YouTube Thursday said it will start showing 'information panels' -- flagging misinformation and offering correct insights -- for news-related videos on its platform as part of its efforts to curb the spread of fake news.

YouTube currently offers features like 'Breaking News' and 'Top News' - available in India in English - to promote verified news sources when a major news event happens in the country.

The information panels would be available when a user seeks information about the accuracy of a claim related to a news item in Hindi and English language. YouTube would then match that query with a relevant article marked as fact check by an eligible publisher. 
 
"As part of our ongoing efforts to build a better news experience on YouTube, we are expanding our information panels to bring fact checks from eligible publishers to YouTube," a YouTube spokesperson told PTI. 
 
The spokesperson added that the feature is being launched first in India and planned to be rolled out in more countries later. 
 
The Google-owned platform is engaging with a number of third-party publishers like BOOM, Quint, Factly, AFP, Jagran, and others to verify the facts in news videos, and flag incorrect information to help users distinguish between misinformation and authentic news stories. 
 
While these third-party fact checkers are part of an open ecosystem, the publishers will have to meet certain standards to be part of the initiative. Also, the content that has been flagged is not removed (unless it violates the company's guidelines), and instead the information panel outlines the correct information for the users.&nbsp; 
Given apprehensions that social media could be misused to interfere in the upcoming elections, the government has been warning these platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means.&nbsp; 
 
Social media giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, on their part, have been expanding their efforts in collaborating with third-party partners to verify content to combat the spread of "fake news" on digital platforms, especially ahead of general elections. 
&nbsp; 
These companies have also promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform and announced a slew of other measures as part of their election integrity efforts.

YouTube Thursday said it will start showing 'information panels' -- flagging misinformation and offering correct insights -- for news-related videos on its platform as part of its efforts to curb the spread of fake news.

YouTube Thursday said it will start showing 'information panels' -- flagging misinformation and offering correct insights -- for news-related videos on its platform as part of its efforts to curb the spread of fake news. YouTube currently offers features like 'Breaking News' and 'Top News' - available in India in English - to promote verified news sources when a major news event happens in the country. The information panels would be available when a user seeks information about the accuracy of a claim related to a news item in Hindi and English language. YouTube would then match that query with a relevant article marked as fact check by an eligible publisher. "As part of our ongoing efforts to build a better news experience on YouTube, we are expanding our information panels to bring fact checks from eligible publishers to YouTube," a YouTube spokesperson told PTI. The spokesperson added that the feature is being launched first in India and planned to be rolled out in more countries later. The Google-owned platform is engaging with a number of third-party publishers like BOOM, Quint, Factly, AFP, Jagran, and others to verify the facts in news videos, and flag incorrect information to help users distinguish between misinformation and authentic news stories. While these third-party fact checkers are part of an open ecosystem, the publishers will have to meet certain standards to be part of the initiative. Also, the content that has been flagged is not removed (unless it violates the company's guidelines), and instead the information panel outlines the correct information for the users. Given apprehensions that social media could be misused to interfere in the upcoming elections, the government has been warning these platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means. Social media giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, on their part, have been expanding their efforts in collaborating with third-party partners to verify content to combat the spread of "fake news" on digital platforms, especially ahead of general elections. These companies have also promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform and announced a slew of other measures as part of their election integrity efforts.

YouTube to show info panels to flag misinformation

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said.

Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts.

The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017.

The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. 
Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".&nbsp;

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations. They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts. The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017. The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".

Cabinet clears ordinance on reservation roster for faculty positions in varsities

The Government will come out with the first ever Rs 20 coin which will be shaped like a 12-edged polygon with a design of grains to denote farm dominance in the country.

Besides, new series of one, two, five and ten rupees coins too would be minted, which will be circular in design and have denominations written in Hindi script.

The exact date of issuance of these new series coins is yet to be announced.

The Rs 20 coin will weigh 8.54 gm and its outside diameter will be 27mm with the outer ring made of nickel silver and the centrepiece of Nickel brass, a finance ministry notification said.

The face of the new Rs 20 coin shall bear the 'Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar' with 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below. The left periphery will have the word 'Bharat' in Hindi and the right periphery will have the word 'India' in English.

The reverse side of the coin would have the denominational value '20' in the international numerals along with the Rupee symbol.

"The design of grains depicting the agricultural dominance of the country is flanked on the left periphery of the coin," the notification said.

The year of minting in international numerals shall be shown at the centre of the left periphery of the coin, it added.

According to the notification, the new Rs 10 coin will have an outside diameter of 27 mm and weigh 7.74 gm, while the Rs 5 coin will have a diameter of 25 mm and weight of 6.74 gms.

The new series one rupee and two rupees coin will weigh 3.09 gm and 4.07 gm, while the diameter would be 20 mm and 23 mm respectively.

The face of all these coins shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar with the 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word 'Bharat' in Hindi and on the right periphery with the word 'India" in English.

As per the Coinage Act, 1906, the Government of India has the sole right to mint coins and the responsibility for coinage vests with the Government. The designing and minting of coins in various denominations is also the responsibility of the Government.

Coins are minted at the four India Government Mints at Mumbai, Alipore (Kolkata), Saifabad (Hyderabad), Cherlapally (Hyderabad) and Noida (UP).

The coins are issued for circulation only through the Reserve Bank in terms of the RBI Act.&nbsp;

The Government will come out with the first ever Rs 20 coin which will be shaped like a 12-edged polygon with a design of grains to denote farm dominance in the country.

The Government will come out with the first ever Rs 20 coin which will be shaped like a 12-edged polygon with a design of grains to denote farm dominance in the country. Besides, new series of one, two, five and ten rupees coins too would be minted, which will be circular in design and have denominations written in Hindi script. The exact date of issuance of these new series coins is yet to be announced. The Rs 20 coin will weigh 8.54 gm and its outside diameter will be 27mm with the outer ring made of nickel silver and the centrepiece of Nickel brass, a finance ministry notification said. The face of the new Rs 20 coin shall bear the 'Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar' with 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below. The left periphery will have the word 'Bharat' in Hindi and the right periphery will have the word 'India' in English. The reverse side of the coin would have the denominational value '20' in the international numerals along with the Rupee symbol. "The design of grains depicting the agricultural dominance of the country is flanked on the left periphery of the coin," the notification said. The year of minting in international numerals shall be shown at the centre of the left periphery of the coin, it added. According to the notification, the new Rs 10 coin will have an outside diameter of 27 mm and weigh 7.74 gm, while the Rs 5 coin will have a diameter of 25 mm and weight of 6.74 gms. The new series one rupee and two rupees coin will weigh 3.09 gm and 4.07 gm, while the diameter would be 20 mm and 23 mm respectively. The face of all these coins shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar with the 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word 'Bharat' in Hindi and on the right periphery with the word 'India" in English. As per the Coinage Act, 1906, the Government of India has the sole right to mint coins and the responsibility for coinage vests with the Government. The designing and minting of coins in various denominations is also the responsibility of the Government. Coins are minted at the four India Government Mints at Mumbai, Alipore (Kolkata), Saifabad (Hyderabad), Cherlapally (Hyderabad) and Noida (UP). The coins are issued for circulation only through the Reserve Bank in terms of the RBI Act.

First time ever: Government to come out with Rs 20 coins

India's environmental watchdog, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has slapped Rs 500 crore fine on German automotive company Volkswagen for damaging environment by using cheat devices in diesel cars in India.

The case relates to health damage caused by excess emissions of pollutants and emissions violations.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the carmaker to deposit the amount within two months.

The tribunal enhanced the compensation amount of Rs 171.34 crore, which was recommended by a NGT-appointed committee, as a means of "creating deterrence".

The automaker, however, said that it did not violate the BS-IV norms and that the test results were based on "road testings" for which there were no prescribed standards.

