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Gurugram has been ranked the most polluted city in the world, while New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a recent study conducted by environment NGO Greenpeace India.

According to the study 20 out of the 25 most-polluted cities across the world are in India.&nbsp;

New Delhi's neighbour regions Gurugram and Ghaziabad topped the charts while the capital city took the eleventh spot in the worldwide list in 2018.

The remaining five out of 25 most polluted cities in the world are spread in China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The report measures the air quality in terms of PM2.5 data as aggregated through the IQAir AirVisual platform in 2018.

According to the information obtained during the study based on the PM2.5 data of the different cities in the world, report says that of the cities included in South Asia, it is interesting to note that, although Delhi typically receives most media coverage as one of the world’s 'pollution capitals', the Indian capital 'only' ranks 10th for annual PM2.5 concentration. Other cities across Northern India and Pakistan have a higher recorded annual PM2.5 level, with nearby Gurugram narrowly resulting in the highest annual concentration of any global city recorded here during 2018.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Rank</td>
			<td>City</td>
			<td>2018 AVG ( PM2.5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>Gurugram, India</td>
			<td>135.8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>Ghaziabad, India</td>
			<td>135.2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>Faisalabad, Pakistan</td>
			<td>222.1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>Faridabad, India</td>
			<td>129.1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>Bhiwadi, India</td>
			<td>125.4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>Noida, India</td>
			<td>123.6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>Patna, India</td>
			<td>119.7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>Hotan, China</td>
			<td>116</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>Lucknow, India</td>
			<td>115.7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>Lahore, Pakistan</td>
			<td>114.9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>Delhi, India</td>
			<td>113.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>Jodhpur, India</td>
			<td>113.4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>Muzaffarpur, India</td>
			<td>110.3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td>Varanasi, India</td>
			<td>105.3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>Moradabad, India</td>
			<td>104.9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td>Agra, India</td>
			<td>104.8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td>Dhaka, Bangladesh</td>
			<td>97.1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td>Gaya, India</td>
			<td>96.6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td>Kashgar, China</td>
			<td>95.7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td>Jind, India</td>
			<td>91.6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>21</td>
			<td>Kanpur, India</td>
			<td>88.2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22</td>
			<td>Singrauli, India</td>
			<td>86.8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>23</td>
			<td>Kolkata, India</td>
			<td>85.4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24</td>
			<td>Pali, India</td>
			<td>82.3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25</td>
			<td>Rohtak, India</td>
			<td>81.6</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Air pollution will take an estimated seven million lives globally in the next year while costing the world’s economy nearly $ 225 billion, said the Greenpeace report.

According to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the annual permissible limit for PM2.5 is 40ug/m3. The annual permissible limits prescribed by the World Health Organization are even lower at 10ug/m3.​&nbsp;

According to the report, air pollution will cause around 7 million premature deaths globally next year and have a major economic impact.

Gurugram has been ranked the most polluted city in the world, while New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a recent study conducted by environment NGO Greenpeace India.

Gurugram has been ranked the most polluted city in the world, while New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a recent study conducted by environment NGO Greenpeace India. According to the study 20 out of the 25 most-polluted cities across the world are in India. New Delhi's neighbour regions Gurugram and Ghaziabad topped the charts while the capital city took the eleventh spot in the worldwide list in 2018. The remaining five out of 25 most polluted cities in the world are spread in China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The report measures the air quality in terms of PM2.5 data as aggregated through the IQAir AirVisual platform in 2018. According to the information obtained during the study based on the PM2.5 data of the different cities in the world, report says that of the cities included in South Asia, it is interesting to note that, although Delhi typically receives most media coverage as one of the world’s 'pollution capitals', the Indian capital 'only' ranks 10th for annual PM2.5 concentration. Other cities across Northern India and Pakistan have a higher recorded annual PM2.5 level, with nearby Gurugram narrowly resulting in the highest annual concentration of any global city recorded here during 2018. Rank City 2018 AVG ( PM2.5) 1 Gurugram, India 135.8 2 Ghaziabad, India 135.2 3 Faisalabad, Pakistan 222.1 4 Faridabad, India 129.1 5 Bhiwadi, India 125.4 6 Noida, India 123.6 7 Patna, India 119.7 8 Hotan, China 116 9 Lucknow, India 115.7 10 Lahore, Pakistan 114.9 11 Delhi, India 113.5 12 Jodhpur, India 113.4 13 Muzaffarpur, India 110.3 14 Varanasi, India 105.3 15 Moradabad, India 104.9 16 Agra, India 104.8 17 Dhaka, Bangladesh 97.1 18 Gaya, India 96.6 19 Kashgar, China 95.7 20 Jind, India 91.6 21 Kanpur, India 88.2 22 Singrauli, India 86.8 23 Kolkata, India 85.4 24 Pali, India 82.3 25 Rohtak, India 81.6 Air pollution will take an estimated seven million lives globally in the next year while costing the world’s economy nearly $ 225 billion, said the Greenpeace report. According to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the annual permissible limit for PM2.5 is 40ug/m3. The annual permissible limits prescribed by the World Health Organization are even lower at 10ug/m3. According to the report, air pollution will cause around 7 million premature deaths globally next year and have a major economic impact.

Gurugram world's most polluted city, 20 Indian cities in top 25, reveals Greenpeace report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday used the air strike analogy to underscore his will to take on terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Speaking after launching a pension scheme for the unorganised sector, Modi said the opposition wants to dislodge him.

"They (opposition) want to strike Modi, but I want to strike on terror," Modi said. "They want to remove this `chowkidar but I want to fight poverty," he added.

"The honesty of your 'chowkidar' is troubling those in opposition. That is the reason they are saying Modi hatao, (remove Modi) while I am saying that I want to fight poverty and dishonesty. I am standing firm due to your support", Modi said.

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Modi said the opposition parties are forming a 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) combine to remove him.

"But I am working to safeguard the interest of workers and farmers. I am also working to provide security", he said.

Modi, who launched the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana pension scheme, targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi over poverty, saying only those oblivious to sleeping hungry at night can think that it is a "state of mind".

For some, poverty is just an opportunity to click photos, Modi said, sharpening his attack on the Congress chief.

"This scheme is aimed at uplift of the section of society which has been ignored and left at the mercy of God. They (Congress) gave slogans of garibi hatao (end poverty). Some projected themselves as messiah of workers. But during their tenure they did not launch such a scheme, he said. "They ruled the country for 55 years and collected votes in the name of poor," he said.

"They thought that poverty is a mental state. See how is this neta who says that there is nothing like poverty but a mental state," Modi said, targeting the Congress president.

"For them poverty is just an opportunity to click pictures. Only those oblivious to sleeping hungry even for one night can think that it is a state of mind", Modi said, in an obvious reference to Gandhi's 2013 statement that poverty is a state of mind.

"What they could not do in 55 years, this 'chaiwala' did in 55 months by bringing such a scheme," Modi said.

The communists got the opportunity to form a government in many states but could not bring such a pension scheme for the unorganised workers, Modi said.

Such a scheme has been launched for the first time for unorganised sector workers in India, he said.

"This scheme has been launched by our government as a tribute to the unorganised sector workers, who can earn some money till their body is fit but are worried about what will happen to them when they get old, Modi said.

