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The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers'&nbsp;meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference at the end of the meet, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "OIC has sent a very clear and positive sign to India and its people, that the OIC appreciates the relationship with India."

Al Nahyan added that the organisation&nbsp;"looks forward to strengthening such a relationship with India to the point where we can embrace India one day in the OIC."

It was for the first time India was invited at the OIC meeting.

India was invited by UAE as a "Guest of Honour" and this was backed by Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

Calling India's presence historic, the UAE foreign minister said, "I know we are not there yet for obvious reasons but what I can say is that having India as a guest of honour was a historic moment for the both OIC and India."

Replying to a question on OIC's strong statement on Kashmir which it has been doing since many years, Al Nahyan said, "The language you are referring to has been in our previous statements but I think the most important change is that the OIC is having India as the guest of honour."

Calling the speech made by External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj as "positive, strong, dedicated" the UAE foreign minister said, it was "very well received" by all. EAM's speech focused on India's diversity as an example and its linkages with the members of the grouping. She also slammed Pakistan without taking any name, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps."

India's presence at the meet is being considered as big diplomatic coup since the grouping once was considered a supporter of Islamabad.

Pakistan boycotted the plenary session of OIC at the Foreign Minister level due to Indian presence. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India but the plea did not receive any response.

Meanwhile, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ahmad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders noted the "historic significance" of participation of India’s as Guest of Honour in the OIC FMs meets in UAE.

During the conversation, Modi underscored that "terrorism continues to pose a serious risk to peace and security in the region" and stressed the importance of "demonstrable and immediate" action by the "concerned" for putting an end to all forms of terrorism, according to a statement by the government.&nbsp;

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers' meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the participation of India as the guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi foreign ministers' meet and, it said, hopes to embrace India one day. Speaking at a press conference at the end of the meet, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "OIC has sent a very clear and positive sign to India and its people, that the OIC appreciates the relationship with India." Al Nahyan added that the organisation "looks forward to strengthening such a relationship with India to the point where we can embrace India one day in the OIC." It was for the first time India was invited at the OIC meeting. India was invited by UAE as a "Guest of Honour" and this was backed by Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. Calling India's presence historic, the UAE foreign minister said, "I know we are not there yet for obvious reasons but what I can say is that having India as a guest of honour was a historic moment for the both OIC and India." Replying to a question on OIC's strong statement on Kashmir which it has been doing since many years, Al Nahyan said, "The language you are referring to has been in our previous statements but I think the most important change is that the OIC is having India as the guest of honour." Calling the speech made by External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj as "positive, strong, dedicated" the UAE foreign minister said, it was "very well received" by all. EAM's speech focused on India's diversity as an example and its linkages with the members of the grouping. She also slammed Pakistan without taking any name, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps." India's presence at the meet is being considered as big diplomatic coup since the grouping once was considered a supporter of Islamabad. Pakistan boycotted the plenary session of OIC at the Foreign Minister level due to Indian presence. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India but the plea did not receive any response. Meanwhile, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ahmad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders noted the "historic significance" of participation of India’s as Guest of Honour in the OIC FMs meets in UAE. During the conversation, Modi underscored that "terrorism continues to pose a serious risk to peace and security in the region" and stressed the importance of "demonstrable and immediate" action by the "concerned" for putting an end to all forms of terrorism, according to a statement by the government.

Hope to one day embrace India in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation: UAE foreign affairs minister

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country,&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people&nbsp;contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. &nbsp;

Qureshi said&nbsp;"They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them".

Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber&nbsp;Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack.

India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan.

When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it".

On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-is-in-pakistan-and-is-very-unwell-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-200428">Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell</a>.&nbsp;

Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell".

India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. Qureshi said "They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them". Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack. India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan. When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it". On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell. Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell". India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.

Day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in country, Pakistan denies JeM role in Pulwama terror attack

A day after he was returned from captivity, sources have said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-week-that-was-timeline-of-india-pak-powerplay-leading-to-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-release-200686">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a> was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis but that he went through a lot of mental harassment.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported the sources as saying that after returning from Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has informed that though he was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis, he went through a lot of mental harassment.&nbsp;

ANI did not say who the sources were.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Sources: After returning from Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has informed that though he was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis; he went through a lot of mental harassment. <a href="https://t.co/x7C3lFsrSR">pic.twitter.com/x7C3lFsrSR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1101826679037743104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Abhinandan had been beaten by locals after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down on Wednesday in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was later rescued by Pakistani Army personnel.&nbsp;

Abhinandan had taken down a Pakistani F-16 before being shot down.&nbsp;

Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-meets-wing-commander-abhinandan-he-is-currently-undergoing-cooling-process-200730">a "cooling down" process</a> at the&nbsp;Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. The "cooling down" will continue till Sunday. Once the health check-up is over, officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed.&nbsp;

A day after he was returned from captivity, sources have said Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis but that he went through a lot of mental harassment.