The bench said, "Sustainable development is the main guiding factor... We are unable to accept the manufacturer's objections to the report."

It said that the apex pollution monitoring body may consider utilising the money towards improving air quality in the National Capital Region and other highly polluted areas.

The green panel had on November 16, last year said that use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-panel-orders-volkswagen-to-pay-rs-100-crore-fine-in-emissions-case-190884">diesel cars in India</a> leads to environmental damage and had directed it to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

It had also constituted a joint team of representatives of the CPCB, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, which had recommended Rs 171.34-crore fine on Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The expert committee in its report has estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital.

"Estimated cost of heath damage due to additional NOx emissions from the Volkswagen group vehicles is approximately Rs 171.34 crore using a metro city i.E Delhi as base. The value may be considered conservative due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India and hence only health damages are valued.

"Further, the valuation is for Delhi considering that the value of NOx is 435 tonnes released in the city. This is assumed because lack of data on the geographical locations and plying regions of Volkswagen vehicles which have caused the damage and for all the years which have been considered for damage," the committee has said in its report.

The panel was formed by the NGT on November 16 last year to give its opinion whether the manufacturer has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment.

The committee has told the NGT that automobiles are a major source of nitrogen oxide. The green panel had said the use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to inference of environmental damage and asked the German carmaker to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board.

The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by Ailawadi, a school teacher, and a few others seeking ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.

A 'cheat' or 'defeat device' is a software in diesel engines to manipulate emission tests by changing the performance of the cars globally.

Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in India to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms.

The automobile giant had admitted to the use of 'defeat device' in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets to manipulate emission test results.

After the tests by ARAI, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms.

The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India, unlike in the US.

India's environmental watchdog, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has slapped Rs 500 crore fine on German automotive company Volkswagen for damaging environment by using cheat devices in diesel cars in India.

India's environmental watchdog, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has slapped Rs 500 crore fine on German automotive company Volkswagen for damaging environment by using cheat devices in diesel cars in India. The case relates to health damage caused by excess emissions of pollutants and emissions violations. A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the carmaker to deposit the amount within two months. The tribunal enhanced the compensation amount of Rs 171.34 crore, which was recommended by a NGT-appointed committee, as a means of "creating deterrence". The automaker, however, said that it did not violate the BS-IV norms and that the test results were based on "road testings" for which there were no prescribed standards. The bench said, "Sustainable development is the main guiding factor... We are unable to accept the manufacturer's objections to the report." It said that the apex pollution monitoring body may consider utilising the money towards improving air quality in the National Capital Region and other highly polluted areas. The green panel had on November 16, last year said that use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to environmental damage and had directed it to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It had also constituted a joint team of representatives of the CPCB, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, which had recommended Rs 171.34-crore fine on Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The expert committee in its report has estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital. "Estimated cost of heath damage due to additional NOx emissions from the Volkswagen group vehicles is approximately Rs 171.34 crore using a metro city i.E Delhi as base. The value may be considered conservative due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India and hence only health damages are valued. "Further, the valuation is for Delhi considering that the value of NOx is 435 tonnes released in the city. This is assumed because lack of data on the geographical locations and plying regions of Volkswagen vehicles which have caused the damage and for all the years which have been considered for damage," the committee has said in its report. The panel was formed by the NGT on November 16 last year to give its opinion whether the manufacturer has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment. The committee has told the NGT that automobiles are a major source of nitrogen oxide. The green panel had said the use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to inference of environmental damage and asked the German carmaker to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board. The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by Ailawadi, a school teacher, and a few others seeking ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms. A 'cheat' or 'defeat device' is a software in diesel engines to manipulate emission tests by changing the performance of the cars globally. Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in India to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms. The automobile giant had admitted to the use of 'defeat device' in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets to manipulate emission test results. After the tests by ARAI, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms. The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India, unlike in the US.

Emission fiasco: NGT slaps Rs 500 crore fine on Volkswagen

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders.&nbsp;

"I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said.

"Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal.

At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. 
The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed. 
&nbsp;

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft. Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders. "I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said. "Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added. Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal. At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.

Does Rahul Gandhi need certificate from Pakistan on Rafale: BJP

The last rites of Matua community matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as ‘Boro Ma’, will be held on Wednesday at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district, where her body would shortly arrive from Kolkata. Boro Ma, 100, passed away at a state-run hospital here on Tuesday evening after a prolonged illness.&nbsp;

The body was taken in a flower-bedecked hearse from S S K M Hospital in presence of West Bengal minister Jyotipriyo Mallick and Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur, a family member of Boro Ma. Thakurnagar is the headquarters of the Matua Mahasangh, an organisation of the community.

Many members of the scheduled caste community visited the hospital throughout the night to pay their last respects to Boro Ma, who breathed her last at 8.52 pm, after being on ventilator support at the hospital since Sunday. Her body is expected to reach Thakurnagar by 11 am, as thousands of followers await to catch the last glimpse of their beloved Boro Ma.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Tuesday condoled the death of Binapani Devi, considered a significant political force in the state. Modi had met Boro Ma this February during his visit to Thakurnagar, where he had addressed a rally.

Banerjee has announced that Boro Ma will be accorded a state funeral with a gun salute. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. With an estimated population of 30 lakh in the state, Matuas can influence results in at least five Lok Sabha seats in North and South 24 Parganas districts.

The last rites of Matua community matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as ‘Boro Ma’, will be held on Wednesday at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district, where her body would shortly arrive from Kolkata.

The last rites of Matua community matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as ‘Boro Ma’, will be held on Wednesday at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district, where her body would shortly arrive from Kolkata. Boro Ma, 100, passed away at a state-run hospital here on Tuesday evening after a prolonged illness. The body was taken in a flower-bedecked hearse from S S K M Hospital in presence of West Bengal minister Jyotipriyo Mallick and Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur, a family member of Boro Ma. Thakurnagar is the headquarters of the Matua Mahasangh, an organisation of the community. Many members of the scheduled caste community visited the hospital throughout the night to pay their last respects to Boro Ma, who breathed her last at 8.52 pm, after being on ventilator support at the hospital since Sunday. Her body is expected to reach Thakurnagar by 11 am, as thousands of followers await to catch the last glimpse of their beloved Boro Ma. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Tuesday condoled the death of Binapani Devi, considered a significant political force in the state. Modi had met Boro Ma this February during his visit to Thakurnagar, where he had addressed a rally. Banerjee has announced that Boro Ma will be accorded a state funeral with a gun salute. The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and began migrating to West Bengal at the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution. With an estimated population of 30 lakh in the state, Matuas can influence results in at least five Lok Sabha seats in North and South 24 Parganas districts.

Matua matriarch Binapani Devi passes away at 100, last rites to be held in West Bengal today

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard&nbsp;arguments from all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-land-dispute-case-a-timeline-188184">Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute</a> in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/25-years-since-babri-masjid-demolition-security-hiked-in-ayodhya-7188?first_load=no">Ayodhya</a> can be settled through mediation.&nbsp;

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the case was not only about the property but also about sentiment and faith.

"It is not only about the property. It is about mind, heart and healing, if possible," the bench also comprising Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer said.

"We are not concerned about what Mughal ruler Babur had done and what happened after. We can go into what exists in the present moment," the bench said.

The apex court is considering whether the dispute can be settled through mediation.

Justice SA Bobde proposed a restrained media reportage of the case proceedings, added, “When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on.”

