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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress demands action against chief election commissioner 

Trump defends Russian diesel deal amid bipartisan backlash over fuel prices

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

VIDEO: Houthi's strike Riyadh's King Khalid International airport as passengers wait for flights

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

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

Use AI as your ‘second brain’: Meta AI chief Alexandr Wang’s message to young people

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

US federal agents raid Dem Rep Ilhan Omar’s home ahead of midterms

Reports: Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is being moved to safe locations

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

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

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

How does a robot decide what to do next?

ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rishabh Pant ruled out of India A squad for New Zealand tour, Kumar Kushagra named replacement

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

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

Children studying in schools in Rajasthan will soon get to study about the bravery of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

Rajasthan education has proposed that a chapter on the valour of Varthaman be included in textbooks of school children in the state.

Varthaman recently shot down a Pakistani F-16 warplane before his MiG 21 was downed forcing him to bail out in Pakistani territory.

He remained in the Pakistan custody for nearly 59 hours before returning home on Friday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rajasthan Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra: Our forces keep us safe while sacrificing their own lives, to inspire the upcoming generation from the bravery of our forces, a direction has been given to include Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Abhinandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Abhinandan</a> in textbooks. <a href="https://t.co/G4Qmp3BywD">pic.twitter.com/G4Qmp3BywD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103235744716316672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Speaking to ANI, Rajasthan's education minister Govind Singh Dotasra said, "The tale of his bravery will motivate students. Abhinandan's saga of bravery beginning from his captivity in Pakistan to his release and return home to India will be included in the chapter in detail."

But Dotasra did not mention which&nbsp;classes will study a chapter on Captain Varthaman.

"The education department will soon decide on the same," Singh noted.&nbsp;

Children studying in schools in Rajasthan will soon get to study about the bravery of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Rajasthan education has proposed that a chapter on the valour of Varthaman be included in textbooks of school children in the state.

Children studying in schools in Rajasthan will soon get to study about the bravery of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Rajasthan education has proposed that a chapter on the valour of Varthaman be included in textbooks of school children in the state. Varthaman recently shot down a Pakistani F-16 warplane before his MiG 21 was downed forcing him to bail out in Pakistani territory. He remained in the Pakistan custody for nearly 59 hours before returning home on Friday. Rajasthan Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra: Our forces keep us safe while sacrificing their own lives, to inspire the upcoming generation from the bravery of our forces, a direction has been given to include Wing Commander #Abhinandan in textbooks. pic.twitter.com/G4Qmp3BywD — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × Speaking to ANI, Rajasthan's education minister Govind Singh Dotasra said, "The tale of his bravery will motivate students. Abhinandan's saga of bravery beginning from his captivity in Pakistan to his release and return home to India will be included in the chapter in detail." But Dotasra did not mention which classes will study a chapter on Captain Varthaman. "The education department will soon decide on the same," Singh noted.

Rajasthan: Chapter on IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to be introduced in school textbooks

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-warning-to-pakistan-indian-army-says-loc-relatively-calm-201595">Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army</a>

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm".&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense &amp; unprovoked firing with heavy calibre weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts &amp; civilian areas with Mortar bombs &amp; heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">Supreme Court asks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562"> what it did after it says Rafale documents were stolen</a>

The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-solution-for-now-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201582">EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock</a>

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/school-attended-by-trump-says-it-concealed-his-grades-201574">School Trump went to says it concealed his grades</a>

A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-send-envoy-sohail-mahmood-back-to-india-201537">Pakistan says it is sending High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India</a>

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm".

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy calibre weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement. Supreme Court asks government what it did after it says Rafale documents were stolen The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal. EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels. School Trump went to says it concealed his grades A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. Pakistan says it is sending High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The India-Pakistan talks on Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Attari Wagah border on the Indian side on March 14.

In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "In keeping with government's decision to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor... the first meeting between India and Pakistan to discuss and finalize the modalities for Kartarpur Corridor would be held at Attari-Wagah (Indian side) on March 14 2019."

New Delhi has also proposed that a technical level discussion on the alignment of the corridor to be held on the same day on the sidelines of Kartarpur meeting.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Foreign minister confirmed that they will be sending a delegation for talks to India, adding that the corridor is "is open for both Sikh and Hindu" communities.

Last week top Indian government sources had confirmed that New Delhi is open for talks on Kartarpur corridor despite the current tensions since "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.

Both India and Pakistan last year in November 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.

The India-Pakistan talks on Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Attari Wagah border on the Indian side on March 14. In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "In keeping with government's decision to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor.

The India-Pakistan talks on Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Attari Wagah border on the Indian side on March 14. In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "In keeping with government's decision to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor... the first meeting between India and Pakistan to discuss and finalize the modalities for Kartarpur Corridor would be held at Attari-Wagah (Indian side) on March 14 2019." New Delhi has also proposed that a technical level discussion on the alignment of the corridor to be held on the same day on the sidelines of Kartarpur meeting. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Foreign minister confirmed that they will be sending a delegation for talks to India, adding that the corridor is "is open for both Sikh and Hindu" communities. Last week top Indian government sources had confirmed that New Delhi is open for talks on Kartarpur corridor despite the current tensions since "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. Both India and Pakistan last year in November 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.

India, Pakistan talks on Kartarpur corridor to take place at Attari Wagah border on March 14

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">Line of Control</a> has been "relatively calm".&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense &amp; unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts &amp; civilian areas with Mortar bombs &amp; heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The same was effectively retaliated by the Indian Army. There have been no casualties on the Indian side," the army added.&nbsp;

"We would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along the Line of Control. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism and terrorist infrastructure, away from civilian areas, to avoid civilian casualties," the army said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Indian Army: Would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along LoC. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism&amp;terrorist infrastructure,away from civilian areas,to avoid civilian casualties
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103256754513760256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are maintaining strict vigil along the Line of Control and IB. Any further provocation or misadventure by Pakistan will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences," it added.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since India's February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

Pakistan hit back a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

On Monday, an Indian Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

And on Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. India said the claim was propaganda aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan's support for terror.&nbsp;

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement. "The same was effectively retaliated by the Indian Army. There have been no casualties on the Indian side," the army added. "We would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along the Line of Control. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism and terrorist infrastructure, away from civilian areas, to avoid civilian casualties," the army said. Indian Army: Would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along LoC. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism&terrorist infrastructure,away from civilian areas,to avoid civilian casualties — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × "We are maintaining strict vigil along the Line of Control and IB. Any further provocation or misadventure by Pakistan will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences," it added. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since India's February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. Pakistan hit back a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. On Monday, an Indian Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Rajasthan. And on Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. India said the claim was propaganda aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan's support for terror.

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army

The Ministry of Defence Tuesday said it has taken steps to ensure implementation of permanent commissioning of women officers in the armed forces, in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 last year, the PM had announced that women officers recruited under the short service commission in the armed forces will have the option of taking up a permanent commission, which he described as a "gift" to the "brave daughters".

"The Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure implementation of the announcement made by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2018, regarding grant of permanent commission to women officers in the armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

In so far the Indian Air Force (IAF) is concerned, "all branches, including that of fighter pilots, are now open for women officers," it said.

"In Indian Navy, all non-sea going branches/cadre/specialisation have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service Commission. In addition to education, law and naval constructor branch/cadre, women SSC officers have been made eligible for grant of permanent commission in the naval armament branch, at par with male officers," the statement said.

The proposal for induction of "three new training ships" for the Navy is underway, the ministry also said in the statement.

"This will provide the requisite infrastructure for training of both men and women officers. Indian Navy will start inducting women in all branches, once the training ships are in place," it said.

