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The Samajwadi Party Tuesday declared two more candidates for the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Ramji Lal Suman will be the party's candidate from Hathras (reserved) seat and Rajendra S Bind will be the party's nominee from Mirzapur seat, according to an official release issued here.

Earlier, the SP had declared candidates on nine seats in the state, including party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav from Kannauj and MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from Badaun and Firozabad, respectively.

The other SP candidates are Kamlesh Katheria from Etawah, Bhailal Kol from Robertsganj and Shabbir Valmiki from Bahraich.&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party Tuesday declared two more candidates for the coming Lok Sabha polls. Ramji Lal Suman will be the party's candidate from Hathras (reserved) seat and Rajendra S Bind will be the party's nominee from Mirzapur seat, according to an official release issued here.

The Samajwadi Party Tuesday declared two more candidates for the coming Lok Sabha polls. Ramji Lal Suman will be the party's candidate from Hathras (reserved) seat and Rajendra S Bind will be the party's nominee from Mirzapur seat, according to an official release issued here. Earlier, the SP had declared candidates on nine seats in the state, including party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav from Kannauj and MPs Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav from Badaun and Firozabad, respectively. The other SP candidates are Kamlesh Katheria from Etawah, Bhailal Kol from Robertsganj and Shabbir Valmiki from Bahraich.

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party declares two more candidates

Six members of an NRI family from Canada, who were killed when an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">Ethiopian Airlines plane crash</a>ed, were originally from Surat and Vadodara and were on their way to Mombasa in Kenya, their family members said here Monday.

People from 35 countries, including India, died in the Sunday morning crash six minutes after the plane took off from Ethiopia's capital en route to Nairobi, Kenya.

According to the parents of Prerit Dikshit, who was killed in the crash along with his wife Kosha, the couple along with their daughters Ashka and Anushka, his father-in-law Pragnesh Vaidya and mother-in-law Hansiniben Vaidya, were going to Mombasa to meet Pragnesh Vaidya's old friend.

The NRI family had been living in Toronto, Canada since the last 18 years, they said.

Prerit Dikshit's wife Kosha was born in Mombasa and was eager to visit her birthplace during their tour of the Kenyan town, they said.

"I last spoke to them on March 9 before they boarded the plane. They said they wanted to visit Africa and will return to Toronto on March 19," said Prerit Dikshit's mother Parindaben, who lives in Surat with her husband Virendra Dikshit.

"My daughter-in-law was accompanied by her parents, Hansiniben Vaidya and Pragneshbhai Vaidya (who originally hailed from Vadodara)," she said.

"They were going to meet their old friend named Prakashbhai as he was planning to return permanently to India," she said.

"My daughter-in-law also wanted to accompany them as she wanted to go to her birthplace. She was born in Mombasa in 1981," Parindaben Dikshit said.

As many as 157 people --149 passengers and eight crew members -- were killed in the crash, according to the airline.

The Indian government had said Sunday that four Indian nationals also died in the crash.

"I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. <a href="https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5">https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104949793011523584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families," she had tweeted.

Six members of an NRI family from Canada, who were killed when an Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed, were originally from Surat and Vadodara and were on their way to Mombasa in Kenya, their family members said here Monday.

Six members of an NRI family from Canada, who were killed when an Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed, were originally from Surat and Vadodara and were on their way to Mombasa in Kenya, their family members said here Monday. People from 35 countries, including India, died in the Sunday morning crash six minutes after the plane took off from Ethiopia's capital en route to Nairobi, Kenya. According to the parents of Prerit Dikshit, who was killed in the crash along with his wife Kosha, the couple along with their daughters Ashka and Anushka, his father-in-law Pragnesh Vaidya and mother-in-law Hansiniben Vaidya, were going to Mombasa to meet Pragnesh Vaidya's old friend. The NRI family had been living in Toronto, Canada since the last 18 years, they said. Prerit Dikshit's wife Kosha was born in Mombasa and was eager to visit her birthplace during their tour of the Kenyan town, they said. "I last spoke to them on March 9 before they boarded the plane. They said they wanted to visit Africa and will return to Toronto on March 19," said Prerit Dikshit's mother Parindaben, who lives in Surat with her husband Virendra Dikshit. "My daughter-in-law was accompanied by her parents, Hansiniben Vaidya and Pragneshbhai Vaidya (who originally hailed from Vadodara)," she said. "They were going to meet their old friend named Prakashbhai as he was planning to return permanently to India," she said. "My daughter-in-law also wanted to accompany them as she wanted to go to her birthplace. She was born in Mombasa in 1981," Parindaben Dikshit said. As many as 157 people --149 passengers and eight crew members -- were killed in the crash, according to the airline. The Indian government had said Sunday that four Indian nationals also died in the crash. "I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had tweeted. I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked @IndiainKenya @IndiaInEthiopia to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × "I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families," she had tweeted.

Six members of NRI family killed in Ethiopian plane crash had roots in Gujarat

89 years of the Dandi satyagraha

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category.

In the affidavit, the Centre said that the Constitution Amendment that gives 10% reservation has not violated the basic structure of the Constitution or Supreme Court ruling of 1992 which had put 50 per cent cap on the reservation.

The top court will hear on March 28 whether pleas challenging the Constitution Amendment giving 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weak should be referred to a Constitution bench.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for one of the petitioners, had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday that the issue involves the basic structure of the Constitution and should be heard by the five-judge Constitution bench.

The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said it would hear arguments on March 28 whether the matter should be referred to a Constitution bench.

Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the implementation of 10 per cent reservation given to the EWS in the general category in jobs and education.

The court was hearing pleas by NGOs and others.

One of the petitions, filed by Tehseen Poonawala, has challenged the 103rd Constitution amendment saying it was against the basic structure of Constitution, which does not allow for any reservation based on economic criteria.

The 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached, the plea said.

Youth for Equality has also sought the quashing of the Bill, stating that it violated the "equality code of the Constitution" as a reservation on economic grounds cannot be restricted to the general category.

By way of the present amendment, the exclusion of the OBCs and the SCs/STs from the scope of the economic reservation essentially implies that only those who are poor from the general category would avail the benefits of the quotas, the organisation has contended.&nbsp;

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category.

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category. In the affidavit, the Centre said that the Constitution Amendment that gives 10% reservation has not violated the basic structure of the Constitution or Supreme Court ruling of 1992 which had put 50 per cent cap on the reservation. The top court will hear on March 28 whether pleas challenging the Constitution Amendment giving 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weak should be referred to a Constitution bench. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for one of the petitioners, had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday that the issue involves the basic structure of the Constitution and should be heard by the five-judge Constitution bench. The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said it would hear arguments on March 28 whether the matter should be referred to a Constitution bench. Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the implementation of 10 per cent reservation given to the EWS in the general category in jobs and education. The court was hearing pleas by NGOs and others. One of the petitions, filed by Tehseen Poonawala, has challenged the 103rd Constitution amendment saying it was against the basic structure of Constitution, which does not allow for any reservation based on economic criteria. The 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached, the plea said. Youth for Equality has also sought the quashing of the Bill, stating that it violated the "equality code of the Constitution" as a reservation on economic grounds cannot be restricted to the general category. By way of the present amendment, the exclusion of the OBCs and the SCs/STs from the scope of the economic reservation essentially implies that only those who are poor from the general category would avail the benefits of the quotas, the organisation has contended.

10% quota to economically weak does not violate basic Constitution structure: Centre to Supreme Court

The ED has attached assets worth Rs 1.03 crore belonging to businessman Zahoor Ahmad Watali in a money laundering case related to funding of terror organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

They said the agency has issued a provisional order for attachment of assets of Watali under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The immovable property is located in Gurgaon and is worth Rs 1.03 crore.

Official sources said Watali allegedly held this property for terror outfits operating in the Kashmir Valley.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) case is based on a charge sheet filed by the NIA as part of its probe against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed.

The official sources, quoting the ED order, said J&amp;K-based Watali "has been found to be involved in fundraising and as a financial conduit of Hurriyat leaders".

They said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe revealed that the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other secessionists instigate the public, especially youths, to observe strikes and issue directives to the masses to hold anti-India protests, demonstrations and processions through press releases, newspapers and social media.

"This is done willfully to create such circumstances which will arouse disaffection among the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards the Government of India," they said quoting the ED order.

Watali, Hafiz Saeed, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and nine others have been accused by the NIA of "conspiring to wage war against the government" and fomenting trouble in the Kashmir Valley.

In its charge sheet, the NIA has alleged that Watali received money from ISI of Pakistan, the Pakistan High Commission here and from a source in Dubai.