When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on," said the Constitution bench.&nbsp;

The top court on February 26 had said it would pass an order on March 6 on whether to refer the matter to a court-appointed mediator. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments from all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya can be settled through mediation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments from all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya can be settled through mediation. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the case was not only about the property but also about sentiment and faith. "It is not only about the property. It is about mind, heart and healing, if possible," the bench also comprising Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer said. "We are not concerned about what Mughal ruler Babur had done and what happened after. We can go into what exists in the present moment," the bench said. The apex court is considering whether the dispute can be settled through mediation. Justice SA Bobde proposed a restrained media reportage of the case proceedings, added, “When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on.” When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on," said the Constitution bench. The top court on February 26 had said it would pass an order on March 6 on whether to refer the matter to a court-appointed mediator. (With inputs from PTI)

Ayodhya land dispute case: Not concerned about what Babur did, need to go into what exists at present, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today is<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-what-decides-babri-masjids-fate-on-march-14-33360"> hearing arguments f</a>rom all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-ramjanmabhoomi-dispute-a-timeline-25799">Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute</a> in Ayodhya can be settled through mediation.&nbsp;

“We have no control over what happened in the past, who invaded, who was the king, temple or mosque. We know about the present dispute. We are concerned only about resolving the dispute," said Justice SA Bobde during the hearing.

Justice SA Bobde proposed a restrained media reportage of the case proceedings, added, “When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on.”

When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on," said the Constitution bench.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had asked the contesting parties to explore the possibility of amicably settling the decades-old dispute through mediation, saying it may help in "healing relations".

The other judges of the bench are Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

The top court on February 26 had said it would pass an order on March 6 on whether to refer the matter to a court-appointed mediator.

The Supreme Court today is hearing arguments from all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya can be settled through mediation.

The Supreme Court today is hearing arguments from all the parties concerned to decide whether the crucial Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya can be settled through mediation. “We have no control over what happened in the past, who invaded, who was the king, temple or mosque. We know about the present dispute. We are concerned only about resolving the dispute," said Justice SA Bobde during the hearing. Justice SA Bobde proposed a restrained media reportage of the case proceedings, added, “When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on.” When the mediation is on, it should not be reported on. It may not be a gag, but no motive should be attributed to anyone when the mediation process is on," said the Constitution bench. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had asked the contesting parties to explore the possibility of amicably settling the decades-old dispute through mediation, saying it may help in "healing relations". The other judges of the bench are Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer. The top court on February 26 had said it would pass an order on March 6 on whether to refer the matter to a court-appointed mediator.

Ayodhya land dispute case: Can't undo past, can only look into present, says Supreme Court

French envoy to India, Alexandre Ziegler, reacted to Indian airstrikes on JeM camp in Balakot and stated that "there should be no tolerance of terror". Ziegler reiterated France's resolution to push for JeM chief Masood Azhar's listing as a global terrorist at UNSC.&nbsp;

"We recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror. We also welcomed the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. The easing of tension was also a relief," news agency ANI quoted Ziegler as saying.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Alexandre Ziegler, French Envoy to India: We believe there should be no tolerance of terror. So yes we will push for designation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasoodAzhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasoodAzhar</a> as global terrorist, at UNSC, have been pushing for it for past 2 years as well. Not designating him doesn't make sense <a href="https://t.co/Sa6jA9nz1Q">pic.twitter.com/Sa6jA9nz1Q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103337304901513222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We believe there should be no tolerance of terror. So yes, we will push for designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, at UNSC, have been pushing for it for past 2 years as well. Not designating him doesn't make sense," the envoy added.&nbsp;

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-reiterates-support-for-indias-permanent-seat-in-reformed-un-security-council-201043">support for India as the permanent member</a> of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

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Alexandre Ziegler, French Envoy to India on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirStrike</a>: Ofcourse we recognize legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror.We also welcomed the release of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WingCommanderAbhinandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WingCommanderAbhinandan</a>. Easing of tension was also a relief. <a href="https://t.co/tJSagIuo5G">pic.twitter.com/tJSagIuo5G</a>
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France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

“We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters last Friday.

French envoy to India, Alexandre Ziegler, reacted to Indian airstrikes on JeM camp in Balakot and stated that "there should be no tolerance of terror". Ziegler reiterated France's resolution to push for JeM chief Masood Azhar's listing as a global terrorist at UNSC.

French envoy to India, Alexandre Ziegler, reacted to Indian airstrikes on JeM camp in Balakot and stated that "there should be no tolerance of terror". Ziegler reiterated France's resolution to push for JeM chief Masood Azhar's listing as a global terrorist at UNSC. "We recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror. We also welcomed the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. The easing of tension was also a relief," news agency ANI quoted Ziegler as saying. Alexandre Ziegler, French Envoy to India: We believe there should be no tolerance of terror. So yes we will push for designation of #MasoodAzhar as global terrorist, at UNSC, have been pushing for it for past 2 years as well. Not designating him doesn't make sense pic.twitter.com/Sa6jA9nz1Q — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × "We believe there should be no tolerance of terror. So yes, we will push for designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, at UNSC, have been pushing for it for past 2 years as well. Not designating him doesn't make sense," the envoy added. France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform. India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. Alexandre Ziegler, French Envoy to India on #AirStrike: Ofcourse we recognize legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror.We also welcomed the release of #WingCommanderAbhinandan. Easing of tension was also a relief. pic.twitter.com/tJSagIuo5G — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, news agency PTI reported. “We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters last Friday.

We recognise India's legitimacy to ensure security against cross-border terror: French envoy  

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilots-werent-supposed-to-land-and-count-number-of-terrorists-killed-in-balakot-rajnath-singh-201634">Indian Air Force</a> has given the government radar and satellite images showing bombing of the "intended targets" at the JeM terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot and "causing significant damage" to it, sources in the security establishment said on Wednesday.

The source-based information about the "evidence" comes against the backdrop of a report by a foreign news agency claiming that satellite images of the Jaish-e-Mohammed madrasa in Balakot showed the facility is still intact and buildings standing.

The government was given on Sunday all the "evidence" of the February 26 strike on the JeM camp, including radar and satellite imagery, which showed that the S-2000 laser-guided munition hit the intended targets causing significant "internal damage", sources said.

S-2000 smart bombs penetrate the targets and cause a blast inside, as per sources.&nbsp;

They also said that the IAF has collected from independent sources satellite imagery of the site of the JeM camp after the strike to assess the impact of the operation, and these images have also been handed over to the government.

The news report, which drew a comparison between an April 2018 image of the camp with that of an image taken on March 4, 2019, to show it is practically unchanged, also comes amid raging debate over the number of human casualties in the Balakot air strikes.&nbsp;

Briefing reporters last week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated", while the government sources said 350 terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

Later, BJP president Amit Shah put the toll at 250.&nbsp;

Amidst media reports suggesting minimal damage during these air strikes, opposition parties have been clamouring for clarity.

On Monday, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said it is for the government to provide death toll of terrorists, and the IAF only sees if a target has been hit or not.

On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said around 400 terrorists were killed in the air strikes. When asked about the number of terrorists eliminated, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not give any figure.

The Indian Air Force has given the government radar and satellite images showing bombing of the "intended targets" at the JeM terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot and "causing significant damage" to it, sources in the security establishment said on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force has given the government radar and satellite images showing bombing of the "intended targets" at the JeM terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot and "causing significant damage" to it, sources in the security establishment said on Wednesday. The source-based information about the "evidence" comes against the backdrop of a report by a foreign news agency claiming that satellite images of the Jaish-e-Mohammed madrasa in Balakot showed the facility is still intact and buildings standing. The government was given on Sunday all the "evidence" of the February 26 strike on the JeM camp, including radar and satellite imagery, which showed that the S-2000 laser-guided munition hit the intended targets causing significant "internal damage", sources said. S-2000 smart bombs penetrate the targets and cause a blast inside, as per sources. They also said that the IAF has collected from independent sources satellite imagery of the site of the JeM camp after the strike to assess the impact of the operation, and these images have also been handed over to the government. The news report, which drew a comparison between an April 2018 image of the camp with that of an image taken on March 4, 2019, to show it is practically unchanged, also comes amid raging debate over the number of human casualties in the Balakot air strikes. Briefing reporters last week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated", while the government sources said 350 terrorists were killed. Later, BJP president Amit Shah put the toll at 250. Amidst media reports suggesting minimal damage during these air strikes, opposition parties have been clamouring for clarity. On Monday, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said it is for the government to provide death toll of terrorists, and the IAF only sees if a target has been hit or not. On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said around 400 terrorists were killed in the air strikes. When asked about the number of terrorists eliminated, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not give any figure.

Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage': Sources

An Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt Wednesday suffered a mid-air decompression and consequently, it returned to the airport "keeping the safety of 220 passengers in mind", said the national carrier in a statement.

According to airline officials, the flight faced decompression at the height of approximately 20,000 feet around 15 minutes after taking off.

"Air India flight AI121 operating from Delhi to Frankfurt today faced an issue of decompression and keeping the safety of the 220 passengers in mind, the flight had returned to Delhi. No passenger has suffered any injury," said the Air India spokesperson.

"The flight will now operate with a change of aircraft at 0600hrs on 7th March from Delhi. All passengers are safe and are being extended all assistance at Delhi. Air India is committed to maintaining the highest standards of passenger comfort and safety," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

The standard time of departure of AI121 Delhi-Frankfurt flight is 1.35 pm daily.

At a higher altitude, the air is extremely thin due to low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content. Therefore, an aircraft has to maintain an internal cabin pressure so that passengers do not face ill-effects on their health.&nbsp;

An Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt Wednesday suffered a mid-air decompression and consequently, it returned to the airport "keeping the safety of 220 passengers in mind", said the national carrier in a statement.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt Wednesday suffered a mid-air decompression and consequently, it returned to the airport "keeping the safety of 220 passengers in mind", said the national carrier in a statement. According to airline officials, the flight faced decompression at the height of approximately 20,000 feet around 15 minutes after taking off. "Air India flight AI121 operating from Delhi to Frankfurt today faced an issue of decompression and keeping the safety of the 220 passengers in mind, the flight had returned to Delhi. No passenger has suffered any injury," said the Air India spokesperson. "The flight will now operate with a change of aircraft at 0600hrs on 7th March from Delhi. All passengers are safe and are being extended all assistance at Delhi. Air India is committed to maintaining the highest standards of passenger comfort and safety," the spokesperson added. The standard time of departure of AI121 Delhi-Frankfurt flight is 1.35 pm daily. At a higher altitude, the air is extremely thin due to low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content. Therefore, an aircraft has to maintain an internal cabin pressure so that passengers do not face ill-effects on their health.

Air India's Delhi-Frankfurt flight faces mid-air decompression, returns within 15 minutes

Terrorists have attacked an Indian Army patrol party in the Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir.&nbsp;

The area has been cordoned off, and a search for the terrorists has begun.&nbsp;

This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Terrorists have attacked an Indian Army patrol party in the Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir. The area has been cordoned off, and a search for the terrorists has begun.

Terrorists have attacked an Indian Army patrol party in the Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir. The area has been cordoned off, and a search for the terrorists has begun. This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.

J&K: Terrorists attack Indian Army patrol in Handwara

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation.&nbsp;

Singh asked if the IAF pilots who carried out the strikes were supposed to land and count the number of terrorists killed in the operation.&nbsp;

"The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation — 1,2,3,4,5?" Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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HM Rajnath Singh: The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation- 1,2,3,4,5? <a href="https://t.co/hXR77u56Ha">pic.twitter.com/hXR77u56Ha</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103327351184609280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-air-strike-non-military-action-as-no-civilian-casualty-caused-nirmala-sitharaman-201327">Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday</a> the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position".

Gokhale had said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, news agency PTI reported.

Sitharaman's remarks came amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike.

The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not, PTI reported.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday lauded the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan and slammed the opposition for raising questions over the operation. Singh asked if the IAF pilots who carried out the strikes were supposed to land and count the number of terrorists killed in the operation. "The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation — 1,2,3,4,5?" Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. HM Rajnath Singh: The way IAF hit the terror camps is absolutely remarkable. But there are a few people who are questioning it, I want to ask them, was it the duty of pilots to land and then count the numbers to know how many were killed after the operation- 1,2,3,4,5? pic.twitter.com/hXR77u56Ha — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty. She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position". Gokhale had said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, news agency PTI reported. Sitharaman's remarks came amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike. The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not, PTI reported. On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election. (With inputs from PTI)

IAF pilots weren't supposed to land and count number of terrorists killed in Balakot: Rajnath Singh

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on&nbsp;March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor.

Pakistan's foreign ministry in a release said, "Pakistan Delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor. "

Speaking to WION, top Indian government sources last week said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community..we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks".

India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point.

Pakistani foreign ministry also that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India &nbsp;Sohail Mahmood will return to New Delhi, "after completion of consultations in Islamabad." Both India and Pakistan had called back there envoys for consultations in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February.&nbsp;

Last year in November, India and Pakistan approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor so that pilgrims can easily visit the Holy Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years.&nbsp;

This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor.

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor. Pakistan's foreign ministry in a release said, "Pakistan Delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor. " Speaking to WION, top Indian government sources last week said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community..we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks". India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point. Pakistani foreign ministry also that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will return to New Delhi, "after completion of consultations in Islamabad." Both India and Pakistan had called back there envoys for consultations in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February. Last year in November, India and Pakistan approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor so that pilgrims can easily visit the Holy Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Kartarpur talks on track: Pakistan delegation to visit India on March 14

Indian bourses furthered gains in early trade on Wednesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty adding 157 points and 53 points, respectively, on sustained buying mainly in stocks of finance, metal and capital goods sectors.

The BSE barometer Sensex opened positively at 36,544.86 and further consolidated its gains to trade at 36,599.69, climbing 157.15 points, or 0.49 per cent, over the previous close. It had gained nearly 379 points to close at 36,442 on Tuesday.

The 30-share index gained nearly 575 points in the last two trading sessions.

The NSE gauge Nifty opened at 11,024.85 and rose to 11,040.85, gaining 53.40 points, or 0.49 per cent. The 50-scrip index had jumped 124 points to close at 10,987.

On BSE, ICICI Bank, SBI, Vedanta were leading the gainers' chart.

"The buoyancy in the market sentiment is clearly evident from last few sessions, where mid and small caps have come to the fore and started to outperform. The market breadth has also improved on the back of the market participants sensing the possibility of the incumbent government retaining power, which naturally provides policy stability," Devang Mehta, Head - Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management, said.

However, Asian bourses remained in tight ranges on Wednesday as investors awaited fresh cues from US-China trade talks and weighed weaker Wall Street sentiment.

Indian bourses furthered gains in early trade on Wednesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty adding 157 points and 53 points, respectively, on sustained buying mainly in stocks of finance, metal and capital goods sectors.

Indian bourses furthered gains in early trade on Wednesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty adding 157 points and 53 points, respectively, on sustained buying mainly in stocks of finance, metal and capital goods sectors. The BSE barometer Sensex opened positively at 36,544.86 and further consolidated its gains to trade at 36,599.69, climbing 157.15 points, or 0.49 per cent, over the previous close. It had gained nearly 379 points to close at 36,442 on Tuesday. The 30-share index gained nearly 575 points in the last two trading sessions. The NSE gauge Nifty opened at 11,024.85 and rose to 11,040.85, gaining 53.40 points, or 0.49 per cent. The 50-scrip index had jumped 124 points to close at 10,987. On BSE, ICICI Bank, SBI, Vedanta were leading the gainers' chart. "The buoyancy in the market sentiment is clearly evident from last few sessions, where mid and small caps have come to the fore and started to outperform. The market breadth has also improved on the back of the market participants sensing the possibility of the incumbent government retaining power, which naturally provides policy stability," Devang Mehta, Head - Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management, said. However, Asian bourses remained in tight ranges on Wednesday as investors awaited fresh cues from US-China trade talks and weighed weaker Wall Street sentiment.