A day after he was returned from captivity, sources have said Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis but that he went through a lot of mental harassment. The news agency ANI reported the sources as saying that after returning from Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has informed that though he was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis, he went through a lot of mental harassment. ANI did not say who the sources were. Sources: After returning from Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has informed that though he was not physically tortured by the Pakistanis; he went through a lot of mental harassment. pic.twitter.com/x7C3lFsrSR — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × Abhinandan had been beaten by locals after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down on Wednesday in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was later rescued by Pakistani Army personnel. Abhinandan had taken down a Pakistani F-16 before being shot down. Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests, a "cooling down" process at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. The "cooling down" will continue till Sunday. Once the health check-up is over, officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed.

Not physically tortured but Wing Commander Abhinandan went through a lot of mental harassment: Sources

Former ICICI Bank managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar has been called by the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai for questioning in ICICI Bank-Videocon loan case, news agency ANI reported.

According to reports, Videocon's Venugopal Dhoot has also been called today for questioning.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the ED, on Friday, carried out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/icici-bank-videocon-case-ed-searches-office-residential-premises-of-chanda-kochhar-dhoot-200421">searches at the premises of Chanda Kochhar and Dhoot</a>.

The raids were carried out in at least five office and residential premises in Mumbai and a few other locations, the officials stated.

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Former ICICI Bank MD &amp; CEO Chanda Kochhar has been called by Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai for questioning in ICICI Bank-Videocon loan case. Videocon's Venugopal Dhoot has also been called today.Yesterday,ED had searched premises of Chanda Kochhar and Venugopal Dhoot.(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/ZxdvmLdtVN">pic.twitter.com/ZxdvmLdtVN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1101691337601036288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The agency had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) earlier this month against Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by the ICICI bank to the corporate group.

The CBI had lodged a complaint in the matter last month naming Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, and Dhoot and his companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL).

It is alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhar's company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009.

The CBI also alleged that the ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former ICICI Bank managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar has been called by the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai for questioning in ICICI Bank-Videocon loan case, news agency ANI reported.

Former ICICI Bank managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar has been called by the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai for questioning in ICICI Bank-Videocon loan case, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Videocon's Venugopal Dhoot has also been called today for questioning. This comes a day after the ED, on Friday, carried out searches at the premises of Chanda Kochhar and Dhoot. The raids were carried out in at least five office and residential premises in Mumbai and a few other locations, the officials stated. Former ICICI Bank MD & CEO Chanda Kochhar has been called by Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai for questioning in ICICI Bank-Videocon loan case. Videocon's Venugopal Dhoot has also been called today.Yesterday,ED had searched premises of Chanda Kochhar and Venugopal Dhoot.(file pic) pic.twitter.com/ZxdvmLdtVN — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × The agency had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) earlier this month against Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by the ICICI bank to the corporate group. The CBI had lodged a complaint in the matter last month naming Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, and Dhoot and his companies -- Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL). It is alleged that Dhoot had invested in Deepak Kochhar's company Nupower through his firm Supreme Energy a quid pro quo to loans cleared by ICICI Bank after Chanda Kochhar took over as the CEO of the bank on May 1, 2009. The CBI also alleged that the ownership of Nupower and Supreme Energy changed hands through a complex web of shared transactions between Deepak Kochhar and Dhoot. (With inputs from agencies)

ICICI bank-Videocon case: Chanda Kochhar, Dhoot to be questioned by ED today 

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/day-1-aero-india-2019-198720">Rafale</a> deal.

The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph will hear the review petitions.

On February 26, in an unusual course of action, the apex court decided to hear the review pleas in open court.

According to the normal course of the court, the review petitions are usually heard in chambers.

In its December 14 order, the Supreme Court had dismissed petitions seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Rafale deal signed two years back, alleging irregularities and corruption in the pact.

The court had said that it does not find any substantial material on record to show that this is a case of commercial favouritism to any party by the Government of India. The deal was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to France in April 2015 and the deal was concluded in 2016.

On January 2, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petitioners-arun-shourie-yashwant-sinha-prashant-bhushan-to-move-sc-for-review-of-rafale-judgment-187838">petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal case</a> — Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, both former Union Ministers, and Prashant Bhushan, a noted lawyer — had moved the apex court for review of its Rafale judgment of December 14.

They had asked for recalling of the judgement and had also sought an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea.

Their petition states that the December 14 verdict contained several errors and also it relied upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of the principle of natural justice.

They also alleged that Prime Minister Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Air Force Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any defence procurement.