Under this scheme, unorganised workers will get a pension of Rs 3000. I am told that over 14 lakh workers have been enrolled under the scheme, Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday used the air strike analogy to underscore his will to take on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Speaking after launching a pension scheme for the unorganised sector, Modi said the opposition wants to dislodge him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday used the air strike analogy to underscore his will to take on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Speaking after launching a pension scheme for the unorganised sector, Modi said the opposition wants to dislodge him. "They (opposition) want to strike Modi, but I want to strike on terror," Modi said. "They want to remove this `chowkidar but I want to fight poverty," he added. "The honesty of your 'chowkidar' is troubling those in opposition. That is the reason they are saying Modi hatao, (remove Modi) while I am saying that I want to fight poverty and dishonesty. I am standing firm due to your support", Modi said. Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Modi said the opposition parties are forming a 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) combine to remove him. "But I am working to safeguard the interest of workers and farmers. I am also working to provide security", he said. Modi, who launched the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana pension scheme, targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi over poverty, saying only those oblivious to sleeping hungry at night can think that it is a "state of mind". For some, poverty is just an opportunity to click photos, Modi said, sharpening his attack on the Congress chief. "This scheme is aimed at uplift of the section of society which has been ignored and left at the mercy of God. They (Congress) gave slogans of garibi hatao (end poverty). Some projected themselves as messiah of workers. But during their tenure they did not launch such a scheme, he said. "They ruled the country for 55 years and collected votes in the name of poor," he said. "They thought that poverty is a mental state. See how is this neta who says that there is nothing like poverty but a mental state," Modi said, targeting the Congress president. "For them poverty is just an opportunity to click pictures. Only those oblivious to sleeping hungry even for one night can think that it is a state of mind", Modi said, in an obvious reference to Gandhi's 2013 statement that poverty is a state of mind. "What they could not do in 55 years, this 'chaiwala' did in 55 months by bringing such a scheme," Modi said. The communists got the opportunity to form a government in many states but could not bring such a pension scheme for the unorganised workers, Modi said. Such a scheme has been launched for the first time for unorganised sector workers in India, he said. "This scheme has been launched by our government as a tribute to the unorganised sector workers, who can earn some money till their body is fit but are worried about what will happen to them when they get old, Modi said. Under this scheme, unorganised workers will get a pension of Rs 3000. I am told that over 14 lakh workers have been enrolled under the scheme, Modi said.

Opposition wants to strike Modi, I want to strike terror: PM

Of world's 25 most polluted cities, 20 are Indian

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.

Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations.

“Part of the fencing is pending in West Bengal-Bangladesh bordering areas. We had held a meeting with the state government officials and they had assured that they will acquire land on which the fence was to be constructed. There is no delay from our side. If there is a delay, it is on the part of the West Bengal government,” said Singh.

The Home Minister was speaking at Assam’s Dhubri district while inaugurating the smart fence or the BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo- Bangladesh border.

Bengal shares 2216.70 km its border with Bangladesh. Of the total 2216.70 km, 913.080 km falls within in South Bengal frontier of BSF, of which 374 km is fenced and 538 km is unfenced. The portion of the border that falls under the North Bengal frontier is also unfenced.

Experts claim that land acquisition is a major obstacle in constructing these fences. Despite the Bengal government setting up a committee to acquire land, the delay seems that the 2019 deadline is likely to be missed.

Sources in the BSF say that a fence is the only way to put a check on cattle smuggling across the border. 
“There are some vulnerable spots through which the cattle smuggling takes place. These are mostly near the unfenced border. If we need to keep a check on cattle smuggling besides smuggling of illegal arms and fake Indian currency notes (FICN), fences need to be constructed,” said an official of BSF on anonymity.

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations.

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations. “Part of the fencing is pending in West Bengal-Bangladesh bordering areas. We had held a meeting with the state government officials and they had assured that they will acquire land on which the fence was to be constructed. There is no delay from our side. If there is a delay, it is on the part of the West Bengal government,” said Singh. The Home Minister was speaking at Assam’s Dhubri district while inaugurating the smart fence or the BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo- Bangladesh border. Bengal shares 2216.70 km its border with Bangladesh. Of the total 2216.70 km, 913.080 km falls within in South Bengal frontier of BSF, of which 374 km is fenced and 538 km is unfenced. The portion of the border that falls under the North Bengal frontier is also unfenced. Experts claim that land acquisition is a major obstacle in constructing these fences. Despite the Bengal government setting up a committee to acquire land, the delay seems that the 2019 deadline is likely to be missed. Sources in the BSF say that a fence is the only way to put a check on cattle smuggling across the border. “There are some vulnerable spots through which the cattle smuggling takes place. These are mostly near the unfenced border. If we need to keep a check on cattle smuggling besides smuggling of illegal arms and fake Indian currency notes (FICN), fences need to be constructed,” said an official of BSF on anonymity.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh blames Bengal government for delay in fencing of Indo-Bangla border

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tral area of south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said.

A civilian was also injured in the shootout.

Following specific information about the presence of militants, a joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Mir Mohalla and Reshi Mohalla, Tral on Monday evening.

The search operation is on in Reshi mohalla Tral, Pulwama.&nbsp;

The target house has been razed to the ground. Mobile internet services have been suspended in the town.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in the ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in Tral. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/WiGLtiLWBg">pic.twitter.com/WiGLtiLWBg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102782189261926401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Handwara, while five security personnel and a civilian have lost their lives in the gunfight. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and the security forces in the area on Friday.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu region. According to a defence statement, Gen. Rawat, accompanied by Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, visited the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps to review the operational preparedness.

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tral area of south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said.

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tral area of south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said. A civilian was also injured in the shootout. Following specific information about the presence of militants, a joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Mir Mohalla and Reshi Mohalla, Tral on Monday evening. The search operation is on in Reshi mohalla Tral, Pulwama. The target house has been razed to the ground. Mobile internet services have been suspended in the town. Jammu & Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in the ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in Tral. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/WiGLtiLWBg — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2019 × On Sunday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Handwara, while five security personnel and a civilian have lost their lives in the gunfight. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and the security forces in the area on Friday. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu region. According to a defence statement, Gen. Rawat, accompanied by Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, visited the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps to review the operational preparedness.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed, one civilian injured in Tral encounter; combing operations underway

The Indian Air Force said Tuesday that Pakistan did not shoot down one of their Sukhois on the morning of February 27.&nbsp;

Fighter planes of the Indian and Pakistani air forces had engaged in a dogfight on the 27th, a day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot</a> in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

"On 27 Feb, our air defence system was on full alert," the IAF said in a statement released Tuesday.&nbsp;

It added that the build up of Pakistani aircraft was noticed in time and Indian aircraft scrambled.&nbsp;

The IAF statement said India scrambled Mirage-2000s, Su-30s, and MiG-21 Bisons and that consequently, the "PAF aircraft were forced to withdraw in hurry".&nbsp;

It added that that was "also evident from large missed distances of weapons dropped by them".&nbsp;

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Indian Air Force statement: Detailed report in this regard has already been released by IAF. All the Su-30 aircraft engaged in combat landed back safely. False claim by Pakistan of shooting down a Su-30, appears to be a cover up for loss of its own aircraft. <a href="https://t.co/Ccd04mX53G">https://t.co/Ccd04mX53G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102945753062932482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India lost one MiG-21 that day — the one flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Before he went down, Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16.&nbsp;