Women officers will be granted permanent commission in the Indian Army in "all the ten branches" where women are inducted for Short Service Commission, the statement said.

"So, besides the existing two streams of Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps, now permanent commission will be granted in Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence also to women officers.

"SSC women officers will give their option for permanent commission before completion of four years of Commissioned Service, and they will exercise the option for grant of permanent commission and their choice of specialisation," it added.

SSC women officers will be considered for grant of permanent commission "based on suitability, merit etc and will be employed in various staff appointment," the statement said.

Modi in his speech on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day had said, "I want to give a good news to our brave daughters. Women officers who have been appointed through the short service commission in the armed forces will get a permanent commission through a transparent process. It is a gift for them."

Under SSC, officers are allowed tenures ranging from five to 14 years of services. Permanent commission allows them to serve till the age of retirement.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Defence Tuesday said it has taken steps to ensure implementation of permanent commissioning of women officers in the armed forces, in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.

The Ministry of Defence Tuesday said it has taken steps to ensure implementation of permanent commissioning of women officers in the armed forces, in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 last year, the PM had announced that women officers recruited under the short service commission in the armed forces will have the option of taking up a permanent commission, which he described as a "gift" to the "brave daughters". "The Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure implementation of the announcement made by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2018, regarding grant of permanent commission to women officers in the armed forces," the ministry said in a statement. In so far the Indian Air Force (IAF) is concerned, "all branches, including that of fighter pilots, are now open for women officers," it said. "In Indian Navy, all non-sea going branches/cadre/specialisation have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service Commission. In addition to education, law and naval constructor branch/cadre, women SSC officers have been made eligible for grant of permanent commission in the naval armament branch, at par with male officers," the statement said. The proposal for induction of "three new training ships" for the Navy is underway, the ministry also said in the statement. "This will provide the requisite infrastructure for training of both men and women officers. Indian Navy will start inducting women in all branches, once the training ships are in place," it said. Women officers will be granted permanent commission in the Indian Army in "all the ten branches" where women are inducted for Short Service Commission, the statement said. "So, besides the existing two streams of Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps, now permanent commission will be granted in Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence also to women officers. "SSC women officers will give their option for permanent commission before completion of four years of Commissioned Service, and they will exercise the option for grant of permanent commission and their choice of specialisation," it added. SSC women officers will be considered for grant of permanent commission "based on suitability, merit etc and will be employed in various staff appointment," the statement said. Modi in his speech on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day had said, "I want to give a good news to our brave daughters. Women officers who have been appointed through the short service commission in the armed forces will get a permanent commission through a transparent process. It is a gift for them." Under SSC, officers are allowed tenures ranging from five to 14 years of services. Permanent commission allows them to serve till the age of retirement.

Soon, permanent commissioning of women officers in 10 Army branches

The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a review petition of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dassault-aviation-welcomes-supreme-court-judgement-on-rafale-deal-184110">its December 2018 verdict on the Rafale deal</a> which had said the deal did not need to be probed.&nbsp;

The review petition is being heard by a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph. The petitioners include former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and the advocate Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

Bhushan had on Wednesday referred to a newspaper article, when Venugopal said the write-ups were based on stolen documents and that an investigation into the "theft" is ongoing.&nbsp;

Venugopal said the reports were published "to influence the mind of court".&nbsp;

To which Bhushan replied: “Before AG begins, like to bring to your notice that any attempt to intimidate petitioners before the court amounts to criminal contempt. &nbsp;When AG says we are going to prosecute not only newspapers but also petitioners, it amounts to intimidation”&nbsp;

Venugopal then said: “The stolen documents were not supposed to be in public domain. RTI will not apply to security of state and to acts affecting friendly relations with foreign states. Look at the damage this article has done.”

Venugopal then said the acquisition of the Rafales “has taken six and seven years", while referring to the current tensions between India and Pakistan. "F-16 came to bomb us, how are we to be defended? First Rafale was to be delivered by September... 32 pilots sent to France for training.

"This is extent to which we are trying to protect the country. They want this not to be materialised," he added.&nbsp;

Justice Joseph then replied to the attorney general that national security cannot be used to cover up a possible act of commission.&nbsp;

"Suppose a law is broken, should we take shelter under national security?" he asked.&nbsp;

And he added that "stolen documents can be looked into, even if they are acquired illegally.”&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rafale Jet Deal case: CJI says, "Primary question is that should the court not look into the evidence or the document, if there is relevance or corruption?"AG Venugopal says, "It should not be looked into as it deals with defence and secrets."
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103227525445156864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the source of the document (on which the write-up&nbsp;in The Hindu was based) should be disclosed to the court by the people who published it.&nbsp;

Bhushan meanwhile reminded the court that "in Coalgate and 2G scam cases, I brought documents from a whistleblower".&nbsp;

The matter was adjourned till March 14.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal.

The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a review petition of its December 2018 verdict on the Rafale deal which had said the deal did not need to be probed. The review petition is being heard by a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph. The petitioners include former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and the advocate Prashant Bhushan. Bhushan had on Wednesday referred to a newspaper article, when Venugopal said the write-ups were based on stolen documents and that an investigation into the "theft" is ongoing. Venugopal said the reports were published "to influence the mind of court". To which Bhushan replied: “Before AG begins, like to bring to your notice that any attempt to intimidate petitioners before the court amounts to criminal contempt. When AG says we are going to prosecute not only newspapers but also petitioners, it amounts to intimidation” Venugopal then said: “The stolen documents were not supposed to be in public domain. RTI will not apply to security of state and to acts affecting friendly relations with foreign states. Look at the damage this article has done.” Venugopal then said the acquisition of the Rafales “has taken six and seven years", while referring to the current tensions between India and Pakistan. "F-16 came to bomb us, how are we to be defended? First Rafale was to be delivered by September... 32 pilots sent to France for training. "This is extent to which we are trying to protect the country. They want this not to be materialised," he added. Justice Joseph then replied to the attorney general that national security cannot be used to cover up a possible act of commission. "Suppose a law is broken, should we take shelter under national security?" he asked. And he added that "stolen documents can be looked into, even if they are acquired illegally.” Rafale Jet Deal case: CJI says, "Primary question is that should the court not look into the evidence or the document, if there is relevance or corruption?"AG Venugopal says, "It should not be looked into as it deals with defence and secrets." — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the source of the document (on which the write-up in The Hindu was based) should be disclosed to the court by the people who published it. Bhushan meanwhile reminded the court that "in Coalgate and 2G scam cases, I brought documents from a whistleblower". The matter was adjourned till March 14.

Supreme Court asks government what it did after it says Rafale documents were stolen

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.&nbsp;

The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".&nbsp;

India has by now carried out two surgical strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The first was in September 2016, 11 days after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri in which 19 soldiers died.&nbsp;

The second was on February 26, when Indian Mirage 2000 jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

The Balakot air strike had followed the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Twelve days later, India hit Balakot.&nbsp;

Pakistan responded a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

A dogfight ensued after Indian jets were scrambled to chase out the Pakistani planes.

