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Digvijay Singh’s comment that the Pulwama attack was an accident has drawn a terse reaction from Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh.&nbsp;

The Union minister, who is also the former Chief of Army Staff, &nbsp;asked the Congress leader if he would term the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi an accident too. Digvijaya Singh had termed the February 14 Pulwama car bomb attack on a CRPF convoy that killed over 40 jawans as an accident.&nbsp;

The Indian government had reacted strongly to the Pulwama attack and bombed Jaish-e-Muhammad camps in Pakistan’s Balakot town.

“With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination an accident or a terrorist incident?” he asked, according to a video shared by news agency ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union minister VK Singh on Congress leader Digvijaya Singh terming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> terrorist attack an “accident”,says, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi's assassination an accident or a terror incident?" <a href="https://t.co/Sm1blc2Gjj">pic.twitter.com/Sm1blc2Gjj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102813336150986752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When asked about the claims of casualties in Balakot in the air strike carried out by IAF, he said, “The figure is of the attack on Balakot (250 casualties), the attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas to avoid civilian casualty.”

The remark comes a few hours after Digvijaya Singh dubbed the Pulwama terror attack an accident and sought proof from the Modi government about air strike carried out by IAF in Balakot of Pakistan on February 26. At least 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir in the last three decades.

“After the Pulwama accident and IAF’s air strike (in Pakistan), some foreign media reports have expressed doubt following which credibility of our Indian government is under question,” he said in a tweet on Tuesday morning. In another tweet, Singh questioned the claim of casualty caused to terrorists in Balakot.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, another BJP leader Prakash Javadekar has slammed Digvijaya for his insensitive remark. “What has happened to the Congress? They are speaking against the sentiments of the country. They are calling lie the claims of defence forces. There is no democracy where questions are raised on the defence forces,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal has joined the league of leaders who are demanding evidence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about IAF’s air strike in Pakistan. He even alleged that PM Modi and his party colleagues are guilty of politicising terror.

“Modi ji must answer as the international media like New York Times, Washington Post, London-based Jane Information group, Daily Telegraph, the Guardian and Reuters, are reporting that there is no proof of militant losses at Balakot in Pakistan,” Sibal said.

Digvijay Singh’s comment that the Pulwama attack was an accident has drawn a terse reaction from Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh. The Union minister, who is also the former Chief of Army Staff, asked the Congress leader if he would term the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi an accident too.

Digvijay Singh’s comment that the Pulwama attack was an accident has drawn a terse reaction from Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh. The Union minister, who is also the former Chief of Army Staff, asked the Congress leader if he would term the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi an accident too. Digvijaya Singh had termed the February 14 Pulwama car bomb attack on a CRPF convoy that killed over 40 jawans as an accident. The Indian government had reacted strongly to the Pulwama attack and bombed Jaish-e-Muhammad camps in Pakistan’s Balakot town. “With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination an accident or a terrorist incident?” he asked, according to a video shared by news agency ANI. #WATCH Union minister VK Singh on Congress leader Digvijaya Singh terming #Pulwama terrorist attack an “accident”,says, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi's assassination an accident or a terror incident?" pic.twitter.com/Sm1blc2Gjj — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2019 × When asked about the claims of casualties in Balakot in the air strike carried out by IAF, he said, “The figure is of the attack on Balakot (250 casualties), the attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas to avoid civilian casualty.” The remark comes a few hours after Digvijaya Singh dubbed the Pulwama terror attack an accident and sought proof from the Modi government about air strike carried out by IAF in Balakot of Pakistan on February 26. At least 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir in the last three decades. “After the Pulwama accident and IAF’s air strike (in Pakistan), some foreign media reports have expressed doubt following which credibility of our Indian government is under question,” he said in a tweet on Tuesday morning. In another tweet, Singh questioned the claim of casualty caused to terrorists in Balakot. “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,” he said. Meanwhile, another BJP leader Prakash Javadekar has slammed Digvijaya for his insensitive remark. “What has happened to the Congress? They are speaking against the sentiments of the country. They are calling lie the claims of defence forces. There is no democracy where questions are raised on the defence forces,” he said. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal has joined the league of leaders who are demanding evidence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about IAF’s air strike in Pakistan. He even alleged that PM Modi and his party colleagues are guilty of politicising terror. “Modi ji must answer as the international media like New York Times, Washington Post, London-based Jane Information group, Daily Telegraph, the Guardian and Reuters, are reporting that there is no proof of militant losses at Balakot in Pakistan,” Sibal said.

Was Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination also an accident? VK Singh responds to Digvijaya Singh’s Pulwama remark

An Election Commission proposal to ban political advertisements in newspapers on election day will not be implemented in the coming Lok Sabha polls as it is pending with the Law Ministry, say sources in the government.

The move will require changes in the Representation of the People Act and it is now up to the next Lok Sabha to take a call, the sources said.

“The Law Ministry did not consider moving the Cabinet to propose amendments in the statutes as the Budget session was too brief and it required political consensus. Now the 17th Lok Sabha will take a call on the proposal,” a senior government functionary explained.

A committee, asked to propose changes in electoral laws dealing with campaigning in the last 48 hours, recommended a ban on advertisements in newspapers on election day.

As of now, only the electronic media is barred from showing election publicity material during the last 48 hours before the conclusion of polling. But the committee recommended bringing the print media under the ambit of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951.

It would, in effect, mean that political parties cannot publish campaigning advertisements on election day.

In 2016, the EC urged the government to amend the electoral law to bar political advertisements in newspapers 48 hours before the day of polling on the lines of the restriction on electronic media.

The move came in the wake of the poll panel using its constitutional powers to ban such newspaper advertisements on a case-by-case basis during the Bihar assembly election in October-November of 2015.

Elections are due in April-May. The term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3 and a new Lok Sabha has to be constituted before that.

An Election Commission proposal to ban political advertisements in newspapers on election day will not be implemented in the coming Lok Sabha polls as it is pending with the Law Ministry, say sources in the government.

An Election Commission proposal to ban political advertisements in newspapers on election day will not be implemented in the coming Lok Sabha polls as it is pending with the Law Ministry, say sources in the government. The move will require changes in the Representation of the People Act and it is now up to the next Lok Sabha to take a call, the sources said. “The Law Ministry did not consider moving the Cabinet to propose amendments in the statutes as the Budget session was too brief and it required political consensus. Now the 17th Lok Sabha will take a call on the proposal,” a senior government functionary explained. A committee, asked to propose changes in electoral laws dealing with campaigning in the last 48 hours, recommended a ban on advertisements in newspapers on election day. As of now, only the electronic media is barred from showing election publicity material during the last 48 hours before the conclusion of polling. But the committee recommended bringing the print media under the ambit of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951. It would, in effect, mean that political parties cannot publish campaigning advertisements on election day. In 2016, the EC urged the government to amend the electoral law to bar political advertisements in newspapers 48 hours before the day of polling on the lines of the restriction on electronic media. The move came in the wake of the poll panel using its constitutional powers to ban such newspaper advertisements on a case-by-case basis during the Bihar assembly election in October-November of 2015. Elections are due in April-May. The term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3 and a new Lok Sabha has to be constituted before that.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: No ban on political ads on election day as EC proposal pending with Centre

Pakistani authorities on Monday restored the Samjhauta Express services between Lahore and Delhi, days after the train was suspended due to tense bilateral ties.