Stocks further gains as Sensex opens 157 points up; Nifty above 11,000-mark

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes</a>.

The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

"The Pakistan navy stopped an Indian submarine from entering our territorial waters," a naval spokesman said in a statement.

He said "the Indian submarine was not targeted in line with the government's policy of maintaining peace".

It was the first such incident since 2016, when Pakistan said it had "pushed" an Indian submarine away from Pakistani waters.&nbsp;

The spokesman did not give further details, including when or where the submarine was detected. It was also not clear if they meant the 12 nautical mile (22 kilometre) territorial waters limit or the broader 200 nautical mile (370 kilometre) exclusive economic zone.

The navy also released what it said was video of the submarine, with the grainy black and white footage showing only what appeared to be a periscope above water. The timestamp on the video clip shows it began at 8.35 pm on Monday.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials.

In recent days the nuclear-armed Asian countries have come closer to conflict than in years, after a suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama killed 40 Indian paramilitaries.

A militant group based in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the February 14 blast, and 12 days later Indian jets bombed what New Delhi called a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan.

Pakistan has denied any damage or casualties.&nbsp;

The next day Pakistani aircraft entered Indian airspace and the two nations' jets engaged in aerial dogfights, with at least one Indian aircraft shot down and its pilot captured by Pakistan.

The pilot was handed back to India last Friday in what Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called a "peace gesture".

Both sides also claimed a second plane had been shot down, but they have disputed whose plane it was and what happened to the pilot.

Pakistani and Indian soldiers have continued to fire artillery and mortars over the Line of Control, in the days since, killing several civilians on both sides.

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. "The Pakistan navy stopped an Indian submarine from entering our territorial waters," a naval spokesman said in a statement. He said "the Indian submarine was not targeted in line with the government's policy of maintaining peace". It was the first such incident since 2016, when Pakistan said it had "pushed" an Indian submarine away from Pakistani waters. The spokesman did not give further details, including when or where the submarine was detected. It was also not clear if they meant the 12 nautical mile (22 kilometre) territorial waters limit or the broader 200 nautical mile (370 kilometre) exclusive economic zone. The navy also released what it said was video of the submarine, with the grainy black and white footage showing only what appeared to be a periscope above water. The timestamp on the video clip shows it began at 8.35 pm on Monday. There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. In recent days the nuclear-armed Asian countries have come closer to conflict than in years, after a suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama killed 40 Indian paramilitaries. A militant group based in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the February 14 blast, and 12 days later Indian jets bombed what New Delhi called a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan. Pakistan has denied any damage or casualties. The next day Pakistani aircraft entered Indian airspace and the two nations' jets engaged in aerial dogfights, with at least one Indian aircraft shot down and its pilot captured by Pakistan. The pilot was handed back to India last Friday in what Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called a "peace gesture". Both sides also claimed a second plane had been shot down, but they have disputed whose plane it was and what happened to the pilot. Pakistani and Indian soldiers have continued to fire artillery and mortars over the Line of Control, in the days since, killing several civilians on both sides.

Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-amraam-missile-and-why-its-an-important-evidence-against-pakistan-200344">AMRAAM</a>s (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison.

To expose Pakistan further on its claim of not using the F-16 planes while attacking India on February 27, Indian troops on the ground are carrying out an extensive search of probable areas where the debris of the AMRAAMs could have fallen, sources told ANI on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“The F-16s fired four to five AMRAAM missiles from a beyond visual range distance of around 40-50 km at Indian planes including the Sukhoi in the engagement on February 27 but they all missed the target,” sources said.

“Once we get more parts of the AMRAAM missiles which failed to hit targets and have fallen on our side, the Pakistanis would be further exposed,” they said. The February 27 dog fight between Indian Air Force pilots and Pakistanis resulted in the shooting down of an F-16 by Indian MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was the only pilot who fired at Pakistani aircraft from the Indian side in the engagement.

The entire operation took place over the skies of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after the Pakistanis made a failed attempt to target Indian military targets in Nowshera sector. The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) probably had the intention of pounding a brigade headquarters, a battalion headquarters, and an oil dump, sources said.

India has already shown parts of one AMRAAM missile fired at Indian planes during a press conference on February 28 and more evidence in this regard would create issues for Pakistan. India has also shown the evidence to the American Defence Attach in India and has informed him about Indian concerns in this regard.

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American AMRAAMs (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison.

Pakistani fighter pilots flying their F-16 combat aircraft had fired four to five American AMRAAMs (AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile) from a distance of 40-50 km at the Indian aircraft including the Su-30 and the MiG-21 Bison. To expose Pakistan further on its claim of not using the F-16 planes while attacking India on February 27, Indian troops on the ground are carrying out an extensive search of probable areas where the debris of the AMRAAMs could have fallen, sources told ANI on Tuesday. “The F-16s fired four to five AMRAAM missiles from a beyond visual range distance of around 40-50 km at Indian planes including the Sukhoi in the engagement on February 27 but they all missed the target,” sources said. “Once we get more parts of the AMRAAM missiles which failed to hit targets and have fallen on our side, the Pakistanis would be further exposed,” they said. The February 27 dog fight between Indian Air Force pilots and Pakistanis resulted in the shooting down of an F-16 by Indian MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was the only pilot who fired at Pakistani aircraft from the Indian side in the engagement. The entire operation took place over the skies of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after the Pakistanis made a failed attempt to target Indian military targets in Nowshera sector. The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) probably had the intention of pounding a brigade headquarters, a battalion headquarters, and an oil dump, sources said. India has already shown parts of one AMRAAM missile fired at Indian planes during a press conference on February 28 and more evidence in this regard would create issues for Pakistan. India has also shown the evidence to the American Defence Attach in India and has informed him about Indian concerns in this regard.

Pakistan F-16 pilots fired 4-5 AMRAAMs at Indian planes from 40-50 km: Sources

The US is "very closely" following the reports which have claimed that Pakistan misused American-made <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-seeks-information-on-potential-misuse-of-f-16-by-pakistan-200652">F-16 fighter jets against India</a> in the recent aerial confrontation between the air forces of the two countries, a top State Department official has said.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot.

Pakistan has said that no F-16 fighter jets were used.

The US State Department has said that America is seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by it against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

"We've seen those reports and we're following that issue very closely," US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at his biweekly news conference on Tuesday.

He was responding to questions that Pakistan has violated the end-user agreement on F-16 that it procured from the United States.

"I can't confirm anything, but as a matter of policy, we don't publicly comment on the contents of bilateral agreements that we have in this regard involving US defence technologies nor the communications that we have with other countries about that.

"So, we're taking a look and we're going to continue to take a look. I'm going to leave it at that," Palladino said.

AMRAAM missiles allow a fighter pilot to target an enemy aircraft that is beyond visual range, in day or night, and in all weather conditions. They have an autonomous guidance capability, which allows the pilot to manoeuvre immediately after the missile's launch.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26.The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on Friday.

The US is "very closely" following the reports which have claimed that Pakistan misused American-made F-16 fighter jets against India in the recent aerial confrontation between the air forces of the two countries, a top State Department official has said.