Varthaman spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released as a "peace gesture" but tensions continue to run high between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

On Monday, India shot down a Pakistani drone. On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>. (India said that was Pakistani propaganda aimed at diverting attention from the issue of terror and its support of it.)&nbsp;

"During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM were conclusively observed," the IAF said Tuesday.&nbsp;

India has taken up Pakistan's use of the F-16s and of the AMRAAM missiles fitted on them with the US. Their use by Pakistan 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;

The Indian Air Force said Tuesday that Pakistan did not shoot down one of their Sukhois on the morning of February 27. Fighter planes of the Indian and Pakistani air forces had engaged in a dogfight on the 27th, a day after India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Indian Air Force said Tuesday that Pakistan did not shoot down one of their Sukhois on the morning of February 27. Fighter planes of the Indian and Pakistani air forces had engaged in a dogfight on the 27th, a day after India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "On 27 Feb, our air defence system was on full alert," the IAF said in a statement released Tuesday. It added that the build up of Pakistani aircraft was noticed in time and Indian aircraft scrambled. The IAF statement said India scrambled Mirage-2000s, Su-30s, and MiG-21 Bisons and that consequently, the "PAF aircraft were forced to withdraw in hurry". It added that that was "also evident from large missed distances of weapons dropped by them". Indian Air Force statement: Detailed report in this regard has already been released by IAF. All the Su-30 aircraft engaged in combat landed back safely. False claim by Pakistan of shooting down a Su-30, appears to be a cover up for loss of its own aircraft. https://t.co/Ccd04mX53G — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2019 × India lost one MiG-21 that day — the one flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Before he went down, Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16. Varthaman spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released 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. (India said that was Pakistani propaganda aimed at diverting attention from the issue of terror and its support of it.) "During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM were conclusively observed," the IAF said Tuesday. India has taken up Pakistan's use of the F-16s and of the AMRAAM missiles fitted on them with the US. Their use by Pakistan 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.

Pakistan did not shoot down one of our Sukhois: India

Spotify Technology SA, the world's most popular paid music streaming service, said it racked up more than 1 million unique users in India across its free and premium tiers since launching less than a week ago.

Spotify launched in India on Tuesday, stepping into a price-sensitive market crowded by well-funded players such as Reliance Industries' JioSaavn and Apple's Apple Music.

The Swedish company is offering a free version that will run with ads, alongside a premium ad-free variant that will charge users 119 Indian rupees ($1.68) per month.

India, with a population of 1.3 billion and more than 400 million smartphone users, is a potentially huge market for the Swedish company.

According to media reports, Tencent-backed Gaana leads the Indian streaming market with over 80 million monthly users. Spotify has 207 million monthly active users globally and 96 million subscribers.

In India, the streaming service also competes with other players including Amazon's Prime Music, Alphabet Inc's Google Play Music and Xiaomi-backed Hungama.

Spotify Technology SA, the world's most popular paid music streaming service, said it racked up more than 1 million unique users in India across its free and premium tiers since launching less than a week ago.

Spotify Technology SA, the world's most popular paid music streaming service, said it racked up more than 1 million unique users in India across its free and premium tiers since launching less than a week ago. Spotify launched in India on Tuesday, stepping into a price-sensitive market crowded by well-funded players such as Reliance Industries' JioSaavn and Apple's Apple Music. The Swedish company is offering a free version that will run with ads, alongside a premium ad-free variant that will charge users 119 Indian rupees ($1.68) per month. India, with a population of 1.3 billion and more than 400 million smartphone users, is a potentially huge market for the Swedish company. According to media reports, Tencent-backed Gaana leads the Indian streaming market with over 80 million monthly users. Spotify has 207 million monthly active users globally and 96 million subscribers. In India, the streaming service also competes with other players including Amazon's Prime Music, Alphabet Inc's Google Play Music and Xiaomi-backed Hungama.

Spotify adds 1 million unique listeners in India in less than a week

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal, who is also the Director General South Asia &amp; SAARC, invited India's acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia at the ministry of foreign affairs to convey the decision, according to a statement.

"The Pakistan delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor," the statement said.

Faisal informed the Indian envoy that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, will be returning to New Delhi after the completion of consultations in Islamabad.

He also conveyed that Pakistan was committed to continue weekly contact at the Military Operations Directorates level.

The positive development came as Pakistan launched a crackdown against banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed.

JeM chief Masood Azhar's son Hammad Azhar and brother Mufti Abdur Rauf were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits detained by authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil.

India and Pakistan have agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the first Gurdwara, was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522, where he is said to have died.

The corridor will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours.

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal, who is also the Director General South Asia & SAARC, invited India's acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia at the ministry of foreign affairs to convey the decision, according to a statement. "The Pakistan delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor," the statement said. Faisal informed the Indian envoy that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, will be returning to New Delhi after the completion of consultations in Islamabad. He also conveyed that Pakistan was committed to continue weekly contact at the Military Operations Directorates level. The positive development came as Pakistan launched a crackdown against banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed. JeM chief Masood Azhar's son Hammad Azhar and brother Mufti Abdur Rauf were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits detained by authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil. India and Pakistan have agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the first Gurdwara, was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522, where he is said to have died. The corridor will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Pakistan team to visit India on March 14 to discuss Kartarpur draft agreement

The United States is trying to find a common ground between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, describing Kashmir as a long-standing battle between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pompeo cited the India-Pak dispute and the Israeli conflict as recent examples of America’s negotiating diplomatic skills, about which he was asked at the “Future Farmers of America” event in Iowa on Monday.

“How do you try to find common ground, negotiate on behalf of the United States?,” the top American diplomat was asked.

“So if you take a look at the most complex problems — what’s a good example? The debate to try to figure out how to get Middle East peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, or in the news recently, the longstanding battle in Kashmir between the Indians and the Pakistanis. The work that we do as diplomats is to try and find places where there’s common ground,” Pompeo told farmers.

“There are places where there’s — you all do this too in your everyday life. There are clearly things that are different. In some cases, you see value sets that are different. In some cases, there are territorial disputes. In some cases, the arguments arise out of faith. Sometimes they’re fighting over resources, right, not just land, but wealth, whether that’s oil underground or natural gas or water, whatever it may be,” he said.

America’s effort, he said, was to figure out the places where there was a real overlap. “And then it is to convince those — sometimes we’re in the middle of it, sometimes we’re just trying to help bring resolution to a problem or to reduce violence in a particular conflict — it’s to make the case that nobody’s going to get everything,” he said.

“This is — was my joke at the beginning — in that indeed each party’s going to have to accept something less than perfection, something that frankly they think they deserve and just not going to end up with, but convince them that over some extended period of time, that the outcome that everyone’s looking for — if they can find a way to work together to achieve it — will deliver better outcomes for each of them. May not be perfection, but it will be better,” Pompeo said, offering an insight into his diplomatic negotiating skills.

The United States is trying to find a common ground between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, describing Kashmir as a long-standing battle between the two South Asian neighbours.