The train departs on Monday and Thursday from Lahore.

The Samjhauta Express carrying some 150 passengers left Lahore railway station for India, Radio Pakistan reported.

The train, named after the Hindi word "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations.

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Punjab: Samjhauta Link Express has arrived at Attari. The train left from Old Delhi railway station yesterday as normal service resumed. The train had been suspended by both India and Pakistan after IAF strike in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/tXyi3kJHKr">pic.twitter.com/tXyi3kJHKr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102452528548118528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Only 12 passengers booked tickets between Delhi to Lahore route

12 passengers booked tickets for the first Samjhauta Express on Sunday after the aerial strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on terror launch pads in Pakistan' s Balakot on February 26.

Out of 12 Pakistani passengers, 10 of them are travelling in sleeper class while two of them are travelling in an AC coach.

Manoj Kumar, Inspector, Railway Protection Force told ANI, "A total of 12 passengers are going. All of them are from Pakistan. We have taken more security measures than usual. The luggage of all passengers was checked by a dog squad."

A Pakistani couple- Naseemuddin and Ameena Begum- who are travelling from Delhi to Pakistan said they were unable to attend a family function for which they had come here, owing to heightened tension between India and Pakistan.

"We have been married for 36 years. Ameena is from Agra, while I am from Pakistan, although my parents belonged to Agra. We have come to meet our family. We had a visa till April 6 but we are forced to leave, she could not even meet her family properly. We have got orders to return immediately (to Pakistan). There was a wedding in our family, we could not attend that also. There is terrorism here and there, I think both the nations should discuss and put an end to terrorism," said Naseemuddin.

Another couple, Nadeem and Shahzadi, too voiced similar concerns. They claimed that it is only recently that problems have cropped up in procuring visas.&nbsp;

"We were here for the last 22 days with our relatives. People here are nice. I urge both the governments to come up with measures so that the common people do not suffer. My wife is from India and we have been married since 1993 and since then we have come here 5-6 times. Initially, there was no problem in getting a visa, but of late there have been delays in the same," the couple said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Old Delhi Railway Station Senior Public Relations Officer RK Rana said, "The train was cancelled by Pakistan. It will reach Attari around 3 am. Last time 27 people travelled out of which three of them were Indians while the rest were Pakistani."

The Samjhauta Express, or the peace train, is a bi-weekly train that runs on Wednesday and Sunday between Delhi and Attari in India and Lahore in Pakistan.&nbsp;

It comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. Pakistani authorities had suspended the train services from their end on February 26, the day India carried out aerial strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Balakot.&nbsp;

A day after the air strike, Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity on February 27, with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.&nbsp;

India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force on Wednesday morning to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Pakistani authorities on Monday restored the Samjhauta Express services between Lahore and Delhi, days after the train was suspended due to tense bilateral ties.

Pakistani authorities on Monday restored the Samjhauta Express services between Lahore and Delhi, days after the train was suspended due to tense bilateral ties. The train departs on Monday and Thursday from Lahore. The Samjhauta Express carrying some 150 passengers left Lahore railway station for India, Radio Pakistan reported. The train, named after the Hindi word "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. Punjab: Samjhauta Link Express has arrived at Attari. The train left from Old Delhi railway station yesterday as normal service resumed. The train had been suspended by both India and Pakistan after IAF strike in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/tXyi3kJHKr — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × Only 12 passengers booked tickets between Delhi to Lahore route 12 passengers booked tickets for the first Samjhauta Express on Sunday after the aerial strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on terror launch pads in Pakistan' s Balakot on February 26. Out of 12 Pakistani passengers, 10 of them are travelling in sleeper class while two of them are travelling in an AC coach. Manoj Kumar, Inspector, Railway Protection Force told ANI, "A total of 12 passengers are going. All of them are from Pakistan. We have taken more security measures than usual. The luggage of all passengers was checked by a dog squad." A Pakistani couple- Naseemuddin and Ameena Begum- who are travelling from Delhi to Pakistan said they were unable to attend a family function for which they had come here, owing to heightened tension between India and Pakistan. "We have been married for 36 years. Ameena is from Agra, while I am from Pakistan, although my parents belonged to Agra. We have come to meet our family. We had a visa till April 6 but we are forced to leave, she could not even meet her family properly. We have got orders to return immediately (to Pakistan). There was a wedding in our family, we could not attend that also. There is terrorism here and there, I think both the nations should discuss and put an end to terrorism," said Naseemuddin. Another couple, Nadeem and Shahzadi, too voiced similar concerns. They claimed that it is only recently that problems have cropped up in procuring visas. "We were here for the last 22 days with our relatives. People here are nice. I urge both the governments to come up with measures so that the common people do not suffer. My wife is from India and we have been married since 1993 and since then we have come here 5-6 times. Initially, there was no problem in getting a visa, but of late there have been delays in the same," the couple said. Meanwhile, Old Delhi Railway Station Senior Public Relations Officer RK Rana said, "The train was cancelled by Pakistan. It will reach Attari around 3 am. Last time 27 people travelled out of which three of them were Indians while the rest were Pakistani." The Samjhauta Express, or the peace train, is a bi-weekly train that runs on Wednesday and Sunday between Delhi and Attari in India and Lahore in Pakistan. It comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. Pakistani authorities had suspended the train services from their end on February 26, the day India carried out aerial strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. A day after the air strike, Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity on February 27, with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down. India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force on Wednesday morning to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane. (With inputs from ANI)

Samjhauta Express services restored: 12 passengers left from Delhi while 150 boarded from Lahore

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished."

He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war.

"Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar.

Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles".

The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said.

Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India".

And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle. Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished." He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war. "Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar. Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles". The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said. Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India". And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.

Pakistan won't hesitate to use nuke in face of defeat against India: Amarinder Singh

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours.

"I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware. We need to reject those who use simplicity and sincerity of soldiers to mislead, "she said while addressing to the ex-servicemen in Dehradun.

Praising her government for the war memorial she further said, "For the last 60 years a National War Memorial was pending, we have had four major wars so far, there wasn't a single war memorial at national level dedicated to the martyrs of all those wars. A war memorial was dedicated to the forces this February".

Her comments came amid the rising speculations by the oppositions over the number of deaths caused in Pakistan after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-chief-amit-shah-says-more-than-250-terrorists-killed-in-aerial-strike-against-jem-201061">IAF airstrike</a> on February 26.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

On February 28, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the government to spell out "details" of the exact place where the air raid was carried out and the casualties inflicted, stating that international media claimed that there was no damage in the strike.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours. "I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours. "I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware. We need to reject those who use simplicity and sincerity of soldiers to mislead, "she said while addressing to the ex-servicemen in Dehradun. Praising her government for the war memorial she further said, "For the last 60 years a National War Memorial was pending, we have had four major wars so far, there wasn't a single war memorial at national level dedicated to the martyrs of all those wars. A war memorial was dedicated to the forces this February". Her comments came amid the rising speculations by the oppositions over the number of deaths caused in Pakistan after the IAF airstrike on February 26. The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. On February 28, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the government to spell out "details" of the exact place where the air raid was carried out and the casualties inflicted, stating that international media claimed that there was no damage in the strike.

Do not believe in people who spread rumours: Nirmala Sitharaman to ex-servicemen

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections.

Members from several mainstream political parties both national and regional met the team in Srinagar just some metres away from the famous Dal lake. The political delegations have given their inputs to the team on the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

All the parties after meeting the team said that they had asked ECI to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously, given the security situation.