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the Rafale deal. The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

The Supreme Court will on March 6 hear review petitions over its earlier verdict on the Rafale deal. The court, in its verdict, had refused to order a probe into the deal on the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph will hear the review petitions. On February 26, in an unusual course of action, the apex court decided to hear the review pleas in open court. According to the normal course of the court, the review petitions are usually heard in chambers. In its December 14 order, the Supreme Court had dismissed petitions seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Rafale deal signed two years back, alleging irregularities and corruption in the pact. The court had said that it does not find any substantial material on record to show that this is a case of commercial favouritism to any party by the Government of India. The deal was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to France in April 2015 and the deal was concluded in 2016. On January 2, petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal case — Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, both former Union Ministers, and Prashant Bhushan, a noted lawyer — had moved the apex court for review of its Rafale judgment of December 14. They had asked for recalling of the judgement and had also sought an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea. Their petition states that the December 14 verdict contained several errors and also it relied upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of the principle of natural justice. They also alleged that Prime Minister Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Air Force Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any defence procurement.

Supreme Court to hear petitions seeking review of Rafale judgement on March 6

The Madras High Court Friday declined to grant any interim relief to Vedanta group's Sterlite for carrying out maintenance work at its closed copper smelter unit in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

Hearing a petition by the company challenging the closure order, a division bench of justices M Sathyanarayanan and M Nirmal Kumar, however, cautioned the state government, under whose control the unit was now, it would be held responsible in the event of any mishap or environmental damage.

It recorded an undertaking given by Advocate General Vijay Narayan, who appeared for the government, that the state would take all such responsibility and posted the matter to March 27 for further hearing.

The bench also directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to file its reply by then.

Sterlite in its petition, filed in line with the Supreme Court's recent suggestion, has challenged the May 23, 2018 orders of TNPCB refusing renewal of consent to the plant as well as permanent closure, terming them as wholly illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires.

The state government ordered the permanent closure in the wake of violent protests against Sterlite that led to the killing of 13 people in police firing on May 22 on a huge crowd in Tuticorin.

The locals were protesting against environment pollution being allegedly caused by the factory.

The apex court on February 18 had set aside the order of the National Green Tribunal allowing opening of the copper unit but gave the liberty to the company to approach the high court against the closure order.

A bench of justices R F Nariman and Navin Sinha had said if such a petition is filed by the company, it can seek an interim relief considering the fact that their plant at Tuticorin has been shut down since April 9, 2018.&nbsp;

Accordingly, the company moved the high court Wednesday.

When the petition came up for hearing, senior counsel Aryama Sundaram, who appeared for Sterlite, contended that there had been a motivated political campaign against the company from its inception in 1996.

The factory had been functioning with consent orders, including permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for expansion, he submitted.

In view of the company securing the nod for expansion, the protests were held, leading to violence and police firing. This was the reason for the closure of the factory, he said.&nbsp;

The counsel said the TNPCB had refused to renew the consent citing what he called five untenable reasons. This was followed by another four orders and six other consequential orders before the final closure of the factory.

Sundaram said the unit was now under the control of the District Collector, who has no technical know-how to maintain the factory.

Therefore, till the high court decided on the present petition, the management should be permitted to open the administrative wing for the limited purpose of taking care and maintenance of the factory since its condition was in a bad shape, the counsel said.

The management will give an undertaking that no production work would be taken up, he added.

It was also argued on behalf of Sterlite by two other senior counsels that if the company loses its case, it may shift the unit elsewhere but till then the property should be protected.

They submitted a running factory cannot be closed unless there was a finding that it causes pollution.

Countering the submissions, senior counsel C S Vaidyanathan for TNPCB submitted that the state government officials had all the knowledge and expertise to take care of maintenance and that the state would be responsible for any problems.

Counsels for impleading petitioners claimed that the factory caused air and water pollution affecting 10,000 people in the locality and their lives were at stake. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

