Other Mommy leads North American box Office as Verity, Resident Evil round out top four

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

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

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

Diljit Dosanjh’s Delhi concert gets a new date: When and where to catch the singer

Is sending robots to Mars easier than sending humans?

A watchdog rated 'ChatGPT for Teens' an unacceptable risk and says keep under-18s off it

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

'Just coincidence': Police mistakes protester as AISA chief Neha Bora, arrests her from site

Anthropic's AI invented a murder witness and sent the fake tip to Philadelphia police

Congress demands action against chief election commissioner 

CJI Surya Kant declines INDIA bloc leaders’ request for meeting ahead of march to SC, asks them to file petition

Saif Ali Khan is finally on Instagram! Here's what he shared in his first post

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

One Indian killed in Riyadh airport attack; 11 others injured : MEA

Top AI models flunked a test of inventing new AI research, so much for self-improving AI

Wasim Jaffer blames Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

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

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

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

Telangana ATM heist: Thieves in nighties arrive in ambulance, break into SBI ATM in Kamareddy - VIDEO

Houthis claim Riyadh airport attacks, Aramco strikes; issue fresh warning to airlines, travellers and workers

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

Delhi protests: 'Court should not be dragged into political activity', says CJI Surya Kant

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

Microsoft's Nadella says treat every AI model as already hacked, and build an 'emergency brake'

Delhi protest: CJI Surya Kant declines to meet India Bloc leaders

Telangana man allegedly recruited into Russian military dies near Ukraine border

China imposes first-ever sanctions on ministers from Taiwan allies: What this means

McSweeney reveals how studying Virat Kohli’s YouTube clips helped Australia A conquer India

Maharashtra appoints FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as secretary of committee for MPSC overhaul amid stir

Iran: US accepted some conditions, Clarity needed on others

Nana Patekar's cause of death confirmed; here's what his postmortem report says

iPhone Duo price index: Tracking Apple’s latest pricing trends 

'Say no to Muse': Meta has no control over its own moderation AI while it forces a security nightmare on everyone

BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said over 250 terrorists were killed in the airstrike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the "13th day of dastardly Pulwama Terror attack."

Addressing the ‘Lakshya JITO’ program here, Shah spoke about the two major terror strikes of the last five years and outlined the central government's response against them.

"In 5 years two major incidents happened...In URI and Pulwana.....after Uri attack our army entered Pakistan and did a surgical strike and took revenge of our soldiers' death."

"After Pulwama attack, everyone thought surgical strike can't be done this time..now what will happen?... At that time Prime Minister Narendra Modi led central government did an airstrike on the 13th day and killed more than 250 terrorists without any harm on our side," Shah said.

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.

In the wee hours of February 26, the anti-terror operations carried out by the IAF targeted camps of dreaded terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammad—in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter jet.

BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said over 250 terrorists were killed in the airstrike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the "13th day of dastardly Pulwama Terror attack.

BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said over 250 terrorists were killed in the airstrike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the "13th day of dastardly Pulwama Terror attack." Addressing the ‘Lakshya JITO’ program here, Shah spoke about the two major terror strikes of the last five years and outlined the central government's response against them. "In 5 years two major incidents happened...In URI and Pulwana.....after Uri attack our army entered Pakistan and did a surgical strike and took revenge of our soldiers' death." "After Pulwama attack, everyone thought surgical strike can't be done this time..now what will happen?... At that time Prime Minister Narendra Modi led central government did an airstrike on the 13th day and killed more than 250 terrorists without any harm on our side," Shah said. 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. In the wee hours of February 26, the anti-terror operations carried out by the IAF targeted camps of dreaded terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammad—in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A day later, on February 27, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter jet.

BJP chief Amit Shah says more than 250 terrorists killed in aerial strike against JeM

Passengers had a very special day as they boarded the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on Sunday as it was the golden jubilee run of the train. The passengers were greeted and were duly taken care by the Railway staff at the Howrah station on this occasion.&nbsp;

Passengers travelling by Rajdhani appreciated its 50 years of comfortable services and in future, they hope to further improvement in the functioning of railways.

“It is a wonderful experience and the Railways are taking all care of the passengers. This train is a very good train and I more often travel in it but today is so special because the train has completed 50 years,” said Subash Kumar Acharya, a passenger onboard Howrah - New Delhi Rajdhani Express.

While a woman passenger said: “I have been travelling in Rajdhani for last many years and there is nothing new for me. But I am very happy that my ticket is confirmed on the day the train completed its 50 years and the hospitality is admirable,” she said.

In 1969 Rajdhani Express service was started from Howrah. Marking the 50 years of Rajdhani Express on Sunday Eastern Railway welcomed the passengers by giving rose and greeting cards.&nbsp;

Special stamp marking the 50th year of Rajdhani was unveiled and a cake was also cut at Howrah station by the General Manager Eastern Railway.

Passengers had a very special day as they boarded the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on Sunday as it was the golden jubilee run of the train. The passengers were greeted and were duly taken care by the Railway staff at the Howrah station on this occasion.

Passengers had a very special day as they boarded the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on Sunday as it was the golden jubilee run of the train. The passengers were greeted and were duly taken care by the Railway staff at the Howrah station on this occasion. Passengers travelling by Rajdhani appreciated its 50 years of comfortable services and in future, they hope to further improvement in the functioning of railways. “It is a wonderful experience and the Railways are taking all care of the passengers. This train is a very good train and I more often travel in it but today is so special because the train has completed 50 years,” said Subash Kumar Acharya, a passenger onboard Howrah - New Delhi Rajdhani Express. While a woman passenger said: “I have been travelling in Rajdhani for last many years and there is nothing new for me. But I am very happy that my ticket is confirmed on the day the train completed its 50 years and the hospitality is admirable,” she said. In 1969 Rajdhani Express service was started from Howrah. Marking the 50 years of Rajdhani Express on Sunday Eastern Railway welcomed the passengers by giving rose and greeting cards. Special stamp marking the 50th year of Rajdhani was unveiled and a cake was also cut at Howrah station by the General Manager Eastern Railway.

Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express turns 50, passengers get special treatment

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 211 development projects of different departments costing Rs 4,106 crore.

According to an official release, the chief minister inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones in all districts of the state through video conferencing in Chandigarh.

These included inauguration of 63 projects at a cost of Rs 408 crore and foundation stones of 148 projects at a cost of Rs 3,698 crore.

On the occasion, Khattar said, "Inauguration and laying foundation stone of development projects in such a large number and that too in a single day would usher in a new era of development in the state."

The chief minister said earlier also he had laid foundation stone of 22 government colleges simultaneously in different districts of the state through video conferencing "which was a huge step".

Khattar said these projects would prove to be a milestone in ensuring uniform development of the state and claimed the BJP government in Haryana has also set a new record in terms of chief minister's announcements.

He said that during the four-and-a-half years of the present government, he has made 7,916 announcements pertaining to various development works according to the area requirement.

"Contrary to this, during the ten years rule of the previous Congress government in the state, only 6,500 announcements were made by the chief minister," Khattar claimed.

He urged the secretaries to complete the ongoing work of "chief minister's announcements" concerning their departments at the earliest so that the pace of development in the state could be further accelerated.

Assuring officials that there is no dearth of funds for the development works, the chief minister said a lot of development has taken place in the state and would continue in the same pace in the future.

He said apart from development works, the BJP government in Haryana has announced several schemes for the progress and prosperity of farmers, the poor and labourers.

To ensure that people avail benefits of the various schemes of state and central governments under one roof, Saral Kendras and Antyodaya Kendras have been established at subdivision and block level and at district headquarters, the chief minister said.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 211 development projects of different departments costing Rs 4,106 crore.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 211 development projects of different departments costing Rs 4,106 crore. According to an official release, the chief minister inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones in all districts of the state through video conferencing in Chandigarh. These included inauguration of 63 projects at a cost of Rs 408 crore and foundation stones of 148 projects at a cost of Rs 3,698 crore. On the occasion, Khattar said, "Inauguration and laying foundation stone of development projects in such a large number and that too in a single day would usher in a new era of development in the state." The chief minister said earlier also he had laid foundation stone of 22 government colleges simultaneously in different districts of the state through video conferencing "which was a huge step". Khattar said these projects would prove to be a milestone in ensuring uniform development of the state and claimed the BJP government in Haryana has also set a new record in terms of chief minister's announcements. He said that during the four-and-a-half years of the present government, he has made 7,916 announcements pertaining to various development works according to the area requirement. "Contrary to this, during the ten years rule of the previous Congress government in the state, only 6,500 announcements were made by the chief minister," Khattar claimed. He urged the secretaries to complete the ongoing work of "chief minister's announcements" concerning their departments at the earliest so that the pace of development in the state could be further accelerated. Assuring officials that there is no dearth of funds for the development works, the chief minister said a lot of development has taken place in the state and would continue in the same pace in the future. He said apart from development works, the BJP government in Haryana has announced several schemes for the progress and prosperity of farmers, the poor and labourers. To ensure that people avail benefits of the various schemes of state and central governments under one roof, Saral Kendras and Antyodaya Kendras have been established at subdivision and block level and at district headquarters, the chief minister said.