The first delegation to meet the ECI was Congress, which was led by its senior leader and former minister Taj Mohiuddin. Taj told the media that their party wants simultaneous elections. “Security situation has been same, be it 1996, 2008 or 2014, elections were held,” he said.

His comment has come amid speculations that the local assembly elections may not be held with Lok Sabha elections. The state is currently under President's rule after the fall of PDP-BJP collation government.&nbsp;

Interestingly, PDP also chose to favour elections in the state. Earlier their party chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti had told media that she wasn’t for elections given the circumstances.

“The Governor rule is temporary. Free and fair elections should be held in the state as people want a civilian government so that their issues are resolved. There is no alternative to an elected government. We have given our point of view to the ECI that elections should be held,” Senior PDP leader Abdur Rehman Veeri told outside the venue of the meeting.

While the oldest regional party, National conference also echoed the same tune. Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the credibility of Election Commission of India was at stake and voice of people should be heard.

The team also met top officials of the J&amp;K police, district authorities and other top security officials to get a perspective on the prevailing situation.

The team will leave for Jammu and meet the stakeholders there and take their feedback. The ECI is expected to brief the media on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections.

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections. Members from several mainstream political parties both national and regional met the team in Srinagar just some metres away from the famous Dal lake. The political delegations have given their inputs to the team on the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir. All the parties after meeting the team said that they had asked ECI to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously, given the security situation. The first delegation to meet the ECI was Congress, which was led by its senior leader and former minister Taj Mohiuddin. Taj told the media that their party wants simultaneous elections. “Security situation has been same, be it 1996, 2008 or 2014, elections were held,” he said. His comment has come amid speculations that the local assembly elections may not be held with Lok Sabha elections. The state is currently under President's rule after the fall of PDP-BJP collation government. Interestingly, PDP also chose to favour elections in the state. Earlier their party chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti had told media that she wasn’t for elections given the circumstances. “The Governor rule is temporary. Free and fair elections should be held in the state as people want a civilian government so that their issues are resolved. There is no alternative to an elected government. We have given our point of view to the ECI that elections should be held,” Senior PDP leader Abdur Rehman Veeri told outside the venue of the meeting. While the oldest regional party, National conference also echoed the same tune. Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the credibility of Election Commission of India was at stake and voice of people should be heard. The team also met top officials of the J&K police, district authorities and other top security officials to get a perspective on the prevailing situation. The team will leave for Jammu and meet the stakeholders there and take their feedback. The ECI is expected to brief the media on Tuesday.

Mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir ask Election Commission to hold simultaneous elections

The dossiers provided by India over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-hits-out-at-pakistan-sends-a-message-to-china-197486">Pulwama attack </a>&nbsp;“contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources.

ARY and Geo channels carried similar reports on this, which clearly reflected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reject-insinuation-by-india-to-link-pulwama-attack-to-pak-without-investigation-pak-government-197496">Pakistan government</a>’s disinterest in acting on the evidence provided by India like it has been doing in the past.

India gave the dossiers to Pakistan after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to act against JeM if "actionable evidence" was provided.

JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had carried out a ghastly terror attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Pulwama district of Kashmir, killing 40 security personnel.

The terror outfit had later claimed responsibility for it and issued the video of the suicide bomber.

Geo TV, quoting “high-level government sources” also said that security agencies of Pakistan and India “remain in contact despite the tension” and that “there was also contact on the night of February 27-28.”

The two TV channels, quoting “sources”, also claimed that India was planning to launch missile attacks at various targets in this country with the help of Israel on February 27.

ARY News said that in retaliation Pakistan had “also aimed eight to nine targets” in India.

“India had planned to carry out an attack on Pakistan via Rajasthan and it had also decided to use missiles,” the ARY claimed, quoting “sources”.

The report also claimed that Israel had “an aim to dent Pakistan’s nuclear assets”.&nbsp;

The dossiers provided by India over the Pulwama attack “contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources.

The dossiers provided by India over the Pulwama attack “contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources. ARY and Geo channels carried similar reports on this, which clearly reflected Pakistan government’s disinterest in acting on the evidence provided by India like it has been doing in the past. India gave the dossiers to Pakistan after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to act against JeM if "actionable evidence" was provided. JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had carried out a ghastly terror attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Pulwama district of Kashmir, killing 40 security personnel. The terror outfit had later claimed responsibility for it and issued the video of the suicide bomber. Geo TV, quoting “high-level government sources” also said that security agencies of Pakistan and India “remain in contact despite the tension” and that “there was also contact on the night of February 27-28.” The two TV channels, quoting “sources”, also claimed that India was planning to launch missile attacks at various targets in this country with the help of Israel on February 27. ARY News said that in retaliation Pakistan had “also aimed eight to nine targets” in India. “India had planned to carry out an attack on Pakistan via Rajasthan and it had also decided to use missiles,” the ARY claimed, quoting “sources”. The report also claimed that Israel had “an aim to dent Pakistan’s nuclear assets”.

India's dossiers on Pulwama contain 'no actionable evidence': Pakistani media quoting sources

The Supreme Court has commuted to life term the death penalty awarded to a man for murdering a child, saying he wanted to reform himself and poems written by him in jail indicate that he realised his mistake.

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri noted that Dnyaneshwar Suresh Borkar was 22 years old when he committed the crime and while in jail, tried to "join the society" and become a "civilised man".

The bench, also comprising justices S Abdul Nazeer and M R Shah, said Borkar was lodged in jail for last 18 years and his conduct showed that he could be reformed and rehabilitated.

"... We are of the opinion that, in the facts and circumstances of the case, capital punishment is not warranted. Striking the balance between the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, we are of the opinion that mitigating circumstances are in favour of the accused (Borkar) while commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment," the bench said.

It noted several mitigating circumstances which were in favour of the convict, including that "from the poems, written by him in the jail, it appears that he has realised his mistake which was committed by him at the time when he was of young age and that he is reformative".

Borkar had approached the apex court challenging the May 2006 order of the Bombay High Court confirming the death penalty awarded to him by a trial court in Pune for killing a minor child.

His counsel had argued in the apex court that Borkar's conduct was very good in jail and he completed his studies in prison and tried to become a civilised person.

The counsel also told the court that poems written by Borkar in prison reflect that he realised his mistake.

"Though we acknowledge the gravity of the offence, we are unable to satisfy ourselves that this case would fall in the category of 'rarest of rare case' warranting the death sentence," the bench said.

The Supreme Court has commuted to life term the death penalty awarded to a man for murdering a child, saying he wanted to reform himself and poems written by him in jail indicate that he realised his mistake.