The United States is trying to find a common ground between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, describing Kashmir as a long-standing battle between the two South Asian neighbours. Pompeo cited the India-Pak dispute and the Israeli conflict as recent examples of America’s negotiating diplomatic skills, about which he was asked at the “Future Farmers of America” event in Iowa on Monday. “How do you try to find common ground, negotiate on behalf of the United States?,” the top American diplomat was asked. “So if you take a look at the most complex problems — what’s a good example? The debate to try to figure out how to get Middle East peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, or in the news recently, the longstanding battle in Kashmir between the Indians and the Pakistanis. The work that we do as diplomats is to try and find places where there’s common ground,” Pompeo told farmers. “There are places where there’s — you all do this too in your everyday life. There are clearly things that are different. In some cases, you see value sets that are different. In some cases, there are territorial disputes. In some cases, the arguments arise out of faith. Sometimes they’re fighting over resources, right, not just land, but wealth, whether that’s oil underground or natural gas or water, whatever it may be,” he said. America’s effort, he said, was to figure out the places where there was a real overlap. “And then it is to convince those — sometimes we’re in the middle of it, sometimes we’re just trying to help bring resolution to a problem or to reduce violence in a particular conflict — it’s to make the case that nobody’s going to get everything,” he said. “This is — was my joke at the beginning — in that indeed each party’s going to have to accept something less than perfection, something that frankly they think they deserve and just not going to end up with, but convince them that over some extended period of time, that the outcome that everyone’s looking for — if they can find a way to work together to achieve it — will deliver better outcomes for each of them. May not be perfection, but it will be better,” Pompeo said, offering an insight into his diplomatic negotiating skills.

US trying to find common ground between India and Pakistan, says Mike Pompeo

An encounter is underway between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

One terrorist has also reportedly been killed. The terrorist was killed in a gunfight with forces. Search operations are underway.

"A brief exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists in Tral area," a police spokesman said.

He said the security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to flush out the terrorists.&nbsp;

Search operation is&nbsp;on in Reshi mohalla Tral, Pulwama.&nbsp;

The target house has been razed to ground.Mobile internet services have been suspended in the town.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Tral. More details awaited. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/e8lu8WCivb">pic.twitter.com/e8lu8WCivb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102767748185088000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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2 to 3 local Hizbul Mujahideen militants believed to be trapped. Joint operation of jk police, CRPF and army launched.

An encounter is underway between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. One terrorist has also reportedly been killed.

An encounter is underway between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. One terrorist has also reportedly been killed. The terrorist was killed in a gunfight with forces. Search operations are underway. "A brief exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists in Tral area," a police spokesman said. He said the security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to flush out the terrorists. Search operation is on in Reshi mohalla Tral, Pulwama. The target house has been razed to ground.Mobile internet services have been suspended in the town. Jammu & Kashmir: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Tral. More details awaited. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/e8lu8WCivb — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2019 × 2 to 3 local Hizbul Mujahideen militants believed to be trapped. Joint operation of jk police, CRPF and army launched.

Encounter underway between terrorists, security forces at Tral in J&K, one terrorist killed

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/i-intend-to-end-indias-preferential-trade-treatment-under-gsp-program-trump-201179">I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey: Trump</a>

The United States President Donald Trump intends to terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey, US trade chief's office said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/northern-spain-hit-by-more-than-120-wildfires-as-warm-dry-conditions-prevail-201178">Northern Spain hit by more than 120 wildfires as warm, dry conditions prevail</a>

Spain has been struck by more than 120 wildfires in the northern regions of Asturias and Cantabria, where warm temperatures and strong overnight winds have fanned flames, and investigators believed many might have been ignited deliberately, officials said Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hikes-defence-budget-by-75-to-17761-billion-201192">China hikes defence budget by 7.5% to $177.61 billion</a>

China has increased its defence budget by 7.5 per cent for this year, hiking it to $177.61 billion from last year's $175 billion. It is over three times India's defence budget.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-between-terrorists-security-forces-at-tral-in-jk-pulwama-201193">Encounter underway between terrorists, security forces at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-between-terrorists-security-forces-at-tral-in-jk-pulwama-201193">Tral</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-between-terrorists-security-forces-at-tral-in-jk-pulwama-201193"> in J&amp;K Pulwama</a>

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-indias-predicted-xi-for-the-second-odi-201197">India vs Australia: India's predicted XI for the second ODI</a>

India defeated Australia in the first ODI between to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game ODI series. Held in Hyderabad, Indian bowlers did exceedingly well to restrict Australia to a low score of 236 runs.

&nbsp;

I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey: Trump The United States President Donald Trump intends to terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey, US trade chief's office said on Monday.

I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey: Trump The United States President Donald Trump intends to terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey, US trade chief's office said on Monday. Northern Spain hit by more than 120 wildfires as warm, dry conditions prevail Spain has been struck by more than 120 wildfires in the northern regions of Asturias and Cantabria, where warm temperatures and strong overnight winds have fanned flames, and investigators believed many might have been ignited deliberately, officials said Monday. China hikes defence budget by 7.5% to $177.61 billion China has increased its defence budget by 7.5 per cent for this year, hiking it to $177.61 billion from last year's $175 billion. It is over three times India's defence budget. Encounter underway between terrorists, security forces at Tral in J&K Pulwama An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night, police said. India vs Australia: India's predicted XI for the second ODI India defeated Australia in the first ODI between to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game ODI series. Held in Hyderabad, Indian bowlers did exceedingly well to restrict Australia to a low score of 236 runs.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-infuriated-as-congress-leader-digvijay-singh-trolls-pm-modi-19998">Congress leader Digvijaya Singh</a> on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan.

Tweeting in Hindi, he said after the Pulwama “durghatna” (accident) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike, "sandeh” (doubt) is being expressed in some foreign media reports following which “vishwasniyata” (credibility) of the Government of India is under question.

The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has made controversial statements in the past, also questioned the casualty claim in the February 26 air raid and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clear on the same.

"Prime Minister, some ministers of your government say 300 terrorists killed, BJP president says 250 are killed, Yogi Adityanath says 400 people were killed and your minister SS Ahluwalia says that no one died. And you are silent about this issue. The country wants to know who is a liar in this," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-drops-digvijay-singh-kamal-nath-and-janardan-dwivedi-from-cwc-152453">Digvijaya Singh</a> said.

His statement comes at a time when many opposition leaders are raising questions on the Balakot strike by IAF and are asking for proof on the exact casualty inflicted on terrorists.

Talking to reporters in Delhi, he said, “What else will you call a terrorist attack.”

Hitting out at Digvijaya Singh, BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress leader’s remarks were making headline news in Pakistan.

Another BJP leader and Union Minister VK Singh asked him whether the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-rajiv-gandhis-assassination-also-an-accident-vk-singh-responds-to-digvijaya-singhs-pulwama-shocker-201273">terror incident or just an "accident"</a>.

Prasad said, "Has Digvijaya Singh reduced himself to such a low level that he will call the most heinous terrorist attack on 45 CRPF jawans an accident? This is his thinking."

At a press conference in New Delhi, he said that there is a “growing competition” among Congress leaders as to who is “more vocal in lowering the morale of the security forces”.

"I would appeal to Congress that for the sake of India, please don't reduce the morale, courage and prestige of our forces for your extraneous political interest. They neither have faith in the Army, nor the Air Force. And this is all for votes. We will like to know is all this tweeting a part of the conspiracy. The statement of the Congress spokesperson is making headline news in Pakistan," he said.