Manohar Lal Khattar lays foundation stone, inaugurates development projects amounting to Rs 4,106 crore in Haryana

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is suffering from "advanced-stage cancer", but he is still working for the people of the state, state Cabinet Minister Vijay Sardesai has said.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Sardesai, who is Goa's Town Planning Minister, said that he will meet Parrikar to thank him for releasing funds for a cemetery and for getting another work sanctioned.

"I am going (to meet Parrikar) and get the work sanctioned. Once again, it is going to show that in spite of suffering from cancer, which is at an advanced stage, the Chief Minister is working for the people. We are also pushing to fulfil the commitments that we gave to the people of the state, " he said.

Sardesai recalled that he had attended a conference on cancer awareness as the chief guest and said, "Cancer is such a disease, it cannot only kill the dreams of an individual and his family, but it can kill the dreams of the state."

"There (at the conference), I gave the example of our honourable Chief Minister. We tied up with him and in no aspect of our political calculation, we ever imagined that he could get cancer. So, it could have killed our dreams. But God is great and has given him the strength to carry on his good work," he added.

On Sunday, Parrikar underwent a check-up at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), and was later allowed to go home as his health condition is stable, said an official of the Chief Minister's Office.

The Chief Minister, who was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai Delhi, and New York since February last year.

Last month, he was admitted to the state's Medical College for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Dispelling rumours about Parrikar's condition, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had earlier said that the Chief Minister was doing well and his health condition was stable.

Parrikar, who has made public appearances, was seen wearing medical paraphernalia — a nasogastric tube -- while attending a session of the Goa Assembly.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is suffering from "advanced-stage cancer", but he is still working for the people of the state, state Cabinet Minister Vijay Sardesai has said.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is suffering from "advanced-stage cancer", but he is still working for the people of the state, state Cabinet Minister Vijay Sardesai has said. Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Sardesai, who is Goa's Town Planning Minister, said that he will meet Parrikar to thank him for releasing funds for a cemetery and for getting another work sanctioned. "I am going (to meet Parrikar) and get the work sanctioned. Once again, it is going to show that in spite of suffering from cancer, which is at an advanced stage, the Chief Minister is working for the people. We are also pushing to fulfil the commitments that we gave to the people of the state, " he said. Sardesai recalled that he had attended a conference on cancer awareness as the chief guest and said, "Cancer is such a disease, it cannot only kill the dreams of an individual and his family, but it can kill the dreams of the state." "There (at the conference), I gave the example of our honourable Chief Minister. We tied up with him and in no aspect of our political calculation, we ever imagined that he could get cancer. So, it could have killed our dreams. But God is great and has given him the strength to carry on his good work," he added. On Sunday, Parrikar underwent a check-up at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), and was later allowed to go home as his health condition is stable, said an official of the Chief Minister's Office. The Chief Minister, who was diagnosed with a pancreatic ailment, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai Delhi, and New York since February last year. Last month, he was admitted to the state's Medical College for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Dispelling rumours about Parrikar's condition, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had earlier said that the Chief Minister was doing well and his health condition was stable. Parrikar, who has made public appearances, was seen wearing medical paraphernalia — a nasogastric tube -- while attending a session of the Goa Assembly.

Manohar Parrikar suffering from 'advanced-stage cancer', says Goa Minister

The “Kumbh Mela” administration have made elaborate security and other necessary arrangements in wake of anticipated 60 lakh to 1 crore people visiting at Prayagraj on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on Monday.

“About 60 lakh to 1 crore people are expected to come and we have prepared accordingly. The preparations are similar to the preparations done on the occasions of previous ‘snans’", Vijay Kiran Anand, District Magistrate, Kumbh said.

“Deployment of forces has been beefed up in the main ‘snan’ area. About 400 personnel of Central Paramilitary Forces have been called for deployment at various locations including the major intersections,” he said.

However, the official informed that “Akshay Vat” and “Saraswti Koop” which were thrown open to pilgrims this Maha Kumbh will remain close keeping in view that a large number of people are expected to throng both.&nbsp;

“Extra forces have been called from the neighbouring districts of Kaushambi, Pratapgarh and Fatehpur,” said DIG KP Singh.

Further, police have been deployed in plain clothes at various locations to keep a vigil and round the clock, CCTV monitoring is also being done.

Kumbh Mela is the largest human congregation in the world, with over 130 million pilgrims expected to participate in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins. The 55-day long Kumbh Mela will end on March 4.

The “Kumbh Mela” administration have made elaborate security and other necessary arrangements in wake of anticipated 60 lakh to 1 crore people visiting at Prayagraj on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on Monday.

The “Kumbh Mela” administration have made elaborate security and other necessary arrangements in wake of anticipated 60 lakh to 1 crore people visiting at Prayagraj on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on Monday. “About 60 lakh to 1 crore people are expected to come and we have prepared accordingly. The preparations are similar to the preparations done on the occasions of previous ‘snans’", Vijay Kiran Anand, District Magistrate, Kumbh said. “Deployment of forces has been beefed up in the main ‘snan’ area. About 400 personnel of Central Paramilitary Forces have been called for deployment at various locations including the major intersections,” he said. However, the official informed that “Akshay Vat” and “Saraswti Koop” which were thrown open to pilgrims this Maha Kumbh will remain close keeping in view that a large number of people are expected to throng both. “Extra forces have been called from the neighbouring districts of Kaushambi, Pratapgarh and Fatehpur,” said DIG KP Singh. Further, police have been deployed in plain clothes at various locations to keep a vigil and round the clock, CCTV monitoring is also being done. Kumbh Mela is the largest human congregation in the world, with over 130 million pilgrims expected to participate in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins. The 55-day long Kumbh Mela will end on March 4.

Security beefed up as around one crore people expected to visit Kumbh Mela on Maha Shivratri

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform.

“We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday.

Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society.

Germany will take over the Presidency in April.

“That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said.

He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN.

“The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said.

The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world.

“France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”.

France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world.

“That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France.

India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council.

Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter.

“In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC.

Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”.

“In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same.

“While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform. India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform. “We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday. Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society. Germany will take over the Presidency in April. “That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said. He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN. “The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said. The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world. “France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”. France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world. “That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France. India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council. Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter. “In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC. Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”. “In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. “While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France reiterates support for India’s permanent seat in reformed UN Security Council

AK-203 is the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle. India has signed a deal with a Russian firm to manufacture 750,000 of these assault rifles which would be given to the Army's infantry troops.

According to officials, the guns would replace the existing India-made INSAS assault rifles in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

After the rifles are supplied to the defence forces, the government, in the next phase, would provide them to paramilitary and the state police forces. There is a possibility that 15 to 20 years down the line, all the forces would be using this assault rifle as their standard weapon.

Apart from this, the Defence Ministry has already signed a contract with American Sig Sauer for the supply of 7.69mm 59 calibre advanced assault rifles. These would be given to soldiers directly engaged in counter-insurgency and other operations.

The idea behind having two different assault rifles is that the troops who are engaged regularly in combat with terrorist or Pakistan Army on the Line of Control, should have very advanced weapons while the others can also have an advanced rifle which is lighter and can meet all the requirements.

After a string of complaints on INSAS rifles were received from ground troops deployed across the country on all frontiers, India about 10 years ago had started looking for new rifles for its infantry troops but the efforts could not materialise due to retraction of tenders issued for the purpose over different issues.

AK-203 is the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle. India has signed a deal with a Russian firm to manufacture 750,000 of these assault rifles which would be given to the Army's infantry troops.