India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's&nbsp;MiG-21 was shot down and he spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Before being shot down himself, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Indian airman was returned as a "peace gesture" but tensions continue to run high between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

On Monday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">India shot down a Pakistani drone</a>. On Tuesday, Pakistan said it had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282?utm_source=izooto&amp;utm_medium=push_notifications&amp;utm_campaign=Stopped%20Indian%20sub%20Pak&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=">stopped an Indian submarine</a> from entering its waters.&nbsp;

The government sources said Tuesday that India has shared evidence (fragments of an AMRAAM missile) Pakistan used an F-16 in the dogfight Abhinandan was involved in.&nbsp;

"We are confident US is investigating Pakistan using F-16 fighter jet against India," PTI quoted the sources as saying.&nbsp;

Pakistan's use of the F-16 and the missile may violate its end-user agreement with the US since the American-supplied jets and missiles are reportedly supposed to be used only in counter-insurgency operations.&nbsp;

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan". India has by now carried out two surgical strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The first was in September 2016, 11 days after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri in which 19 soldiers died. The second was on February 26, when Indian Mirage 2000 jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The Balakot air strike had followed the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack. Twelve days later, India hit Balakot. Pakistan responded a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. A dogfight ensued after Indian jets were scrambled to chase out the Pakistani planes. India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG-21 was shot down and he spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Before being shot down himself, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Indian airman was returned as a "peace gesture" but tensions continue to run high between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours. On Monday, India shot down a Pakistani drone. On Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. The government sources said Tuesday that India has shared evidence (fragments of an AMRAAM missile) Pakistan used an F-16 in the dogfight Abhinandan was involved in. "We are confident US is investigating Pakistan using F-16 fighter jet against India," PTI quoted the sources as saying. Pakistan's use of the F-16 and the missile may violate its end-user agreement with the US since the American-supplied jets and missiles are reportedly supposed to be used only in counter-insurgency operations.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources

Security forces busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, police said.

In a joint operation by the police and the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, the hideout was busted in Kungnoo village of south Kashmir, a police official said.

The official said a huge quantity of "incriminating" material had been recovered.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Visuals: A terrorist hideout busted in Shopian district's Kungnoo village, in a joint operation by Shopian Police and 44 RR. Substantial recoveries of incriminating material and other items recovered. Investigation is going on. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/2IULHAkfMA">pic.twitter.com/2IULHAkfMA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103225838986620928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A case has been registered and the police are investigating the matter, the official said, adding further details were awaited.&nbsp;

Security forces busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, police said. In a joint operation by the police and the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, the hideout was busted in Kungnoo village of south Kashmir, a police official said.

Security forces busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, police said. In a joint operation by the police and the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, the hideout was busted in Kungnoo village of south Kashmir, a police official said. The official said a huge quantity of "incriminating" material had been recovered. Visuals: A terrorist hideout busted in Shopian district's Kungnoo village, in a joint operation by Shopian Police and 44 RR. Substantial recoveries of incriminating material and other items recovered. Investigation is going on. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/2IULHAkfMA — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × A case has been registered and the police are investigating the matter, the official said, adding further details were awaited.

J&K: Security forces bust militant hideout in Shopian

Vedanta Ltd Wednesday said legal processes are in progress through state courts for reopening Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government had in May last year ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

"At Sterlite Copper, legal processes are underway through the state courts to re-open this plant," the company said in an investor's brief.

In the alumina vertical, the company said, it has seen an increase in volumes, decrease in costs and margin improvements as a result.

"In fact, several new performance records have been set," it said.

Within six months of acquisition, Electrosteels Ltd has turned around to achieve a run rate of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) with healthy EBITDA margins, largely as a result of cost and volume improvements, Vedanta said.

"Hindustan Zinc is on track to achieve a design capacity of 1.2 MTPA ...By commissioning a new concentrator and paste fill plants and ramping up development," it said.

In the oil and gas business, the development projects are progressing well, it said, adding that "additional rigs have been deployed and more wells have been drilled and hooked up."

The gas discovery at KG offshore basin was encouraging, and "we are progressing this find with a second well being drilled there," it said.

Vedanta Ltd Wednesday said legal processes are in progress through state courts for reopening Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin. The Tamil Nadu government had in May last year ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

Vedanta Ltd Wednesday said legal processes are in progress through state courts for reopening Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin. The Tamil Nadu government had in May last year ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. "At Sterlite Copper, legal processes are underway through the state courts to re-open this plant," the company said in an investor's brief. In the alumina vertical, the company said, it has seen an increase in volumes, decrease in costs and margin improvements as a result. "In fact, several new performance records have been set," it said. Within six months of acquisition, Electrosteels Ltd has turned around to achieve a run rate of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) with healthy EBITDA margins, largely as a result of cost and volume improvements, Vedanta said. "Hindustan Zinc is on track to achieve a design capacity of 1.2 MTPA ...By commissioning a new concentrator and paste fill plants and ramping up development," it said. In the oil and gas business, the development projects are progressing well, it said, adding that "additional rigs have been deployed and more wells have been drilled and hooked up." The gas discovery at KG offshore basin was encouraging, and "we are progressing this find with a second well being drilled there," it said.

Legal processes to reopen Sterlite Copper plant underway: Vedanta

Border Security Force (BSF) troopers have apprehended an intruder coming from the Pakistan side in the Rann of Kutch in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The 50-year-old male was spotted in the alignment of Boundary Pillar 1050.

No recoveries were made from the arrested individual. According to BSF, the intruder surrendered immediately after being challenged.

Further questioning is ongoing. Earlier on February 26 morning, a drone was shot down after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat.

The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile.&nbsp;

Border Security Force (BSF) troopers have apprehended an intruder coming from the Pakistan side in the Rann of Kutch in the wee hours of Wednesday. The 50-year-old male was spotted in the alignment of Boundary Pillar 1050.

Border Security Force (BSF) troopers have apprehended an intruder coming from the Pakistan side in the Rann of Kutch in the wee hours of Wednesday. The 50-year-old male was spotted in the alignment of Boundary Pillar 1050. No recoveries were made from the arrested individual. According to BSF, the intruder surrendered immediately after being challenged. Further questioning is ongoing. Earlier on February 26 morning, a drone was shot down after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat. The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile.

Pak intruder detained by BSF in Rann of Kutch

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date.

Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day.

"Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said.

The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read.

"She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. 
Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government.

The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday. Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date. Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day. "Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said. The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read. "She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government. The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.

Lok Sabha 2019: Mamata to begin poll campaign on Women's Day

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party.

The Janata Dal (Secular) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest.&nbsp;

After Gandhi met the former prime minister at the latter's residence, the JDS said the seat-sharing agreement is likely to be finalised shortly and will be announced by March 10.

At the two-hour meeting, Gandhi and Deve Gowda broadly discussed seat sharing in Karnataka, the prevailing political situation in the country and the need for opposition unity.

AICC's general secretary in Karnataka KC Venugopal and JDS national general secretary Danish Ali were present at the meeting.

"Gandhi discussed seat sharing in Karnataka. This is the first such discussion between the two parties... Earlier, I had asked for 12 seats. At the meeting, I requested Rahulji to give at least 10 seats to the JDS," Gowda told reporters.

Asserting that the objective of the pre-poll alliance is to win the elections, Gowda said the Congress chief will take a final call on the seat-sharing arrangement after taking inputs from Ali and Venugopal.

The ruling coalition partners in Karnataka have held formal talks on seat sharing at the state level.

Ali said, "Some issues which were not discussed at the meeting have been left to me and Venugopal to decide and finalise."

The Congress would contest two-thirds of the seats and the JDS will get the rest, he said.

"However, seat wise, we have to discuss and finalise. We are going to reach a decision shortly and will announce it by March 10," he noted.&nbsp;

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party.