The ED has attached assets worth Rs 1.03 crore belonging to businessman Zahoor Ahmad Watali in a money laundering case related to funding of terror organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

The ED has attached assets worth Rs 1.03 crore belonging to businessman Zahoor Ahmad Watali in a money laundering case related to funding of terror organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. They said the agency has issued a provisional order for attachment of assets of Watali under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The immovable property is located in Gurgaon and is worth Rs 1.03 crore. Official sources said Watali allegedly held this property for terror outfits operating in the Kashmir Valley. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) case is based on a charge sheet filed by the NIA as part of its probe against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed. The official sources, quoting the ED order, said J&K-based Watali "has been found to be involved in fundraising and as a financial conduit of Hurriyat leaders". They said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe revealed that the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other secessionists instigate the public, especially youths, to observe strikes and issue directives to the masses to hold anti-India protests, demonstrations and processions through press releases, newspapers and social media. "This is done willfully to create such circumstances which will arouse disaffection among the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards the Government of India," they said quoting the ED order. Watali, Hafiz Saeed, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and nine others have been accused by the NIA of "conspiring to wage war against the government" and fomenting trouble in the Kashmir Valley. In its charge sheet, the NIA has alleged that Watali received money from ISI of Pakistan, the Pakistan High Commission here and from a source in Dubai.

Terror funding: ED attaches J&K businessman Zahoor Ahmmad Watali's assets

The ED on Tuesday said it was "proactively" pursuing all issues pertaining to the extradition of Nirav Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion PNB scam, from the UK as it dismissed media reports that Indian agencies "did not respond" in time when British investigators extended help.

The central agency, which is probing Nirav Modi under the criminal sections of the anti-money laundering law, issued a two-page clarification, saying the media reports in this context "have been distorted with speculative writing and wrong conclusions have been drawn".

A British daily recently published a report and video showing Modi walking on the streets of London and said the fugitive diamantaire was living in a swanky 8-million pounds apartment in the city's West End and that he was involved in new diamond business.

Calling the reports of inaction on part of the agency "insinuating", the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said, "It has been wrongly reported in the news item that the UK SFO had confirmed to Indian authorities by March 2018 that Nirav Modi was in the UK.

"In this connection, it is submitted that no such formal or informal communication was received by the ED from UK authorities in March 2018 or at a later date, informing that Nirav Modi was in the UK."

The ED added that the National Central Bureau of Manchester, the nodal agency of the UK for dealing with Interpol notices and cooperating with other countries, had instead asked Indian agencies to "provide it" with intelligence inputs that suggested Nirav Modi was in the UK.

It said the UK government's "consistent stand" had been that a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against an accused could only be executed through an "extradition request" and not through letters rogatory (LR) or the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).

Hence, it said, the extradition request for Nirav Modi could only be sent after a charge sheet was filed against him, which was done by the agency in May last year.

"An extradition request cannot be sent at the stage of the investigation. Accordingly, upon initiation of investigations by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in February last year against Nirav Modi and others, the first NBW was issued on March 5, 2018, and that was not acted upon by the UK government," the agency said.

The ED obtained a fresh NBW against Nirav Modi from a Mumbai court after filing the charge sheet and sent it to the Interpol, which notified the "red warrant" for arrest against the fugitive diamantaire on June 29 last year, and subsequently, a fresh request for extradition was sent to the UK government, the agency said.

It added that it had also sent a supplementary MLAT request in October last year for execution of an order of attachment of the UK-based assets of Nirav Modi.

"In response to these MLAT requests, the UK authorities had raised queries from time-to-time, which were promptly examined, and detailed replies were sent by the ED. These MLAT requests are yet to be executed by the UK authorities," the central probe agency said.

"It is reiterated that the ED has been proactively following up all the issues relating to the Nirav Modi case with authorities of various countries, including the UK. The directorate has also been making necessary efforts for successful extradition of Nirav Modi," it said.

The agency said the latest media reports reflected that the "understanding regarding the legal issues is contrary to the facts and established international protocols and procedures".

"This kind of misreporting and speculative news may create a wrong impression to the public at large," it said.

On March 9, the ED had said the UK home secretary had recently referred India's request for extraditing the tainted businessman to a court for initiating legal proceedings against him.&nbsp;

The ED on Tuesday said it was "proactively" pursuing all issues pertaining to the extradition of Nirav Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion PNB scam, from the UK as it dismissed media reports that Indian agencies "did not respond" in time when British investigators extended help.

The ED on Tuesday said it was "proactively" pursuing all issues pertaining to the extradition of Nirav Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion PNB scam, from the UK as it dismissed media reports that Indian agencies "did not respond" in time when British investigators extended help. The central agency, which is probing Nirav Modi under the criminal sections of the anti-money laundering law, issued a two-page clarification, saying the media reports in this context "have been distorted with speculative writing and wrong conclusions have been drawn". A British daily recently published a report and video showing Modi walking on the streets of London and said the fugitive diamantaire was living in a swanky 8-million pounds apartment in the city's West End and that he was involved in new diamond business. Calling the reports of inaction on part of the agency "insinuating", the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said, "It has been wrongly reported in the news item that the UK SFO had confirmed to Indian authorities by March 2018 that Nirav Modi was in the UK. "In this connection, it is submitted that no such formal or informal communication was received by the ED from UK authorities in March 2018 or at a later date, informing that Nirav Modi was in the UK." The ED added that the National Central Bureau of Manchester, the nodal agency of the UK for dealing with Interpol notices and cooperating with other countries, had instead asked Indian agencies to "provide it" with intelligence inputs that suggested Nirav Modi was in the UK. It said the UK government's "consistent stand" had been that a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against an accused could only be executed through an "extradition request" and not through letters rogatory (LR) or the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). Hence, it said, the extradition request for Nirav Modi could only be sent after a charge sheet was filed against him, which was done by the agency in May last year. "An extradition request cannot be sent at the stage of the investigation. Accordingly, upon initiation of investigations by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in February last year against Nirav Modi and others, the first NBW was issued on March 5, 2018, and that was not acted upon by the UK government," the agency said. The ED obtained a fresh NBW against Nirav Modi from a Mumbai court after filing the charge sheet and sent it to the Interpol, which notified the "red warrant" for arrest against the fugitive diamantaire on June 29 last year, and subsequently, a fresh request for extradition was sent to the UK government, the agency said. It added that it had also sent a supplementary MLAT request in October last year for execution of an order of attachment of the UK-based assets of Nirav Modi. "In response to these MLAT requests, the UK authorities had raised queries from time-to-time, which were promptly examined, and detailed replies were sent by the ED. These MLAT requests are yet to be executed by the UK authorities," the central probe agency said. "It is reiterated that the ED has been proactively following up all the issues relating to the Nirav Modi case with authorities of various countries, including the UK. The directorate has also been making necessary efforts for successful extradition of Nirav Modi," it said. The agency said the latest media reports reflected that the "understanding regarding the legal issues is contrary to the facts and established international protocols and procedures". "This kind of misreporting and speculative news may create a wrong impression to the public at large," it said. On March 9, the ED had said the UK home secretary had recently referred India's request for extraditing the tainted businessman to a court for initiating legal proceedings against him.

ED refutes allegation of inaction, says it's taking proactive steps to get Nirav Modi extradited

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-four-indians-identified-but-still-missing-202467">Ethiopian Airlines plane crash</a> and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them.

Four Indians, including a UN consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, were among the 157 people killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed after taking-off from Addis Ababa on Sunday.

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I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1105079458531180544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The deceased Indian nationals were Shikha Garg, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, Pannagesh Bhaskar Vaidya and Hansini Pannagesh Vaidya and Nukavarapu Manisha.

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I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104952495527378944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Responding to a relative from the Vaidya family, Swaraj said, "I have spoken to the son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you have lost six members of your family in the air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I have asked Indian Embassy in Kenya and the India Embassy in Ethiopia to reach you immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members."

Replying to a tweet from a relative of N Manisha, the minister said she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Rahul Chhabra, to provide them with all help and assistance.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. <a href="https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5">https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104949793011523584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj said she is trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg.&nbsp;

Later, in another tweet, she said, "I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings."

The Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including tourists, business travellers, and Garg, who was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them. Four Indians, including a UN consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, were among the 157 people killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed after taking-off from Addis Ababa on Sunday. I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings. @IndiaInEthiopia @IndiainKenya — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × The deceased Indian nationals were Shikha Garg, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, Pannagesh Bhaskar Vaidya and Hansini Pannagesh Vaidya and Nukavarapu Manisha. I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × Responding to a relative from the Vaidya family, Swaraj said, "I have spoken to the son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you have lost six members of your family in the air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I have asked Indian Embassy in Kenya and the India Embassy in Ethiopia to reach you immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members." Replying to a tweet from a relative of N Manisha, the minister said she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Rahul Chhabra, to provide them with all help and assistance. I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked @IndiainKenya @IndiaInEthiopia to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × Swaraj said she is trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg. Later, in another tweet, she said, "I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings." The Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including tourists, business travellers, and Garg, who was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting.

Swaraj assures all help to families of Indians killed in Ethiopian Airlines plane crash 

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The state spiritual department passed the order of appointing Tyagi as head of the ‘Ma Narmada, Ma Kshipra and Ma Mandakini Rivers Trust’ a few days back, just before the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls came into effect, he said.

Notably, Tyagi was accorded minister of state (MoS) status by the previous BJP-led government last year, but he later resigned, accusing the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of “not fulfilling” the promise of stopping illegal sand mining in the river Narmada.&nbsp;

Tyagi told PTI on Tuesday that he would now work to conserve the rivers in the central state and check illegal sand mining.