The Supreme Court has commuted to life term the death penalty awarded to a man for murdering a child, saying he wanted to reform himself and poems written by him in jail indicate that he realised his mistake. A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri noted that Dnyaneshwar Suresh Borkar was 22 years old when he committed the crime and while in jail, tried to "join the society" and become a "civilised man". The bench, also comprising justices S Abdul Nazeer and M R Shah, said Borkar was lodged in jail for last 18 years and his conduct showed that he could be reformed and rehabilitated. "... We are of the opinion that, in the facts and circumstances of the case, capital punishment is not warranted. Striking the balance between the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, we are of the opinion that mitigating circumstances are in favour of the accused (Borkar) while commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment," the bench said. It noted several mitigating circumstances which were in favour of the convict, including that "from the poems, written by him in the jail, it appears that he has realised his mistake which was committed by him at the time when he was of young age and that he is reformative". Borkar had approached the apex court challenging the May 2006 order of the Bombay High Court confirming the death penalty awarded to him by a trial court in Pune for killing a minor child. His counsel had argued in the apex court that Borkar's conduct was very good in jail and he completed his studies in prison and tried to become a civilised person. The counsel also told the court that poems written by Borkar in prison reflect that he realised his mistake. "Though we acknowledge the gravity of the offence, we are unable to satisfy ourselves that this case would fall in the category of 'rarest of rare case' warranting the death sentence," the bench said.

Impressed with 'reformative poems' of convict, Supreme Court commutes death penalty to life term

In a new directive, national carrier Air India has asked all cabin and cockpit crew to say 'Jai Hind' after every announcement made on board.&nbsp;

"With immediate effect, all are required to announce "Jai Hind" at the end of every announcement after a slight pause and with much fervour,” read the circular issued by Air India to its crew.

The national carrier presently has around 3500 cabin crew and over 1200 cockpit crew.

The directive comes days after Ashwani Lohani took charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Air India once again.

Interestingly, Lohani had issued such a directive earlier also in 2016 during his previous tenure as Air India CMD.

In a new directive, national carrier Air India has asked all cabin and cockpit crew to say 'Jai Hind' after every announcement made on board. "With immediate effect, all are required to announce "Jai Hind" at the end of every announcement after a slight pause and with much fervour,” read the circular issued by Air India to its crew.

In a new directive, national carrier Air India has asked all cabin and cockpit crew to say 'Jai Hind' after every announcement made on board. "With immediate effect, all are required to announce "Jai Hind" at the end of every announcement after a slight pause and with much fervour,” read the circular issued by Air India to its crew. The national carrier presently has around 3500 cabin crew and over 1200 cockpit crew. The directive comes days after Ashwani Lohani took charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Air India once again. Interestingly, Lohani had issued such a directive earlier also in 2016 during his previous tenure as Air India CMD.

Air India directs cabin, cockpit crew to say 'Jai Hind' after every announcement

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Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

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At least fourteen people died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, destroying numerous homes and leaving a death toll that could rise as rescuers sift through the rubble, Sheriff Jay Jones said.

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Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected.

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&nbsp;

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday. At least fourteen dead in Alabama tornado: Official At least fourteen people died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, destroying numerous homes and leaving a death toll that could rise as rescuers sift through the rubble, Sheriff Jay Jones said. Algerian President Bouteflika offers to leave within one year if re-elected: Report Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected. 'Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!': Trump attributes Cohen hearing to Hanoi Summit failure Donald Trump blasted Democrats and said that decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal. PSG's Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid, says 'everything is possible' Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2017.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In the days leading up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying.&nbsp;

ANI reported the sources as saying NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation — a technical intelligence agency which comes under the National Security Adviser) surveillance confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile phone connections at the camp.&nbsp;

The sources added that other intelligence agencies had reported the same findings.&nbsp;

ANI did not say who the sources were.&nbsp;

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Sources: NTRO surveillance of JeM Balakot camp in days leading up to air strike by IAF confirmed around 300 active mobile connections in facility <a href="https://t.co/uwyzd0qpHB">pic.twitter.com/uwyzd0qpHB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102557673076260866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India struck the JeM camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Pulwama attack was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

The number of casualties from India's air strike been the biggest sticking point ever since the strike. &nbsp;

After the strike, news reports appearing in the Indian media had said the number of casualties could be as high as 350.&nbsp;

Pakistan has said there were none.&nbsp;

On Sunday, BJP President Amit Shah said 250 cadres of the JeM were killed in the strike.&nbsp;

In the days leading up to India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying.

In the days leading up to India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying. ANI reported the sources as saying NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation — a technical intelligence agency which comes under the National Security Adviser) surveillance confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile phone connections at the camp. The sources added that other intelligence agencies had reported the same findings. ANI did not say who the sources were. Sources: NTRO surveillance of JeM Balakot camp in days leading up to air strike by IAF confirmed around 300 active mobile connections in facility pic.twitter.com/uwyzd0qpHB — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × India struck the JeM camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Pulwama attack was claimed by the JeM. The number of casualties from India's air strike been the biggest sticking point ever since the strike. After the strike, news reports appearing in the Indian media had said the number of casualties could be as high as 350. Pakistan has said there were none. On Sunday, BJP President Amit Shah said 250 cadres of the JeM were killed in the strike.

Before air strike, Indian intelligence agencies confirmed 300 cellphone connections at JeM terror camp: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the 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.

"Chun-chun ke hisaab lena, ye meri fitrat hai... woh agar saatven pataal mein bhi chupe hon, toh kheench kar nikaal kar maarunga".&nbsp;

"It&nbsp;is my nature to give a befitting reply...even if they are hidden deep under the Earth, I will pull them out and eliminate them," he said at a programme herewhile referring to terrorists.

"Yeh hamara siddhant hai ki hum ghar mai ghus kar maarenge...Main lamba intezaar nahin kar sakta (It is our policy to hit enemies inside their territory..... I don't like to wait for long)," he said and noted that he tends to heed to the advice of the armed forces on issues of national security".

Hitting out at the political critics, Prime Minister Modi said that they have made such statements which make headlines in Pakistani newspapers and are lauded in Pakistan's Parliament.

"Is this the way you are serving the national interest?...You may question me on my policies. You may not trust me but at least trust the armed forces. Don't raise questions over their valour," the Prime Minister said at the inauguration of the civil hospital here.

He added, "Was there any election when we conducted the surgical strike for the first time? We have been affected by terrorism for the last 40 years. I don't care for power. I am only concerned about my country's security."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the 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. "Chun-chun ke hisaab lena, ye meri fitrat hai... woh agar saatven pataal mein bhi chupe hon, toh kheench kar nikaal kar maarunga". "It is my nature to give a befitting reply...even if they are hidden deep under the Earth, I will pull them out and eliminate them," he said at a programme herewhile referring to terrorists. "Yeh hamara siddhant hai ki hum ghar mai ghus kar maarenge...Main lamba intezaar nahin kar sakta (It is our policy to hit enemies inside their territory..... I don't like to wait for long)," he said and noted that he tends to heed to the advice of the armed forces on issues of national security". Hitting out at the political critics, Prime Minister Modi said that they have made such statements which make headlines in Pakistani newspapers and are lauded in Pakistan's Parliament. "Is this the way you are serving the national interest?...You may question me on my policies. You may not trust me but at least trust the armed forces. Don't raise questions over their valour," the Prime Minister said at the inauguration of the civil hospital here. He added, "Was there any election when we conducted the surgical strike for the first time? We have been affected by terrorism for the last 40 years. I don't care for power. I am only concerned about my country's security."

Terrorists will be hunted even if they hide deep underneath the Earth: PM Modi

Pakistani troops on Monday early morning continued unprovoked firing of mortar shells and small arms along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector.

The Indian army retaliated effectively, reported ANI, and the firing stopped in a few hours i.e; by 6.30 AM.