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party. The Janata Dal (Secular) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest. After Gandhi met the former prime minister at the latter's residence, the JDS said the seat-sharing agreement is likely to be finalised shortly and will be announced by March 10. At the two-hour meeting, Gandhi and Deve Gowda broadly discussed seat sharing in Karnataka, the prevailing political situation in the country and the need for opposition unity. AICC's general secretary in Karnataka KC Venugopal and JDS national general secretary Danish Ali were present at the meeting. "Gandhi discussed seat sharing in Karnataka. This is the first such discussion between the two parties... Earlier, I had asked for 12 seats. At the meeting, I requested Rahulji to give at least 10 seats to the JDS," Gowda told reporters. Asserting that the objective of the pre-poll alliance is to win the elections, Gowda said the Congress chief will take a final call on the seat-sharing arrangement after taking inputs from Ali and Venugopal. The ruling coalition partners in Karnataka have held formal talks on seat sharing at the state level. Ali said, "Some issues which were not discussed at the meeting have been left to me and Venugopal to decide and finalise." The Congress would contest two-thirds of the seats and the JDS will get the rest, he said. "However, seat wise, we have to discuss and finalise. We are going to reach a decision shortly and will announce it by March 10," he noted.

Lok Sabha: At Rahul-Deve Gowda meeting, JDS scales down demand for seats to 10 in Karnataka

Indore was adjudged India's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swachh-bharat-indore-named-cleanest-city-in-india-second-year-in-a-row-137459">cleanest city for the third straight year</a> in the central government's cleanliness survey announced on Wednesday.

The second and third positions in the category were grabbed by Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh and Mysore in Karnataka.

The Swachh Survekshan awards 2019 were conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony.

While the New Delhi Municipal Council area was given the 'Cleanest Small City' award, Uttarakhand's Gauchar was adjudged the 'Best Ganga Town' in the central government survey.

The 'Cleanest Big City' award has been bagged by Ahmedabad, while Raipur is the 'Fastest Moving Big City'.

Ujjain has been the adjudged the 'Cleanest Medium City' and Mathura-Vrindavan bagged the tag of the 'Fastest Moving Medium Cities'.

Top-ranked cities received a statue of Mahatma Gandhi as a memento for their work towards cleanliness. Swachh Survekshan 2019 covered all urban local bodies in the country, making it the largest such cleanliness survey in the world.

"Mahatma Gandhi had played a pivotal role in spearheading the movement of cleanliness. I hope people will take inspiration from the just concluded Kumbh Mela and the level of cleanliness in it," Kovind said.

"There is a need to change the mindset of the people towards cleanliness as many people pay a lot of attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness at home but not to public cleanliness. The culture of cleanliness has to become an integral part of in the lives of the citizens," he added.

The President also said there is a need to include cleanliness in the curriculum of schools and higher educational institutions.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the urban transformation that is being attempted in the country is the most comprehensive and ambitious framework of planned urbanisation.

"The fact that urban sanitation had never before been brought to the centre-stage spoke of the common perception that cleaning urban India was an impossible task. These states and cities have risen to that challenge," Puri said.

"To ensure that the momentum and efforts are sustained, we are actively considering the idea of continuing this initiative by having periodic rankings based on data being provided by cities and citizens' feedback," he added.&nbsp;

Indore was adjudged India's cleanest city for the third straight year in the central government's cleanliness survey announced on Wednesday. The second and third positions in the category were grabbed by Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh and Mysore in Karnataka.

Indore was adjudged India's cleanest city for the third straight year in the central government's cleanliness survey announced on Wednesday. The second and third positions in the category were grabbed by Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh and Mysore in Karnataka. The Swachh Survekshan awards 2019 were conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony. While the New Delhi Municipal Council area was given the 'Cleanest Small City' award, Uttarakhand's Gauchar was adjudged the 'Best Ganga Town' in the central government survey. The 'Cleanest Big City' award has been bagged by Ahmedabad, while Raipur is the 'Fastest Moving Big City'. Ujjain has been the adjudged the 'Cleanest Medium City' and Mathura-Vrindavan bagged the tag of the 'Fastest Moving Medium Cities'. Top-ranked cities received a statue of Mahatma Gandhi as a memento for their work towards cleanliness. Swachh Survekshan 2019 covered all urban local bodies in the country, making it the largest such cleanliness survey in the world. "Mahatma Gandhi had played a pivotal role in spearheading the movement of cleanliness. I hope people will take inspiration from the just concluded Kumbh Mela and the level of cleanliness in it," Kovind said. "There is a need to change the mindset of the people towards cleanliness as many people pay a lot of attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness at home but not to public cleanliness. The culture of cleanliness has to become an integral part of in the lives of the citizens," he added. The President also said there is a need to include cleanliness in the curriculum of schools and higher educational institutions. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the urban transformation that is being attempted in the country is the most comprehensive and ambitious framework of planned urbanisation. "The fact that urban sanitation had never before been brought to the centre-stage spoke of the common perception that cleaning urban India was an impossible task. These states and cities have risen to that challenge," Puri said. "To ensure that the momentum and efforts are sustained, we are actively considering the idea of continuing this initiative by having periodic rankings based on data being provided by cities and citizens' feedback," he added.

Swachh Bharat: Indore is India's cleanest city for third year in a row

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country".

Modi's message was read out by Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who presented a 'chadar' on behalf of the prime minister at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

The 'chadar' was handed over to a delegation comprising heads of both 'anjumans' of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee in New Delhi on Saturday.

Naqvi said PM Modi is working with a commitment towards national security by adopting 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism, asserting that the country is in safe hands.

Modi said in his message: "Harmonious coexistence of different religions, communities, beliefs and faith in India is the beauty of our country. Various Saints, Pir and Fakirs in our country have given the message of peace, unity and harmony from time to time. They have played a key role in spreading the message of discipline, decency and self- restraint."

He hailed Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as a symbol of great spiritual traditions of India.

"His service to&nbsp;humanity will inspire generations to come. On the annual Urs of this great Sufi Saint, I express my tributes to him through sending 'chadar' at Dargah Ajmer Sharif," Modi said.

Naqvi said the prime minister believes in the legacy of Sufi saints to protect human values and justice and was working as a "warrior against terrorism".

India's spiritual and Sufi culture is the guarantee of ensuring humanity and peace by defeating and demolishing terrorism and all other forms of violence, he said.

Naqvi read out the message of the prime minister in which he conveyed greetings and best wishes to followers of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of annual Urs.

On the occasion, Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz University at Kayad Vishramsthali, to be established by the Ajmer Dargah Committee. He also inaugurated Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dispensary (OPD) at Dargah Apartment, Civil Line Ajmer.

Addressing people during the event, Naqvi said India is in safe hands and there will be no compromise with the security of the country and its people.

He said the organisations and people involved in terror activities by using Islam as their "security cover" are the biggest enemies of the religion.

"India is a role model for the entire world for social and communal harmony. We will have to strengthen this fabric of social harmony and unity," he said.&nbsp;

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country".