AK-203 is the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle. India has signed a deal with a Russian firm to manufacture 750,000 of these assault rifles which would be given to the Army's infantry troops. According to officials, the guns would replace the existing India-made INSAS assault rifles in the Army, Air Force and Navy. After the rifles are supplied to the defence forces, the government, in the next phase, would provide them to paramilitary and the state police forces. There is a possibility that 15 to 20 years down the line, all the forces would be using this assault rifle as their standard weapon. Apart from this, the Defence Ministry has already signed a contract with American Sig Sauer for the supply of 7.69mm 59 calibre advanced assault rifles. These would be given to soldiers directly engaged in counter-insurgency and other operations. The idea behind having two different assault rifles is that the troops who are engaged regularly in combat with terrorist or Pakistan Army on the Line of Control, should have very advanced weapons while the others can also have an advanced rifle which is lighter and can meet all the requirements. After a string of complaints on INSAS rifles were received from ground troops deployed across the country on all frontiers, India about 10 years ago had started looking for new rifles for its infantry troops but the efforts could not materialise due to retraction of tenders issued for the purpose over different issues.

AK-203 is latest derivative of legendary AK-47 rifle

India will induct French-made Rafale combat jet in September, the chief of the Indian air force BS Dhanoa said on Monday.

India has ordered 36 planes from Dassault Aviation as part of a modernisation programme of the air force which is phasing out its Soviet-era planes.

The Indian Air Force is in a dire need to replace its old and obsolete fighter jets which have resulted in inflicting many casualties to fighter pilots during training sorties.

Replying about the IAF's airstrike in Pakistan Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said that "the target has been clearly amplified by FS in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise, why would he (Pakistan PM) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond."

(With inputs from Reuters and ANI)

India will induct French-made Rafale combat jet in September, the chief of the Indian air force BS Dhanoa said on Monday. India has ordered 36 planes from Dassault Aviation as part of a modernisation programme of the air force which is phasing out its Soviet-era planes.

India will induct French-made Rafale combat jet in September, the chief of the Indian air force BS Dhanoa said on Monday. India has ordered 36 planes from Dassault Aviation as part of a modernisation programme of the air force which is phasing out its Soviet-era planes. The Indian Air Force is in a dire need to replace its old and obsolete fighter jets which have resulted in inflicting many casualties to fighter pilots during training sorties. Replying about the IAF's airstrike in Pakistan Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said that "the target has been clearly amplified by FS in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise, why would he (Pakistan PM) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond." (With inputs from Reuters and ANI)

Rafale jet fighter to come into India's inventory by September 2019: Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa

The Sangam, confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, is all set to witness the last dip of the Kumbh Mela on Mahashivratri Monday, after more than 22 crore devotees took a holy bath here.&nbsp;

"This day symbolises the last holy bath of the Kalpvasis and is directly related to Lord Shiva. As per the mythology, this day is awaited in the heavens as well," Gunjan Varshney, president of Ram Naam Bank situated at Civil Lines here, told PTI.

She also said it was on this day that Lord Shiva got married, and hence is eagerly awaited by his followers, who worship him.

Elaborating about the significance of Mahashivratri, Ashutosh Varshney of Grah Nakshtram, who has set up his camp here, said, "Mahashivratri marks the culmination of the Kumbh and the prominent bathing days. And this time Mahashivratri is falling on a Monday ? the day dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is falling after a long time."

The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad from January 15 on Makar Sakranti to March 4 this year.

"This is a very rare coincidence and the Sangam area will remain more crowded than previous years since it is the last bating day," he said.

Varshney said Kumbh will conclude on a rare occasion, Mahashivratri.

He also said 'Rudrabhishek' of 'shivling' is also done on this day. In the Kumbh held in Sangam city, there were six bathing dates. "Of these, shahi snaans were held on occasions of Makar Sankranti (January 15), Mauni Amawasya (February 4) and Basant Panchami (February 10).&nbsp;

"Apart from this, 'parv snaans have been held on the occasion of Paush Poornima (January 21) and Maghi Poornima (February 19)," Varshney said.&nbsp;

The Kumbh draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the Sangam.&nbsp;

It is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years.&nbsp;

The Sangam, confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, is all set to witness the last dip of the Kumbh Mela on Mahashivratri Monday, after more than 22 crore devotees took a holy bath here.

The Sangam, confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, is all set to witness the last dip of the Kumbh Mela on Mahashivratri Monday, after more than 22 crore devotees took a holy bath here. "This day symbolises the last holy bath of the Kalpvasis and is directly related to Lord Shiva. As per the mythology, this day is awaited in the heavens as well," Gunjan Varshney, president of Ram Naam Bank situated at Civil Lines here, told PTI. She also said it was on this day that Lord Shiva got married, and hence is eagerly awaited by his followers, who worship him. Elaborating about the significance of Mahashivratri, Ashutosh Varshney of Grah Nakshtram, who has set up his camp here, said, "Mahashivratri marks the culmination of the Kumbh and the prominent bathing days. And this time Mahashivratri is falling on a Monday ? the day dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is falling after a long time." The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad from January 15 on Makar Sakranti to March 4 this year. "This is a very rare coincidence and the Sangam area will remain more crowded than previous years since it is the last bating day," he said. Varshney said Kumbh will conclude on a rare occasion, Mahashivratri. He also said 'Rudrabhishek' of 'shivling' is also done on this day. In the Kumbh held in Sangam city, there were six bathing dates. "Of these, shahi snaans were held on occasions of Makar Sankranti (January 15), Mauni Amawasya (February 4) and Basant Panchami (February 10). "Apart from this, 'parv snaans have been held on the occasion of Paush Poornima (January 21) and Maghi Poornima (February 19)," Varshney said. The Kumbh draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the Sangam. It is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years.

Kumbh 2019: Sangam all set to witness last holy dip on Mahashivratri on Monday

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday.&nbsp;

Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists. 
&nbsp; 
Five security personnel, including three CRPF soldiers and two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, have been killed in the encounter so far.&nbsp;

A civilian has also been killed in the crossfire.

The operation was going on when the reports last came in, official sources said.&nbsp;

Mobile internet in Handwara also remained suspended since Friday morning.

Security forces resumed operation against militants at Baba Gund area in Kralgund Handwara in Kupwara district.

Para Commandos also joined the search operation against holed up militants on Saturday.&nbsp;

Security forces have spotted dead bodies of terrorists killed at the encounter site in Handwara.&nbsp;

The two bodies have been spotted near the debris of a house while searches are ongoing.&nbsp;

Gunfire has stopped since yesterday evening after forces blasted the second house where militants were believed to be hiding.

On Friday, four security personnel including two policemen and two CRPF jawans succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara town of Kupwara district.&nbsp;

One civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said.&nbsp;

The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party.&nbsp;

The two police personnel who lost their lives were identified as SgCt Naseer Ahmad Kholi and SgCt Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel were identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod. The slain civilian was identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir.

(With inputs from agencies)

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday. Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists.

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday. Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists. Five security personnel, including three CRPF soldiers and two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, have been killed in the encounter so far. A civilian has also been killed in the crossfire. The operation was going on when the reports last came in, official sources said. Mobile internet in Handwara also remained suspended since Friday morning. Security forces resumed operation against militants at Baba Gund area in Kralgund Handwara in Kupwara district. Para Commandos also joined the search operation against holed up militants on Saturday. Security forces have spotted dead bodies of terrorists killed at the encounter site in Handwara. The two bodies have been spotted near the debris of a house while searches are ongoing. Gunfire has stopped since yesterday evening after forces blasted the second house where militants were believed to be hiding. On Friday, four security personnel including two policemen and two CRPF jawans succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara town of Kupwara district. One civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said. The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party. The two police personnel who lost their lives were identified as SgCt Naseer Ahmad Kholi and SgCt Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel were identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod. The slain civilian was identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir. (With inputs from agencies)

Handwara encounter: Two terrorists, five security personnel killed as gunfight enters third day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.&nbsp;

The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. &nbsp;

The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday.

The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday.

Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at NDA's Sankalp rally in Patna. The rally will sound the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign. The rally will be a witness to thousands thronging Patna's Gandhi Maidan. PM Modi will be sharing the state Kumar after 9 years since they last conducted a joint rally in Bihar in 2005. The Sankalp rally will be aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday. The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will be also addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported. "Tomorrows NDAs Sankalp rally is being organized to take a resolve to make a new, strong, prosperous, safe and secured India We are proud of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan who returned to India yesterday (from Pakistan). We thank the government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters on Saturday. Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents- BJP, JD(U) and LJP- have been working hard to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar: PM Modi, Nitish Kumar to share stage after 9 years at NDA's Sankalp rally today 

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-shouldnt-treat-jds-as-third-grade-citizen-in-seat-sharing-kumaraswamy-190255">seat-sharing talks </a>for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-threat-to-cong-jds-government-gowda-190489">Deve Gowda</a> Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats.