The Madras High Court Friday declined to grant any interim relief to Vedanta group's Sterlite for carrying out maintenance work at its closed copper smelter unit in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The Madras High Court Friday declined to grant any interim relief to Vedanta group's Sterlite for carrying out maintenance work at its closed copper smelter unit in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. Hearing a petition by the company challenging the closure order, a division bench of justices M Sathyanarayanan and M Nirmal Kumar, however, cautioned the state government, under whose control the unit was now, it would be held responsible in the event of any mishap or environmental damage. It recorded an undertaking given by Advocate General Vijay Narayan, who appeared for the government, that the state would take all such responsibility and posted the matter to March 27 for further hearing. The bench also directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to file its reply by then. Sterlite in its petition, filed in line with the Supreme Court's recent suggestion, has challenged the May 23, 2018 orders of TNPCB refusing renewal of consent to the plant as well as permanent closure, terming them as wholly illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires. The state government ordered the permanent closure in the wake of violent protests against Sterlite that led to the killing of 13 people in police firing on May 22 on a huge crowd in Tuticorin. The locals were protesting against environment pollution being allegedly caused by the factory. The apex court on February 18 had set aside the order of the National Green Tribunal allowing opening of the copper unit but gave the liberty to the company to approach the high court against the closure order. A bench of justices R F Nariman and Navin Sinha had said if such a petition is filed by the company, it can seek an interim relief considering the fact that their plant at Tuticorin has been shut down since April 9, 2018. Accordingly, the company moved the high court Wednesday. When the petition came up for hearing, senior counsel Aryama Sundaram, who appeared for Sterlite, contended that there had been a motivated political campaign against the company from its inception in 1996. The factory had been functioning with consent orders, including permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for expansion, he submitted. In view of the company securing the nod for expansion, the protests were held, leading to violence and police firing. This was the reason for the closure of the factory, he said. The counsel said the TNPCB had refused to renew the consent citing what he called five untenable reasons. This was followed by another four orders and six other consequential orders before the final closure of the factory. Sundaram said the unit was now under the control of the District Collector, who has no technical know-how to maintain the factory. Therefore, till the high court decided on the present petition, the management should be permitted to open the administrative wing for the limited purpose of taking care and maintenance of the factory since its condition was in a bad shape, the counsel said. The management will give an undertaking that no production work would be taken up, he added. It was also argued on behalf of Sterlite by two other senior counsels that if the company loses its case, it may shift the unit elsewhere but till then the property should be protected. They submitted a running factory cannot be closed unless there was a finding that it causes pollution. Countering the submissions, senior counsel C S Vaidyanathan for TNPCB submitted that the state government officials had all the knowledge and expertise to take care of maintenance and that the state would be responsible for any problems. Counsels for impleading petitioners claimed that the factory caused air and water pollution affecting 10,000 people in the locality and their lives were at stake.

Madras High Court declines interim relief to Sterlite

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday.&nbsp;

The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong also participated.

Calling China and India as, "old friends and good neighbours" of Afghanistan, Idrees Zaman said his country counts on both.&nbsp;

Zaman said, "that the three countries should further focus on training civil and military personnel, mining, increased energy production, agriculture and transportation development, regional connectivity, establishing a joint chamber of commerce between the three countries, and areas of mutual economic interest."

According to a statement from Afghan foreign ministry, Indian and Chinese ambassadors appreciated their contribution in holding the meeting and added both New Delhi and Bejing "are ready for necessary cooperation in the mentioned areas."

The meet is significant since India, China are increasing there cooperation for Afghanistan's development.&nbsp;

After the informal Wuhan Summit, last year in April between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both New Delhi and Beijing jointly agreed to train Afghan diplomats.

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday. The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman.

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday. The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong also participated. Calling China and India as, "old friends and good neighbours" of Afghanistan, Idrees Zaman said his country counts on both. Zaman said, "that the three countries should further focus on training civil and military personnel, mining, increased energy production, agriculture and transportation development, regional connectivity, establishing a joint chamber of commerce between the three countries, and areas of mutual economic interest." According to a statement from Afghan foreign ministry, Indian and Chinese ambassadors appreciated their contribution in holding the meeting and added both New Delhi and Bejing "are ready for necessary cooperation in the mentioned areas." The meet is significant since India, China are increasing there cooperation for Afghanistan's development. After the informal Wuhan Summit, last year in April between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both New Delhi and Beijing jointly agreed to train Afghan diplomats.

Afghanistan refers to India, China as 'old friends & good neighbours' at first trilateral meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability.

Hitting out at the opposition and dynastic politics, Modi said "My only family is 130 crore Indians. I will live for them. I will die for them," he said.

After launching some projects in the Rail and Road sectors here, Modi also took a dig at Congress leader P Chidambaram, saying the 'recounting minister' has to now apply for bail just like the party's 'first family', apparently referring to the Aircel-Maxis deal.

"The 2019 Lok Sabha elections have two distinct sides. Our side offers strength and stability.

The other offers weakness and vulnerability. Our leaders' work culture is known across India. But the other side is in confusion. They have no name to offer as a national leader and have no vision for India's growth," he said.

Modi has been describing the proposed opposition coalition or 'mahagathbandhan' as 'mahamilavat,' (adulterated).

Recalling the 2009 polls, Modi took a dig at the DMK-Congress coalition, saying ministers were handpicked not by the prime minister but by those who had nothing to do with public service.

"There was telephone bargaining for minister's posts," he said.

He said the NDA government took "historic" steps against corruption under which fake companies have been shut.

"The corrupt has to answer. The famous recounting minister, who took pride in treating badly, insulting the middle class, has to apply for bail just like his party's first family", he said.

Modi has on more than one occasion described Chidambaram as UPA's 'recounting minister'.

Chidambaram, now a Rajya Sabha MP, won the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu by a slender margin of 3,354 votes after a seesaw battle.