The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire for over 60 times during the last one week by targeting over 70 civilian and forward areas along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Centre has reportedly sanctioned an additional 400 bunkers for residents in Poonch and Rajouri districts of the state with 200 additional bunkers for each district.&nbsp;

According to locals, he said the bunkers have been found to be an effective response to cross-border shelling, providing border residents a safe place to shelter themselves during shelling incidents.

The decision comes in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan and incidents of heightened cross-border shelling. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistani troops on Monday early morning continued unprovoked firing of mortar shells and small arms along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector. The Indian army retaliated effectively, reported ANI, and the firing stopped in a few hours i.

Pakistani troops on Monday early morning continued unprovoked firing of mortar shells and small arms along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector. The Indian army retaliated effectively, reported ANI, and the firing stopped in a few hours i.e; by 6.30 AM. The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire for over 60 times during the last one week by targeting over 70 civilian and forward areas along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Centre has reportedly sanctioned an additional 400 bunkers for residents in Poonch and Rajouri districts of the state with 200 additional bunkers for each district. According to locals, he said the bunkers have been found to be an effective response to cross-border shelling, providing border residents a safe place to shelter themselves during shelling incidents. The decision comes in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan and incidents of heightened cross-border shelling. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Akhnoor sector; Indian Army retaliates

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today. He has been a well-known face in both upper and lower house of parliament for about 20 years. His coming to BJP is also a testimony of growing stature of BJP in Odisha."

Speaking at the occasion, Panda said, "It is no secret that I have admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the direction in which it is taking the country. We have a situation in Odisha where governance has very sharply deteriorated in recent years. There has been an extremely high rise in crime and corruption. This needs changing and only BJP is capable of doing it."

After joining the BJP, Panda also met with BJP chief Amit Shah. Panda was suspended from the BJD for his "anti-party activities" in January last year. Later on May 28, 2018, Panda ended his over 18 years of association with BJD by quitting the party.

In his strong-worded resignation letter addressed to BJD chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Panda had stated that he was disappointed with the kind of politics being practised by the party.

"It's with deep anguish, hurt and sorrow that I have decided to quit the politics into which our BJD has descended," Panda had written.

He also later resigned as a member of the Lok Sabha from Kendrapara constituency on June 12.

The relation between Panda and his former party BJD further soured in September after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a protest in Bhubaneswar, demanding his arrest for allegedly flying his chopper over an "eco-sensitive zone" in Chilika Lake.

Panda, who also describes himself as a helicopter pilot and columnist, has often heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central government policies.&nbsp;

At the same time, he had also criticised Odisha government on various issues.

Recently on February 25, Panda criticised the state government on the education issue and wrote on his twitter, "Odisha education has sharply deteriorated in the past 5 years.&nbsp;

The corrupt and the criminal function with such impunity (despite the department`s earlier "strict action") because they know they can wriggle out by cosying up to the coterie that now runs the state (and protects many like them)!"So far, Panda has served as Member of Parliament for a total of four times twice in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today.

Former BJD MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Welcoming Panda into the party fold, Pradhan said, "A new force has joined BJP today. He has been a well-known face in both upper and lower house of parliament for about 20 years. His coming to BJP is also a testimony of growing stature of BJP in Odisha." Speaking at the occasion, Panda said, "It is no secret that I have admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the direction in which it is taking the country. We have a situation in Odisha where governance has very sharply deteriorated in recent years. There has been an extremely high rise in crime and corruption. This needs changing and only BJP is capable of doing it." After joining the BJP, Panda also met with BJP chief Amit Shah. Panda was suspended from the BJD for his "anti-party activities" in January last year. Later on May 28, 2018, Panda ended his over 18 years of association with BJD by quitting the party. In his strong-worded resignation letter addressed to BJD chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Panda had stated that he was disappointed with the kind of politics being practised by the party. "It's with deep anguish, hurt and sorrow that I have decided to quit the politics into which our BJD has descended," Panda had written. He also later resigned as a member of the Lok Sabha from Kendrapara constituency on June 12. The relation between Panda and his former party BJD further soured in September after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a protest in Bhubaneswar, demanding his arrest for allegedly flying his chopper over an "eco-sensitive zone" in Chilika Lake. Panda, who also describes himself as a helicopter pilot and columnist, has often heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Central government policies. At the same time, he had also criticised Odisha government on various issues. Recently on February 25, Panda criticised the state government on the education issue and wrote on his twitter, "Odisha education has sharply deteriorated in the past 5 years. The corrupt and the criminal function with such impunity (despite the department`s earlier "strict action") because they know they can wriggle out by cosying up to the coterie that now runs the state (and protects many like them)!"So far, Panda has served as Member of Parliament for a total of four times twice in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha.

Former BJD leader Baijayant Jay Panda joins BJP

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

The incident took place at about 11.30 am.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported that the&nbsp;drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by&nbsp;a Sukhoi 30MKI&nbsp;by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector.

Debris from the drone fell on the Pakistani side.

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Rajasthan: At 11:30 am today a Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone at the Bikaner Nal sector area of the border. Drone was detected by Indian Air Defence radars <a href="https://t.co/Ijc4B4XzjN">pic.twitter.com/Ijc4B4XzjN</a>
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The Su-30 aircraft was scrambled after the Pakistani drone was detected entering the Indian air space to survey the Indian Defence positions in the desert sector, sources said.

The ground radars stationed there had seen the drone on the radar first.

This is the second drone which has been shot down by the Indian Air Force. The first was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat. The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile.&nbsp;

Indian and Pakistani forces are currently on high alert.&nbsp;

India hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26.&nbsp;

A day later Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control without crossing the LoC.&nbsp;

India's airstrike on the JeM terror group's training camp followed the terrorist attack on a security convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The attack, in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force. The incident took place at about 11.30 am. The news agency ANI reported that the drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by a Sukhoi 30MKI by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector.

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force. The incident took place at about 11.30 am. The news agency ANI reported that the drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by a Sukhoi 30MKI by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector. Debris from the drone fell on the Pakistani side. Rajasthan: At 11:30 am today a Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone at the Bikaner Nal sector area of the border. Drone was detected by Indian Air Defence radars pic.twitter.com/Ijc4B4XzjN — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × The Su-30 aircraft was scrambled after the Pakistani drone was detected entering the Indian air space to survey the Indian Defence positions in the desert sector, sources said. The ground radars stationed there had seen the drone on the radar first. This is the second drone which has been shot down by the Indian Air Force. The first was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat. The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile. Indian and Pakistani forces are currently on high alert. India hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26. A day later Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control without crossing the LoC. India's airstrike on the JeM terror group's training camp followed the terrorist attack on a security convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The attack, in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, was claimed by the JeM. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Air Force shoots down Pakistani drone in Rajasthan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plans-to-take-action-against-terrorists-operating-from-its-soil-information-minister-fawad-chaudhary-201103">Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary</a>

Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">As India &amp; Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">last</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115"> village before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">border</a>

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer.&nbsp;

Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-saying-it-will-pakistan-does-not-ban-hafiz-saeeds-jud-fif-201111">After saying it will, Pakistan does not ban Hafiz Saeed's JuD &amp; FiF</a>

Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/junior-british-foriegn-minister-meets-foreign-secretary-in-india-reiterates-londons-call-that-pakistan-must-act-on-terror-201072">'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India</a>

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-incs-foreign-borrowings-down-45-in-january-2019-201096">India Inc's foreign borrowings down 45% in January 2019</a>

India Inc's external commercial borrowings (ECBs) fell by 45 per cent to $2.42 billion in January 2019 as compared to the year-ago period, data from RBI has shown.