Gowda said he had also asked the Congress to have a similar mentality during the seat-sharing discussions as there should not be any room for differences on seat sharing between the parties, whose main aim was to halt the BJP's growth.

"I have said 12 seats should be given to us, but I will also not be rigid in saying that they should give us 12," the former Prime Minister said.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, he said, "By loosening our stand a bit... A final decision should be arrived at.

You (Congress) should also have that mentality, I have said. Finally, we will come to a decision cordially."

Gowda said he was stating this to bring to an end all speculation and talk that differences may emerge within the coalition during discussions on seat sharing.

The JD(S) leader said he would not be 'adamant' in his demand for seats as the main focus was to halt the BJP's progress and nothing should cause a threat to the alliance.

Congress and JD(S) leaders are likely to discuss seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha polls at the coalition coordination committee meeting on Monday.

The coalition partners had held the first round of talks on seat sharing on February 25, during which Congress insisted that winnability would be the criteria, while the JD(S) maintained its stand to contest 12 seats.

As per their coalition agreement, both Congress and JD(S) have decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls together.

However, seat sharing is likely to be a major test for both parties as the JD(S), which is banking on two-third, one-third formula adopted in ministry formation and allocation of boards and corporations, has demanded 12 seats out of the total of 28 seats.

According to sources, JD(S) is said to be keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga.

Congress is opposed to this and has maintained that sharing of seats will be based on 'merit'.

According to party insiders, the grand old party is looking at limiting the JD(S) to six seats.

Also, there is pressure from within the Congress not to cede too many seats to JD(S), specially 10 seats where the party has sitting MPs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in seat-sharing talks for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats.

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in seat-sharing talks for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats. Gowda said he had also asked the Congress to have a similar mentality during the seat-sharing discussions as there should not be any room for differences on seat sharing between the parties, whose main aim was to halt the BJP's growth. "I have said 12 seats should be given to us, but I will also not be rigid in saying that they should give us 12," the former Prime Minister said. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, he said, "By loosening our stand a bit... A final decision should be arrived at. You (Congress) should also have that mentality, I have said. Finally, we will come to a decision cordially." Gowda said he was stating this to bring to an end all speculation and talk that differences may emerge within the coalition during discussions on seat sharing. The JD(S) leader said he would not be 'adamant' in his demand for seats as the main focus was to halt the BJP's progress and nothing should cause a threat to the alliance. Congress and JD(S) leaders are likely to discuss seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha polls at the coalition coordination committee meeting on Monday. The coalition partners had held the first round of talks on seat sharing on February 25, during which Congress insisted that winnability would be the criteria, while the JD(S) maintained its stand to contest 12 seats. As per their coalition agreement, both Congress and JD(S) have decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls together. However, seat sharing is likely to be a major test for both parties as the JD(S), which is banking on two-third, one-third formula adopted in ministry formation and allocation of boards and corporations, has demanded 12 seats out of the total of 28 seats. According to sources, JD(S) is said to be keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga. Congress is opposed to this and has maintained that sharing of seats will be based on 'merit'. According to party insiders, the grand old party is looking at limiting the JD(S) to six seats. Also, there is pressure from within the Congress not to cede too many seats to JD(S), specially 10 seats where the party has sitting MPs.

Will not be rigid in demand to contest from 12 seats: Deve Gowda on alliance with Congress

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-visits-white-knight-corps-in-jammu-reviews-operational-preparedness-of-forces-200806">Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat</a> visited forward locations of Samba and Ratnuchak in Jammu region amidst heightened tension along the LoC.

The Army Chief reviewed the operational deployment and preparedness of the formations.

He was briefed about the situation and preparedness by Lt Gen. JS Nain, General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps.

The Army Chief also interacted with troops in forward posts and praised their high state of moral and preparedness.

General Rawat also expressed complete confidence in the capabilities of his men to "thwart any nefarious design of enemies of our country and handle any situation."

The Army Chief had visited forward locations of White Knight Corps on Saturday along with Corps Commander and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.

Tensions on the LoC remain high as cross-border firing saw a spurt in the last few weeks.

Reportedly, Indian Army retaliated to Pakistan`s unprovoked ceasefire violations by heavy artillery firing and even used anti-tank missiles to pound Pakistani Army positions across the LoC.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat visited forward locations of Samba and Ratnuchak in Jammu region amidst heightened tension along the LoC. The Army Chief reviewed the operational deployment and preparedness of the formations.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat visited forward locations of Samba and Ratnuchak in Jammu region amidst heightened tension along the LoC. The Army Chief reviewed the operational deployment and preparedness of the formations. He was briefed about the situation and preparedness by Lt Gen. JS Nain, General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps. The Army Chief also interacted with troops in forward posts and praised their high state of moral and preparedness. General Rawat also expressed complete confidence in the capabilities of his men to "thwart any nefarious design of enemies of our country and handle any situation." The Army Chief had visited forward locations of White Knight Corps on Saturday along with Corps Commander and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh. Tensions on the LoC remain high as cross-border firing saw a spurt in the last few weeks. Reportedly, Indian Army retaliated to Pakistan`s unprovoked ceasefire violations by heavy artillery firing and even used anti-tank missiles to pound Pakistani Army positions across the LoC.

J&K: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat visits forward positions amidst tensions along LoC

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the launch of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/though-we-lost-elections-here-we-won-your-hearts-pm-modi-in-amethi-200908">India-Russia joint venture for Kalashnikov assault rifle</a> production in India on Sunday, outlining that the plant itself will become "another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries."

"The new joint venture will manufacture world-famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localisation of production. Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfill the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies," Putin stated.

He highlighted that the agreement regarding the project was reached during the premier's visit to India in October last year.

"The respective intergovernmental agreement was prepared and signed in the shortest possible time. In this regard, I would like to express gratitude to Russian and Indian specialists, to all those who so promptly made this project happen," he noted.&nbsp;

"I am convinced that commissioning of the new enterprise will contribute to stronger defence potential of India, to further advance of the scientific and industrial basis of the national economy, will be instrumental in terms of creating new jobs for a qualified workforce, and will provide an impetus to professional education and personnel training," he said, adding, "The plant itself will become another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries."

Lastly, Putin highlighted that military cooperation has traditionally been a key area of "special" strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. 
"Military and technical cooperation has traditionally been one of the key areas of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," the Russian President stated.

He added that around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India "with assistance from our country".

"For more than seven decades, we have been supplying reliable and high-quality armaments and equipment to Indian friends. Around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India with assistance from our country," Putin mentioned.

“Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi&nbsp;made all efforts for this deal. He talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about it. We are going to make the world-famous AK-47 assault rifle here,” Defence Minister&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman said while addressing a rally in Amethi on Sunday.

Prime Minister Modi, Union Minister&nbsp;Smriti Irani, UP Chief Minister&nbsp;Yogi Adityanath, and Sitharaman were amongst those present in the inauguration ceremony of the plant, which would manufacture the latest in line of AK assault rifles.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the launch of the India-Russia joint venture for Kalashnikov assault rifle production in India on Sunday, outlining that the plant itself will become "another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the launch of the India-Russia joint venture for Kalashnikov assault rifle production in India on Sunday, outlining that the plant itself will become "another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries." "The new joint venture will manufacture world-famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localisation of production. Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfill the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies," Putin stated. He highlighted that the agreement regarding the project was reached during the premier's visit to India in October last year. "The respective intergovernmental agreement was prepared and signed in the shortest possible time. In this regard, I would like to express gratitude to Russian and Indian specialists, to all those who so promptly made this project happen," he noted. "I am convinced that commissioning of the new enterprise will contribute to stronger defence potential of India, to further advance of the scientific and industrial basis of the national economy, will be instrumental in terms of creating new jobs for a qualified workforce, and will provide an impetus to professional education and personnel training," he said, adding, "The plant itself will become another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries." Lastly, Putin highlighted that military cooperation has traditionally been a key area of "special" strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. "Military and technical cooperation has traditionally been one of the key areas of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," the Russian President stated. He added that around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India "with assistance from our country". "For more than seven decades, we have been supplying reliable and high-quality armaments and equipment to Indian friends. Around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India with assistance from our country," Putin mentioned. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi made all efforts for this deal. He talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about it. We are going to make the world-famous AK-47 assault rifle here,” Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while addressing a rally in Amethi on Sunday. Prime Minister Modi, Union Minister Smriti Irani, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Sitharaman were amongst those present in the inauguration ceremony of the plant, which would manufacture the latest in line of AK assault rifles.

