. SpiceJet currently has around 12 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft in its fleet, while Jet Airways has five, which are currently grounded. (With inputs from PTI)

After second crash in 5 months, India bans Boeing's 737 Max 8 aircraft

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ghost-of-kandahar-how-masood-azhars-release-keeps-haunting-india-200294#the-deadly-kandahar-hijack-200288">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.)&nbsp;

India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. &nbsp;

Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism.

France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing.

Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate."

That leaves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/responsible-discussions-can-resolve-the-issue-in-a-sustainable-manner-china-on-listing-jem-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-at-unsc-202820">China as New Delhi's only worry</a>.&nbsp;

Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it.&nbsp;

Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner".

"China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution."

While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.) India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list. The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. "All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism. France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate." That leaves China as New Delhi's only worry. Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it. Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner". "China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution." While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

Decision today, India urges UNSC to list Masood Azhar as international terrorist

India is likely to ban the use of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft by the country's airline companies and the decision on the issue may be taken on Wednesday, a senior official of aviation watchdog DGCA said Tuesday.

On Sunday, a 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed near Addis Ababa killing 157 people, including four Indians.

"We are likely to ban the use of 737 Max 8 by Indian airlines. The final decision is going to be taken by Wednesday. The discussions are ongoing," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spicejet-defends-sophisticated-boeing-737-max-202917">SpiceJet has around 12 such aircraft</a> in its fleet, while Jet Airways has five, which are currently grounded.

The incident on Sunday was second such crash involving the 737 MAX 8 aircraft in less than five months. In October last year, an aircraft operated by Lion Air crashed killing over 180 people in Indonesia.

In a tweet on Monday, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu had said that he directed the DGCA to undertake safety assessment of Boeing 737-MAX planes being flown by domestic carriers.&nbsp;

India is likely to ban the use of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft by the country's airline companies and the decision on the issue may be taken on Wednesday, a senior official of aviation watchdog DGCA said Tuesday.

India is likely to ban the use of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft by the country's airline companies and the decision on the issue may be taken on Wednesday, a senior official of aviation watchdog DGCA said Tuesday. On Sunday, a 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed near Addis Ababa killing 157 people, including four Indians. "We are likely to ban the use of 737 Max 8 by Indian airlines. The final decision is going to be taken by Wednesday. The discussions are ongoing," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official told PTI. SpiceJet has around 12 such aircraft in its fleet, while Jet Airways has five, which are currently grounded. The incident on Sunday was second such crash involving the 737 MAX 8 aircraft in less than five months. In October last year, an aircraft operated by Lion Air crashed killing over 180 people in Indonesia. In a tweet on Monday, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu had said that he directed the DGCA to undertake safety assessment of Boeing 737-MAX planes being flown by domestic carriers.

India may ban Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, decision likely on Wednesday

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India may ban Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, decision likely on Wednesday