“My priority would be to rejuvenate the three holy rivers, especially the river Narmada. I will ensure that no illegal sand mining takes place in the holy river,” he said. Tyagi, a friend-turned-critic of Chouhan, campaigned against the BJP ahead of the last year’s state Assembly polls in which the Congress dethroned the saffron party and came to power after over 15 years.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has appointed self-styled godman Namdev Tyagi, also known as Computer Baba, as chairman of a river trust in the state, an official said on Tuesday. The state spiritual department passed the order of appointing Tyagi as head of the ‘Ma Narmada, Ma Kshipra and Ma Mandakini Rivers Trust’ a few days back, just before the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls came into effect, he said. Notably, Tyagi was accorded minister of state (MoS) status by the previous BJP-led government last year, but he later resigned, accusing the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of “not fulfilling” the promise of stopping illegal sand mining in the river Narmada. Tyagi told PTI on Tuesday that he would now work to conserve the rivers in the central state and check illegal sand mining. “My priority would be to rejuvenate the three holy rivers, especially the river Narmada. I will ensure that no illegal sand mining takes place in the holy river,” he said. Tyagi, a friend-turned-critic of Chouhan, campaigned against the BJP ahead of the last year’s state Assembly polls in which the Congress dethroned the saffron party and came to power after over 15 years.

Congress govt appoints Computer Baba as head of Madhya Pradesh river trust

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi for his launch of Dandi March in 1930 and asserted that his government has been carrying out all its works in the true spirit of the guidance of the Father of the Nation.

"Gandhi Ji taught us to think of the plight of the poorest person we have seen and think about how our work impacts that person. I am proud to say that in all aspects of our Government’s work, the guiding consideration is to see how it will alleviate poverty and bring prosperity. Sadly, the anti-thesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture," Prime Minister wrote in a blog paying tributes to Gandhiji for the launch of Dandi March also known as the Salt March of 1930.

"Sadly, the anti-thesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture," he added.

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Tributes to Bapu and all those who marched with him to Dandi in pursuit of justice and equality. 
 
Sharing a few thoughts on the Dandi March, the ideals of Bapu and his disdain for the Congress culture in my blog.<a href="https://t.co/QVuDNCZoXL">https://t.co/QVuDNCZoXL</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1105311052546363394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Dandi March began on March 12, 1930, and continued till April 6, 1930. It was a 24-day non-violent march led by Mahatma Gandhi.

The Dandi Salt March began with around 80 people, but as more and more people joined in for the 390 km-long journey, it grew into a strong force of 50,000 people.

Though aimed at protesting unfair Salt Laws, Dandi March shook the foundations of colonial rule and became a strong symbol of fighting injustice and inequality. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi for his launch of Dandi March in 1930 and asserted that his government has been carrying out all its works in the true spirit of the guidance of the Father of the Nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi for his launch of Dandi March in 1930 and asserted that his government has been carrying out all its works in the true spirit of the guidance of the Father of the Nation. "Gandhi Ji taught us to think of the plight of the poorest person we have seen and think about how our work impacts that person. I am proud to say that in all aspects of our Government’s work, the guiding consideration is to see how it will alleviate poverty and bring prosperity. Sadly, the anti-thesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture," Prime Minister wrote in a blog paying tributes to Gandhiji for the launch of Dandi March also known as the Salt March of 1930. "Sadly, the anti-thesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture," he added. Tributes to Bapu and all those who marched with him to Dandi in pursuit of justice and equality. Sharing a few thoughts on the Dandi March, the ideals of Bapu and his disdain for the Congress culture in my blog.https://t.co/QVuDNCZoXL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2019 × The Dandi March began on March 12, 1930, and continued till April 6, 1930. It was a 24-day non-violent march led by Mahatma Gandhi. The Dandi Salt March began with around 80 people, but as more and more people joined in for the 390 km-long journey, it grew into a strong force of 50,000 people. Though aimed at protesting unfair Salt Laws, Dandi March shook the foundations of colonial rule and became a strong symbol of fighting injustice and inequality. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-thesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture, says PM Modi on Dandi March anniversary

An Indian newly-wed who died in the Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crash had texted her husband she would call him on landing, local media reported Tuesday.

Shikha Garg, who was travelling to attend the annual assembly of the UN Environment Programme, had got married less than three months ago to Soumya Bhattacharya after dating for three years.

Bhattacharya was also supposed to fly with her to Nairobi but a last-minute change in plans meant he stayed back in New Delhi, a leading Indian daily reported.

"I have boarded the flight and will call you once I land," Garg texted.

But before the husband could type a reply, his phone buzzed and a caller informed him about the plane crash, the newspaper said.

Bhattacharya had also bought a flight ticket for Nairobi but cancelled it because of an urgent meeting.

The couple, who lived in New Delhi, had instead planned a vacation after Garg's return from Nairobi.

On Monday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swaraj-assures-all-help-to-families-of-indians-killed-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash-202695">External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said</a> she was unable to get in touch with Garg's family and appealed for help on Twitter.

Later she said she had managed to speak to Garg's bereaved family members as well as those of other three Indians who died in the crash.

Garg was a consultant with the environment ministry and had taken part in the negotiations leading to the 2015 Paris climate accord.

The Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed just minutes after an early-morning takeoff Sunday from Addis Ababa.

People holding passports from 35 countries were on board including some two dozen UN staff.

The aircraft was the same type as the Indonesian Lion Air plane that crashed in October, killing 189 passengers and crew.

The latest crash has prompted airlines across the world to begin withdrawing the model from schedules.

Indian aviation regulators on Monday ordered additional maintenance checks on Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes but ruled out any immediate grounding of the fleet.

India's Spicejet and Jet Airways together operate 17 of the planes.&nbsp;

Jet, which has had to ground parts of its fleet in recent weeks due to its financial woes, said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/all-our-five-boeing-737-max-planes-currently-grounded-jet-airways-202831">none of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft was operational at present</a>.

An Indian newly-wed who died in the Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crash had texted her husband she would call him on landing, local media reported Tuesday.

An Indian newly-wed who died in the Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crash had texted her husband she would call him on landing, local media reported Tuesday. Shikha Garg, who was travelling to attend the annual assembly of the UN Environment Programme, had got married less than three months ago to Soumya Bhattacharya after dating for three years. Bhattacharya was also supposed to fly with her to Nairobi but a last-minute change in plans meant he stayed back in New Delhi, a leading Indian daily reported. "I have boarded the flight and will call you once I land," Garg texted. But before the husband could type a reply, his phone buzzed and a caller informed him about the plane crash, the newspaper said. Bhattacharya had also bought a flight ticket for Nairobi but cancelled it because of an urgent meeting. The couple, who lived in New Delhi, had instead planned a vacation after Garg's return from Nairobi. On Monday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she was unable to get in touch with Garg's family and appealed for help on Twitter. Later she said she had managed to speak to Garg's bereaved family members as well as those of other three Indians who died in the crash. Garg was a consultant with the environment ministry and had taken part in the negotiations leading to the 2015 Paris climate accord. The Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed just minutes after an early-morning takeoff Sunday from Addis Ababa. People holding passports from 35 countries were on board including some two dozen UN staff. The aircraft was the same type as the Indonesian Lion Air plane that crashed in October, killing 189 passengers and crew. The latest crash has prompted airlines across the world to begin withdrawing the model from schedules. Indian aviation regulators on Monday ordered additional maintenance checks on Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes but ruled out any immediate grounding of the fleet. India's Spicejet and Jet Airways together operate 17 of the planes. Jet, which has had to ground parts of its fleet in recent weeks due to its financial woes, said none of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft was operational at present.

Will call when I land: Indian passenger on Ethiopian Airlines flight had texted

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will support its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the “authoritarian” Maduro regime.

The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it.

“We are asking the same thing of India as we are of every country: Do not be the economic lifeline for the Maduro regime. So we talked about (Venezuela) – I certainly won’t characterize the conversations; they’re private conversations,” Pompeo said in response to a question.

“In the same way that India has been incredibly supportive of our efforts in Iran, I’m confident that they too understand the real threat to the Venezuelan people. We had a good conversation around that,” Pompeo said.

At a news conference, Pompeo said the nations that support Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro are, by the nature of this “illegitimate” regime, carrying out the very foreign interventionism of which they accuse others.

“Today, the United States is drawing a clear line between those who aid the forces of repression and those who give life to the Venezuelan people’s democratic dreams. There is no ambiguity here about the truth,” he said.

Similar kind of warning to other nations was issued by US National Security Adviser John Bolton.

“The United States will not stand idly by while foreign financial institutions facilitate illegitimate transactions that benefit Maduro and his cronies, and perpetuate the corruption that has devastated Venezuela,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Treasury sanctioned a Russia-based bank attempting to circumvent US sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. It sanctioned Evrofinance Mosnarbank, a Moscow-based bank jointly owned by Russia and Venezuela, for being involved in facilitating illegitimate transactions that prolong Maduro’s usurpation of democracy, it said.

“The illegitimate Maduro regime has profited off of the suffering of the Venezuelan people,” said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“This action demonstrates that the United States will take action against foreign financial institutions that sustain the illegitimate Maduro regime and contribute to the economic collapse and humanitarian crisis plaguing the people of Venezuela,” he said.