Confusion had prevailed then as election officials delayed the declaration of the result due to a dispute in the counting of votes in respect of the final round.

Chidambaram, then Home Minister, was declared elected later after the votes were tallied again vis-a-vis the final round.

Modi had made the same "recounting minister" remark during his 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign and repeated the charge earlier this month at a public rally in Tirpur in the state.

The prime minister said while the NDA government came down heavily on corruption, it was also rewarding the honest tax payers.

"During the budget, exactly a month ago, it was announced that those earning upto Rs five lakh (per annum) will not pay income tax. Those who ruled India for such long years, did not think about middle class," he said.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said it was promoting an economic culture which benefited only the friends and family members of 'a big dynasty.' 
"If there was someone who spoke out about the economic culture of Congress, it was son of Tamil Nadu C Rajagopalachari.

We are fulfilling the dreams of Rajaji by creating an economy that is reform oriented and people friendly," Modi said.

He also accused the opposition of not having any commitment to social justice and alleged atrocities against Dalits happened during the Congress rule.

"Congress got Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar defeated not once but twice. The Congress did not give Bharat Ratna to Ambedkar for 40 years and it did not put Ambedkar's photograph in central hall of Parliament," Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha election was about offering strength against vulnerability, asserting the BJP-led NDA would provide stability. Hitting out at the opposition and dynastic politics, Modi said "My only family is 130 crore Indians. I will live for them. I will die for them," he said. After launching some projects in the Rail and Road sectors here, Modi also took a dig at Congress leader P Chidambaram, saying the 'recounting minister' has to now apply for bail just like the party's 'first family', apparently referring to the Aircel-Maxis deal. "The 2019 Lok Sabha elections have two distinct sides. Our side offers strength and stability. The other offers weakness and vulnerability. Our leaders' work culture is known across India. But the other side is in confusion. They have no name to offer as a national leader and have no vision for India's growth," he said. Modi has been describing the proposed opposition coalition or 'mahagathbandhan' as 'mahamilavat,' (adulterated). Recalling the 2009 polls, Modi took a dig at the DMK-Congress coalition, saying ministers were handpicked not by the prime minister but by those who had nothing to do with public service. "There was telephone bargaining for minister's posts," he said. He said the NDA government took "historic" steps against corruption under which fake companies have been shut. "The corrupt has to answer. The famous recounting minister, who took pride in treating badly, insulting the middle class, has to apply for bail just like his party's first family", he said. Modi has on more than one occasion described Chidambaram as UPA's 'recounting minister'. Chidambaram, now a Rajya Sabha MP, won the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu by a slender margin of 3,354 votes after a seesaw battle. Confusion had prevailed then as election officials delayed the declaration of the result due to a dispute in the counting of votes in respect of the final round. Chidambaram, then Home Minister, was declared elected later after the votes were tallied again vis-a-vis the final round. Modi had made the same "recounting minister" remark during his 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign and repeated the charge earlier this month at a public rally in Tirpur in the state. The prime minister said while the NDA government came down heavily on corruption, it was also rewarding the honest tax payers. "During the budget, exactly a month ago, it was announced that those earning upto Rs five lakh (per annum) will not pay income tax. Those who ruled India for such long years, did not think about middle class," he said. Hitting out at the Congress, Modi said it was promoting an economic culture which benefited only the friends and family members of 'a big dynasty.' "If there was someone who spoke out about the economic culture of Congress, it was son of Tamil Nadu C Rajagopalachari. We are fulfilling the dreams of Rajaji by creating an economy that is reform oriented and people friendly," Modi said. He also accused the opposition of not having any commitment to social justice and alleged atrocities against Dalits happened during the Congress rule. "Congress got Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar defeated not once but twice. The Congress did not give Bharat Ratna to Ambedkar for 40 years and it did not put Ambedkar's photograph in central hall of Parliament," Modi said.

Lok Sabha polls is all about stability versus vulnerability: PM Modi

Indian Air Force pilot <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/iaf-pilot-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-crosses-wagah-border-reaches-india-200569#abhinandan-returns-home-200563">Abhinandan Varthaman</a> landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days.

According to reports, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585">wing commander</a> was given a rousing welcome by the people gathered at the Palam airport, from where he would be taken to a medical facility for examination.&nbsp;

Varthaman was handed over to Indian authorities at Attari-Wagah border Friday evening.

Varthaman, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down, returned home from his nearly three-day captivity, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism.

He finally emerged at 9.10 p.M(IST) at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad.&nbsp;

He was wearing civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his homeland.

Varthaman will undergo debriefing Saturday which will include his physiological as well as a physical check-up in the presence of officials from the military and Intelligence agencies, reports said.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days.