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country". Modi's message was read out by Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who presented a 'chadar' on behalf of the prime minister at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The 'chadar' was handed over to a delegation comprising heads of both 'anjumans' of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee in New Delhi on Saturday. Naqvi said PM Modi is working with a commitment towards national security by adopting 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism, asserting that the country is in safe hands. Modi said in his message: "Harmonious coexistence of different religions, communities, beliefs and faith in India is the beauty of our country. Various Saints, Pir and Fakirs in our country have given the message of peace, unity and harmony from time to time. They have played a key role in spreading the message of discipline, decency and self- restraint." He hailed Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as a symbol of great spiritual traditions of India. "His service to humanity will inspire generations to come. On the annual Urs of this great Sufi Saint, I express my tributes to him through sending 'chadar' at Dargah Ajmer Sharif," Modi said. Naqvi said the prime minister believes in the legacy of Sufi saints to protect human values and justice and was working as a "warrior against terrorism". India's spiritual and Sufi culture is the guarantee of ensuring humanity and peace by defeating and demolishing terrorism and all other forms of violence, he said. Naqvi read out the message of the prime minister in which he conveyed greetings and best wishes to followers of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of annual Urs. On the occasion, Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz University at Kayad Vishramsthali, to be established by the Ajmer Dargah Committee. He also inaugurated Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dispensary (OPD) at Dargah Apartment, Civil Line Ajmer. Addressing people during the event, Naqvi said India is in safe hands and there will be no compromise with the security of the country and its people. He said the organisations and people involved in terror activities by using Islam as their "security cover" are the biggest enemies of the religion. "India is a role model for the entire world for social and communal harmony. We will have to strengthen this fabric of social harmony and unity," he said.

Harmonious coexistence of different faiths, communities beauty of India: PM Modi

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'.

In a sweeping Facebook post, he attacked government critics, including opposition members, students leaders, activists and media, and called for a "surgical strike" within India, claiming if it does not happen, then the "robbers are ready to loot".

The former Army chief called student leaders accused of involvement in "anti-India" protests as "jonk" (leeches) and took aim at the media for referring to terrorists as "militants", claiming such things do not happen in Israel.

It is high time that the country followed Israel, he said.

He wrote the post amid a fierce slugfest between the government and opposition parties following the Balakot air strikes with the latter seeking proof that a high number of terrorists were killed, as claimed by ruling combine leaders including BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP has, in turn, accused its rivals of lowering the morale of armed forces and speaking the language of Pakistan.

In a tweet, Singh also used a mosquito metaphor to refer to the debate on casualty figures of terrorists, asking if he was expected to sit and count how many he killed at night or "sleep in comfort".

"There were a lot of mosquitoes at 3:30 am at night. So, I used Hit (mosquito repellent) on them. Now, should I sit and count how many mosquitoes I killed or sleep in comfort," Singh tweeted.

The Union minister headliend his Facebook post as "Why India does not become Isreal?".

People want revenge and expect that Modi would enter Pakistan in a tank and finish off all Pakistanis, he said.

"We want to be in Israel mode overnight. No, it won't happen. If Modi is there, I have expectation and faith that revenge will be taken. It will be fierce and 100 times more intense. But India cannot be Israel and will not be Israel," he said in the post written in Hindi.

He counted multiple reasons why he thinks India cannot become Israel.&nbsp;

Because there is no JNU in Israel where youngsters can raise slogans in support of breaking the country, he said, in an apparent reference to the alleged anti-national protests in the university in February 2016.

Because no courts are opened for terrorists at 2 am in the night and nor does journalists there "cry" for human rights of terrorists, he went on.

"Because when Israel carries out Operation Munich, the opposition there does not insult the country or armed forces by seeking proof," Singh said, in an apparent reference to the covert operation of Israel spy agency Mossad to eliminate those involved in the terror attack on the country's 1972 Munich

Olympics contingent in which several members were killed.

The country is supreme in Israel, not religion or caste, and no Jat, Gujjar or Maratha torch public property there, he added.

"There are no tapeworms (in Israel) like Shehla Rashid and Kanhaiya Kumar who study on taxpayers' money and call the Army rapists," he alleged.

Singh said time has come for India to be like Israel so that its elected representatives know that the nation will be united for protecting its integrity and sovereignty not only during the war but all the time, irrespective of any eventuality.

The opposition has been asking the government to reveal the official death count in the strike which was conducted days after the February 14 Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died.

While IAF chief B S Dhanoa said in a press conference that the force does not count bodies, BJP president Amit Shah claimed at a political rally that over 250 terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'.

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'. In a sweeping Facebook post, he attacked government critics, including opposition members, students leaders, activists and media, and called for a "surgical strike" within India, claiming if it does not happen, then the "robbers are ready to loot". The former Army chief called student leaders accused of involvement in "anti-India" protests as "jonk" (leeches) and took aim at the media for referring to terrorists as "militants", claiming such things do not happen in Israel. It is high time that the country followed Israel, he said. He wrote the post amid a fierce slugfest between the government and opposition parties following the Balakot air strikes with the latter seeking proof that a high number of terrorists were killed, as claimed by ruling combine leaders including BJP president Amit Shah. The BJP has, in turn, accused its rivals of lowering the morale of armed forces and speaking the language of Pakistan. In a tweet, Singh also used a mosquito metaphor to refer to the debate on casualty figures of terrorists, asking if he was expected to sit and count how many he killed at night or "sleep in comfort". "There were a lot of mosquitoes at 3:30 am at night. So, I used Hit (mosquito repellent) on them. Now, should I sit and count how many mosquitoes I killed or sleep in comfort," Singh tweeted. The Union minister headliend his Facebook post as "Why India does not become Isreal?". People want revenge and expect that Modi would enter Pakistan in a tank and finish off all Pakistanis, he said. "We want to be in Israel mode overnight. No, it won't happen. If Modi is there, I have expectation and faith that revenge will be taken. It will be fierce and 100 times more intense. But India cannot be Israel and will not be Israel," he said in the post written in Hindi. He counted multiple reasons why he thinks India cannot become Israel. Because there is no JNU in Israel where youngsters can raise slogans in support of breaking the country, he said, in an apparent reference to the alleged anti-national protests in the university in February 2016. Because no courts are opened for terrorists at 2 am in the night and nor does journalists there "cry" for human rights of terrorists, he went on. "Because when Israel carries out Operation Munich, the opposition there does not insult the country or armed forces by seeking proof," Singh said, in an apparent reference to the covert operation of Israel spy agency Mossad to eliminate those involved in the terror attack on the country's 1972 Munich Olympics contingent in which several members were killed. The country is supreme in Israel, not religion or caste, and no Jat, Gujjar or Maratha torch public property there, he added. "There are no tapeworms (in Israel) like Shehla Rashid and Kanhaiya Kumar who study on taxpayers' money and call the Army rapists," he alleged. Singh said time has come for India to be like Israel so that its elected representatives know that the nation will be united for protecting its integrity and sovereignty not only during the war but all the time, irrespective of any eventuality. The opposition has been asking the government to reveal the official death count in the strike which was conducted days after the February 14 Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died. While IAF chief B S Dhanoa said in a press conference that the force does not count bodies, BJP president Amit Shah claimed at a political rally that over 250 terrorists were killed.

Quit 'insulting' Army if you want India to tackle terror like Israelis: VK Singh attacks opposition

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a marathon meeting of senior officials on Thursday to prepare a road map for the future of the national transporter.

Days before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, Goyal will conduct a final assessment of the work done by the ministry over the last five years, sources said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The minister will interact with all members of the Railway Board, director generals, divisional railway managers, general managers, heads of railway PSUs and senior officers to be posted as DRMs in the near future.

The discussion will focus on achievements of targets for year 2018-19, security situation in the country, security measures required to be taken by zonal railways and setting of agenda for 2019-20, the sources said.