In another tweet, Bolton asked international banks not to have a relationship with the Maduro regime.

“Bankers: Do not help Maduro and his accomplices steal the assets of the Venezuelan people. The United States is watching. The world is watching. The Venezuelan people are watching,” he said.

Maduro is facing a challenge from opposition leader Juan Guaido who declared himself acting president in January.

The US views Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and has imposed sanctions on the country’s oil sector besides taking other actions targeting top government officials.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will support its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the “authoritarian” Maduro regime.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will support its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the “authoritarian” Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it. “We are asking the same thing of India as we are of every country: Do not be the economic lifeline for the Maduro regime. So we talked about (Venezuela) – I certainly won’t characterize the conversations; they’re private conversations,” Pompeo said in response to a question. “In the same way that India has been incredibly supportive of our efforts in Iran, I’m confident that they too understand the real threat to the Venezuelan people. We had a good conversation around that,” Pompeo said. At a news conference, Pompeo said the nations that support Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro are, by the nature of this “illegitimate” regime, carrying out the very foreign interventionism of which they accuse others. “Today, the United States is drawing a clear line between those who aid the forces of repression and those who give life to the Venezuelan people’s democratic dreams. There is no ambiguity here about the truth,” he said. Similar kind of warning to other nations was issued by US National Security Adviser John Bolton. “The United States will not stand idly by while foreign financial institutions facilitate illegitimate transactions that benefit Maduro and his cronies, and perpetuate the corruption that has devastated Venezuela,” he said. Earlier in the day, the Treasury sanctioned a Russia-based bank attempting to circumvent US sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. It sanctioned Evrofinance Mosnarbank, a Moscow-based bank jointly owned by Russia and Venezuela, for being involved in facilitating illegitimate transactions that prolong Maduro’s usurpation of democracy, it said. “The illegitimate Maduro regime has profited off of the suffering of the Venezuelan people,” said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. “This action demonstrates that the United States will take action against foreign financial institutions that sustain the illegitimate Maduro regime and contribute to the economic collapse and humanitarian crisis plaguing the people of Venezuela,” he said. In another tweet, Bolton asked international banks not to have a relationship with the Maduro regime. “Bankers: Do not help Maduro and his accomplices steal the assets of the Venezuelan people. The United States is watching. The world is watching. The Venezuelan people are watching,” he said. Maduro is facing a challenge from opposition leader Juan Guaido who declared himself acting president in January. The US views Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and has imposed sanctions on the country’s oil sector besides taking other actions targeting top government officials.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hopes India won’t buy oil from Venezuela’s Maduro govt

Security forces have gone very forcefully after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/kjs-dhillon-corps-commander-of-chinar-corps-pak-army-involved-in-crpf-attack-198271">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) t</a>errorist outfit in the wake of February 14 Pulwama attack and have succeeded in eliminating its leadership in Kashmir, a top Army officer said on Monday (March 11).

General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-asks-mothers-to-stop-their-sons-from-joining-militancy-202199">Srinagar-based Chinar Corps</a>, Lt General KJS Dhillon, told a press conference that the security forces have killed 18 militants, including JeM's second-in-command, over 21 days.

"We have gone very forcefully after the JeM, and we have reasonably succeeded in our aim of eliminating them at the earliest so that they are not able to carry out a Pulwama-like attack," he said.

Of the 18 militants killed, 14 belonged to JeM including its "six main commanders", the Lt. General flanked by IGP Kashmir S P Pani and IG Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) Zulfiqar Hassan, said.

"We have also eliminated JeM's second-in-command Mudasir Khan, the main conspirator in the attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14. He was active for more than a year," he said.

He added that of the militants killed, eight were from Pakistan and 10 were locals, including two each of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

"Our emphasis after the February 14 attack has been on the elimination of the JeM leadership and we have been very successful in doing that in about three weeks since the attack The leadership of the JeM has been hit very badly," he said.

However, the Army officer said, it does not mean the forces have stopped "looking at the LeT or Hizb. They are very much on our radar".

Dhillon said operations against foreign militants and the JeM leadership will continue "till we eliminate all of them". Asked if there were more suicide bombers active in the valley, Dhillon said: "We are aware and keeping a track of all such modus operandi. We are prepared for it and are taking corrective measures."

Referring to the encounter in Pinglish area of Tral, the IG CRPF said it was "doubly" significant for the paramilitary force as Mudasir was involved in the 2017 Lethpora camp attack as well.

"It was a clean operation, but our job is not done yet. Very important players in the dramatis personae still remain - the people who motivated and radicalised Mudasir, those who gave him explosives and other means to carry out these attacks. We are working in close coordination with the NIA," he said.

IGP Kashmir said Mudasir lured youths into militancy. 
"Initial inputs about Mudasir started surfacing a year ago and subsequently, he joined JeM. The operations over the last fortnight have caused a lot of damage to the outfit," he said.

Pani said the militant recruitment in the last three months has also come down significantly. Also, participation in the funeral processions of militants has reduced.

"Of course, there are miscreants who try to do these things, but police are keeping a watch," Pani said.

Asked if Mudasir made the IED used in the Pulwama attack, Lt General Dhillon said as the main conspirator, he helped and coordinated the attack, "but it is a matter of investigation whether he himself made the IED".

About ceasefire violations along the LoC, the army officer said Pakistan has been targeting civilians as it cannot hit the military. "Ceasefire violations have been going on in the Uri sector.

However, no such incident has taken place in the recent past in other areas of the valley. Kamalkote in Uri has come under tremendous fire from the Pakistani side. Five civilians were injured yesterday.

"Pakistan has not been able to hit the army (targets), so it is hitting civilians. But, the Indian Army has given a befitting reply and we have hit their military targets," he said.

The Lt. General said there are intelligence reports that militants were waiting in the launch pads across the LoC to infiltrate "whenever they get a chance". He, however, said, "we are alert to it".

Security forces have gone very forcefully after the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit in the wake of February 14 Pulwama attack and have succeeded in eliminating its leadership in Kashmir, a top Army officer said on Monday (March 11).

Security forces have gone very forcefully after the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit in the wake of February 14 Pulwama attack and have succeeded in eliminating its leadership in Kashmir, a top Army officer said on Monday (March 11). General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt General KJS Dhillon, told a press conference that the security forces have killed 18 militants, including JeM's second-in-command, over 21 days. "We have gone very forcefully after the JeM, and we have reasonably succeeded in our aim of eliminating them at the earliest so that they are not able to carry out a Pulwama-like attack," he said. Of the 18 militants killed, 14 belonged to JeM including its "six main commanders", the Lt. General flanked by IGP Kashmir S P Pani and IG Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) Zulfiqar Hassan, said. "We have also eliminated JeM's second-in-command Mudasir Khan, the main conspirator in the attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14. He was active for more than a year," he said. He added that of the militants killed, eight were from Pakistan and 10 were locals, including two each of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. "Our emphasis after the February 14 attack has been on the elimination of the JeM leadership and we have been very successful in doing that in about three weeks since the attack The leadership of the JeM has been hit very badly," he said. However, the Army officer said, it does not mean the forces have stopped "looking at the LeT or Hizb. They are very much on our radar". Dhillon said operations against foreign militants and the JeM leadership will continue "till we eliminate all of them". Asked if there were more suicide bombers active in the valley, Dhillon said: "We are aware and keeping a track of all such modus operandi. We are prepared for it and are taking corrective measures." Referring to the encounter in Pinglish area of Tral, the IG CRPF said it was "doubly" significant for the paramilitary force as Mudasir was involved in the 2017 Lethpora camp attack as well. "It was a clean operation, but our job is not done yet. Very important players in the dramatis personae still remain - the people who motivated and radicalised Mudasir, those who gave him explosives and other means to carry out these attacks. We are working in close coordination with the NIA," he said. IGP Kashmir said Mudasir lured youths into militancy. "Initial inputs about Mudasir started surfacing a year ago and subsequently, he joined JeM. The operations over the last fortnight have caused a lot of damage to the outfit," he said. Pani said the militant recruitment in the last three months has also come down significantly. Also, participation in the funeral processions of militants has reduced. "Of course, there are miscreants who try to do these things, but police are keeping a watch," Pani said. Asked if Mudasir made the IED used in the Pulwama attack, Lt General Dhillon said as the main conspirator, he helped and coordinated the attack, "but it is a matter of investigation whether he himself made the IED". About ceasefire violations along the LoC, the army officer said Pakistan has been targeting civilians as it cannot hit the military. "Ceasefire violations have been going on in the Uri sector. However, no such incident has taken place in the recent past in other areas of the valley. Kamalkote in Uri has come under tremendous fire from the Pakistani side. Five civilians were injured yesterday. "Pakistan has not been able to hit the army (targets), so it is hitting civilians. But, the Indian Army has given a befitting reply and we have hit their military targets," he said. The Lt. General said there are intelligence reports that militants were waiting in the launch pads across the LoC to infiltrate "whenever they get a chance". He, however, said, "we are alert to it".