The US is "very closely" following the reports which have claimed that Pakistan misused American-made F-16 fighter jets against India in the recent aerial confrontation between the air forces of the two countries, a top State Department official has said. The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot. Pakistan has said that no F-16 fighter jets were used. The US State Department has said that America is seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by it against India in violation of the end-user agreement. "We've seen those reports and we're following that issue very closely," US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at his biweekly news conference on Tuesday. He was responding to questions that Pakistan has violated the end-user agreement on F-16 that it procured from the United States. "I can't confirm anything, but as a matter of policy, we don't publicly comment on the contents of bilateral agreements that we have in this regard involving US defence technologies nor the communications that we have with other countries about that. "So, we're taking a look and we're going to continue to take a look. I'm going to leave it at that," Palladino said. AMRAAM missiles allow a fighter pilot to target an enemy aircraft that is beyond visual range, in day or night, and in all weather conditions. They have an autonomous guidance capability, which allows the pilot to manoeuvre immediately after the missile's launch. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26.The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on Friday.

US ‘very closely’ following reports of F-16 misuse by Pakistan: State Department official

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar </a>as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence.

“We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source.

Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory.

Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said. The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence. “We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source. Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory. Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India reaching out to all UNSC members seeking support to ban Masood Azhar by UN

The Indian Air Force on Wednesday tweeted out reiterating that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is not present across social media platforms.&nbsp;

The tweet also brought to light the existence of six fake social media accounts in Captain Varthaman's name.&nbsp;

"Fake Accounts: Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman does not have a social media account on any portal (Facebook /Instagram /Twitter). Please avoid following any fake accounts being used in the name of any IAF Airwarrior for spreading misinformation. Jai Hind!!!" the tweet read.&nbsp;

The force also stated that misinformation on the shooting of Pakistan Air Force F-16 by MiG-21 Bison is also being spread on various social media sites.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FAKE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FAKE</a> ACCOUNTS : Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman does not have a social media account on any portal (Facebook /Instagram /Twitter). Please avoid following any fake accounts being used in the name of any IAF Airwarrior for spreading misinformation. 
Jai Hind!!! <a href="https://t.co/nG8C7ZUkQ6">pic.twitter.com/nG8C7ZUkQ6</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1103203607594369024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"IAF during the press statement on 28 Feb 2019 had clarified that one F-16 of Pakistan Air Force was shot by MiG-21 Bison and it fell across the LoC," news agency ANI carried IAF statement.&nbsp;

After almost three days of custody, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border last Friday and walked over to India amid heavy security.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was shot down when he was involved in a dogfight with Pakistani jets after it entered Indian airspace last Wednesday. Wg Cdr Abhinandan was apprehended by the Pakistani Army even as India declared that it won't negotiate his release.

The Indian Air Force on Wednesday tweeted out reiterating that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is not present across social media platforms. The tweet also brought to light the existence of six fake social media accounts in Captain Varthaman's name.

The Indian Air Force on Wednesday tweeted out reiterating that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is not present across social media platforms. The tweet also brought to light the existence of six fake social media accounts in Captain Varthaman's name. "Fake Accounts: Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman does not have a social media account on any portal (Facebook /Instagram /Twitter). Please avoid following any fake accounts being used in the name of any IAF Airwarrior for spreading misinformation. Jai Hind!!!" the tweet read. The force also stated that misinformation on the shooting of Pakistan Air Force F-16 by MiG-21 Bison is also being spread on various social media sites. #FAKE ACCOUNTS : Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman does not have a social media account on any portal (Facebook /Instagram /Twitter). Please avoid following any fake accounts being used in the name of any IAF Airwarrior for spreading misinformation. Jai Hind!!! pic.twitter.com/nG8C7ZUkQ6 — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2019 × "IAF during the press statement on 28 Feb 2019 had clarified that one F-16 of Pakistan Air Force was shot by MiG-21 Bison and it fell across the LoC," news agency ANI carried IAF statement. After almost three days of custody, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border last Friday and walked over to India amid heavy security. The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was shot down when he was involved in a dogfight with Pakistani jets after it entered Indian airspace last Wednesday. Wg Cdr Abhinandan was apprehended by the Pakistani Army even as India declared that it won't negotiate his release.

Abhinandan Varthaman doesn't have social media accounts: IAF clarifies in tweet, cautious against misinformation

India offers some of the world's cheapest mobile data packs, with the US and UK logging among the highest prices, new research in the UK revealed on Tuesday.

Price comparison site Cable.co.uk found that 1 gigabyte (GB) of data cost $0.26 in India, compared to $6.66 in the UK. The US had one of the most expensive rates, with an average cost of $12.37 for the same amount of data. The global average came in at $8.53 for 1GB in the study, which compared mobile data pricing in 230 countries around the world.

"A country whose young population has a particularly high technological awareness, India offers a vibrant smartphone market, with strong adoption and many competitors. Data, therefore, is quite staggeringly cheap," Cable.co.uk notes in its research.

While India ($0.26) topped the scale of cheap mobile data, Kyrgyzstan ($0.27), Kazakstan ($0.49), Ukraine ($0.51) and Rwanda ($0.56) completed the top five countries offering the cheapest data packs.

"Despite a healthy UK marketplace, our study has uncovered that EU nations such as Finland, Poland, Denmark, Italy, Austria and France pay a fraction of what we pay in the UK for similar data usage. It will be interesting to see how our position is affected post-Brexit," said Dan Howdle, the website's telecom analyst.

The cheapest mobile data in Western Europe was found in Finland with an average price of $1.16 for 1GB of data. Denmark, Monaco and Italy all offer packages below $2. There were 15 countries in Western Europe which had cheaper prices than the UK, Cable found in its study.

In Eastern Europe, Poland is the cheapest at $1.32 per GB, followed by Romania ($1.89) and Slovenia ($2.21).

On the other end of the scale, Zimbabwe is the most expensive country in which to buy mobile data with an average cost of 1GB coming around $75.20. Asian nations make up half of the top 20 cheapest countries, with only Taiwan, China and South Korea charging more than the global average.

The research concluded that the reasons for the vast differences in prices around the world were complex.

"Some countries have excellent mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure and so providers are able to offer large amounts of data, which brings down the price per gigabyte. Others with less advanced broadband networks are heavily reliant on mobile data and the economy dictates that prices must be low, as that's what people can afford," explains Howdle.

"At the more expensive end of the list, we have countries where often the infrastructure isn't great but also where consumption is very small. People are often buying data packages of just tens of megabytes at a time, making a gigabyte a relatively large and therefore expensive amount of data to buy," he said.

The research looked at SIM-only deals and included a range of packages from all the providers in each country.

India offers some of the world's cheapest mobile data packs, with the US and UK logging among the highest prices, new research in the UK revealed on Tuesday. Price comparison site Cable.

India offers some of the world's cheapest mobile data packs, with the US and UK logging among the highest prices, new research in the UK revealed on Tuesday. Price comparison site Cable.co.uk found that 1 gigabyte (GB) of data cost $0.26 in India, compared to $6.66 in the UK. The US had one of the most expensive rates, with an average cost of $12.37 for the same amount of data. The global average came in at $8.53 for 1GB in the study, which compared mobile data pricing in 230 countries around the world. "A country whose young population has a particularly high technological awareness, India offers a vibrant smartphone market, with strong adoption and many competitors. Data, therefore, is quite staggeringly cheap," Cable.co.uk notes in its research. While India ($0.26) topped the scale of cheap mobile data, Kyrgyzstan ($0.27), Kazakstan ($0.49), Ukraine ($0.51) and Rwanda ($0.56) completed the top five countries offering the cheapest data packs. "Despite a healthy UK marketplace, our study has uncovered that EU nations such as Finland, Poland, Denmark, Italy, Austria and France pay a fraction of what we pay in the UK for similar data usage. It will be interesting to see how our position is affected post-Brexit," said Dan Howdle, the website's telecom analyst. The cheapest mobile data in Western Europe was found in Finland with an average price of $1.16 for 1GB of data. Denmark, Monaco and Italy all offer packages below $2. There were 15 countries in Western Europe which had cheaper prices than the UK, Cable found in its study. In Eastern Europe, Poland is the cheapest at $1.32 per GB, followed by Romania ($1.89) and Slovenia ($2.21). On the other end of the scale, Zimbabwe is the most expensive country in which to buy mobile data with an average cost of 1GB coming around $75.20. Asian nations make up half of the top 20 cheapest countries, with only Taiwan, China and South Korea charging more than the global average. The research concluded that the reasons for the vast differences in prices around the world were complex. "Some countries have excellent mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure and so providers are able to offer large amounts of data, which brings down the price per gigabyte. Others with less advanced broadband networks are heavily reliant on mobile data and the economy dictates that prices must be low, as that's what people can afford," explains Howdle. "At the more expensive end of the list, we have countries where often the infrastructure isn't great but also where consumption is very small. People are often buying data packages of just tens of megabytes at a time, making a gigabyte a relatively large and therefore expensive amount of data to buy," he said. The research looked at SIM-only deals and included a range of packages from all the providers in each country.