The sources indicated that the meeting, slated to be the last big interaction of the minister with key personnel of the railways before the 2019 general elections, will also provide a roadmap for the national transporter in the days to come.&nbsp;

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a marathon meeting of senior officials on Thursday to prepare a road map for the future of the national transporter. Days before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, Goyal will conduct a final assessment of the work done by the ministry over the last five years, sources said on Wednesday.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a marathon meeting of senior officials on Thursday to prepare a road map for the future of the national transporter. Days before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, Goyal will conduct a final assessment of the work done by the ministry over the last five years, sources said on Wednesday. The minister will interact with all members of the Railway Board, director generals, divisional railway managers, general managers, heads of railway PSUs and senior officers to be posted as DRMs in the near future. The discussion will focus on achievements of targets for year 2018-19, security situation in the country, security measures required to be taken by zonal railways and setting of agenda for 2019-20, the sources said. The sources indicated that the meeting, slated to be the last big interaction of the minister with key personnel of the railways before the 2019 general elections, will also provide a roadmap for the national transporter in the days to come.

Goyal to hold marathon meeting with senior officials Thursday

The process of recording of the statement of co-accused Rajeev Saxena in the VVIP chopper case was completed at Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

On February 27, Saxena had moved an application in Patiala House Court to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-accused-rajiv-saxena-to-record-statement-200689">become an approver in the case</a>. He had told a Delhi court that he was not under any pressure, further adding that neither any assurance was given to him nor sought from him, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

In a statement before the Patiala House Court, Saxena said he has "thought long and hard" and that his "exposure" to the case was "very minimal".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
AgustaWestland case: Recording of statement of co-accused Rajeev Saxena has been completed at Delhi's Patiala House Court. He had recently approached the court to become an 'approver' in the case.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103229376307449857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"(I have) no intention to not cooperate. A logical consequence is to give testimony in the case. (I am under) no pressure. It is on my free will completely and the complete understanding of the case. No assurances were given and none sought," Saxena said on his plea seeking to turn an approver.

The Dubai-based businessman was extradited to India in the wee hours of January 31 in connection with alleged scam in the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland company.

He was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to a government dossier.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The process of recording of the statement of co-accused Rajeev Saxena in the VVIP chopper case was completed at Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.

The process of recording of the statement of co-accused Rajeev Saxena in the VVIP chopper case was completed at Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. On February 27, Saxena had moved an application in Patiala House Court to become an approver in the case. He had told a Delhi court that he was not under any pressure, further adding that neither any assurance was given to him nor sought from him, news agency ANI reported. In a statement before the Patiala House Court, Saxena said he has "thought long and hard" and that his "exposure" to the case was "very minimal". AgustaWestland case: Recording of statement of co-accused Rajeev Saxena has been completed at Delhi's Patiala House Court. He had recently approached the court to become an 'approver' in the case. — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × "(I have) no intention to not cooperate. A logical consequence is to give testimony in the case. (I am under) no pressure. It is on my free will completely and the complete understanding of the case. No assurances were given and none sought," Saxena said on his plea seeking to turn an approver. The Dubai-based businessman was extradited to India in the wee hours of January 31 in connection with alleged scam in the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland company. He was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to a government dossier. (With inputs from ANI)

VVIP chopper scam: Co-accused Rajiv Saxena records statement at Delhi court 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday.

The PM had felicitated sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness during the Kumbh recently by washing their feet. He also interacted with the sanitation workers, describing them as "real karma-yogis" whose contributions are being lauded all over.

"This is just the latest in the series of such steps taken by PM Modi," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet, sharing several such instances.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday congratulated ministers, officials and sanitation workers for making the Kumbh Mela -- the world's largest gathering of religious pilgrims -- a successful event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday. The PM had felicitated sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness during the Kumbh recently by washing their feet. He also interacted with the sanitation workers, describing them as "real karma-yogis" whose contributions are being lauded all over. "This is just the latest in the series of such steps taken by PM Modi," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet, sharing several such instances. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday congratulated ministers, officials and sanitation workers for making the Kumbh Mela -- the world's largest gathering of religious pilgrims -- a successful event.

PM Modi donates Rs 21 lakh to Kumbh Mela sanitation workers: PMO

The Pakistan army Wednesday targeted dozens of forward posts and villages with artillery guns along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said.

The intense shelling and firing from across the border continued throughout the night in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district, while it started in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch in the early hours of Wednesday, they said.

Officials said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, and the exchange of heavy fire caused panic among the border residents. However, there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side, they said.

Pakistan had resorted to cross-border firing at Nowshera and Sunderbani in Rajouri and Krishna Ghati in Poonch on Tuesday as well. While the cross-border skirmishes lasted for over three hours in Nowshera sector which left a soldier injured, the firing in Krishna Ghati took place from 6 pm to 8:15 pm.

Firing in Sunderbani sector started at 8:30 pm Tuesday and ended around 4:30 am on Wednesday, the officials said. Minutes later, they said the guns once again roared in Krishna Ghati sector and firing was underway between the two sides when last reports were received. There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan after India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot on February 26 following the February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Four civilians, including three members of a family, were killed and several others injured in over 60 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch last week.&nbsp;

The Pakistan army Wednesday targeted dozens of forward posts and villages with artillery guns along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said.

The Pakistan army Wednesday targeted dozens of forward posts and villages with artillery guns along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials said. The intense shelling and firing from across the border continued throughout the night in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district, while it started in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch in the early hours of Wednesday, they said. Officials said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, and the exchange of heavy fire caused panic among the border residents. However, there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side, they said. Pakistan had resorted to cross-border firing at Nowshera and Sunderbani in Rajouri and Krishna Ghati in Poonch on Tuesday as well. While the cross-border skirmishes lasted for over three hours in Nowshera sector which left a soldier injured, the firing in Krishna Ghati took place from 6 pm to 8:15 pm. Firing in Sunderbani sector started at 8:30 pm Tuesday and ended around 4:30 am on Wednesday, the officials said. Minutes later, they said the guns once again roared in Krishna Ghati sector and firing was underway between the two sides when last reports were received. There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan after India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot on February 26 following the February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Four civilians, including three members of a family, were killed and several others injured in over 60 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch last week.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Rajouri, Poonch

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday. 
Advertising

Preethi Reddy’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in her car parked in an eastern Sydney street, New South Wales Police said.

Her ex-boyfriend has also died in a road accident that appeared deliberate, they said.

Reddy was last seen waiting in line at McDonald’s in George Street on Sunday, the police said.

On Tuesday, the police found her car parked in Strachan Lane in Kingsford. Inside the car, they found her body in a suitcase, according to media reports.

Her body had been stabbed numerous times. She and her ex-boyfriend stayed in a hotel in Market Street in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday, officials said.

Reddy was attending a dental conference in St Leonards at the weekend and last spoke to her family at around 11 AM on Sunday.

She told them that she would head home after breakfast, and when she failed to return, her family contacted police.

NSW Police described Reddy’s disappearance as “out of character” and said there were serious concerns of her welfare.

Her work colleagues said they were “terrified” and had been unable to sleep since her disappearance.

“It’s devastating, and this is completely out of character,” dental assistant Chelsea Holmes of Glenbrook Dental Surgery was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“We got a call on Monday asking if she had turned up to work … and now we are just hoping and none of us has been able to sleep.

“I spoke to her last Thursday and it was ‘see you next week’ and completely normal,” she said adding “Now I am just praying she will be found,” Holmes said.

The NSW police said they were appealing for information in relation to her whereabouts.

Reddy attended a dental convention at St Leonards at the weekend, and last spoke with her family about 11am on Sunday, saying she planned to head home after having a late breakfast in Sydney, according to the police.

She was reported missing to Nepean Police Area Command later that night after she failed to arrive home, police added.

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday.