Domestic firms had raised $5.40 billion from overseas sources during January 2018.

Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month. As India & Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in last village before border As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers. After saying it will, Pakistan does not ban Hafiz Saeed's JuD & FiF Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch". 'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama". India Inc's foreign borrowings down 45% in January 2019 India Inc's external commercial borrowings (ECBs) fell by 45 per cent to $2.42 billion in January 2019 as compared to the year-ago period, data from RBI has shown. Domestic firms had raised $5.40 billion from overseas sources during January 2018.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer.&nbsp;

Since <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot</a>, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers.&nbsp;

Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads.&nbsp;

Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price.&nbsp;

The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.)

“We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal.&nbsp;

In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago.&nbsp;

But that doesn't mean he's leaving.&nbsp;

“This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says.

Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers. Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads. Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price. The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.) “We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal. In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago. But that doesn't mean he's leaving. “This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says. Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons. Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As India & Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in last village before border

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions.

Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability."

Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan.

The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said.

All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. "

The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension."

China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

(With agency inputs)

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks.

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability." Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said. All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. " The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension." China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. (With agency inputs)

China is in touch with India, Pakistan & promoting peace talks, says foreign ministry spokesperson

How Pakistan's Ghauri compares with India's Agni missiles

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&amp;K. The return of Indian Wing commander was recognised as a peace gesture from Pakistan and instantaneously it killed three members of a family within 12 hours. Among the dead are two children and their mother who lived in a village near the last outpost of the Indian army, four Kilometers away from Chakan Da Bagh, Cross border Trade centre at LOC in Poonch. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/crossing-the-rubicon-many-pakistani-nationals-have-paid-a-heavy-price-for-exposing-army-and-jihadi-connect-201007">Also Read:&nbsp;Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect</a>

Pakistan has habitually kept violating a ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed region of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan after a young suicide bomber in Kashmir brought India and Pakistan into a war resembling situation by killing more than 40 Indian troops of India armed forces, CRPF.

People are living along the line of control in India and Pakistan in a state of war zone losing their loved ones, but the trade continues as usual across the border.

Pawan Anand, president of Cross border traders association, Chakan da bagh says that this barter trade provides liberation from the Suffocation of continuous tension of two countries along the borders.

“Our barter trade is heavily dependent on the trust factor. We neither meet traders of Pakistan nor can check the quality of the imported items until they reach to us. But even the Pakistani merchants have faith upon us,” says Mr Anand, he is dependent on WhatsApp conversations with his Pakistani counterparts for a million rupees deal.

Trade goods were exchanged as usual between both sides during all scheduled days during the week. In violation of the ceasefire agreement with India, Pakistani forces have been shelling areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts for eight consecutive days.

The current violence marks the most serious escalation of the long-simmering conflict since 1999.

“People complain why we still trade with Pakistanis in these decisive circumstances? But, they are the privileged ones, who don’t live in the last village near LoC. We live here, we know how cross border trade is helping to feed thousands of families on both sides of the border,” Anand says, answering to objections on their trade with Pakistan.

“We are not the ones who escalate tensions. We are citizens who need protection and peace, not war,” adds Anand.

After the attack on February 14, at least 140 trucks crossed the LoC from this side, while as 70 trucks came from the other side carrying various items. The trade was temporarily halted in Poonch for two days due to curfew in Jammu district because of which transport was not plying. The cross LoC trade is scheduled for four days a week from Tuesday to Friday, while as travel is scheduled once every week.&nbsp;

Pakistan doesn’t accept to go in for banking system of the trade by citing the reason that if the trade takes place on a cash basis in India currency then it would affirm that Kashmir is no more a disputed territory and a part of India.

Traders have been arranging meetings in other parts of the world each quarter to secure a smooth running, as the governments haven’t allowed their meetings in Pakistan or India.&nbsp;

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&K.

The moments after Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan to India, Pakistani forces along the Line of Control started heavy cross firing and shelling in Poonch, J&K. The return of Indian Wing commander was recognised as a peace gesture from Pakistan and instantaneously it killed three members of a family within 12 hours. Among the dead are two children and their mother who lived in a village near the last outpost of the Indian army, four Kilometers away from Chakan Da Bagh, Cross border Trade centre at LOC in Poonch. Also Read: Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect Pakistan has habitually kept violating a ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed region of Jammu & Kashmir, Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan after a young suicide bomber in Kashmir brought India and Pakistan into a war resembling situation by killing more than 40 Indian troops of India armed forces, CRPF. People are living along the line of control in India and Pakistan in a state of war zone losing their loved ones, but the trade continues as usual across the border. Pawan Anand, president of Cross border traders association, Chakan da bagh says that this barter trade provides liberation from the Suffocation of continuous tension of two countries along the borders. “Our barter trade is heavily dependent on the trust factor. We neither meet traders of Pakistan nor can check the quality of the imported items until they reach to us. But even the Pakistani merchants have faith upon us,” says Mr Anand, he is dependent on WhatsApp conversations with his Pakistani counterparts for a million rupees deal. Trade goods were exchanged as usual between both sides during all scheduled days during the week. In violation of the ceasefire agreement with India, Pakistani forces have been shelling areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts for eight consecutive days. The current violence marks the most serious escalation of the long-simmering conflict since 1999. “People complain why we still trade with Pakistanis in these decisive circumstances? But, they are the privileged ones, who don’t live in the last village near LoC. We live here, we know how cross border trade is helping to feed thousands of families on both sides of the border,” Anand says, answering to objections on their trade with Pakistan. “We are not the ones who escalate tensions. We are citizens who need protection and peace, not war,” adds Anand. After the attack on February 14, at least 140 trucks crossed the LoC from this side, while as 70 trucks came from the other side carrying various items. The trade was temporarily halted in Poonch for two days due to curfew in Jammu district because of which transport was not plying. The cross LoC trade is scheduled for four days a week from Tuesday to Friday, while as travel is scheduled once every week. Pakistan doesn’t accept to go in for banking system of the trade by citing the reason that if the trade takes place on a cash basis in India currency then it would affirm that Kashmir is no more a disputed territory and a part of India. Traders have been arranging meetings in other parts of the world each quarter to secure a smooth running, as the governments haven’t allowed their meetings in Pakistan or India.

India-Pakistan cross-border trade continues despite war-like situation at LoC

Indian Air Force(IAF) chief BS Dhanoa spoke to the media for the first time since <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Mirage 2000 air strikes</a> on&nbsp;Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. &nbsp;

"Mig-21 Bison is a capable aircraft, it has been upgraded, it has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system," India's air chief said, adding,"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-not-face-any-physical-torture-but-went-through-a-lot-of-mental-harassment-abhinandan-on-his-captivity-in-pakistan-200734">Wing Commander Abhinandan</a> will fly again if fit."

Wing Commander Abhinandan was released by Pakistan authorities on Friday after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down as he was involved in a dogfight with Pakistani F-16&nbsp;last Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Whether Wing Commander Abhinandan flies or not depends on his medical fitness. That's why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment required, will be given. Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Mig-21 Bison, says, "One is a planned operation in which you plan &amp; carry out.But when an adversary does a strike on you, every available aircraft goes in, irrespective of which aircraft it is. All aircraft are capable of fighting the enemy" <a href="https://t.co/B2mZQTLBRd">pic.twitter.com/B2mZQTLBRd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102468153446150144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We hit the target at Balakot," Dhanoa told reporters, adding,"the Air Force doesn’t calculate casualty numbers, the government does that."