"However, what else will you expect from Digivjaya Singh. After the Batla House encounter, Singh went to Azamgarh and questioned the police operations. He has called Zakir Naik a symbol of humanity. He is the same person who had said Osama ji and Hafiz Saeed Saab", Prasad said.

He also came down heavily on Congress for questioning the outcome of the IAF raid in Balakot and demanding evidence on the casualty figure.

VK Singh, who is Minister of State for External Affairs, said in Ranchi, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination an accident or a terror incident? Let him answer this first."

Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had claimed that over 250 terrorists were killed in the IAF air raid.

On Shah`s statement, VK Singh said that he did not give a "confirmed figure" and it was just an "estimate".

"It`s an estimate. He is not saying this is a confirmed figure. He is saying these many people might have died," the former Army Chief said.

"The figure is of the attack on Balakot (in Pakistan). The attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas, to avoid civilian casualty," he told reporters.

Asked about Digvijaya`s remarks, Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath declined to comment.

Earlier, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had also attacked Congress for its comments on Balakot strike and said that only “Congress party can do this sin of refuting the information of armed forces”.

"What has happened to Congress? They are talking exact opposite to sentiments of the nation, they are refuting the information of armed forces. This doesn`t happen in any other democratic country where distrust is shown towards armed forces itself. Only Congress can do this sin," the BJP leader said.

After the 2008 Batla house encounter, Digvijaya Singh had questioned the veracity of Delhi Police’s evidence. He had also once used a suffix indicating respect for UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. In August 2016, he had also addressed Jammu and Kashmir as India-occupied Kashmir. However, he later clarified that it is an integral part of India.

While speaking at an event in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi had on Monday asserted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-will-be-hunted-even-if-they-hide-deep-underneath-the-earth-pm-modi-201148">terrorists will be hunted</a> even if they hide deep underneath the Earth and asked his critics not to question the valour of the armed forces even if they are not willing to trust him.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Monday said the fighter planes had hit the target given to them but he cannot give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to do so.

India carried out the air strike in less than two weeks after the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. &nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan. Tweeting in Hindi, he said after the Pulwama “durghatna” (accident) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike, "sandeh” (doubt) is being expressed in some foreign media reports following which “vishwasniyata” (credibility) of the Government of India is under question. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has made controversial statements in the past, also questioned the casualty claim in the February 26 air raid and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clear on the same. "Prime Minister, some ministers of your government say 300 terrorists killed, BJP president says 250 are killed, Yogi Adityanath says 400 people were killed and your minister SS Ahluwalia says that no one died. And you are silent about this issue. The country wants to know who is a liar in this," Digvijaya Singh said. His statement comes at a time when many opposition leaders are raising questions on the Balakot strike by IAF and are asking for proof on the exact casualty inflicted on terrorists. Talking to reporters in Delhi, he said, “What else will you call a terrorist attack.” Hitting out at Digvijaya Singh, BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress leader’s remarks were making headline news in Pakistan. Another BJP leader and Union Minister VK Singh asked him whether the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a terror incident or just an "accident". Prasad said, "Has Digvijaya Singh reduced himself to such a low level that he will call the most heinous terrorist attack on 45 CRPF jawans an accident? This is his thinking." At a press conference in New Delhi, he said that there is a “growing competition” among Congress leaders as to who is “more vocal in lowering the morale of the security forces”. "I would appeal to Congress that for the sake of India, please don't reduce the morale, courage and prestige of our forces for your extraneous political interest. They neither have faith in the Army, nor the Air Force. And this is all for votes. We will like to know is all this tweeting a part of the conspiracy. The statement of the Congress spokesperson is making headline news in Pakistan," he said. "However, what else will you expect from Digivjaya Singh. After the Batla House encounter, Singh went to Azamgarh and questioned the police operations. He has called Zakir Naik a symbol of humanity. He is the same person who had said Osama ji and Hafiz Saeed Saab", Prasad said. He also came down heavily on Congress for questioning the outcome of the IAF raid in Balakot and demanding evidence on the casualty figure. VK Singh, who is Minister of State for External Affairs, said in Ranchi, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination an accident or a terror incident? Let him answer this first." Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had claimed that over 250 terrorists were killed in the IAF air raid. On Shah`s statement, VK Singh said that he did not give a "confirmed figure" and it was just an "estimate". "It`s an estimate. He is not saying this is a confirmed figure. He is saying these many people might have died," the former Army Chief said. "The figure is of the attack on Balakot (in Pakistan). The attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas, to avoid civilian casualty," he told reporters. Asked about Digvijaya`s remarks, Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath declined to comment. Earlier, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had also attacked Congress for its comments on Balakot strike and said that only “Congress party can do this sin of refuting the information of armed forces”. "What has happened to Congress? They are talking exact opposite to sentiments of the nation, they are refuting the information of armed forces. This doesn`t happen in any other democratic country where distrust is shown towards armed forces itself. Only Congress can do this sin," the BJP leader said. After the 2008 Batla house encounter, Digvijaya Singh had questioned the veracity of Delhi Police’s evidence. He had also once used a suffix indicating respect for UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. In August 2016, he had also addressed Jammu and Kashmir as India-occupied Kashmir. However, he later clarified that it is an integral part of India. While speaking at an event in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi had on Monday asserted that terrorists will be hunted even if they hide deep underneath the Earth and asked his critics not to question the valour of the armed forces even if they are not willing to trust him. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Monday said the fighter planes had hit the target given to them but he cannot give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to do so. India carried out the air strike in less than two weeks after the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Digvijaya Singh calls Pulwama attack 'accident', draws BJP ire

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday.

This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter.

Moments after the news surfaced online, Divya Spandana, head of social media for Congress, took to Twitter, and said, "If you’re not looking at the BJP website right now -- you’re missing out."

In addition, she also posted a screenshot of a meme featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

In the video, Merkel was seen walking past the Prime Minister as he tried to shake hands with her.

In February, just days after the Pulwama terror attack, the website of Chhattisgarh BJP was reportedly hacked and the photos of the Pakistan flag and Army were posted on the homepage.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday. This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday. This came to light after several social media users posted a grab of the website on Twitter. Moments after the news surfaced online, Divya Spandana, head of social media for Congress, took to Twitter, and said, "If you’re not looking at the BJP website right now -- you’re missing out." In addition, she also posted a screenshot of a meme featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In the video, Merkel was seen walking past the Prime Minister as he tried to shake hands with her. In February, just days after the Pulwama terror attack, the website of Chhattisgarh BJP was reportedly hacked and the photos of the Pakistan flag and Army were posted on the homepage.

BJP's website allegedly hacked

The government will bring an Ordinance to overturn the Supreme Court judgement on reservations in higher educational institutions.

The Ordinance will ensure that a University or a college is taken as a unit while calculating the allocation of positions to various categories and not the department.

This will ensure that the SCs, STs and OBCs get their due in recruitment of faculty positions in educational institutions.

By this action, the government has shown its concern towards SCs, STs and OBCs.

The Apex court had earlier rejected a review petition by the Centre, upholding a judgement of the Allahabad High Court which had ruled that a University shall be considered as a unit while giving reservation to SCs, STs and OBCs and departments shall not be considered as a unit.

Due to this judgement, the representation of the reserved category has gone down.