A 32-year-old Indian-origin woman dentist has been found dead with stab wounds in Australia, days after she went missing from Sydney’s busiest area under mysterious circumstances, police said on Wednesday. Advertising Preethi Reddy’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in her car parked in an eastern Sydney street, New South Wales Police said. Her ex-boyfriend has also died in a road accident that appeared deliberate, they said. Reddy was last seen waiting in line at McDonald’s in George Street on Sunday, the police said. On Tuesday, the police found her car parked in Strachan Lane in Kingsford. Inside the car, they found her body in a suitcase, according to media reports. Her body had been stabbed numerous times. She and her ex-boyfriend stayed in a hotel in Market Street in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday, officials said. Reddy was attending a dental conference in St Leonards at the weekend and last spoke to her family at around 11 AM on Sunday. She told them that she would head home after breakfast, and when she failed to return, her family contacted police. NSW Police described Reddy’s disappearance as “out of character” and said there were serious concerns of her welfare. Her work colleagues said they were “terrified” and had been unable to sleep since her disappearance. “It’s devastating, and this is completely out of character,” dental assistant Chelsea Holmes of Glenbrook Dental Surgery was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “We got a call on Monday asking if she had turned up to work … and now we are just hoping and none of us has been able to sleep. “I spoke to her last Thursday and it was ‘see you next week’ and completely normal,” she said adding “Now I am just praying she will be found,” Holmes said. The NSW police said they were appealing for information in relation to her whereabouts. Reddy attended a dental convention at St Leonards at the weekend, and last spoke with her family about 11am on Sunday, saying she planned to head home after having a late breakfast in Sydney, according to the police. She was reported missing to Nepean Police Area Command later that night after she failed to arrive home, police added.

Indian-origin woman dentist killed in Australia, body found in suitcase

A major fire broke out on the fifth floor of Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan at CGO Complex in New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Officials said a Central Industrial Security Force sub-inspector, who fell unconscious after inhaling smoke, later succumbed to his injuries.

The fire has now been brought under control, and the cooling process is on. Plumes of smoke and fire can be seen billowing out from the building.&nbsp;

Several official documents could be gutted in the fire. Offices of the drinking water and sanitation ministry, forest ministry and a branch of the Indian Air Force are located in the Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, previously known as Paryavaran Bhawan.

Earlier, in February a massive fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh area leaving 17 people dead.

(With inputs from PTI)

A major fire broke out on the fifth floor of Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan at CGO Complex in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Officials said a Central Industrial Security Force sub-inspector, who fell unconscious after inhaling smoke, later succumbed to his injuries.

A major fire broke out on the fifth floor of Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan at CGO Complex in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Officials said a Central Industrial Security Force sub-inspector, who fell unconscious after inhaling smoke, later succumbed to his injuries. The fire has now been brought under control, and the cooling process is on. Plumes of smoke and fire can be seen billowing out from the building. Several official documents could be gutted in the fire. Offices of the drinking water and sanitation ministry, forest ministry and a branch of the Indian Air Force are located in the Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, previously known as Paryavaran Bhawan. Earlier, in February a massive fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh area leaving 17 people dead. (With inputs from PTI)

Fire breaks out at CGO Complex in New Delhi, CISF cop dies after inhaling smoke

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the issue of referring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-land-dispute-case-a-timeline-188184">Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid</a> title <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/25-years-since-babri-masjid-demolition-security-hiked-in-ayodhya-7188?first_load=no">dispute case</a> to court-appointed and monitored mediation for a “permanent solution”.The court asked the parties concerned to suggest the name of a mediator or panel of mediators.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "We intend to pass the order soon."The bench had on February 26 had suggested an amicable resolution in the case through mediation and reserved its order for March 6.

The bench, which also comprised Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer, had told the parties, “We`re seriously giving a chance for mediation."&nbsp;

During today's hearing, Justice Bobde said, “It’s about sentiments, about religion and about faith. We are conscious of the gravity of the dispute.

"There need not be one mediator but a panel of mediators. 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," he said.

Justice Bobde said, "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."

On February 26, the bench had said, “We have suggested to the parties that during the interregnum a court-appointed and court-monitored mediation with utmost confidentiality could be initiated to bring a permanent solution to the issues raised in the cases.”

“Even if there is only one per cent chance, it should be explored," Justice Bobde had said emphasising for mediation in the matter.&nbsp;

While Muslim side and Nirmohi Akhada from the Hindu side in the case agreed for mediation, the counsel appearing for deity Ram Lalla Virajman, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and Mahant Suresh Das were opposed to it saying court-appointed mediation had failed on earlier occasions.

The bench had recorded that apart from Nirmohi Akhada, Hindu sides in the case were not agreeable to mediation and that it could invoke its power under Section 89 of Civil Procedure Code for alternate dispute mechanism.

"We are considering a possibility of healing relationship," the bench had observed. There are fourteen appeals before the top court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment trifurcating the disputed site at Ayodhya for Ram Lalla, Nimrohi Akhara and the original Muslim litigant. Several other appeals have also been filed in the court relating to the issue.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the issue of referring Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case to court-appointed and monitored mediation for a “permanent solution”.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the issue of referring Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case to court-appointed and monitored mediation for a “permanent solution”.The court asked the parties concerned to suggest the name of a mediator or panel of mediators. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "We intend to pass the order soon."The bench had on February 26 had suggested an amicable resolution in the case through mediation and reserved its order for March 6. The bench, which also comprised Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer, had told the parties, “We`re seriously giving a chance for mediation." During today's hearing, Justice Bobde said, “It’s about sentiments, about religion and about faith. We are conscious of the gravity of the dispute. "There need not be one mediator but a panel of mediators. 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," he said. Justice Bobde said, "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." On February 26, the bench had said, “We have suggested to the parties that during the interregnum a court-appointed and court-monitored mediation with utmost confidentiality could be initiated to bring a permanent solution to the issues raised in the cases.” “Even if there is only one per cent chance, it should be explored," Justice Bobde had said emphasising for mediation in the matter. While Muslim side and Nirmohi Akhada from the Hindu side in the case agreed for mediation, the counsel appearing for deity Ram Lalla Virajman, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and Mahant Suresh Das were opposed to it saying court-appointed mediation had failed on earlier occasions. The bench had recorded that apart from Nirmohi Akhada, Hindu sides in the case were not agreeable to mediation and that it could invoke its power under Section 89 of Civil Procedure Code for alternate dispute mechanism. "We are considering a possibility of healing relationship," the bench had observed. There are fourteen appeals before the top court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment trifurcating the disputed site at Ayodhya for Ram Lalla, Nimrohi Akhara and the original Muslim litigant. Several other appeals have also been filed in the court relating to the issue.

Ayodhya land dispute case: Supreme Court reserves order on court-monitored mediation to resolve issue

Hitting out at Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his remarks on the February 26 IAF strike, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Monday asked him to go to Balakot in Pakistan to check after the latter cited foreign media reports on "no losses" in the operation.

Amid the war of words between BJP and Congress on the air raid, Rathore tweeted, "You believe international media over own Intelligence agencies? You seem happy when media quoted by you says "no losses in the strike"?...and sir, for us you went to London to find evidence against EVMs, will you please also go to Balakot to check?"

He was quoting a tweet of Sibal in which the Congress leader had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising terror.

Sibal had tweeted, "Modiji, Is international media - New York Times, London based Jane's Information Group, Washinton Post, Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, Reuters reporting no proof of militant losses at Balakot pro-Pakistan? You are guilty of politicising terror?"

Locking horns after Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief B S Dhanoa's remarks on Monday on the air strike, BJP had charged Congress with politicising the issue while the Opposition party sought the source of statements being made by BJP leaders with regards to the number of casualties at the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot.

Addressing the media, Dhanoa had said fighter pilots had hit the target given to them, adding that he could not give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to clarify.