"The target has been clearly amplified by the foreign secretary in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise why would he (Pak PM Imran Khan) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond," the air chief asked reporters when asked about Indian jets hitting the target at Balakot on February 26th. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/crossing-the-rubicon-many-pakistani-nationals-have-paid-a-heavy-price-for-exposing-army-and-jihadi-connect-201007">Also Read:&nbsp;Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect</a>

"We fight with all aircraft's in our inventory," he said.&nbsp; Dhanoa stressed that operations were still ongoing, therefore he won't comment on the issue at present.

On the Rafale fighter jets, the air chief said it would be inducted into the Air Force in September. 
&nbsp;

Indian Air Force(IAF) chief BS Dhanoa spoke to the media for the first time since Mirage 2000 air strikes on Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "Mig-21 Bison is a capable aircraft, it has been upgraded, it has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system," India's air chief said, adding,"Wing Commander Abhinandan will fly again if fit.

Indian Air Force(IAF) chief BS Dhanoa spoke to the media for the first time since Mirage 2000 air strikes on Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "Mig-21 Bison is a capable aircraft, it has been upgraded, it has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system," India's air chief said, adding,"Wing Commander Abhinandan will fly again if fit." Wing Commander Abhinandan was released by Pakistan authorities on Friday after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down as he was involved in a dogfight with Pakistani F-16 last Wednesday. "Whether Wing Commander Abhinandan flies or not depends on his medical fitness. That's why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment required, will be given. Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit." #WATCH Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Mig-21 Bison, says, "One is a planned operation in which you plan & carry out.But when an adversary does a strike on you, every available aircraft goes in, irrespective of which aircraft it is. All aircraft are capable of fighting the enemy" pic.twitter.com/B2mZQTLBRd — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × "We hit the target at Balakot," Dhanoa told reporters, adding,"the Air Force doesn’t calculate casualty numbers, the government does that." "The target has been clearly amplified by the foreign secretary in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise why would he (Pak PM Imran Khan) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond," the air chief asked reporters when asked about Indian jets hitting the target at Balakot on February 26th. Also Read: Many Pakistani nationals have paid a heavy price for exposing army and jihadi connect "We fight with all aircraft's in our inventory," he said. Dhanoa stressed that operations were still ongoing, therefore he won't comment on the issue at present. On the Rafale fighter jets, the air chief said it would be inducted into the Air Force in September.

We hit the target at Balakot, Wing Commander Abhinandan will fly again if fit: IAF chief Dhanoa

With Shiva's name in the air, 55-day Kumbh comes to close today

The Delhi High Court has directed Facebook to ensure that links of a video containing allegations against yoga guru Ramdev are removed from its platform.

The court said Google and YouTube have rightly removed the video from their platforms.

After viewing the video, the court noted that it showed a protagonist casting various aspersions, making wild allegations and levelling threats against Ramdev and Patanjali.

"The video clearly is violative of the guidelines which Google and YouTube have prescribed for themselves. The video is also not just offensive against the plaintiffs (Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and Ramdev) but could border on threats constituting violations of law," Justice Prathiba M Singh said.

"Facebook Inc. Is also directed to ensure that the links to the said video links are no longer made available on its platform," the court said.

It said if any further instances of uploading of same video comes to the knowledge of the plaintiffs, they are permitted to intimate the platforms which shall take down the video within 48 hours.&nbsp;

"In view of the stand taken by Google and YouTube, since the video itself has now stated to have been taken down not just on the India domain but from all the international platforms of Google and YouTube no further orders are required to be passed in the present suit," the court said and disposed of the suit.

The court was hearing a suit by Ramdev alleging that they came across a video uploaded by some unknown person who made several defamatory, disparaging and threatening statements against him and Patanjali.

Earlier on January 24, the Delhi High Court had issued an interim order directing Facebook, Google, its subsidiary YouTube and Twitter to forthwith remove, block or disable links to a video containing allegations against yoga guru Ramdev.

It also asked the social media platforms to give in a sealed cover the subscriber information regarding the individual who uploaded the video.

After perusing the video, Justice Pratibha M Singh had noted that it contained excerpts of a book on Ramdev that were ordered to be deleted by the high court in September last year.

The high court had on September 29, 2018 restrained the publisher and author of the book -- Godman from Tycoon -- from publishing it till the offending portions were deleted, the judge noted.

The court said that the un-deleted portions of the book were being communicated to the public through the video which was uploaded on Facebook, Google, YouTube and Twitter.

Regarding the question whether such platforms can be directed to remove, block or disable content on the international domain and not merely on the Indian domain, the court said it is left open to be adjudicated in an appropriate case.

However, in January Justice Singh had observed that orders of a US court to remove such links would have been implemented by Facebook globally and not just in the US.

The court said the basic subscriber information of the person or entity who has uploaded the video shall be filed in a sealed cover before it.

"Upon receiving the basic subscriber information of the persons/entities that had uploaded the impugned video, the plaintiffs are permitted to avail their remedies in law," it said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court has directed Facebook to ensure that links of a video containing allegations against yoga guru Ramdev are removed from its platform. The court said Google and YouTube have rightly removed the video from their platforms.

The Delhi High Court has directed Facebook to ensure that links of a video containing allegations against yoga guru Ramdev are removed from its platform. The court said Google and YouTube have rightly removed the video from their platforms. After viewing the video, the court noted that it showed a protagonist casting various aspersions, making wild allegations and levelling threats against Ramdev and Patanjali. "The video clearly is violative of the guidelines which Google and YouTube have prescribed for themselves. The video is also not just offensive against the plaintiffs (Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and Ramdev) but could border on threats constituting violations of law," Justice Prathiba M Singh said. "Facebook Inc. Is also directed to ensure that the links to the said video links are no longer made available on its platform," the court said. It said if any further instances of uploading of same video comes to the knowledge of the plaintiffs, they are permitted to intimate the platforms which shall take down the video within 48 hours. "In view of the stand taken by Google and YouTube, since the video itself has now stated to have been taken down not just on the India domain but from all the international platforms of Google and YouTube no further orders are required to be passed in the present suit," the court said and disposed of the suit. The court was hearing a suit by Ramdev alleging that they came across a video uploaded by some unknown person who made several defamatory, disparaging and threatening statements against him and Patanjali. Earlier on January 24, the Delhi High Court had issued an interim order directing Facebook, Google, its subsidiary YouTube and Twitter to forthwith remove, block or disable links to a video containing allegations against yoga guru Ramdev. It also asked the social media platforms to give in a sealed cover the subscriber information regarding the individual who uploaded the video. After perusing the video, Justice Pratibha M Singh had noted that it contained excerpts of a book on Ramdev that were ordered to be deleted by the high court in September last year. The high court had on September 29, 2018 restrained the publisher and author of the book -- Godman from Tycoon -- from publishing it till the offending portions were deleted, the judge noted. The court said that the un-deleted portions of the book were being communicated to the public through the video which was uploaded on Facebook, Google, YouTube and Twitter. Regarding the question whether such platforms can be directed to remove, block or disable content on the international domain and not merely on the Indian domain, the court said it is left open to be adjudicated in an appropriate case. However, in January Justice Singh had observed that orders of a US court to remove such links would have been implemented by Facebook globally and not just in the US. The court said the basic subscriber information of the person or entity who has uploaded the video shall be filed in a sealed cover before it. "Upon receiving the basic subscriber information of the persons/entities that had uploaded the impugned video, the plaintiffs are permitted to avail their remedies in law," it said.