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days. According to reports, the wing commander was given a rousing welcome by the people gathered at the Palam airport, from where he would be taken to a medical facility for examination. Varthaman was handed over to Indian authorities at Attari-Wagah border Friday evening. Varthaman, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down, returned home from his nearly three-day captivity, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism. He finally emerged at 9.10 p.M(IST) at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad. He was wearing civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his homeland. Varthaman will undergo debriefing Saturday which will include his physiological as well as a physical check-up in the presence of officials from the military and Intelligence agencies, reports said. (With PTI inputs)

Abhinandan lands in Delhi, to be taken to medical facility for examination 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-approves-extradition-process-of-huawei-former-cfo-meng-wanzhou-200597">Canada approves extradition process of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou</a>

The Canadian government, as expected, on Friday approved extradition proceedings against the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, prompting a furious reaction from China.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/you-rule-the-skies-and-you-rule-our-hearts-bcci-welcomes-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-200611">'You rule the skies and you rule our hearts,' BCCI welcomes IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan</a>

As the country rejoiced and celebrated the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he crossed over the Indian border at 9.17 pm on Friday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and sports fraternity flooded Twitter with welcome messages for India's hero.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-bangladesh-not-to-close-door-to-myanmar-refugees-200604">United Nations urges Bangladesh not to close </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-bangladesh-not-to-close-door-to-myanmar-refugees-200604">door</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-bangladesh-not-to-close-door-to-myanmar-refugees-200604"> to Myanmar refugees</a>

The United Nations on Friday stressed that refugees fleeing conflict should be granted safe haven after Bangladesh declared that it would no longer take in Myanmar's Rohingya.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-amid-us-sanctions-russia-pledges-new-relief-to-maduro-government-200602">Venezuela: Amid US sanctions, Russia pledges new relief to Maduro regime</a>

The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chlorine-used-in-attack-on-syrias-douma-watchdog-200600">Chlorine used in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chlorine-used-in-attack-on-syrias-douma-watchdog-200600">attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chlorine-used-in-attack-on-syrias-douma-watchdog-200600"> on Syria's Douma: Watchdog</a>

The world's chemical weapons watchdog said Friday that chlorine was used against the rebel-held Syrian town of Douma in 2018, in a long-awaited final report on the deadly attack.

&nbsp;

Canada approves extradition process of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou The Canadian government, as expected, on Friday approved extradition proceedings against the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, prompting a furious reaction from China.

Canada approves extradition process of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou The Canadian government, as expected, on Friday approved extradition proceedings against the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, prompting a furious reaction from China. 'You rule the skies and you rule our hearts,' BCCI welcomes IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan As the country rejoiced and celebrated the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he crossed over the Indian border at 9.17 pm on Friday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and sports fraternity flooded Twitter with welcome messages for India's hero. United Nations urges Bangladesh not to close door to Myanmar refugees The United Nations on Friday stressed that refugees fleeing conflict should be granted safe haven after Bangladesh declared that it would no longer take in Myanmar's Rohingya. Venezuela: Amid US sanctions, Russia pledges new relief to Maduro regime The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border. Chlorine used in attack on Syria's Douma: Watchdog The world's chemical weapons watchdog said Friday that chlorine was used against the rebel-held Syrian town of Douma in 2018, in a long-awaited final report on the deadly attack.

News brief: Big stories of the day

IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman reaches India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a>, who was brought to Delhi after Pakistan released him through the Attari-Wagah border late Friday night, underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process, officials said.

Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met his immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, they said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-chief-welcomes-iaf-pilots-return-to-india-calls-on-india-pak-to-sustain-positive-momentum-200641">Varthaman</a> arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after he was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services.

He was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets. But before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of Pakistan air force.

Wing Commander Varthaman is undergoing a series of medical tests as part of the "cooling down" process and it is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check-up phase is over, debriefing sessions will be arranged for him, the officials said.&nbsp;

When he crossed over to India Friday night, his right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen.

After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and others.&nbsp;

A video circulated on social media that he was badly beaten up by a group of people after being rescued by Pakistani security personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the return of Varthaman, saying the nation is proud of his exemplary courage.

"Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," tweeted Modi Friday night.&nbsp;

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.&nbsp;

Pakistan retaliated the strike by carrying attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday. However, the IAF thwarted their plans.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was brought to Delhi after Pakistan released him through the Attari-Wagah border late Friday night, underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process, officials said.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was brought to Delhi after Pakistan released him through the Attari-Wagah border late Friday night, underwent a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process, officials said. Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met his immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, they said. Varthaman arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after he was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services. He was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets. But before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of Pakistan air force. Wing Commander Varthaman is undergoing a series of medical tests as part of the "cooling down" process and it is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check-up phase is over, debriefing sessions will be arranged for him, the officials said. When he crossed over to India Friday night, his right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen. After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and others. A video circulated on social media that he was badly beaten up by a group of people after being rescued by Pakistani security personnel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the return of Varthaman, saying the nation is proud of his exemplary courage. "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," tweeted Modi Friday night. Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan retaliated the strike by carrying attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday. However, the IAF thwarted their plans. The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoes 'cooling down' process

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959. The F-16 is American-made and was first produced in 1978.&nbsp;

In an interview to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, &nbsp;"India was forced to defend its interests, including through the use of MiG-21 fighter aircraft supplied by Russia, which brought down the Pakistani F-16."