The government will bring an Ordinance to overturn the Supreme Court judgement on reservations in higher educational institutions. The Ordinance will ensure that a University or a college is taken as a unit while calculating the allocation of positions to various categories and not the department.

The government will bring an Ordinance to overturn the Supreme Court judgement on reservations in higher educational institutions. The Ordinance will ensure that a University or a college is taken as a unit while calculating the allocation of positions to various categories and not the department. This will ensure that the SCs, STs and OBCs get their due in recruitment of faculty positions in educational institutions. By this action, the government has shown its concern towards SCs, STs and OBCs. The Apex court had earlier rejected a review petition by the Centre, upholding a judgement of the Allahabad High Court which had ruled that a University shall be considered as a unit while giving reservation to SCs, STs and OBCs and departments shall not be considered as a unit. Due to this judgement, the representation of the reserved category has gone down.

Govt to bring Ordinance to overturn Supreme Court judgement on reservations in higher educational institutions

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>.&nbsp;

"Over the past several days, we have witnessed Pakistan indulging in false propaganda and spread of misinformation. The Indian Navy does not take cognisance of such propaganda," the Indian Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pakistan released a video of the&nbsp;Indian submarine purportedly trying to enter its waters.

Earlier in the day, WION learnt that on the diplomatic front New Delhi has informed the global community that no such movement of Indian assets (the submarine) had taken place and that "in fact, they are not in the vicinity."&nbsp;

New Delhi said Pakistan is playing up the situation to divert the "attention of the international community from our concern of terror to the so-called threat from India". It further added that "we should not fall for it".

Indian authorities said Tuesday that the video released by Pakistan matches a similar video released by Pakistan in 2016, which made the same claim then, suggesting Pakistan is trying to shift focus.

After India's air strike on February 26 and Pakistan's counter-strike, Islamabad had informed foreign envoys in Pakistan that India planned to bomb Karachi. When approached by the world community, New Delhi clarified that that was not the case.&nbsp;

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters.

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. "Over the past several days, we have witnessed Pakistan indulging in false propaganda and spread of misinformation. The Indian Navy does not take cognisance of such propaganda," the Indian Navy said in a statement. Pakistan released a video of the Indian submarine purportedly trying to enter its waters. Earlier in the day, WION learnt that on the diplomatic front New Delhi has informed the global community that no such movement of Indian assets (the submarine) had taken place and that "in fact, they are not in the vicinity." New Delhi said Pakistan is playing up the situation to divert the "attention of the international community from our concern of terror to the so-called threat from India". It further added that "we should not fall for it". Indian authorities said Tuesday that the video released by Pakistan matches a similar video released by Pakistan in 2016, which made the same claim then, suggesting Pakistan is trying to shift focus. After India's air strike on February 26 and Pakistan's counter-strike, Islamabad had informed foreign envoys in Pakistan that India planned to bomb Karachi. When approached by the world community, New Delhi clarified that that was not the case.

Pakistan says Indian submarine tried to enter its waters, India says propaganda to divert attention from terror

The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, said Tuesday it would go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Mangal Debbarma, the spokesperson of the party, said the decision to field candidates in the two Lok Sabha seats in the state was taken on March 3, following the IPFT central committee meeting in Agartala.

"When BJP national president Amit Shah visited Agartala on January 5, we submitted a memorandum to him, demanding that the IPFT be allowed to field candidate in East Tripura constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribe. He told us that he would get back to us on the matter, but never did," Debbarma, who is also the assistant general secretary of the party, told reporters.

As Shah did not respond to the IPFT request, the party was compelled to take this decision, he said.

A five-member committee has been formed with IPFT president NC Debbarma as the chairman to select candidates for the two seats and discuss the modalities of election campaign, he added.

BJP spokesperson Ashok Sinha, when asked about his reaction to the IPFT move, said every political party has the freedom to make a choice.

"It is up to the IPFT to decide what it wants to do for the Lok Sabha polls. Every political party is free to take its own decision. However, when it comes to the BJP, such decisions are taken by the senior leaders in Delhi," Sinha added.

The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, said Tuesday it would go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Mangal Debbarma, the spokesperson of the party, said the decision to field candidates in the two Lok Sabha seats in the state was taken on March 3, following the IPFT central committee meeting in Agartala.

The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, said Tuesday it would go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Mangal Debbarma, the spokesperson of the party, said the decision to field candidates in the two Lok Sabha seats in the state was taken on March 3, following the IPFT central committee meeting in Agartala. "When BJP national president Amit Shah visited Agartala on January 5, we submitted a memorandum to him, demanding that the IPFT be allowed to field candidate in East Tripura constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribe. He told us that he would get back to us on the matter, but never did," Debbarma, who is also the assistant general secretary of the party, told reporters. As Shah did not respond to the IPFT request, the party was compelled to take this decision, he said. A five-member committee has been formed with IPFT president NC Debbarma as the chairman to select candidates for the two seats and discuss the modalities of election campaign, he added. BJP spokesperson Ashok Sinha, when asked about his reaction to the IPFT move, said every political party has the freedom to make a choice. "It is up to the IPFT to decide what it wants to do for the Lok Sabha polls. Every political party is free to take its own decision. However, when it comes to the BJP, such decisions are taken by the senior leaders in Delhi," Sinha added.

BJP's Tripura ally IPFT to go alone in Lok Sabha elections

India has said that its operation on the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot is over but the next step will be to mount diplomatic pressure on an increasingly isolated Islamabad.

Sources told WION, "Our government's position is very clear, we have to make strategy on our own. We have to fight terror on our own. But we have to build pressure on Pakistan to see that focus remains on Pakistan as a state which supports, sponsors and nurtures terrorism"

"If there is subsequent terror attack all options are available for us,'' sources added.

India also made it clear that no negotiations were done for the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after it launched strikes on Indian military installation last week.

Sources said, "We made it very clear to all the ambassadors of the P5 countries, that this was non-negotiable matter, we were not asking for consular access, and we expected him back immediately and we believe this was conveyed and Pakistani side very clearly understood."&nbsp;

Sources added, "Pressure was built not only by P5 but by others also, and this was instrumental (in the release) and it should not be attributed to Imran Khan's generous Pathan heart."

On the death of Masood Azhar, chief of JeM, sources dismissed it saying we take such news with a pinch of salt.

India hopes to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council which it believes will send a message that Pakistan is the epicentre of terror in the world.

The deadline for any country to hold technical bar against declaring Azhar as an international terrorist is on March 14, around 1:30 am.

India has said that its operation on the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot is over but the next step will be to mount diplomatic pressure on an increasingly isolated Islamabad.

India has said that its operation on the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot is over but the next step will be to mount diplomatic pressure on an increasingly isolated Islamabad. Sources told WION, "Our government's position is very clear, we have to make strategy on our own. We have to fight terror on our own. But we have to build pressure on Pakistan to see that focus remains on Pakistan as a state which supports, sponsors and nurtures terrorism" "If there is subsequent terror attack all options are available for us,'' sources added. India also made it clear that no negotiations were done for the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after it launched strikes on Indian military installation last week. Sources said, "We made it very clear to all the ambassadors of the P5 countries, that this was non-negotiable matter, we were not asking for consular access, and we expected him back immediately and we believe this was conveyed and Pakistani side very clearly understood." Sources added, "Pressure was built not only by P5 but by others also, and this was instrumental (in the release) and it should not be attributed to Imran Khan's generous Pathan heart." On the death of Masood Azhar, chief of JeM, sources dismissed it saying we take such news with a pinch of salt. India hopes to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council which it believes will send a message that Pakistan is the epicentre of terror in the world. The deadline for any country to hold technical bar against declaring Azhar as an international terrorist is on March 14, around 1:30 am.