High Court directs Facebook to remove links to video disparaging Ramdev

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday hit out the opposition for questioning his statement that the presence of Rafale fighters would have given greater firepower to the IAF during the February 27 aerial engagement with Pakistan.

Modi said India would not sit quietly in the fight against terrorism and would do all to cure it from the root, which lies in Pakistan.

"I said if Rafale was acquired in time it would have made a difference (during the February 27 dogfight), but they say Modi is questioning our air force strike," he said, addressing a gathering in Gujarat's Jamnagar.

"Please use common sense. What I said was if we had Rafale at the time (of aerial dogfight), then none of our fighter jets would have gone down and none of theirs saved," he added.

Lashing out at statements from opposition party leaders who demanded proof of the February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot, Modi said his objective was to end terror while that of the opposition was to remove him.

"The root of terrorism disease is in neighbouring country, should we not cure the disease from its root," he said.

"Even if mentors of those seeking to destroy India are outside, this country won't sit quietly," he said, addressing a gathering after inaugurating an annexe building of Guru Govind Singh hospital and various other development works here.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday hit out the opposition for questioning his statement that the presence of Rafale fighters would have given greater firepower to the IAF during the February 27 aerial engagement with Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday hit out the opposition for questioning his statement that the presence of Rafale fighters would have given greater firepower to the IAF during the February 27 aerial engagement with Pakistan. Modi said India would not sit quietly in the fight against terrorism and would do all to cure it from the root, which lies in Pakistan. "I said if Rafale was acquired in time it would have made a difference (during the February 27 dogfight), but they say Modi is questioning our air force strike," he said, addressing a gathering in Gujarat's Jamnagar. "Please use common sense. What I said was if we had Rafale at the time (of aerial dogfight), then none of our fighter jets would have gone down and none of theirs saved," he added. Lashing out at statements from opposition party leaders who demanded proof of the February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot, Modi said his objective was to end terror while that of the opposition was to remove him. "The root of terrorism disease is in neighbouring country, should we not cure the disease from its root," he said. "Even if mentors of those seeking to destroy India are outside, this country won't sit quietly," he said, addressing a gathering after inaugurating an annexe building of Guru Govind Singh hospital and various other development works here.

Use common sense, PM Modi tells Opposition on his Rafale remarks

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama".

Calling India a key partner, Mark Field said, "I expressed the UK’s concern about the current tensions, discussed the importance of creating greater regional stability, including the urgent need to tackle terrorism."

He further added that the UK encourages "both sides to come together to look for a peaceful diplomatic solution".

It is important to note that British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-pm-theresa-may-urges-action-on-terrorist-groups-in-a-call-with-pakistans-imran-khan-200952">Theresa May spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday</a> and called on Islamabad to do more on the issue of terrorism.

A Downing Street Spokesperson said," The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism."

Welcoming the release of wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after its strikes on Indian military installation on February 27, the spokesperson said, "The leaders discussed the need to address the causes of this conflict" which is the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan.

It is interesting to note that the readout from the Pakistani government on Imran-Theresa May talks did not mention the issue of terror raised by the UK Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The readout said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised the UK Prime Minister of Pakistan’s perspective on the developments since the Pulwama incident."

Pakistan is facing global pressure and Isolation on the issue of terrorism. In aftermath of Indian strikes on terror camps on February 26 France, US, UK, Australia asked Pakistan to act on terror and call for restraint. China called for restraint but did not ask Pakistan to act on the issue of terror. EU and Japan have also called Pakistan to act on terrorism on February 28.

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan.

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama". Calling India a key partner, Mark Field said, "I expressed the UK’s concern about the current tensions, discussed the importance of creating greater regional stability, including the urgent need to tackle terrorism." He further added that the UK encourages "both sides to come together to look for a peaceful diplomatic solution". It is important to note that British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday and called on Islamabad to do more on the issue of terrorism. A Downing Street Spokesperson said," The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism." Welcoming the release of wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after its strikes on Indian military installation on February 27, the spokesperson said, "The leaders discussed the need to address the causes of this conflict" which is the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan. It is interesting to note that the readout from the Pakistani government on Imran-Theresa May talks did not mention the issue of terror raised by the UK Prime Minister. The readout said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised the UK Prime Minister of Pakistan’s perspective on the developments since the Pulwama incident." Pakistan is facing global pressure and Isolation on the issue of terrorism. In aftermath of Indian strikes on terror camps on February 26 France, US, UK, Australia asked Pakistan to act on terror and call for restraint. China called for restraint but did not ask Pakistan to act on the issue of terror. EU and Japan have also called Pakistan to act on terrorism on February 28.

'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison and ordered to pay USD 2.6 million in restitution for being convicted of mail fraud and embezzlement.

Dinesh Shankar, 41, of San Jose, California was sentenced to 33 months in prison as a result of the mail fraud conviction for embezzling from a medical device company, US Attorney David Anderson said.

In addition to the prison sentence and the USD 2.6 million restitution, he was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release.

Shankar will begin serving his sentence this year.

According to the plea agreement, from March 2013 until January 2018, Shankar was an employee of a medical device company.

Beginning July 2013 until December 2017, he submitted false expense reports and false invoices to the company's finance department, causing the company to pay more than half a million dollars in excess of the legitimate expenses and expenditures for services provided to the company.

In addition, Shankar admitted that he created false invoices that appeared to be issued by six different entities, which were actually fictitious business names for entities that he controlled.

He prepared the false invoices to make it appear that the entities provided testing and quality assurance services to his employer when, in fact, they had not provided the services.

Shankar admitted he caused a total loss to the company of about USD 2.5 million.

A federal grand jury indicted Shankar in April last year charging him with six counts of mail fraud.

He pleaded guilty to one count in November and the remaining counts were dismissed.

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison and ordered to pay USD 2.6 million in restitution for being convicted of mail fraud and embezzlement.

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison and ordered to pay USD 2.6 million in restitution for being convicted of mail fraud and embezzlement. Dinesh Shankar, 41, of San Jose, California was sentenced to 33 months in prison as a result of the mail fraud conviction for embezzling from a medical device company, US Attorney David Anderson said. In addition to the prison sentence and the USD 2.6 million restitution, he was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release. Shankar will begin serving his sentence this year. According to the plea agreement, from March 2013 until January 2018, Shankar was an employee of a medical device company. Beginning July 2013 until December 2017, he submitted false expense reports and false invoices to the company's finance department, causing the company to pay more than half a million dollars in excess of the legitimate expenses and expenditures for services provided to the company. In addition, Shankar admitted that he created false invoices that appeared to be issued by six different entities, which were actually fictitious business names for entities that he controlled. He prepared the false invoices to make it appear that the entities provided testing and quality assurance services to his employer when, in fact, they had not provided the services. Shankar admitted he caused a total loss to the company of about USD 2.5 million. A federal grand jury indicted Shankar in April last year charging him with six counts of mail fraud. He pleaded guilty to one count in November and the remaining counts were dismissed.

Indian-origin man sentenced to 33 months in prison for embezzlement in US

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