In response to India's counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan on Tuesday, Islamabad launched a large-scale air force raid into Indian airspace. The Pakistani operation was aimed at Indian military installations.

In the skirmish that followed, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was later shot down and he was captured.&nbsp;

The MiG-21 Bison is a single engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter aircraft of Russian origin and forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

India is the largest operator of the MiG-21, which also played an important role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Ambassador Varma also clarified that there is no Russian offer to mediate between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasise that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Varma said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office said Friday, after a call by Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, that Moscow had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan.

Varma, in the interview, thanked Moscow for its support to a proposal last week to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council 1267 committee.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to PM Modi on Thursday expressing his deep condolences on the Pulwama terror attack and conveying his solidarity with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism.

President Putin also invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. This is for the second time this year, PM Modi and President Putin spoke to each other.

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan. The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959.

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan. The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959. The F-16 is American-made and was first produced in 1978. In an interview to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, "India was forced to defend its interests, including through the use of MiG-21 fighter aircraft supplied by Russia, which brought down the Pakistani F-16." In response to India's counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan on Tuesday, Islamabad launched a large-scale air force raid into Indian airspace. The Pakistani operation was aimed at Indian military installations. In the skirmish that followed, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was later shot down and he was captured. The MiG-21 Bison is a single engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter aircraft of Russian origin and forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force. India is the largest operator of the MiG-21, which also played an important role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Ambassador Varma also clarified that there is no Russian offer to mediate between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasise that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Varma said. Pakistan's Foreign Office said Friday, after a call by Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, that Moscow had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. Varma, in the interview, thanked Moscow for its support to a proposal last week to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council 1267 committee. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to PM Modi on Thursday expressing his deep condolences on the Pulwama terror attack and conveying his solidarity with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism. President Putin also invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. This is for the second time this year, PM Modi and President Putin spoke to each other.

Russia has not offered to mediate between India & Pakistan: Indian envoy to Russia

Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment.

The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court.

Tihar jail authorities have also communicated to the court that the convicts might file a curative petition soon challenging the capital punishment.&nbsp;

The jail authorities have to file a status report in the case on next date of hearing, April 6.

This comes a month after; Nirbhaya`s parents moved a plea in the court seeking to expedite the execution of the four convicts in the case.

On July 9, 2018, the Supreme Court had rejected review petitions filed by three of the four convicts in the horrific 2012 gangrape and murder of a young paramedic in Delhi.

The Supreme Court had on May 5, 2017, upheld death sentences awarded by a trial court and confirmed by the Delhi High Court to the four convicts - Mukesh, 29, Pawan Gupta, 22, Vinay Sharma, 23, and Akshay Kumar Singh, 31.In 2012, &nbsp;the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons.

The victim, who was severely assaulted, was thrown out on the road along with her male friend.&nbsp;

She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she had been airlifted for medical treatment. &nbsp;

Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment. The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court.

Convicts of 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case may file a curative petition challenging capital punishment. The counsel for the convicts, Advocate Dr. AP Singh on Saturday told the Patiala House Court that a curative petition might be filed by the convicts challenging the capital punishment given to them by the Apex court. Tihar jail authorities have also communicated to the court that the convicts might file a curative petition soon challenging the capital punishment. The jail authorities have to file a status report in the case on next date of hearing, April 6. This comes a month after; Nirbhaya`s parents moved a plea in the court seeking to expedite the execution of the four convicts in the case. On July 9, 2018, the Supreme Court had rejected review petitions filed by three of the four convicts in the horrific 2012 gangrape and murder of a young paramedic in Delhi. The Supreme Court had on May 5, 2017, upheld death sentences awarded by a trial court and confirmed by the Delhi High Court to the four convicts - Mukesh, 29, Pawan Gupta, 22, Vinay Sharma, 23, and Akshay Kumar Singh, 31.In 2012, the 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on December 16 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons. The victim, who was severely assaulted, was thrown out on the road along with her male friend. She succumbed to injuries at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on December 29, where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

Nirbhaya case: Convicts may file curative petition in court

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia.

Pradhan also slammed the erstwhile Congress government, both at Centre and state, for "not doing" anything for developing the North East despite Assam electing the UPA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for two terms.

"All petroleum products from the North East to Bangladesh, Bhutan and other Southeast Asian countries will go via Assam. We will make Assam a centre of world oil trading in this region," the Union Petroleum minister said.