AK rifle plant will become another symbol of friendship between India, Rusia: Vladimir Putin

Congress leader Salman Khurshid faced extreme criticism over his post on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman where he tried to take credit over the IAF pilot's confidence and valour exhibited during his captivity in Pakistan.

In a Twitter post on Saturday Khurshid wrote, "Many kudos for Wing Commander abhi Varthaman the face of India’s resistance to enemy aggression. Great poise and confidence in face of adversity. We are proud that he received his wings in 2004 and matured as fighter pilot during UPA".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Many kudos for Wing Commander abhi Varthaman the face of India’s resistance to enemy aggression. Great poise and confidence in face of adversity. We are proud that he received his wings in 2004 and matured as fighter pilot during UPA
— Salman Khurshid (@salman7khurshid) <a href="https://twitter.com/salman7khurshid/status/1101855994148204544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

His post received massive criticism from people on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sure :) ! Let me tell u what else happened under UPA😡 
BOMB BLASTS IN :- 
Delhi 2005 
Varanasi &amp; MumbaiTrains 2006 
Lucknow Varanasi Faizabad Triple Strikes + Hyderabad 2007 
Jaipur Blore Ahdbad Delhi Two Blasts Agartala Imphal Assam 2008 
Assam 2009 
Pune Varanasi 2010 
Contd....
— India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeCoolar_Right/status/1101915009053908994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mumbai Delhi 2011 
Pune 2012 
Hyderabad Blore BodhGaya Patna Jalpaiguri 2013 
 
TERROR ATTACKS IN :- 
Bangalore Instt of Science 2005 LeT 
Rampur CRPF camp 2008 LeT 
Mumbai 26/11 2008 LeT 
Delhi on Israeli Diplomats 2012 
Srinagar 2013 
 
If u have the guts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeTheBlame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeTheBlame</a> For this😡 
contd..
— India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeCoolar_Right/status/1101916979827359744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Compare this with Terror Incidents under <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Govt from 2014-till date :- 
Only Kashmir is affected while the rest of India has not seen a single terror incident &amp; we all know why-bcoz UPA = <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedPakistaniAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedPakistaniAlliance</a> !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiFor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiFor2019</a> for a TERROR FREE INDIA<a href="https://twitter.com/TajinderBagga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TajinderBagga</a>
— India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeCoolar_Right/status/1101917700404600837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://t.co/VJZfAiyzOt">pic.twitter.com/VJZfAiyzOt</a>
— shilpi tewari (@shilpitewari) <a href="https://twitter.com/shilpitewari/status/1101909785782378498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
You should have also said that this enemy was created by Great Nehru in 1947 so that Abhinandan could fight with them in 2019....😂 
 
What a farsightedness he had....
— मेरा नाम 🤡 (@uZruuDohin5gTKW) <a href="https://twitter.com/uZruuDohin5gTKW/status/1101882999145029632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
What next? Wing Cmdr Abhinandan was born in 1983, so all credit to Indira Gandhi for his birth?
— Shefali Vaidya ஷெஃபாலி வைத்யா शेफाली वैद्य (@ShefVaidya) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShefVaidya/status/1102051906975723521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thanks to rahulji (pilot wale) who taught him to fly the planes. 👏👏👏👏
— abhishek mishra (@indabhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/indabhi/status/1101878385888907264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Wah!! Chacha, only Rahul Gandhi failed to mature during UPA regime!!
— Ashish Patil (@imashpatil) <a href="https://twitter.com/imashpatil/status/1101879487153745923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Maybe you forgot to add that he was flying an outdated MiG also because of UPA
— Iswaran N.P. 🇮🇳 (@NPIswaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPIswaran/status/1101889488026886144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"...Also I must add, I'm forever indebted to UPA" He said this in that video which the Pakistanis made. They had to edit it out due to time constraints
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/GabbbarSingh/status/1101886564357959682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thanks to UPA I completed my engineering in 2006. 🙄<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thinklikecongressmoron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thinklikecongressmoron</a>
— lalit mohan (@vlalit) <a href="https://twitter.com/vlalit/status/1101996667862048770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After attracting criticism on the social media for "taking credit", Khurshid Sunday said that he had only "stated the truth".

"I had said that he (the pilot) joined the IAF during our tenure. I had only stated the truth," he told reporters.

Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down.&nbsp;

He was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and was shifted to&nbsp;the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.&nbsp;

Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests.

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress leader Salman Khurshid faced extreme criticism over his post on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman where he tried to take credit over the IAF pilot's confidence and valour exhibited during his captivity in Pakistan.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid faced extreme criticism over his post on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman where he tried to take credit over the IAF pilot's confidence and valour exhibited during his captivity in Pakistan. In a Twitter post on Saturday Khurshid wrote, "Many kudos for Wing Commander abhi Varthaman the face of India’s resistance to enemy aggression. Great poise and confidence in face of adversity. We are proud that he received his wings in 2004 and matured as fighter pilot during UPA". Many kudos for Wing Commander abhi Varthaman the face of India’s resistance to enemy aggression. Great poise and confidence in face of adversity. We are proud that he received his wings in 2004 and matured as fighter pilot during UPA — Salman Khurshid (@salman7khurshid) March 2, 2019 × His post received massive criticism from people on social media. Sure :) ! Let me tell u what else happened under UPA😡 BOMB BLASTS IN :- Delhi 2005 Varanasi & MumbaiTrains 2006 Lucknow Varanasi Faizabad Triple Strikes + Hyderabad 2007 Jaipur Blore Ahdbad Delhi Two Blasts Agartala Imphal Assam 2008 Assam 2009 Pune Varanasi 2010 Contd.... — India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) March 2, 2019 × Mumbai Delhi 2011 Pune 2012 Hyderabad Blore BodhGaya Patna Jalpaiguri 2013 TERROR ATTACKS IN :- Bangalore Instt of Science 2005 LeT Rampur CRPF camp 2008 LeT Mumbai 26/11 2008 LeT Delhi on Israeli Diplomats 2012 Srinagar 2013 If u have the guts #TakeTheBlame For this😡 contd.. — India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) March 2, 2019 × Compare this with Terror Incidents under @narendramodi Govt from 2014-till date :- Only Kashmir is affected while the rest of India has not seen a single terror incident & we all know why-bcoz UPA = #UnitedPakistaniAlliance !#ModiFor2019 for a TERROR FREE INDIA@TajinderBagga — India 🇮🇳 First (@SeCoolar_Right) March 2, 2019 × pic.twitter.com/VJZfAiyzOt — shilpi tewari (@shilpitewari) March 2, 2019 × You should have also said that this enemy was created by Great Nehru in 1947 so that Abhinandan could fight with them in 2019....😂 What a farsightedness he had.... — मेरा नाम 🤡 (@uZruuDohin5gTKW) March 2, 2019 × What next? Wing Cmdr Abhinandan was born in 1983, so all credit to Indira Gandhi for his birth? — Shefali Vaidya ஷெஃபாலி வைத்யா शेफाली वैद्य (@ShefVaidya) March 3, 2019 × Thanks to rahulji (pilot wale) who taught him to fly the planes. 👏👏👏👏 — abhishek mishra (@indabhi) March 2, 2019 × Wah!! Chacha, only Rahul Gandhi failed to mature during UPA regime!! — Ashish Patil (@imashpatil) March 2, 2019 × Maybe you forgot to add that he was flying an outdated MiG also because of UPA — Iswaran N.P. 🇮🇳 (@NPIswaran) March 2, 2019 × "...Also I must add, I'm forever indebted to UPA" He said this in that video which the Pakistanis made. They had to edit it out due to time constraints — Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) March 2, 2019 × Thanks to UPA I completed my engineering in 2006. 🙄#thinklikecongressmoron — lalit mohan (@vlalit) March 3, 2019 × After attracting criticism on the social media for "taking credit", Khurshid Sunday said that he had only "stated the truth". "I had said that he (the pilot) joined the IAF during our tenure. I had only stated the truth," he told reporters. Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down. He was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and was shifted to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests. (With inputs from PTI)

Twitter blasts Salman Khurshid after he says Abhinandan 'matured as fighter pilot during UPA'

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Among those present in the meeting were National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The NSC meeting, which comes two days after Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was detained by the Pakistani Army, returned home on March 1, took stock of the prevailing security situation.