18 terrorists killed in 21 days, succeeded in eliminating JeM leadership: Lt Gen Dhillon

Over 870 cases of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maximum-cases-of-swine-flu-remain-unreported-in-india-195797">swine flu</a> 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 on Monday(March 11).

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 handshaking, 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 on Monday(March 11).

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 on Monday(March 11). 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 handshaking, 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, govt issues advisory on how to avoid virus

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902">Country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902"> built on love, harmony &amp; brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally&nbsp;</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">tie-up</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862"> with Congress in any state</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-not-be-impeached-unless-reasons-are-overwhelming-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-202904">Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi</a>

US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday.

"I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-rises-to-257-in-february-government-data-202903">Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data</a>

Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent.&nbsp;

 
<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">New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name</a>

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday. "I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week. Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent. New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian airline SpiceJet jumped to the defence of the Boeing 737 MAX on Tuesday even as countries grounded the aircraft following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.

"The Boeing 737 MAX is a highly sophisticated aircraft," SpiceJet, which has 13 B-737 MAX 8 planes in its 75-aircraft fleet, said in a statement.

"It has flown hundreds of thousands of hours globally and some of the world's largest airlines are flying this aircraft," it added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australia-temporarily-suspends-boeing-737-max-service-after-china-singapore-stops-service-202856">South Korea on Tuesday became the latest countr</a>y to suspend operations of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, following Singapore, China and Indonesia.

Australia barred all 737 MAX planes from its airspace while US authorities ordered Boeing to improve anti-stalling software and the model's manoeuvring system.

On Sunday an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi, killing all 157 people on board.&nbsp;

It came after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia in October, killing 189.

India's aviation regulator said Monday it had imposed additional "interim" safety requirements for ground engineers and crew for the aircraft but stopped short of ordering their grounding.

SpiceJet said it had implemented the additional "precautionary measures" and was "actively engaged" with Boeing and the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The only other Indian airline to have the Boeing in its fleet is Jet Airways.

Jet, which has had to ground parts of its fleet in recent weeks due to its financial woes, said earlier that none of its five B-737 MAX aircraft was in operation.

SpiceJet was relaunched as a low-cost carrier in 2004 after being bought by industrialist Ajay Singh. It is now India's number four airline.

India's aviation sector is expected to become the world's third-largest by 2025, with passenger numbers booming six-fold over the past decade. 
&nbsp;

Indian airline SpiceJet jumped to the defence of the Boeing 737 MAX on Tuesday even as countries grounded the aircraft following the Ethiopian Airlines crash. "The Boeing 737 MAX is a highly sophisticated aircraft," SpiceJet, which has 13 B-737 MAX 8 planes in its 75-aircraft fleet, said in a statement.

Indian airline SpiceJet jumped to the defence of the Boeing 737 MAX on Tuesday even as countries grounded the aircraft following the Ethiopian Airlines crash. "The Boeing 737 MAX is a highly sophisticated aircraft," SpiceJet, which has 13 B-737 MAX 8 planes in its 75-aircraft fleet, said in a statement. "It has flown hundreds of thousands of hours globally and some of the world's largest airlines are flying this aircraft," it added. South Korea on Tuesday became the latest country to suspend operations of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, following Singapore, China and Indonesia. Australia barred all 737 MAX planes from its airspace while US authorities ordered Boeing to improve anti-stalling software and the model's manoeuvring system. On Sunday an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi, killing all 157 people on board. It came after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia in October, killing 189. India's aviation regulator said Monday it had imposed additional "interim" safety requirements for ground engineers and crew for the aircraft but stopped short of ordering their grounding. SpiceJet said it had implemented the additional "precautionary measures" and was "actively engaged" with Boeing and the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The only other Indian airline to have the Boeing in its fleet is Jet Airways. Jet, which has had to ground parts of its fleet in recent weeks due to its financial woes, said earlier that none of its five B-737 MAX aircraft was in operation. SpiceJet was relaunched as a low-cost carrier in 2004 after being bought by industrialist Ajay Singh. It is now India's number four airline. India's aviation sector is expected to become the world's third-largest by 2025, with passenger numbers booming six-fold over the past decade.

SpiceJet defends 'sophisticated' Boeing 737 MAX

Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-believe-in-people-who-spread-rumours-nirmala-sitharaman-to-ex-servicemen-201119">Nirmala Sitharaman </a>on Monday alleged that the UPA denied benefits to the "martyrs" of paramilitary forces for years and it was the Modi government which ultimately conferred these benefits.

In a Facebook post, she said that on March 3, 2011, under the UPA II government, a Cabinet note was moved by the Home Ministry for a declaration of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) persons, who died on active duty, as martyrs.

Subsequently, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh's office referred the matter to a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) on March 14 2011.

"Further on, in the CoS meeting which was held on 14th September 2011, the committee could not reach a common consensus on giving shaheed/martyr status to CAPF personnel who died on active duty. Thereafter, the matter was shelved altogether by Government of India and not taken up further," Sitharaman said.

She said after the Pulwama terror attack, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi added a "new dimension" to the public discourse for the paramilitary personnel, who lay down their lives in the line of duty, by demanding that they are given the martyr status which is given to those belonging to the armed forces.

"Mr Gandhi doesn't come from a school of thought wherein it is believed that those who sacrifice their lives for the cause of the nation are indeed martyrs in everyone's eyes, mind, heart and soul," she said.

Sitharaman said the Modi government in 2016 increased the ex-gratia lump sum compensation to families of deceased CAPF jawans from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 35 lakh in case of deaths occurring in border skirmishes and action against militants.

Further, in cases of death attributed to acts of violence, the compensation was increased to Rs 25 lakh. This was in addition to their all other allowances, the minister said.

In 2017, the government further issued guidelines for issuance of 'Operational Casualty Certificate' to the Next of Kin (NoK) of CAPFs, Assam Rifles and CPOs personnel confirming another set of benefits to them.

"They, along with lump sum ex-gratia pension to NoK, now get a liberalised family compensation and death gratuity as per rules. Presently, the compensation payable to our martyrs who have the 'Battle Casualty' status in the case of Indian Armed Forces and those who have the 'Operational Casualty' status in the case of CAPFs is identical," she said.

"The Congress president was expected to be in the aware and informed of these facts and information. The UPA government denied these benefits to the martyrs for years and it was the Modi-led NDA government which ultimately conferred these benefits," she added.

The 88,000 CRPF personnel who are deployed in the Left Wing Extremism-hit areas and Jammu and Kashmir had their 'risk and hardship' allowance increased by 48 per cent in the case of officers and 78 per cent in the case of other ranks.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday alleged that the UPA denied benefits to the "martyrs" of paramilitary forces for years and it was the Modi government which ultimately conferred these benefits.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday alleged that the UPA denied benefits to the "martyrs" of paramilitary forces for years and it was the Modi government which ultimately conferred these benefits. In a Facebook post, she said that on March 3, 2011, under the UPA II government, a Cabinet note was moved by the Home Ministry for a declaration of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) persons, who died on active duty, as martyrs. Subsequently, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh's office referred the matter to a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) on March 14 2011. "Further on, in the CoS meeting which was held on 14th September 2011, the committee could not reach a common consensus on giving shaheed/martyr status to CAPF personnel who died on active duty. Thereafter, the matter was shelved altogether by Government of India and not taken up further," Sitharaman said. She said after the Pulwama terror attack, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi added a "new dimension" to the public discourse for the paramilitary personnel, who lay down their lives in the line of duty, by demanding that they are given the martyr status which is given to those belonging to the armed forces. "Mr Gandhi doesn't come from a school of thought wherein it is believed that those who sacrifice their lives for the cause of the nation are indeed martyrs in everyone's eyes, mind, heart and soul," she said. Sitharaman said the Modi government in 2016 increased the ex-gratia lump sum compensation to families of deceased CAPF jawans from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 35 lakh in case of deaths occurring in border skirmishes and action against militants. Further, in cases of death attributed to acts of violence, the compensation was increased to Rs 25 lakh. This was in addition to their all other allowances, the minister said. In 2017, the government further issued guidelines for issuance of 'Operational Casualty Certificate' to the Next of Kin (NoK) of CAPFs, Assam Rifles and CPOs personnel confirming another set of benefits to them. "They, along with lump sum ex-gratia pension to NoK, now get a liberalised family compensation and death gratuity as per rules. Presently, the compensation payable to our martyrs who have the 'Battle Casualty' status in the case of Indian Armed Forces and those who have the 'Operational Casualty' status in the case of CAPFs is identical," she said. "The Congress president was expected to be in the aware and informed of these facts and information. The UPA government denied these benefits to the martyrs for years and it was the Modi-led NDA government which ultimately conferred these benefits," she added. The 88,000 CRPF personnel who are deployed in the Left Wing Extremism-hit areas and Jammu and Kashmir had their 'risk and hardship' allowance increased by 48 per cent in the case of officers and 78 per cent in the case of other ranks.