Earlier on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Ahmedabad, had claimed that 250 terrorists were killed in the air strike.

India carried out the operation 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM suicide bomber attacked their convoy in Pulwama.

Hours after the air raid on February 26, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media that IAF fighter planes hit the largest militant camp of JeM at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, eliminating a large number of Jaish terrorists and training commanders.

Hitting out at Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his remarks on the February 26 IAF strike, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Monday asked him to go to Balakot in Pakistan to check after the latter cited foreign media reports on "no losses" in the operation.

Hitting out at Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his remarks on the February 26 IAF strike, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Monday asked him to go to Balakot in Pakistan to check after the latter cited foreign media reports on "no losses" in the operation. Amid the war of words between BJP and Congress on the air raid, Rathore tweeted, "You believe international media over own Intelligence agencies? You seem happy when media quoted by you says "no losses in the strike"?...and sir, for us you went to London to find evidence against EVMs, will you please also go to Balakot to check?" He was quoting a tweet of Sibal in which the Congress leader had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising terror. Sibal had tweeted, "Modiji, Is international media - New York Times, London based Jane's Information Group, Washinton Post, Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, Reuters reporting no proof of militant losses at Balakot pro-Pakistan? You are guilty of politicising terror?" Locking horns after Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief B S Dhanoa's remarks on Monday on the air strike, BJP had charged Congress with politicising the issue while the Opposition party sought the source of statements being made by BJP leaders with regards to the number of casualties at the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot. Addressing the media, Dhanoa had said fighter pilots had hit the target given to them, adding that he could not give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to clarify. Earlier on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Ahmedabad, had claimed that 250 terrorists were killed in the air strike. India carried out the operation 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM suicide bomber attacked their convoy in Pulwama. Hours after the air raid on February 26, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media that IAF fighter planes hit the largest militant camp of JeM at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, eliminating a large number of Jaish terrorists and training commanders.

IAF Airstrike: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore takes a jibe at Sibal, asks him to go to Balakot to check

A CPI(M) leader from Maharashtra has been suspended from the party’s Central Committee for reportedly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event.

Former CPI(M) MLA Narsaiyya Adam in January praised and thanked Modi and Fadnavis for speedy clearance to a housing project in Solapur district, from where he was earlier elected in the state Assembly. He also reportedly wished for another term for Modi as prime minister.

“Such praise is against the policy of CPM. Hence, a decision has been taken to suspend him for three months from the party’s Central Committee,” a party official said on Tuesday. The Central Committee is a key decision-making body of the communist party. Adam was not available for comments in the matter.

A CPI(M) leader from Maharashtra has been suspended from the party’s Central Committee for reportedly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event.

A CPI(M) leader from Maharashtra has been suspended from the party’s Central Committee for reportedly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event. Former CPI(M) MLA Narsaiyya Adam in January praised and thanked Modi and Fadnavis for speedy clearance to a housing project in Solapur district, from where he was earlier elected in the state Assembly. He also reportedly wished for another term for Modi as prime minister. “Such praise is against the policy of CPM. Hence, a decision has been taken to suspend him for three months from the party’s Central Committee,” a party official said on Tuesday. The Central Committee is a key decision-making body of the communist party. Adam was not available for comments in the matter.

CPM suspends Maharashtra leader from Central Committee for praising PM Modi

The Indian Air Force is equipping its Su-30MKI combat aircraft with the Israeli Spice-2000 bombs which were used by the force to carry out air strikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists training camp inside Pakistan.

Talking about the quick deployment of forces by the Air Force on the western frontier of Pakistan, top Indian Air Force sources told ANI that the force has been successful in doing so due to the exercise GaganShakti held last year where the service practised to carry out high tempo operations on both the possible fronts.

"At the moment, the only aircraft which is capable of delivering the bombs on enemy targets is the Mirage 2000. But now the Air Force is putting them on the Su-30s as well to further enhance their firepower," government sources said.

India had acquired more than 200 of these bombs from Israel a few years back and the Su-30MKI has already carried out trials of launching the Spice-2000 on ground targets, they said.

"After a few more trials, the Su-30 fleet would be equipped with these bombs which rely on coordinates and satellite pictures of the target to home in and destroy the intended targets," the sources said.

Once the integration is successful, it would be a big force multiplier for the Air force as the only planes which can launch these bombs right now are the Mirage 2000s.

The IAF has only around three squadrons of these planes whereas the service has already inducted more than 250 of these aircraft and has planes of getting around 20 more by the end of next year.

The Air Force used the Spice-2000 bombs extensively during the air strikes on Pakistan on February 26 decimating the intended target in Balakote in Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan in form of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp.

The attacks were carried out by the Air force to avenge the Pulwama suicide terrorist attack in which 40 CRPF troopers were killed.

Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar has been active against India for the last almost 20 years after he was released from jail during the Kandhar hijack where terrorists were released in exchange for passengers of the Indian Airlines flight number IC-814.

The Indian Air Force is equipping its Su-30MKI combat aircraft with the Israeli Spice-2000 bombs which were used by the force to carry out air strikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists training camp inside Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force is equipping its Su-30MKI combat aircraft with the Israeli Spice-2000 bombs which were used by the force to carry out air strikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists training camp inside Pakistan. Talking about the quick deployment of forces by the Air Force on the western frontier of Pakistan, top Indian Air Force sources told ANI that the force has been successful in doing so due to the exercise GaganShakti held last year where the service practised to carry out high tempo operations on both the possible fronts. "At the moment, the only aircraft which is capable of delivering the bombs on enemy targets is the Mirage 2000. But now the Air Force is putting them on the Su-30s as well to further enhance their firepower," government sources said. India had acquired more than 200 of these bombs from Israel a few years back and the Su-30MKI has already carried out trials of launching the Spice-2000 on ground targets, they said. "After a few more trials, the Su-30 fleet would be equipped with these bombs which rely on coordinates and satellite pictures of the target to home in and destroy the intended targets," the sources said. Once the integration is successful, it would be a big force multiplier for the Air force as the only planes which can launch these bombs right now are the Mirage 2000s. The IAF has only around three squadrons of these planes whereas the service has already inducted more than 250 of these aircraft and has planes of getting around 20 more by the end of next year. The Air Force used the Spice-2000 bombs extensively during the air strikes on Pakistan on February 26 decimating the intended target in Balakote in Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan in form of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp. The attacks were carried out by the Air force to avenge the Pulwama suicide terrorist attack in which 40 CRPF troopers were killed. Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar has been active against India for the last almost 20 years after he was released from jail during the Kandhar hijack where terrorists were released in exchange for passengers of the Indian Airlines flight number IC-814.

Air Force to equip Sukhoi-30s with Spice-2000 bombs used in air strikes inside Pakistan

A day after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-hit-the-target-at-balakot-wing-commander-abhinandan-will-fly-again-if-fit-iaf-chief-dhanoa-201031"> IAF chief's press conference</a>, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

India's Naval chief&nbsp;said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea."

Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India."

After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline.&nbsp;

"Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said.

The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas.&nbsp;

Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers.

This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas.&nbsp;

In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways."

Explaining further he said,&nbsp;Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India.&nbsp;

On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists&nbsp;claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&amp;K.

After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar.

In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell".

Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause". India's Naval chief said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas. Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea." Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India." After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline. "Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said. The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas. Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers. This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas. In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways." Explaining further he said, Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India. On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week. Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&K. After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar. In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell". Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Terrorists being trained to carry out operations in various forms, including through medium of the sea: Naval chief Sunil Lanba

india-news

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

india news