Wing Commander Abhinandan, flying the MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace. In the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Although he ejected safely, the pilot was taken into custody by the Pakistan Army upon landing.

On February 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the release of Abhinandan on March 1, calling his decision a “peace gesture.”

However, India used diplomatic and military pressure to ensure that Pakistan releases Abhinandan unconditionally, top sources in New Delhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no compromises on the Pakistani proposal for holding talks, sources said.

India mounted pressure on Pakistan through the international community, with NSA Doval holding talks with the US and other P-5 countries, the sources said. The External Affairs Ministry also exerted pressure on Pakistan through the Arab world to ensure smooth release of Abhinandan, they said.&nbsp;

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Among those present in the meeting were National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The NSC meeting, which comes two days after Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was detained by the Pakistani Army, returned home on March 1, took stock of the prevailing security situation. Wing Commander Abhinandan, flying the MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace. In the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Although he ejected safely, the pilot was taken into custody by the Pakistan Army upon landing. On February 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the release of Abhinandan on March 1, calling his decision a “peace gesture.” However, India used diplomatic and military pressure to ensure that Pakistan releases Abhinandan unconditionally, top sources in New Delhi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no compromises on the Pakistani proposal for holding talks, sources said. India mounted pressure on Pakistan through the international community, with NSA Doval holding talks with the US and other P-5 countries, the sources said. The External Affairs Ministry also exerted pressure on Pakistan through the Arab world to ensure smooth release of Abhinandan, they said.

Amid high tensions between India and Pakistan, PM Modi calls National Security Council meeting

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21.&nbsp;

The sources added that the injury to his rib may have been caused by the attack on him by local Pakistani villagers.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/abhinandans-moustache-takes-internet-by-storm-200797">Abhinandan's jet was shot down on Wednesday</a>. (He was before that able <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-says-it-is-seeking-information-on-whether-pakistan-used-f-16s-to-shoot-down-indian-jet-200891">to shoot down a Pakistani F-16</a>.)&nbsp;

When he landed, he asked the locals whether he was in India or Pakistan. They said India but Abhinandan realised better and backed away from away.&nbsp;

He fired his service revolver in the air to keep the locals off him, and tried to swallow the documents he had on his possession.&nbsp;

The locals caught up with him and began to beat him.

He was finally rescued by Pakistan Army personnel.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was returned to India on Friday night.&nbsp;

After his return, he was kept at the&nbsp;Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. He is currently undergoing a "cooling down" process, a series of medical check-ups which are expected to last till Sunday. He will then be debriefed.&nbsp;

He will undergo further&nbsp;check-ups and treatment at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Rao Bhamre met IAF Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanVarthaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanVarthaman</a> at Army Hospital Research And Referral in Delhi, today. <a href="https://t.co/cCwNKoaBTi">pic.twitter.com/cCwNKoaBTi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102210708471799808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The sources added Sunday that Abhinandan had been checked for bugs — an MRI had been done on him — but that none were found planted on him. The MRI is what had shown up the injuries to the lower spine and the rib.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib. The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21. The sources added that the injury to his rib may have been caused by the attack on him by local Pakistani villagers. Abhinandan's jet was shot down on Wednesday. (He was before that able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16.) When he landed, he asked the locals whether he was in India or Pakistan. They said India but Abhinandan realised better and backed away from away. He fired his service revolver in the air to keep the locals off him, and tried to swallow the documents he had on his possession. The locals caught up with him and began to beat him. He was finally rescued by Pakistan Army personnel. Abhinandan was returned to India on Friday night. After his return, he was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. He is currently undergoing a "cooling down" process, a series of medical check-ups which are expected to last till Sunday. He will then be debriefed. He will undergo further check-ups and treatment at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Rao Bhamre met IAF Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman at Army Hospital Research And Referral in Delhi, today. pic.twitter.com/cCwNKoaBTi — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2019 × The sources added Sunday that Abhinandan had been checked for bugs — an MRI had been done on him — but that none were found planted on him. The MRI is what had shown up the injuries to the lower spine and the rib. (With inputs from ANI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan's lower spine, rib hurt: Sources

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at opposition parties, alleging they "raised doubts" on the courage of the armed forces and their demand for proof of the IAF airstrike brought a "smile on Pakistan's face".

He said these parties should "keep quiet" if they were unable to appreciate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's armed forces had achieved through the air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

Praising the PM's leadership, Shah claimed Modi went about his work routinely even as he thought up a plan to punish the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

He claimed Modi made the country understand what "zero tolerance" for terror meant by ordering the surgical strike and air strike.

"Opposition leaders do not know what happened. Mamata di asks for proof. Rahul baba says it is being politicised. Akhilesh asks for a probe. Be ashamed that your statements have brought a smile on Pakistan's face," Shah said.

"Pakistan smiled only after the press conferences of the opposition leaders where they raised questions on the courage of the armed forces," Shah claimed.

"We can understand that you do not have the courage of Modi ji, but if you cannot support and praise what Modi ji and the armed forces did, then at least keep quiet," he said.

"After the Pulwama attack, people said surgical strike was not possible, as army could not go (to bust terror camps). Modiji, while going about his routine work quietly, decided and planned (the counterattack) and our brave air force jawans killed hundreds of terrorists in an air strike and came back safely," he said.

He said with these strikes on terror camps, India has become only the third country in the world after the US and Israel to avenge attacks on its armed forces personnel.

"Now the world accepts that India cannot be taken lightly. The entire world accepts that one cannot tamper with India's borders. The entire world now accepts that it is not easy to touch Indian soldiers. They will get the response for a bullet with a cannon," he said.

Addressing a gathering of PM's Modh Vanik community here, Shah said Modi had come from a humble background and had become the PM of the world's largest democracy.

He said while Modi "does not believe in casteism", the fact remains that he comes from the same community which has made its presence felt across the country through sheer hard work and good behaviour.

Shah said he knew Modi since 1980, when the latter was an unknown political entity to most, and claimed the PM has worked tirelessly to ensure ordinary workers like him (Shah) rose in the party.

"Modi ji does not believe in casteism. Ever since he accepted public life, he always worked to remove the pollution of caste from politics. But it a fact that Modi ji also comes from the same community," he told the gathering.

Shah said the Modi government took several decisions to promote small businesses like waiving GST for firms with a turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at opposition parties, alleging they "raised doubts" on the courage of the armed forces and their demand for proof of the IAF airstrike brought a "smile on Pakistan's face".

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at opposition parties, alleging they "raised doubts" on the courage of the armed forces and their demand for proof of the IAF airstrike brought a "smile on Pakistan's face". He said these parties should "keep quiet" if they were unable to appreciate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's armed forces had achieved through the air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot. Praising the PM's leadership, Shah claimed Modi went about his work routinely even as he thought up a plan to punish the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel. He claimed Modi made the country understand what "zero tolerance" for terror meant by ordering the surgical strike and air strike. "Opposition leaders do not know what happened. Mamata di asks for proof. Rahul baba says it is being politicised. Akhilesh asks for a probe. Be ashamed that your statements have brought a smile on Pakistan's face," Shah said. "Pakistan smiled only after the press conferences of the opposition leaders where they raised questions on the courage of the armed forces," Shah claimed. "We can understand that you do not have the courage of Modi ji, but if you cannot support and praise what Modi ji and the armed forces did, then at least keep quiet," he said. "After the Pulwama attack, people said surgical strike was not possible, as army could not go (to bust terror camps). Modiji, while going about his routine work quietly, decided and planned (the counterattack) and our brave air force jawans killed hundreds of terrorists in an air strike and came back safely," he said. He said with these strikes on terror camps, India has become only the third country in the world after the US and Israel to avenge attacks on its armed forces personnel. "Now the world accepts that India cannot be taken lightly. The entire world accepts that one cannot tamper with India's borders. The entire world now accepts that it is not easy to touch Indian soldiers. They will get the response for a bullet with a cannon," he said. Addressing a gathering of PM's Modh Vanik community here, Shah said Modi had come from a humble background and had become the PM of the world's largest democracy. He said while Modi "does not believe in casteism", the fact remains that he comes from the same community which has made its presence felt across the country through sheer hard work and good behaviour. Shah said he knew Modi since 1980, when the latter was an unknown political entity to most, and claimed the PM has worked tirelessly to ensure ordinary workers like him (Shah) rose in the party. "Modi ji does not believe in casteism. Ever since he accepted public life, he always worked to remove the pollution of caste from politics. But it a fact that Modi ji also comes from the same community," he told the gathering. Shah said the Modi government took several decisions to promote small businesses like waiving GST for firms with a turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh.