UPA denied martyr benefits to paramilitary forces, Modi govt conferred it: Nirmala Sitharaman

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">the general elections</a> which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

"Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread."&nbsp;

Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike&nbsp; on&nbsp;the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues.&nbsp;

"Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers?&nbsp;

"These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka.&nbsp;

A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike.&nbsp;

"Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show".&nbsp;

"Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added.&nbsp;

"Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines."&nbsp;

Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press &amp; said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public &amp; asking for justice. <a href="https://t.co/8sLPUFQJmS">pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS</a>
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Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. <a href="https://t.co/rmA6iNh244">pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244</a>
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The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases.&nbsp;The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections.&nbsp;

He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh&nbsp;polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud.&nbsp;

Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. "Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread." Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues. "Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers? "These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka. A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike. "Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show". "Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added. "Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines." Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press & said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public & asking for justice. pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections. He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud. Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs.

She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters.&nbsp;

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Trinamool Congress (TMC) releases list of 42 candidates contesting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/ut1sCReYQB">pic.twitter.com/ut1sCReYQB</a>
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Releasing the list, the West Bengal leader assailed the Centre over a host of issues including the Rafale deal, farm distress and shrinking employment opportunities.

Banerjee, also the TMC supremo, said the outgoing TMC lawmakers whose names do not figure in the list will be drafted for party work.

She said 41 per cent of the nominees in the list are women.

The TMC, she said, will also contest some seats in Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and the Andamans.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs. She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday announced a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state, dropping 10 sitting MPs. She also attacked the BJP and the Modi government, claiming she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters. Trinamool Congress (TMC) releases list of 42 candidates contesting #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ut1sCReYQB — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Releasing the list, the West Bengal leader assailed the Centre over a host of issues including the Rafale deal, farm distress and shrinking employment opportunities. Banerjee, also the TMC supremo, said the outgoing TMC lawmakers whose names do not figure in the list will be drafted for party work. She said 41 per cent of the nominees in the list are women. The TMC, she said, will also contest some seats in Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and the Andamans.

Lok Sabha polls: Mamata releases TMC list for all 42 West Bengal seats

Ruling out any alliance with the Congress, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday announced that his party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on its own and hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not fulfilling BJP's electoral promise of granting full statehood to Delhi.&nbsp;

Asserting that the upcoming polls will be fought on the issue of full statehood, Kejriwal criticised Modi for not fulfilling this promise as mentioned in BJP's 2014 manifesto.&nbsp;"It amounts to cheating. They [BJP] should come clean," Kejriwal said.

"The ongoing general elections are also a part of the mass movement for full statehood for Delhi. BJP had no intention of giving Delhi full statehood. Prime Minister Modi needs to give an explanation as to why he did not fulfil his promise," the chief minister said, adding that his party plans to go full throttle over this issue in the coming days.&nbsp;

Kejriwal claimed that both Congress and BJP are against granting full statehood to Delhi.&nbsp;

Addressing the media from the AAP's new headquarters at ITO, Kejriwal said his party will be fighting the Lok Sabha elections on the issue of full statehood for Delhi as it (national capital) has been suffering because of it.&nbsp;

On being asked about its alliance partners, the chief minister said, "We are not in talks with the Congress over the alliance. We will be fighting the elections on our own."&nbsp;

"We are hearing statements from Congress that it would not enter into an alliance with AAP. But according to our internal surveys, AAP will be winning with a heavy majority on all seven seats and there are four reasons for it," he said.

Listing out the reasons, he said firstly, it is because of the work done by the Delhi government. Secondly, people in Delhi are very eager to see Delhi get full statehood and they can see that AAP is serious about it, he said.&nbsp;

Thirdly, according to AAP's survey, 56 per cent of the people believe that the conduct of the BJP in the conflict between India and Pakistan has portrayed the party in a "negative" light, he said.&nbsp;

"The fourth reason is how the Congress did not put the country first and refused to form an alliance. Therefore Hindus were anyway not going to vote for Congress. Muslims had some doubts but now even they have come in favour of the AAP," he said.&nbsp;

Observing that even without an alliance, AAP is winning, he, however, said his party has no indication from the Congress on an alliance.

The ruling AAP has declared names of candidates on six of the seven seats in Delhi.&nbsp;

A senior AAP leader said the name of the seventh candidate for the West Delhi seat would be announced only after BJP and Congress declare the names of their candidates for Delhi.

AAP's Atishi will contest from East Delhi, Guggan Singh from North-West Delhi, Raghav Chadha from South, Dilip Pandey from North-East, Pankaj Gupta from Chandni Chowk and Brijesh Goyal will contest from New Delhi seats.&nbsp;

The party launched its mega poll campaign, centred around full statehood for Delhi on Sunday.

Party volunteers will also distribute Kejriwal's letter to doorsteps of the voters during the campaign. The letter will elaborate on the benefits Delhiites will have if full statehood is granted.

Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12.&nbsp;

"The upcoming Lok Sabha elections are extremely important for the people of Delhi. In all the Lok Sabha elections, the people in Delhi used to vote to elect a prime minister but this time people have decided that would vote for full statehood of Delhi," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

The chief minister said once Delhi attains full statehood, AAP will ensure that women can roam freely even at night while adding that his party will also provide 85 per cent reservations in jobs and colleges.

Kejriwal also referred to the sealing of shops which took place earlier this year and said, the party would have halted sealing within five minutes.&nbsp;

"We would have regularised contractual employees," he said.&nbsp;

Ruling out any alliance with the Congress, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday announced that his party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on its own and hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not fulfilling BJP's electoral promise of granting full statehood to Delhi.

Ruling out any alliance with the Congress, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday announced that his party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on its own and hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not fulfilling BJP's electoral promise of granting full statehood to Delhi. Asserting that the upcoming polls will be fought on the issue of full statehood, Kejriwal criticised Modi for not fulfilling this promise as mentioned in BJP's 2014 manifesto. "It amounts to cheating. They [BJP] should come clean," Kejriwal said. "The ongoing general elections are also a part of the mass movement for full statehood for Delhi. BJP had no intention of giving Delhi full statehood. Prime Minister Modi needs to give an explanation as to why he did not fulfil his promise," the chief minister said, adding that his party plans to go full throttle over this issue in the coming days. Kejriwal claimed that both Congress and BJP are against granting full statehood to Delhi. Addressing the media from the AAP's new headquarters at ITO, Kejriwal said his party will be fighting the Lok Sabha elections on the issue of full statehood for Delhi as it (national capital) has been suffering because of it. On being asked about its alliance partners, the chief minister said, "We are not in talks with the Congress over the alliance. We will be fighting the elections on our own." "We are hearing statements from Congress that it would not enter into an alliance with AAP. But according to our internal surveys, AAP will be winning with a heavy majority on all seven seats and there are four reasons for it," he said. Listing out the reasons, he said firstly, it is because of the work done by the Delhi government. Secondly, people in Delhi are very eager to see Delhi get full statehood and they can see that AAP is serious about it, he said. Thirdly, according to AAP's survey, 56 per cent of the people believe that the conduct of the BJP in the conflict between India and Pakistan has portrayed the party in a "negative" light, he said. "The fourth reason is how the Congress did not put the country first and refused to form an alliance. Therefore Hindus were anyway not going to vote for Congress. Muslims had some doubts but now even they have come in favour of the AAP," he said. Observing that even without an alliance, AAP is winning, he, however, said his party has no indication from the Congress on an alliance. The ruling AAP has declared names of candidates on six of the seven seats in Delhi. A senior AAP leader said the name of the seventh candidate for the West Delhi seat would be announced only after BJP and Congress declare the names of their candidates for Delhi. AAP's Atishi will contest from East Delhi, Guggan Singh from North-West Delhi, Raghav Chadha from South, Dilip Pandey from North-East, Pankaj Gupta from Chandni Chowk and Brijesh Goyal will contest from New Delhi seats. The party launched its mega poll campaign, centred around full statehood for Delhi on Sunday. Party volunteers will also distribute Kejriwal's letter to doorsteps of the voters during the campaign. The letter will elaborate on the benefits Delhiites will have if full statehood is granted. Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. "The upcoming Lok Sabha elections are extremely important for the people of Delhi. In all the Lok Sabha elections, the people in Delhi used to vote to elect a prime minister but this time people have decided that would vote for full statehood of Delhi," Kejriwal said. The chief minister said once Delhi attains full statehood, AAP will ensure that women can roam freely even at night while adding that his party will also provide 85 per cent reservations in jobs and colleges. Kejriwal also referred to the sealing of shops which took place earlier this year and said, the party would have halted sealing within five minutes. "We would have regularised contractual employees," he said.

AAP will fight and win Lok Sabha polls on its own: Kejriwal

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-will-not-be-able-to-get-anything-from-him-christian-michels-lawyer-to-wion-183762">threatened to make his life hell</a> inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal.

"Sometime back Rakesh Asthana met me in Dubai and threatened that my life would be made hell and that's what is going on. My next door inmate is (gangster) Chotta Rajan... I don't understand what crime I have committed to be put along with those who have killed several people," he said.

Michel, who was present in the courtroom, also told the court that he was put in the prison with 16-17 Kashmiri separatist leaders.

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CBI Court allows ED to further question Christian Michel tomorrow and day after tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z">https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105389912386265088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The statements were made by Michel before Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Enforcement Directorate to interrogate him inside Tihar Jail in Delhi. 
The court said the agency will quiz him tomorrow and the day after.