India gives world's cheapest mobile data packs, costliest in Zimbabwe: Study

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ied-packages-sent-to-uk-airports-train-station-counter-terrorism-officers-launch-investigation-201428">IED packages sent to UK airports, train station; counter-terrorism officers launch investigation</a>

Three small explosive packages were sent to London airports and Britain's busiest train station on Tuesday, police in the United Kingdom said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-tells-nicolas-maduro-pressure-just-beginning-calls-for-civic-strike-201425">Venezuela's Guaido tells Nicolas Maduro 'pressure just beginning', calls for civic strike</a>

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido vowed Tuesday to step up the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro as he offered his backing to a potential public sector strike.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-defending-champ-real-madrid-knocked-out-by-ajax-201421">Champions League: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-defending-champ-real-madrid-knocked-out-by-ajax-201421">Title holders</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-defending-champ-real-madrid-knocked-out-by-ajax-201421"> Real Madrid knocked out by Ajax</a>

Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals 5-3 on aggregate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-peace-talks-progress-is-being-made-in-qatar-with-taliban-reports-us-201426">Afghan peace talks: Progress is being made in Qatar with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-peace-talks-progress-is-being-made-in-qatar-with-taliban-reports-us-201426">Taliban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-peace-talks-progress-is-being-made-in-qatar-with-taliban-reports-us-201426">, reports </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-peace-talks-progress-is-being-made-in-qatar-with-taliban-reports-us-201426">US</a>

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban in Qatar have yielded progress but much remains to be done, the State Department said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-trailer-is-finally-out-and-it-prepares-us-for-the-final-battle-201429">'Game Of Thrones' season 8 trailer is finally out and it prepares us for the final battle</a>

It is finally out! After teasing fans with glimpses, teasers of the final season of 'Game Of Thrones', HBO dropped the trailer of the show on Tuesday late night and it is just how one has anticipated it to be fantastic.

&nbsp;

IED packages sent to UK airports, train station; counter-terrorism officers launch investigation Three small explosive packages were sent to London airports and Britain's busiest train station on Tuesday, police in the United Kingdom said.

IED packages sent to UK airports, train station; counter-terrorism officers launch investigation Three small explosive packages were sent to London airports and Britain's busiest train station on Tuesday, police in the United Kingdom said. Venezuela's Guaido tells Nicolas Maduro 'pressure just beginning', calls for civic strike Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido vowed Tuesday to step up the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro as he offered his backing to a potential public sector strike. Champions League: Title holders Real Madrid knocked out by Ajax Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals 5-3 on aggregate. Afghan peace talks: Progress is being made in Qatar with Taliban, reports US Peace talks between the US and the Taliban in Qatar have yielded progress but much remains to be done, the State Department said on Tuesday. 'Game Of Thrones' season 8 trailer is finally out and it prepares us for the final battle It is finally out! After teasing fans with glimpses, teasers of the final season of 'Game Of Thrones', HBO dropped the trailer of the show on Tuesday late night and it is just how one has anticipated it to be fantastic.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong.

Citing a Karnataka Congress leader's remark on "killing" him, he said, "Now one Congress leader talks of killing Modi, but I want to tell them I am not bothered about their threats and abuses. I am here to do my work, I am here to do whatever I can do to make India strong and prosperous."

Addressing his first public rally here after the BJP inked a poll pact with the AIADMK, in which PMK is also a constituent, he lashed out at the Opposition, saying they are guided by selfish interests.

"The careless conduct of the opposition on national security is very well known...They are guided by politics and selfish interests. They neither want a strong India nor strong armed forces."

The Prime Minister said the opposition's hatred against him was reaching new levels daily and they have a competition over who abused him the most.

Spotlighting his backward class origins -championing which the Dravidian parties had always steered their narrative in Tamil Nadu- the Prime Minister said, "someone will abuse me, then someone will mock my poverty, then someone will abuse my family and some my lower caste origins."

He said every drop of blood in his veins, "every breath of mine, every second of my time" was for India and its 130 crore people.

Reiterating his "maha milawat," jibe (adulteration alliance) against the opposition, he wanted them to clearly state their plan to take the nation forward.

He said Congress insulted regional leaders and alleged that late Chief Minister, veteran freedom fighter and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj was insulted time and again as he spoke for the people and challenged the dictatorship of "one" family.

Modi alleged that 50 governments were dismissed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi using Article 356.

"If the dynasty did not like a leader, the state government was dismissed. Fifty governments were dismissed by Indira Gandhi."

If there was one party that has abused Article 356 again and again, it was the Congress, he said.

Even the DMK had become a victim, he said and hit out at the Dravidian party, led by M K Stalin, for joining forces with Congress, saying "opportunism has prevailed over values,".

The Prime Minister said the NDA government was deeply concerned about security and the Centre's vision was to make India a hub for defence production.

One of the two defence corridors is located in Tamil Nadu and it would give opportunities to local industries and youngsters, he said.

About 1,900 fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu have been released from Sri Lanka and even those who faced death sentences have been released through negotiations.

On the personal intervention of the Saudi Crown Prince, Modi said over 850 Indian prisoners will be released.

"If anyone of you is in pain we will work to heal it," he said.

On the development of the tourism and textile sector, the PM said NDA is committed to the development of these sectors.

"Weavers of Kanchipuram are the pride of this land. The Central government is committed to the development of the textile sector. We have released a subsidy of Rs 7.000 crore to the weavers in the country," he said.

Kancheepuram and Tamil Nadu have a huge potential of tourism, he said and added that NDA had done a lot of work in the tourism sector as well.

He said foreign tourist arrivals had increased by a record 42 per cent and foreign exchange earnings by 50 per cent. When tourism posted growth, the overall economy grew and even "a tea seller also earns."

Quoting poet Kalidoss, who hailed Kancheepuram as "Nagareshu Kanchi," the best city, he said an MP -referring to himself- from Kasi (Varanasi) had come to Kanchi.

"Our bond is strong and unbreakable, the culture and people of Tamil Nadu are remarkable," he said and hailed Tamil as a beautiful classical language.

Latching on the memory and legacy of late AIADMK stalwart Jayalalithaa, he said the Centre was making continuous efforts for the development of Tamil Nadu and to make it a developed State, in consonance with the dream of "Amma Jayalalithaa ji."

Acceding to the ruling party's demand, Modi said, "We have decided to rename Chennai Central station after the great MGR."

The Prime Minister also said that "We are also seriously thinking about ensuring that flights to and from Tamil Nadu have inflight announcements in the Tamil language."

In a show of bonhomie, a sceptre was presented to Modi by BJP state unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister Palaniswami.