Opposition's 'proof, probe' talk on air strike made Pakistan smile, claims Amit Shah

Delhi and the national capital region including Noida and Ghaziabad among others witnessed rains and cool breeze on early Sunday morning and according to the weather department the temperature is expected to dip in the next four to five days.

Light spells of rain and thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds will also continue intermittently.

This comes a day after the national capital recorded the coldest day of March in four years at 13 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

With partly cloudy sky, the minimum and maximum temperature at Delhi-Safdarjung was recorded at 11.5 degree Celsius ( a departure of minus two degrees from normal ) and 19.3 degree Celsius (a departure of minus eight degrees Celsius), IMD said.

Delhi and Gurgaon witnessed rain through the night and early morning today. In the last 24 hours from 08:30 am on Friday, Delhi’s Palam Observatory recorded 7.1 mm of rain and Safdarjung at 9.6 mm, according to IMD. The skies cleared up to sunshine in late morning.

"Overcast conditions with light to moderate rain and thunderstorm accompanied by&nbsp;hailstorm, lightning and strong surface winds are expected to till March 4," a met official said.

The rainfall is due to a western disturbance that lies as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan and as an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and neighbourhood, the country's apex weather agency said.

Fresh rainfall and winds have brought some respite from air pollution but the AQI was recorded at 142 in the "moderate" category, according to SAFAR. 
Delhi is likely to witness an extended winter season till March 6 due to the cold wind and intense western disturbances," private weather forecasting agency Skymet said.&nbsp;

Rains were also recorded in several parts of&nbsp;Northeast&nbsp;including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. South Indian states will experience drizzling along with thunderstorm, reported Skymet.&nbsp;

Delhi and the national capital region including Noida and Ghaziabad among others witnessed rains and cool breeze on early Sunday morning and according to the weather department the temperature is expected to dip in the next four to five days.

Delhi and the national capital region including Noida and Ghaziabad among others witnessed rains and cool breeze on early Sunday morning and according to the weather department the temperature is expected to dip in the next four to five days. Light spells of rain and thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds will also continue intermittently. This comes a day after the national capital recorded the coldest day of March in four years at 13 degrees Celsius on Saturday. With partly cloudy sky, the minimum and maximum temperature at Delhi-Safdarjung was recorded at 11.5 degree Celsius ( a departure of minus two degrees from normal ) and 19.3 degree Celsius (a departure of minus eight degrees Celsius), IMD said. Delhi and Gurgaon witnessed rain through the night and early morning today. In the last 24 hours from 08:30 am on Friday, Delhi’s Palam Observatory recorded 7.1 mm of rain and Safdarjung at 9.6 mm, according to IMD. The skies cleared up to sunshine in late morning. "Overcast conditions with light to moderate rain and thunderstorm accompanied by hailstorm, lightning and strong surface winds are expected to till March 4," a met official said. The rainfall is due to a western disturbance that lies as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan and as an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and neighbourhood, the country's apex weather agency said. Fresh rainfall and winds have brought some respite from air pollution but the AQI was recorded at 142 in the "moderate" category, according to SAFAR. Delhi is likely to witness an extended winter season till March 6 due to the cold wind and intense western disturbances," private weather forecasting agency Skymet said. Rains were also recorded in several parts of Northeast including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. South Indian states will experience drizzling along with thunderstorm, reported Skymet.

Rains in Delhi, temperature to dip over next few days

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Sunday likened the turnout at the BJP-led coalition's rally in Patna, which was addressed among others by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the gatherings that he attracted whenever he stopped by at a betel shop on the roadside.

The characteristic swagger of the jailed RJD supremo evoked an angry response from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who taunted Prasad over allegations of corruption and patronage to criminals.

Prasad whose Twitter handle is operated by his close aides, while he is himself at Ranchi serving sentences in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets on the Sankalp Rally which served as the first occasion for the prime minister to share the stage with the RJD supremo's arch-rival Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The NDA in Bihar at present constitutes the BJP, Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party.

"Narendra Modi, Nitish and Paswan exerted themselves for months, even used the government machinery to ensure a handsome turnout at Gandhi Maidan. The number of people who gathered there was about the same that I get flanked by whenever I stop my car at a paan ki gumti (betel shop). Try harder gentlemen, get the cameras zoomed (in) a bit more," Yadav said mockingly in his first tweet.

"The great public of Bihar, which always upholds justice, cut them down to size. When a man watches his plan fail, he can utter any type of falsehood, come up with all sorts of jumlas. Possibility of a defeat in Bihar has so badly shaken confidence that a speech teleprompter has been installed even though the address is being made in Hindi," the RJD supremo said in another tweet with the hashtag #BiharRejectsModi.

Sushil Kumar Modi came up with the riposte: "Everybody knows what type of crowds flanked the one whose rule was known for irregularities in purchase of fodder for cattle, B.Ed degrees awarded to young people aspiring for a career in teaching, and bitumen used in construction of roads. Clowns too are known to attract crowds.

"The convicted Lalu Prasad is frustrated over the enthusiastic response that the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, both enjoying clean images, have received at the rally."

Meanwhile, the RJD's allies in the state -- the Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party and Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha -- besides other anti-NDA parties like CPI, CPI(ML) and the Aam Aadmi Party also issued statements describing the rally as a "super flop" and accused the BJP-led coalition of misusing government machinery to ensure a satisfactory turnout.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Sunday likened the turnout at the BJP-led coalition's rally in Patna, which was addressed among others by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the gatherings that he attracted whenever he stopped by at a betel shop on the roadside.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Sunday likened the turnout at the BJP-led coalition's rally in Patna, which was addressed among others by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the gatherings that he attracted whenever he stopped by at a betel shop on the roadside. The characteristic swagger of the jailed RJD supremo evoked an angry response from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who taunted Prasad over allegations of corruption and patronage to criminals. Prasad whose Twitter handle is operated by his close aides, while he is himself at Ranchi serving sentences in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets on the Sankalp Rally which served as the first occasion for the prime minister to share the stage with the RJD supremo's arch-rival Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA in Bihar at present constitutes the BJP, Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party. "Narendra Modi, Nitish and Paswan exerted themselves for months, even used the government machinery to ensure a handsome turnout at Gandhi Maidan. The number of people who gathered there was about the same that I get flanked by whenever I stop my car at a paan ki gumti (betel shop). Try harder gentlemen, get the cameras zoomed (in) a bit more," Yadav said mockingly in his first tweet. "The great public of Bihar, which always upholds justice, cut them down to size. When a man watches his plan fail, he can utter any type of falsehood, come up with all sorts of jumlas. Possibility of a defeat in Bihar has so badly shaken confidence that a speech teleprompter has been installed even though the address is being made in Hindi," the RJD supremo said in another tweet with the hashtag #BiharRejectsModi. Sushil Kumar Modi came up with the riposte: "Everybody knows what type of crowds flanked the one whose rule was known for irregularities in purchase of fodder for cattle, B.Ed degrees awarded to young people aspiring for a career in teaching, and bitumen used in construction of roads. Clowns too are known to attract crowds. "The convicted Lalu Prasad is frustrated over the enthusiastic response that the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, both enjoying clean images, have received at the rally." Meanwhile, the RJD's allies in the state -- the Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party and Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha -- besides other anti-NDA parties like CPI, CPI(ML) and the Aam Aadmi Party also issued statements describing the rally as a "super flop" and accused the BJP-led coalition of misusing government machinery to ensure a satisfactory turnout.

Lalu Yadav, Sushil Modi cross swords over PM Modi's rally in Patna

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." &nbsp;

Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years. We have to reach in top 25 soon."

The Prime Minister also informed that in the present day, India is the third largest startup nation in the world.

"India today is the third largest startup country. In the last 3-4 years, more than 15000 startups have been set up. Majority of the startups that have begun are from small towns," he added.

Taking a jibe at the previous governments, he alleged that before his government came into power, taxpayers were called "thieves."

"Initially taxpayers were called thieves. I changed this perception. Even the utmost respect given to taxpayers is less. It is the taxpayer who builds the country."