A jail official will remain present and Michel's lawyer is also allowed limited access during interrogation, for half an hour in the morning and in the evening, it said.

The court took note of Michel's submission alleging mental torture inside the jail and directed Tihar jail authorities to produce the CCTV footage and reports by Thursday based on which he was shifted to a high-security ward.

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Alleged middlemen in AgustaWestland case Christian Michel said before CBI Court earlier today that he was warned by the then CBI senior official Rakesh Asthana that his (Christian Michel's) life would be made hell if he comes back to India. It has become true. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/OMYrBm5rEh">pic.twitter.com/OMYrBm5rEh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105417759700049920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, the court asked the jail authorities to submit their reply on the agency's plea and issued a production warrant for Tuesday for Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside the jail.

Michel was arrested by ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai.

The court previously lashed out at the jail authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by ED and Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and threatened to make his life hell inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam case, claimed in a Delhi court Tuesday that former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana met him in Dubai and threatened to make his life hell inside jail if he did not toe the line of the agency in its investigation in the scandal. "Sometime back Rakesh Asthana met me in Dubai and threatened that my life would be made hell and that's what is going on. My next door inmate is (gangster) Chotta Rajan... I don't understand what crime I have committed to be put along with those who have killed several people," he said. Michel, who was present in the courtroom, also told the court that he was put in the prison with 16-17 Kashmiri separatist leaders. CBI Court allows ED to further question Christian Michel tomorrow and day after tomorrow. https://t.co/fRc2ChKS1Z — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The statements were made by Michel before Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Enforcement Directorate to interrogate him inside Tihar Jail in Delhi. The court said the agency will quiz him tomorrow and the day after. A jail official will remain present and Michel's lawyer is also allowed limited access during interrogation, for half an hour in the morning and in the evening, it said. The court took note of Michel's submission alleging mental torture inside the jail and directed Tihar jail authorities to produce the CCTV footage and reports by Thursday based on which he was shifted to a high-security ward. Alleged middlemen in AgustaWestland case Christian Michel said before CBI Court earlier today that he was warned by the then CBI senior official Rakesh Asthana that his (Christian Michel's) life would be made hell if he comes back to India. It has become true. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/OMYrBm5rEh — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × On Monday, the court asked the jail authorities to submit their reply on the agency's plea and issued a production warrant for Tuesday for Michel after his lawyer alleged mental torture inside the jail. Michel was arrested by ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai. The court previously lashed out at the jail authorities for failing to justify the shifting of Michel to a high-security cell in isolation, saying it will start an inquiry if it does not get a proper response. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by ED and Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

Met Rakesh Asthana in Dubai, he threatened to make my life hell: Christian Michel tells Delhi court 

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

"After an explosion in Kashmir and weeks of brinkmanship with Pakistan, many Indians are rallying behind Prime Minister Narandra Modi as elections approach," the NYT tweet read.&nbsp;

The incident triggered a wave of reactions from Twitter users, essentially Indians, who were angered by the unexpected error.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYTimes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYTimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> 
 
Nyt... pls Correct your journalism and spelling errors. It did not expect you about Pulwama attack. Terrorist Attack Anywhere in the world, It is Terrorism. 
And our Prime Minister's name is Narendra Modi...Not Narandra.
— jeetesh (@jeeteshc) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeeteshc/status/1105380626499174400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Nyt... pls Correct your journalism and spelling errors. It did not expect you about Pulwama attack. Terrorist Attack Anywhere in the world, It is Terrorism. And our Prime Minister's name is Narendra Modi... Not Narandra," one Twitter user posted on the microblogging site.&nbsp;

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New York Times dictionary, 2019: 
Terrorist attack -&gt; Miltant attack 
Suicide Car Bombing -&gt; Explosion 
What's *your* agenda, NYT? <a href="https://t.co/K2bi76wPAx">pic.twitter.com/K2bi76wPAx</a>
— ░A░n░u░r░a░g░ (@jan14anurag) <a href="https://twitter.com/jan14anurag/status/1105171720430862336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It is not the first time when the Twitterati has came down heavily on the erroneous. Just a few days back, US President Donald Trump was trolled for calling Apple CEO Tim Cook as "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trump-goof-up-tim-cook-renames-his-twitter-handle-as-tim-apple-201972">Tim Apple</a>".&nbsp;

Cook even went ahead and changed his Twitter handle to Tim Apple.&nbsp;

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi". "After an explosion in Kashmir and weeks of brinkmanship with Pakistan, many Indians are rallying behind Prime Minister Narandra Modi as elections approach," the NYT tweet read. The incident triggered a wave of reactions from Twitter users, essentially Indians, who were angered by the unexpected error. #NYTimes #PulwamaAttack Nyt... pls Correct your journalism and spelling errors. It did not expect you about Pulwama attack. Terrorist Attack Anywhere in the world, It is Terrorism. And our Prime Minister's name is Narendra Modi...Not Narandra. — jeetesh (@jeeteshc) March 12, 2019 × "Nyt... pls Correct your journalism and spelling errors. It did not expect you about Pulwama attack. Terrorist Attack Anywhere in the world, It is Terrorism. And our Prime Minister's name is Narendra Modi... Not Narandra," one Twitter user posted on the microblogging site. New York Times dictionary, 2019: Terrorist attack -> Miltant attack Suicide Car Bombing -> Explosion What's *your* agenda, NYT? pic.twitter.com/K2bi76wPAx — ░A░n░u░r░a░g░ (@jan14anurag) March 11, 2019 × It is not the first time when the Twitterati has came down heavily on the erroneous. Just a few days back, US President Donald Trump was trolled for calling Apple CEO Tim Cook as "Tim Apple". Cook even went ahead and changed his Twitter handle to Tim Apple.

New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is monitoring the "Boeing situation very closely" in the wake of Ethiopian Airlines plane crash involving an aircraft manufactured by the American company, implying that these planes are not being grounded immediately.

Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said the DGCA is in touch with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

He stated this in the wake of an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on Sunday, involving Boeing 737 MAX 8, in which 157 people were killed.

The plane, on its flight to Nairobi, crashed shortly after taking off from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.

Earlier today, SpiceJet issued a statement stating that it will continue to fly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/all-our-five-boeing-737-max-planes-currently-grounded-jet-airways-202831">Boeing 737 MAX</a>.

"We are actively engaged with both Boeing and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and will continue to put safety first, as always. We have already implemented all additional precautionary measures as directed by the DGCA yesterday," read the statement.

"The Boeing 737 MAX is a highly sophisticated aircraft. It has flown hundreds of thousands of hours globally and some of the world’s largest airlines are flying this aircraft," the organisation added.

The fuel-efficient 737 MAX is the fastest-selling plane in Boeing's history. The plane-maker has accumulated nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is monitoring the "Boeing situation very closely" in the wake of Ethiopian Airlines plane crash involving an aircraft manufactured by the American company, implying that these planes are not being grounded immediately.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is monitoring the "Boeing situation very closely" in the wake of Ethiopian Airlines plane crash involving an aircraft manufactured by the American company, implying that these planes are not being grounded immediately. Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said the DGCA is in touch with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He stated this in the wake of an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on Sunday, involving Boeing 737 MAX 8, in which 157 people were killed. The plane, on its flight to Nairobi, crashed shortly after taking off from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Earlier today, SpiceJet issued a statement stating that it will continue to fly Boeing 737 MAX. "We are actively engaged with both Boeing and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and will continue to put safety first, as always. We have already implemented all additional precautionary measures as directed by the DGCA yesterday," read the statement. "The Boeing 737 MAX is a highly sophisticated aircraft. It has flown hundreds of thousands of hours globally and some of the world’s largest airlines are flying this aircraft," the organisation added. The fuel-efficient 737 MAX is the fastest-selling plane in Boeing's history. The plane-maker has accumulated nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.

DGCA closely monitoring Boeing situation: Civil aviation secretary

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

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BSP Chief Mayawati: It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/JgPzgrED1c">pic.twitter.com/JgPzgrED1c</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1105394979583811584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It also means that Mayawati will tie-up with smaller parties in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Congress wanted 15 seats from Uttar Pradesh and was open to the idea of giving seats to the BSP in north Indian states and in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">Congress was very much part of the '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">mahagatbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">'</a>.

"We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he added.

Yadav also stated that the Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. BSP Chief Mayawati: It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/JgPzgrED1c — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 12, 2019 × It also means that Mayawati will tie-up with smaller parties in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh. Congress wanted 15 seats from Uttar Pradesh and was open to the idea of giving seats to the BSP in north Indian states and in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said that the Congress was very much part of the 'mahagatbandhan'. "We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he added. Yadav also stated that the Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan.

At an event held on the sidelines of the 40th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, while focusing on the threat of extremism and terrorism, the activists said that not only the region but the entire world is suffering from its menace.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) accused the Pakistani army of using terrorists for its proxy war against India.

He said, “Pakistan’s Army officials are now openly asking Kashmiris to stop using light weapons and go for suicide attacks. It is being openly preached by retired Army Generals. It is an alarming situation. We, people, love peaceful co-existence as our state is multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic. If Pakistan is continuously promoting extremism and terrorism, our state will be divided into thousand pieces on the basis of sects because we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims”.