The grand public meeting was organised by the AIADMK in association with its allies and the ruling party's signature colour "green," a favourite of Jayalalithaa, formed the backdrop of the stage&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong. Citing a Karnataka Congress leader's remark on "killing" him, he said, "Now one Congress leader talks of killing Modi, but I want to tell them I am not bothered about their threats and abuses. I am here to do my work, I am here to do whatever I can do to make India strong and prosperous." Addressing his first public rally here after the BJP inked a poll pact with the AIADMK, in which PMK is also a constituent, he lashed out at the Opposition, saying they are guided by selfish interests. "The careless conduct of the opposition on national security is very well known...They are guided by politics and selfish interests. They neither want a strong India nor strong armed forces." The Prime Minister said the opposition's hatred against him was reaching new levels daily and they have a competition over who abused him the most. Spotlighting his backward class origins -championing which the Dravidian parties had always steered their narrative in Tamil Nadu- the Prime Minister said, "someone will abuse me, then someone will mock my poverty, then someone will abuse my family and some my lower caste origins." He said every drop of blood in his veins, "every breath of mine, every second of my time" was for India and its 130 crore people. Reiterating his "maha milawat," jibe (adulteration alliance) against the opposition, he wanted them to clearly state their plan to take the nation forward. He said Congress insulted regional leaders and alleged that late Chief Minister, veteran freedom fighter and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj was insulted time and again as he spoke for the people and challenged the dictatorship of "one" family. Modi alleged that 50 governments were dismissed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi using Article 356. "If the dynasty did not like a leader, the state government was dismissed. Fifty governments were dismissed by Indira Gandhi." If there was one party that has abused Article 356 again and again, it was the Congress, he said. Even the DMK had become a victim, he said and hit out at the Dravidian party, led by M K Stalin, for joining forces with Congress, saying "opportunism has prevailed over values,". The Prime Minister said the NDA government was deeply concerned about security and the Centre's vision was to make India a hub for defence production. One of the two defence corridors is located in Tamil Nadu and it would give opportunities to local industries and youngsters, he said. About 1,900 fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu have been released from Sri Lanka and even those who faced death sentences have been released through negotiations. On the personal intervention of the Saudi Crown Prince, Modi said over 850 Indian prisoners will be released. "If anyone of you is in pain we will work to heal it," he said. On the development of the tourism and textile sector, the PM said NDA is committed to the development of these sectors. "Weavers of Kanchipuram are the pride of this land. The Central government is committed to the development of the textile sector. We have released a subsidy of Rs 7.000 crore to the weavers in the country," he said. Kancheepuram and Tamil Nadu have a huge potential of tourism, he said and added that NDA had done a lot of work in the tourism sector as well. He said foreign tourist arrivals had increased by a record 42 per cent and foreign exchange earnings by 50 per cent. When tourism posted growth, the overall economy grew and even "a tea seller also earns." Quoting poet Kalidoss, who hailed Kancheepuram as "Nagareshu Kanchi," the best city, he said an MP -referring to himself- from Kasi (Varanasi) had come to Kanchi. "Our bond is strong and unbreakable, the culture and people of Tamil Nadu are remarkable," he said and hailed Tamil as a beautiful classical language. Latching on the memory and legacy of late AIADMK stalwart Jayalalithaa, he said the Centre was making continuous efforts for the development of Tamil Nadu and to make it a developed State, in consonance with the dream of "Amma Jayalalithaa ji." Acceding to the ruling party's demand, Modi said, "We have decided to rename Chennai Central station after the great MGR." The Prime Minister also said that "We are also seriously thinking about ensuring that flights to and from Tamil Nadu have inflight announcements in the Tamil language." In a show of bonhomie, a sceptre was presented to Modi by BJP state unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister Palaniswami. The grand public meeting was organised by the AIADMK in association with its allies and the ruling party's signature colour "green," a favourite of Jayalalithaa, formed the backdrop of the stage

Not worried about threats, every drop of blood for India: PM Modi

Israeli fingerpints on spice smart bombs, Balakot, Kargil & 71' Indo-Pak war

Ahead of the International Women's Day this Friday, a team of 100 hairdressers and beauticians attempted a world record in hair extension&nbsp;at a private university in Chennai.&nbsp;

With an aim to spread the awareness about self-examination and early detection of breast cancer, the team took over the mammoth task of braiding and attaching 450 meters of pink-coloured synthetic hair to an individual’s natural hair.&nbsp;

The feat was attempted using pink synthetic hair in order to the spread awareness about breast cancer and underline the importance of early detection to cure the debilitating disease at an early stage.&nbsp;

Before the record was attempted, a workshop was conducted with the support of medical professionals who explained the process of self-examination to over 500 women.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Menaka Ramkumar - an event organizer and the CEO of Da Extentionzz - said, “By training the beauticians in self-examination we would be able to spread the knowledge to the larger community via those women who visit these beauticians.” She also said that pink synthetic hair was used as opposed to natural human hair which is used to make wigs and is much more expensive.” 
&nbsp; 
The record attempt did not have a specified deadline or time limit, however, the task had to be completed in a single session. 3 Hours and 11 minutes was the time taken by the team of qualified beauticians and hairdressers to complete the hair extension job. The team conducted multiple rehearsals prior to the attempt in order to perfect the process.&nbsp;

Mahalakshmi Kamalakkanan, an event organizer and proprietor of a beauty salon said, “Cancer patients lose their confidence after hair-loss during chemotherapy and I understood this when my senior staff Tamil Selvi was battling cancer. Hence, it is also important to spread the word about synthetic wigs”. Instead of battling cancer at an advanced stage, women must be proactive and aware of self-examination, she added.

Ahead of the International Women's Day this Friday, a team of 100 hairdressers and beauticians attempted a world record in hair extension at a private university in Chennai.

Ahead of the International Women's Day this Friday, a team of 100 hairdressers and beauticians attempted a world record in hair extension at a private university in Chennai. With an aim to spread the awareness about self-examination and early detection of breast cancer, the team took over the mammoth task of braiding and attaching 450 meters of pink-coloured synthetic hair to an individual’s natural hair. The feat was attempted using pink synthetic hair in order to the spread awareness about breast cancer and underline the importance of early detection to cure the debilitating disease at an early stage. Before the record was attempted, a workshop was conducted with the support of medical professionals who explained the process of self-examination to over 500 women. Speaking to WION, Menaka Ramkumar - an event organizer and the CEO of Da Extentionzz - said, “By training the beauticians in self-examination we would be able to spread the knowledge to the larger community via those women who visit these beauticians.” She also said that pink synthetic hair was used as opposed to natural human hair which is used to make wigs and is much more expensive.” The record attempt did not have a specified deadline or time limit, however, the task had to be completed in a single session. 3 Hours and 11 minutes was the time taken by the team of qualified beauticians and hairdressers to complete the hair extension job. The team conducted multiple rehearsals prior to the attempt in order to perfect the process. Mahalakshmi Kamalakkanan, an event organizer and proprietor of a beauty salon said, “Cancer patients lose their confidence after hair-loss during chemotherapy and I understood this when my senior staff Tamil Selvi was battling cancer. Hence, it is also important to spread the word about synthetic wigs”. Instead of battling cancer at an advanced stage, women must be proactive and aware of self-examination, she added.

Chennai beauticians, hairdressers attempt 483.5 meter-long hair extension record for cancer awareness

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries,"&nbsp;Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence."&nbsp;

"We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported.

The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'.&nbsp;

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Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures &amp; that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission &amp; work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. <a href="https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq">https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq</a>
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A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said.

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Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come &amp; share how we are preparing for the Indian election &amp; helping keep people in India safe on our platform. <a href="https://t.co/SzcWpTkU9T">pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T</a>
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According&nbsp;to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India.

The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported.&nbsp;

One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday.

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported. "They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries," Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence." "We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi. A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported. The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'. Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures & that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission & work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported. Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said. Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come & share how we are preparing for the Indian election & helping keep people in India safe on our platform. pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × According to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India. The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported. One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent." (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook officials agreed to ensure that their platforms aren't used to create division in society: Parliamentary panel

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