Balakot operation over, next step is to mount diplomatic pressure on Pakistan: India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources</a>

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;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother</a>

Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes.

The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-minister-jeremy-hunt-says-reasonably-positive-signs-from-eu-over-brexit-deal-changes-201281">UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes</a>

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-score-india-all-set-to-face-visitors-australia-in-2nd-odi-201250">Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs</a>

India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources 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". Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested. Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing. Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said Pakistan used to return beheaded bodies of Indian jawans earlier, but now it had to release a captured Indian Air Force pilot "within 48 hours".

"See the change now. Within 48 hours, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released and he is among us," Shah said while addressing party workers at a meeting in Jharkhand.

Indian Air Force also went inside Pakistan and demolished terror camps proving the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Pulwama terror attack, Shah said.

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said the UPA-2 government gave only Rs 55,253 crore to Jharkhand, while the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has provided Rs 3.13 lakh crore to the state, besides taking up other developmental projects in the state.

Shah said, "For 10 years, the UPA government was in power (at the Centre). I would like to ask, what did you give to Jharkhand."

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said Pakistan used to return beheaded bodies of Indian jawans earlier, but now it had to release a captured Indian Air Force pilot "within 48 hours".

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said Pakistan used to return beheaded bodies of Indian jawans earlier, but now it had to release a captured Indian Air Force pilot "within 48 hours". "See the change now. Within 48 hours, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released and he is among us," Shah said while addressing party workers at a meeting in Jharkhand. Indian Air Force also went inside Pakistan and demolished terror camps proving the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Pulwama terror attack, Shah said. Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said the UPA-2 government gave only Rs 55,253 crore to Jharkhand, while the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has provided Rs 3.13 lakh crore to the state, besides taking up other developmental projects in the state. Shah said, "For 10 years, the UPA government was in power (at the Centre). I would like to ask, what did you give to Jharkhand."

Earlier, Pakistan used to return beheaded bodies of jawans, now they released pilot 'within 48 hours': Amit Shah

How China armed Pakistan's Air Force with JF-17 Thunder - backbone of PAF

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">at least 40 personnel died</a>, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony.&nbsp;

Restoration of the temple at Achan village has begun full speed with members of both communities contributing towards it.&nbsp;

The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the attack</a>.

“We Muslims here consider this temple important and remember the old times when people used to come here to pray,” a local man — a Kashmiri Muslim — told WION.&nbsp;

“We are living here in communal harmony and the local Muslim community have also helped us in this move. We are here together for this and will continue to live like that,” a Kashmiri Pandit told WION.&nbsp;

To give the temple a facelift, an old spring and waterway will be reconstructed. That will take a few weeks, and will be followed by a religious ceremony.

The opening of the temple is expected to send out a strong message of peace and brotherhood amid the hatemongering that has followed the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which at least 40 personnel died, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony.

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which at least 40 personnel died, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony. Restoration of the temple at Achan village has begun full speed with members of both communities contributing towards it. The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the attack. “We Muslims here consider this temple important and remember the old times when people used to come here to pray,” a local man — a Kashmiri Muslim — told WION. “We are living here in communal harmony and the local Muslim community have also helped us in this move. We are here together for this and will continue to live like that,” a Kashmiri Pandit told WION. To give the temple a facelift, an old spring and waterway will be reconstructed. That will take a few weeks, and will be followed by a religious ceremony. The opening of the temple is expected to send out a strong message of peace and brotherhood amid the hatemongering that has followed the Pulwama attack.

Watch: A few kms from Pulwama site, Kashmiri Muslims & Pandits send out message of communal harmony

The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the Pulwama attack.

A few kms from Pulwama attack site, Kashmiri Muslims & Pandits send out message of communal harmony

Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-believe-in-people-who-spread-rumours-nirmala-sitharaman-to-ex-servicemen-201119">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said Tuesday the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">Indian Air Force strike</a> that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position".

Gokhale has said the non-military and preemptive strike on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-dossiers-on-pulwama-contain-no-actionable-evidence-claim-pakistani-media-quoting-sources-201161">Jaish-e-Mohammed </a>training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.

Sitharaman's remarks come amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike.

The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not.

On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election.

"After Pulwama attack, we were waiting patiently for days... When we got information the terrorist attacks were originating from that region (Pakistan), without military action, we carried out the strike pointedly," she told reporters in Chennai on the sidelines of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), a pension scheme.

"Civilians in the vicinity or surrounding areas were not affected in any way, so we have been saying the strike we carried out after Pulwama suicide bombing was not a military action," she added.

On February 14, a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

Sitharaman said Pakistan has failed to take action against terror groups despite India providing details of terrorist training camps.

"Pakistan has been informed about terrorist camps, with proof, by the present (NDA) and previous UPA government. But they neither took action, nor did they remove the terrorist training camps."

"Pakistan has been denying this globally, saying it was also a victim of terrorism," she said.

On peace talks proposed by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sitharaman said, "We have always been telling that India will be ready to hold talks only if they act against terrorism."

Earlier, she distributed the first 10 identity cards to the beneficiaries of PMSYM, marking the launch of the scheme.

Around 20,000 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu would be joining the pension scheme Monday, out of 72 lakh unorganised sector workers.

Appealing to the state government to increase the number of Common Service Centres and 'Amma' e-seva centres in the state, Sitharaman said PMSYM along with similar schemes of the state government would fetch Rs 4,000 pension to the beneficiaries.

Unorganised sector workers up to 40 years of age can subscribe to PMSYM, which entails a minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to them from 60 years of age.

The scheme, announced in the Budget for 2019-20, is targeted at unorganised sector workers with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000.

It mandates a monthly contribution of Rs 55 for an 18-year-old worker with equal contribution from the Centre.