Asserting that Pakistan is using religion, Kashmiri added, “Extremism is not in favour of any person. But, unfortunately, Pakistan loses its wisdom and always using terrorism as a weapon. They are using religion; they are using terrorism that’s why entire Pakistan is suffering. Pakistan’s civil society’s voice is suppressed by the terrorists and mullahs. Why? If any peaceful organisation is holding a protest against terrorism, against human rights violations these mullahs carry out attacks on these peaceful demonstrators. So, we are in a very critical situation, that’s why we are asking UN Human Rights Council and the world community to intervene and ask Pakistan to change its mind and send a fact-finding mission so that all the terrorist infrastructure which is very much intact in PoK should be dismantled”.

Misfar Hassan, another panellist and human rights activist from PoK said, “We have witnessed in history for the past 71 years that there have been attacks and counterattacks. With respect to the recent attack, the Pulwama attack, both the countries came closer to the brink of war and the whole world was shivering that both powers are nuclear and if anything goes wrong it could be proving catastrophic for the world”.

He added, “This is the time to review the situation, to dismantle all these terror operating groups wherever they are, be it in Pakistan occupied Kashmir or they are operating in Pakistan. Pakistan government needs to take some responsibility and get rid of these non-state actors because they are not only destroying the local but international peace.”&nbsp;

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan.

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan. At an event held on the sidelines of the 40th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, while focusing on the threat of extremism and terrorism, the activists said that not only the region but the entire world is suffering from its menace. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) accused the Pakistani army of using terrorists for its proxy war against India. He said, “Pakistan’s Army officials are now openly asking Kashmiris to stop using light weapons and go for suicide attacks. It is being openly preached by retired Army Generals. It is an alarming situation. We, people, love peaceful co-existence as our state is multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic. If Pakistan is continuously promoting extremism and terrorism, our state will be divided into thousand pieces on the basis of sects because we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims”. Asserting that Pakistan is using religion, Kashmiri added, “Extremism is not in favour of any person. But, unfortunately, Pakistan loses its wisdom and always using terrorism as a weapon. They are using religion; they are using terrorism that’s why entire Pakistan is suffering. Pakistan’s civil society’s voice is suppressed by the terrorists and mullahs. Why? If any peaceful organisation is holding a protest against terrorism, against human rights violations these mullahs carry out attacks on these peaceful demonstrators. So, we are in a very critical situation, that’s why we are asking UN Human Rights Council and the world community to intervene and ask Pakistan to change its mind and send a fact-finding mission so that all the terrorist infrastructure which is very much intact in PoK should be dismantled”. Misfar Hassan, another panellist and human rights activist from PoK said, “We have witnessed in history for the past 71 years that there have been attacks and counterattacks. With respect to the recent attack, the Pulwama attack, both the countries came closer to the brink of war and the whole world was shivering that both powers are nuclear and if anything goes wrong it could be proving catastrophic for the world”. He added, “This is the time to review the situation, to dismantle all these terror operating groups wherever they are, be it in Pakistan occupied Kashmir or they are operating in Pakistan. Pakistan government needs to take some responsibility and get rid of these non-state actors because they are not only destroying the local but international peace.”

PoK activists condemn Pulwama terror attack at UNHRC, asks Pakistan to dismantle terror camps

For the second time in less than six months, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 has crashed minutes after takeoff and killed everyone on board, raising fresh questions about the safety of a model that is crucial to the US giant's future plans.

On Sunday, the 157 passengers and crew members of a 737 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines were killed. It was the same model as the plane that crashed in Indonesia in October, claiming the lives of the 189 people it carried.

Aviation regulator DGCA will seek information from Boeing as well as Jet Airways and SpiceJet operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the wake of the plane crash in Ethiopia, according to a senior official.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would seek information from plane maker Boeing and Indian carriers operating Boeing 737 MAX planes in India, according to the official.

Jet Airways and SpiceJet fly Boeing 737 MAX planes.

China's aviation regulator has also ordered Chinese airlines to suspend their Boeing Co 737 MAX aircraft operations by 6 pm following a deadly crash of a 737 MAX 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines.

It was the second crash of the 737 MAX, the latest version of Boeing's workhorse narrowbody jet that first entered service in 2017.

For the second time in less than six months, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 has crashed minutes after takeoff and killed everyone on board, raising fresh questions about the safety of a model that is crucial to the US giant's future plans.

For the second time in less than six months, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 has crashed minutes after takeoff and killed everyone on board, raising fresh questions about the safety of a model that is crucial to the US giant's future plans. On Sunday, the 157 passengers and crew members of a 737 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines were killed. It was the same model as the plane that crashed in Indonesia in October, claiming the lives of the 189 people it carried. Aviation regulator DGCA will seek information from Boeing as well as Jet Airways and SpiceJet operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the wake of the plane crash in Ethiopia, according to a senior official. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would seek information from plane maker Boeing and Indian carriers operating Boeing 737 MAX planes in India, according to the official. Jet Airways and SpiceJet fly Boeing 737 MAX planes. China's aviation regulator has also ordered Chinese airlines to suspend their Boeing Co 737 MAX aircraft operations by 6 pm following a deadly crash of a 737 MAX 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines. It was the second crash of the 737 MAX, the latest version of Boeing's workhorse narrowbody jet that first entered service in 2017.

Jet Airways, SpiceJet to be questioned on Boeing B737 MAX planes after Ethiopian crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir.

Terror remained the chief focus of the respective talks with the Prime Minister calling for "irreversible, verifiable and credible steps against all terrorists" without "any discrimination."

According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, PM Modi told the Turkish president that "terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security". The Turkish president expressed his condolences for the victims of the Pulwama terror attack.

In his meeting&nbsp;with junior Saudi foreign minister Al Jubeir in Delhi, Prime Minister thanked the "leadership of Saudi Arabia for expressing full solidarity with India" in the fight against "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". Al Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the "follow-up" of the outcomes of the recent visit of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to New Delhi.

There have been a number of high-level engagements between India and Saudi Arabia in the last few weeks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in India for a state visit from February 19 to 20. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Saudi junior&nbsp;foreign affairs minister in the UAE on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meet earlier in March.&nbsp;

The Saudi minister also met Swaraj and agreed to set up the Strategic Partnership Council at the earliest. This is the second meeting between the two ministers in the last two weeks.

With the UAE, PM Modi thanked Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan for extending the invitation to India for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meet in Abu Dhabi which took place earlier this month. The MEA release said, "He (the PM) expressed the hope that this historical participation would contribute to attaining the common objectives of peace and progress."

India was invited as the guest of honour at OIC's FMs meet for the first time much to the chagrin of Pakistan which tried to scuttle New Delhi's presence but ended up boycotting the event. This is the second interaction&nbsp;between the two leaders in the last 10 days.

It is interesting to know, PM Modi also had a video conference with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which both the leaders unveiled e-plaques for various development projects in Bangladesh.

Both leaders unveiled e-plaques for the supply of buses and trucks, inaugurated 36 community clinics, 11 water treatment plants, and extension of India's National Knowledge Network to Bangladesh. This was the sixth video conference between PM Modi and Bangladeshi PM.

During the conversation, PM reiterated India’s support to Bangladesh's development and expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to grow even further. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir. Terror remained the chief focus of the respective talks with the Prime Minister calling for "irreversible, verifiable and credible steps against all terrorists" without "any discrimination." According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, PM Modi told the Turkish president that "terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security". The Turkish president expressed his condolences for the victims of the Pulwama terror attack. In his meeting with junior Saudi foreign minister Al Jubeir in Delhi, Prime Minister thanked the "leadership of Saudi Arabia for expressing full solidarity with India" in the fight against "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". Al Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the "follow-up" of the outcomes of the recent visit of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to New Delhi. There have been a number of high-level engagements between India and Saudi Arabia in the last few weeks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in India for a state visit from February 19 to 20. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Saudi junior foreign affairs minister in the UAE on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meet earlier in March. The Saudi minister also met Swaraj and agreed to set up the Strategic Partnership Council at the earliest. This is the second meeting between the two ministers in the last two weeks. With the UAE, PM Modi thanked Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan for extending the invitation to India for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meet in Abu Dhabi which took place earlier this month. The MEA release said, "He (the PM) expressed the hope that this historical participation would contribute to attaining the common objectives of peace and progress." India was invited as the guest of honour at OIC's FMs meet for the first time much to the chagrin of Pakistan which tried to scuttle New Delhi's presence but ended up boycotting the event. This is the second interaction between the two leaders in the last 10 days. It is interesting to know, PM Modi also had a video conference with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which both the leaders unveiled e-plaques for various development projects in Bangladesh. Both leaders unveiled e-plaques for the supply of buses and trucks, inaugurated 36 community clinics, 11 water treatment plants, and extension of India's National Knowledge Network to Bangladesh. This was the sixth video conference between PM Modi and Bangladeshi PM. During the conversation, PM reiterated India’s support to Bangladesh's development and expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to grow even further.

India's West Asia outreach: PM speaks to Turkey president, Saudi Arabia and UAE leaders

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