A total of 1,373 teams comprising more than 10,500 students are participating in the hackathon across the country to develop coding solutions for problems put forth under several domains by various ministries.The hardware edition of the hackathon would be held in June 2019.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years. We have to reach in top 25 soon." The Prime Minister also informed that in the present day, India is the third largest startup nation in the world. "India today is the third largest startup country. In the last 3-4 years, more than 15000 startups have been set up. Majority of the startups that have begun are from small towns," he added. Taking a jibe at the previous governments, he alleged that before his government came into power, taxpayers were called "thieves." "Initially taxpayers were called thieves. I changed this perception. Even the utmost respect given to taxpayers is less. It is the taxpayer who builds the country." A total of 1,373 teams comprising more than 10,500 students are participating in the hackathon across the country to develop coding solutions for problems put forth under several domains by various ministries.The hardware edition of the hackathon would be held in June 2019.

India is third largest startup nation in world: PM Modi

Former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh is appointed as the first Lokayukta of Odisha.

Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has approved his name following the recommendation of selection committee headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik which unanimously selected Ajit Singh as the Lokayukta chairperson.

Singh held the post of Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court from March 5, 2016, till his retirement on November 5 last year.

Born on September 6, 1956, Singh practised on civil, criminal and constitutional sides in the High court of Madhya Pradesh and has been appointed as Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 1, 2002, and permanent Judge on March 21, 2003.

He was transferred to Rajasthan High Court on March 5, 2016.&nbsp;

Former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh is appointed as the first Lokayukta of Odisha. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has approved his name following the recommendation of selection committee headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik which unanimously selected Ajit Singh as the Lokayukta chairperson.

Former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh is appointed as the first Lokayukta of Odisha. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has approved his name following the recommendation of selection committee headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik which unanimously selected Ajit Singh as the Lokayukta chairperson. Singh held the post of Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court from March 5, 2016, till his retirement on November 5 last year. Born on September 6, 1956, Singh practised on civil, criminal and constitutional sides in the High court of Madhya Pradesh and has been appointed as Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 1, 2002, and permanent Judge on March 21, 2003. He was transferred to Rajasthan High Court on March 5, 2016.

Former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh appointed as first Lokayukta of Odisha

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Saturday, said that Tripura is country's number one gas producing point and every poor household in the state will have LPG connection in 2019. &nbsp;

He said that ONGC Tripura has recorded its highest ever production at 4.96 MMSCMD (Million Metric Standard Cubic Meter Per Day) on Saturday.

"Not only 5 MMSCMD but we can produce 10 MMCMD from here for the upcoming 15-20 years," said Dharmendra Pradhan.

"We will try that in 2019 itself none of the poor households in Tripura is without an LPG connection," said Pradhan.

"The ONCG will fulfil all the energy requirement of the state with regard to power plants, domestic industries, transportation and domestic fuel," said Pradhan.

He said that ONGC Tripura can be the largest contributor in realising the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s "New India".

During a programme at the ONGC Tripura Asset headquarter in Badharghat, the Union Minister along with the Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb digitally inaugurated and laid foundation for four projects including ONGC Sonamura Gas Collecting Station, first PNG Connection in West Tripura district, first CNG Station in Gomati and National Skill Training Institute for Women at Agartala.

Pradhan said that Northeast is the energy storehouse in the form of a huge quantity of crude oil or natural gas found in this region.

The Union Minister said that an LPG bottling centre is coming up in the outskirts of capital Agartala and to avoid the uncertain hilly route from Guwahati, the Government of India has got it cleared from the Bangladesh government to bring LPG through the Chittagong port so that there is a steady supply of LPG to Tripura round the year. He said, in addition to this, 40 more LPG distribution centers and 150 fuel filling centers are going to come up in Tripura.

The Union Minister also declared the setting up of National Institute of Skill Trainer in Tripura at the cost of Rs 16 crores for enhancing the income of the women, especially in the SHG and household bamboo handicraft sector through advanced training.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb thanked the Union Minister for announcing various new projects for the development of the state through collaborative efforts of both the central and the state governments for better facilities and utilising of the available resources including human resource.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Saturday, said that Tripura is country's number one gas producing point and every poor household in the state will have LPG connection in 2019.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Saturday, said that Tripura is country's number one gas producing point and every poor household in the state will have LPG connection in 2019. He said that ONGC Tripura has recorded its highest ever production at 4.96 MMSCMD (Million Metric Standard Cubic Meter Per Day) on Saturday. "Not only 5 MMSCMD but we can produce 10 MMCMD from here for the upcoming 15-20 years," said Dharmendra Pradhan. "We will try that in 2019 itself none of the poor households in Tripura is without an LPG connection," said Pradhan. "The ONCG will fulfil all the energy requirement of the state with regard to power plants, domestic industries, transportation and domestic fuel," said Pradhan. He said that ONGC Tripura can be the largest contributor in realising the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s "New India". During a programme at the ONGC Tripura Asset headquarter in Badharghat, the Union Minister along with the Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb digitally inaugurated and laid foundation for four projects including ONGC Sonamura Gas Collecting Station, first PNG Connection in West Tripura district, first CNG Station in Gomati and National Skill Training Institute for Women at Agartala. Pradhan said that Northeast is the energy storehouse in the form of a huge quantity of crude oil or natural gas found in this region. The Union Minister said that an LPG bottling centre is coming up in the outskirts of capital Agartala and to avoid the uncertain hilly route from Guwahati, the Government of India has got it cleared from the Bangladesh government to bring LPG through the Chittagong port so that there is a steady supply of LPG to Tripura round the year. He said, in addition to this, 40 more LPG distribution centers and 150 fuel filling centers are going to come up in Tripura. The Union Minister also declared the setting up of National Institute of Skill Trainer in Tripura at the cost of Rs 16 crores for enhancing the income of the women, especially in the SHG and household bamboo handicraft sector through advanced training. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb thanked the Union Minister for announcing various new projects for the development of the state through collaborative efforts of both the central and the state governments for better facilities and utilising of the available resources including human resource.

Every poor household in Tripura will have LPG connection in 2019: Dharmendra Pradhan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">audio</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817"> message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes</a>

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-internal-matter-says-india-in-reaction-to-oic-resolution-200820">Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution</a>

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mueller-probe-at-cpac-says-opponents-trying-to-take-me-out-200813">Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out'</a>

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">oil</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821"> pipeline explosion</a>

Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

&nbsp;

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother. Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi. Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out' President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it." Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States. 50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after oil pipeline explosion Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

“Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted.

Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack.

On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards.

Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.

Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack.

He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries. “Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards. Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down. Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack. He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.

Russian defence minister calls up Nirmala Sitharaman, expresses condolence over Pulwama attack

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday approved the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transport System (RRTS) costing around Rs 30,668 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay the foundation stone of the 82.50 kilometre&nbsp;project on March 8.

"The project would be designed for a speed of 180 km per hour but the average speed would be 100 km per hour," said the Sidharth Nath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Health Minister.

He said that funding for the project would be a 'mix'&nbsp;funding from central government, Delhi government, Uttar Pradesh government and through the loan."The funding would be of mix type. The central government and both the Delhi government and Uttar Pradesh government will fund. Also, some money would be drawn by means of loan," he said.

He said that the project would be completed by 2024.The minister also informed that cabinet cleared the proposal to operate electric buses in nine major cities of the state that includes Lucknow, Prayagraj, Agra, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Varanasi, Shahjahanpur and Mathura.

He informed that the cabinet has also approved a discount of 25 per cent against existing 20 per cent to customers at the Gandhi Ashram on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday approved the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transport System (RRTS) costing around Rs 30,668 crore.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday approved the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transport System (RRTS) costing around Rs 30,668 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay the foundation stone of the 82.50 kilometre project on March 8. "The project would be designed for a speed of 180 km per hour but the average speed would be 100 km per hour," said the Sidharth Nath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Health Minister. He said that funding for the project would be a 'mix' funding from central government, Delhi government, Uttar Pradesh government and through the loan."The funding would be of mix type. The central government and both the Delhi government and Uttar Pradesh government will fund. Also, some money would be drawn by means of loan," he said. He said that the project would be completed by 2024.The minister also informed that cabinet cleared the proposal to operate electric buses in nine major cities of the state that includes Lucknow, Prayagraj, Agra, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Varanasi, Shahjahanpur and Mathura. He informed that the cabinet has also approved a discount of 25 per cent against existing 20 per cent to customers at the Gandhi Ashram on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

UP cabinet approves Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transport System

india-news

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

india news