The worker joining the scheme at the age of 40 years would contribute Rs 200, while workers at the age of 29 years would pay Rs 100.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday the Indian Air Force strike that destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot area was "not a military action" as there was no civilian casualty. She also said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had not given any casualty figure in his media briefing after the air strike and only gave a statement which is the government's "position". Gokhale has said the non-military and preemptive strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp killed a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. Sitharaman's remarks come amid some Opposition leader demanding evidence about the number of terrorists killed in the air strike. The IAF, which carried out the strike on February 26, said on Monday that government would provide details on the casualty figures as the Air Force only sees if a target has been hit or not. On Tuesday, the defence minister said, "There was no need to analyse more on Balakot strike" as she declined to link the air strike on terror camp with the coming Lok Sabha election. "After Pulwama attack, we were waiting patiently for days... When we got information the terrorist attacks were originating from that region (Pakistan), without military action, we carried out the strike pointedly," she told reporters in Chennai on the sidelines of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), a pension scheme. "Civilians in the vicinity or surrounding areas were not affected in any way, so we have been saying the strike we carried out after Pulwama suicide bombing was not a military action," she added. On February 14, a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. Sitharaman said Pakistan has failed to take action against terror groups despite India providing details of terrorist training camps. "Pakistan has been informed about terrorist camps, with proof, by the present (NDA) and previous UPA government. But they neither took action, nor did they remove the terrorist training camps." "Pakistan has been denying this globally, saying it was also a victim of terrorism," she said. On peace talks proposed by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sitharaman said, "We have always been telling that India will be ready to hold talks only if they act against terrorism." Earlier, she distributed the first 10 identity cards to the beneficiaries of PMSYM, marking the launch of the scheme. Around 20,000 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu would be joining the pension scheme Monday, out of 72 lakh unorganised sector workers. Appealing to the state government to increase the number of Common Service Centres and 'Amma' e-seva centres in the state, Sitharaman said PMSYM along with similar schemes of the state government would fetch Rs 4,000 pension to the beneficiaries. Unorganised sector workers up to 40 years of age can subscribe to PMSYM, which entails a minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to them from 60 years of age. The scheme, announced in the Budget for 2019-20, is targeted at unorganised sector workers with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000. It mandates a monthly contribution of Rs 55 for an 18-year-old worker with equal contribution from the Centre. The worker joining the scheme at the age of 40 years would contribute Rs 200, while workers at the age of 29 years would pay Rs 100.

Balakot air strike 'non-military action' as no civilian casualty caused: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan".

Addressing a press conference with RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, the son of party founder Ajit Singh, Yadav said the party would contest the Mathura, Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha seats in western Uttar Pradesh.

To repeated questions, the SP chief asserted that the Congress was "very much in the alliance".

"We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he said.

Yadav said the alliance partners will jointly take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats. 
&nbsp;

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan".

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan". Addressing a press conference with RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, the son of party founder Ajit Singh, Yadav said the party would contest the Mathura, Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha seats in western Uttar Pradesh. To repeated questions, the SP chief asserted that the Congress was "very much in the alliance". "We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he said. Yadav said the alliance partners will jointly take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats.

SP, BSP give RLD three Lok Sabha seats in UP, Akhilesh says Congress part of 'mahagatbandhan'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday claimed there are "rumours" that the Congress has a "secret understanding" with the BJP and asserted that his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-congress-if-next-prime-minister-is-from-their-party-aap-leader-192364">Aam Aadmi Party</a> is ready to fight the "unholy alliance".

Kejriwal's comments came in response to the Congress' announcement that it will not form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"At a time when the whole country wants to defeat Modi-Shah duo, Cong is helping BJP by splitting anti-BJP vote. Rumours r that Cong has some secret understanding wid BJP," he tweeted.

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At a time when the whole country wants to defeat Modi- Shah duo, Cong is helping BJP by splitting anti-BJP vote. Rumours r that Cong has some secret understanding wid BJP. Delhi is ready to fight against Cong-BJP alliance. People will defeat this unholy alliance. <a href="https://t.co/JUsYMjxCxy">https://t.co/JUsYMjxCxy</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1102872779597189120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Delhi is ready to fight against Cong-BJP alliance. People will defeat this unholy alliance," he added.

Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit announced on Tuesday that they will not form an alliance with AAP in the national capital for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"A unanimous decision has been taken that there will be no alliance in Delhi," Dikshit said.

The announcement by the former Delhi chief minister came following a meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday claimed there are "rumours" that the Congress has a "secret understanding" with the BJP and asserted that his Aam Aadmi Party is ready to fight the "unholy alliance".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday claimed there are "rumours" that the Congress has a "secret understanding" with the BJP and asserted that his Aam Aadmi Party is ready to fight the "unholy alliance". Kejriwal's comments came in response to the Congress' announcement that it will not form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "At a time when the whole country wants to defeat Modi-Shah duo, Cong is helping BJP by splitting anti-BJP vote. Rumours r that Cong has some secret understanding wid BJP," he tweeted. At a time when the whole country wants to defeat Modi- Shah duo, Cong is helping BJP by splitting anti-BJP vote. Rumours r that Cong has some secret understanding wid BJP. Delhi is ready to fight against Cong-BJP alliance. People will defeat this unholy alliance. https://t.co/JUsYMjxCxy — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 5, 2019 × "Delhi is ready to fight against Cong-BJP alliance. People will defeat this unholy alliance," he added. Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit announced on Tuesday that they will not form an alliance with AAP in the national capital for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "A unanimous decision has been taken that there will be no alliance in Delhi," Dikshit said. The announcement by the former Delhi chief minister came following a meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

AAP ready to fight Congress-BJP 'unholy alliance': Arvind Kejriwal

A London man infected with HIV may be the second person in the world to beat the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-cleared-for-aids-after-stem-cell-transplant-becomes-second-patient-to-be-free-of-hiv-201196">virus that causes AIDS</a>, researchers reported Monday, a finding advancing the costly and challenging search for a cure.

The research team was co-led by Indian origin Dr Ravindra Gupta Londoner who is a professor and HIV biologist.&nbsp;

Professor Ravindra Gupta is a virologist at University College London.

Dr Gupta has two teams under him working for the cure of HIV in London and in South Africa, at the Africa Health Research Institute.

Gupta's research career is focused on the emergence of global HIV drug resistance. Having completed his specialist medical training in infectious diseases and a Masters in International Public Health, he now works on clinical/epidemiological aspects of drug resistance as well as in vitro investigation of susceptibility to protease inhibitors, a major class of drugs now being widely used to tackle first-line treatment failure globally.

“There is no virus there that we can measure. We can’t detect anything,” Ravindra Gupta, the doctor who co-lead the man’s treatment team, told Reuters.

Gupta said the London patient was “functionally cured” and is in remission, but said it was too early to officially say he is cured.

In 2007, Timothy Ray Brown became the first person to be cured of HIV after receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant, to treat leukemia, from someone who was naturally immune to the virus.

AIDS virus currently affects some 37 million people globally.

A London man infected with HIV may be the second person in the world to beat the virus that causes AIDS, researchers reported Monday, a finding advancing the costly and challenging search for a cure.

A London man infected with HIV may be the second person in the world to beat the virus that causes AIDS, researchers reported Monday, a finding advancing the costly and challenging search for a cure. The research team was co-led by Indian origin Dr Ravindra Gupta Londoner who is a professor and HIV biologist. Professor Ravindra Gupta is a virologist at University College London. Dr Gupta has two teams under him working for the cure of HIV in London and in South Africa, at the Africa Health Research Institute. Gupta's research career is focused on the emergence of global HIV drug resistance. Having completed his specialist medical training in infectious diseases and a Masters in International Public Health, he now works on clinical/epidemiological aspects of drug resistance as well as in vitro investigation of susceptibility to protease inhibitors, a major class of drugs now being widely used to tackle first-line treatment failure globally. “There is no virus there that we can measure. We can’t detect anything,” Ravindra Gupta, the doctor who co-lead the man’s treatment team, told Reuters. Gupta said the London patient was “functionally cured” and is in remission, but said it was too early to officially say he is cured. In 2007, Timothy Ray Brown became the first person to be cured of HIV after receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant, to treat leukemia, from someone who was naturally immune to the virus. AIDS virus currently affects some 37 million people globally.

Indian-origin Dr Ravindra Gupta co-led team that helped person beat AIDS

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Indian-origin Dr Ravindra Gupta co-led team that helped person beat AIDS