Pradhan dedicated a number of completed projects, worth Rs 1,524 crore, to the nation.

Pradhan also announced the commencement of work of the KD Malaviya National Oil Museum at Guwahati, to be set up at an investment of Rs 104 crore over the next five-and-a-half years.

The museum will showcase the rich history and heritage of the petroleum industry in India.

It will have five galleries and a 3D theatre among others.

"Assam was always neglected in earlier years. It lagged behind during the earlier government's time. They were only giving lectures but worked less. Manmohan Singh, who was elected from Assam, had planned the ONGC's hospital, but he left it there only and did nothing," Pradhan alleged.

He claimed that initiatives were taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite the work of the Rs 316 crore 300-bed hospital, the first phase of which was opened with 50 beds.

To fulfil the targets of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, all PSU oil firms such as ONGC, IOC, BPCL, NRL, OIL and GAIL are making huge investments in the region.

"In Bongaigaon refinery, we have invested Rs 2,500 crore. When we will make BS-VI norm, then there will be an additional investment of Rs 1,200 crore. For the bamboo-ethanol fuel project, Rs 1,259 crore is being invested," Pradhan said.

In addition, Rs 9,225 crore is being invested for the 1,650 km gas grid project by the PSU firms, connecting all the eight Northeastern states, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, ONGC Chairman and MD Shashi Shanker said the company will invest Rs 1,300 crore in Assam in the next five years, 30 per cent more than what the oil giant had invested in the last five years.

"For the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, major development and revamp is going in Assam. It will incur an investment of Rs 2,350 crore. Further, projects worth Rs 800 crore are at different stages of implementation," he added.&nbsp;

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia. Pradhan also slammed the erstwhile Congress government, both at Centre and state, for "not doing" anything for developing the North East despite Assam electing the UPA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for two terms. "All petroleum products from the North East to Bangladesh, Bhutan and other Southeast Asian countries will go via Assam. We will make Assam a centre of world oil trading in this region," the Union Petroleum minister said. Pradhan dedicated a number of completed projects, worth Rs 1,524 crore, to the nation. Pradhan also announced the commencement of work of the KD Malaviya National Oil Museum at Guwahati, to be set up at an investment of Rs 104 crore over the next five-and-a-half years. The museum will showcase the rich history and heritage of the petroleum industry in India. It will have five galleries and a 3D theatre among others. "Assam was always neglected in earlier years. It lagged behind during the earlier government's time. They were only giving lectures but worked less. Manmohan Singh, who was elected from Assam, had planned the ONGC's hospital, but he left it there only and did nothing," Pradhan alleged. He claimed that initiatives were taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite the work of the Rs 316 crore 300-bed hospital, the first phase of which was opened with 50 beds. To fulfil the targets of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, all PSU oil firms such as ONGC, IOC, BPCL, NRL, OIL and GAIL are making huge investments in the region. "In Bongaigaon refinery, we have invested Rs 2,500 crore. When we will make BS-VI norm, then there will be an additional investment of Rs 1,200 crore. For the bamboo-ethanol fuel project, Rs 1,259 crore is being invested," Pradhan said. In addition, Rs 9,225 crore is being invested for the 1,650 km gas grid project by the PSU firms, connecting all the eight Northeastern states, he added. Speaking on the occasion, ONGC Chairman and MD Shashi Shanker said the company will invest Rs 1,300 crore in Assam in the next five years, 30 per cent more than what the oil giant had invested in the last five years. "For the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, major development and revamp is going in Assam. It will incur an investment of Rs 2,350 crore. Further, projects worth Rs 800 crore are at different stages of implementation," he added.

Assam: Dharmendra Pradhan rolls out slew of projects worth over 1,524 crore

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said.&nbsp;

The decision was taken after a thorough review of the threat perception of IAF chief Air Marshal B S Dhanoa and chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in the wake of heightened tension with Pakistan.

The chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will be given the Z-plus security, a government official said.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has already been given the Z-plus security.

The official, however, said close proximity security of the chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will continue to be given by the commandos of the respective forces, and the peripheral security will be given by the central and state security agencies.

&nbsp;Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s.

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said.

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said. The decision was taken after a thorough review of the threat perception of IAF chief Air Marshal B S Dhanoa and chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in the wake of heightened tension with Pakistan. The chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will be given the Z-plus security, a government official said. Army chief General Bipin Rawat has already been given the Z-plus security. The official, however, said close proximity security of the chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will continue to be given by the commandos of the respective forces, and the peripheral security will be given by the central and state security agencies. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s.

Chiefs of Air and Naval staffs to get Z-plus security

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was captured by the Pakistanis on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets; he was however able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before that.&nbsp;

The news agency PTI quoted officials as saying Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process which is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check up is over, the officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed.&nbsp;

Abhinandan arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services.

Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, the officials said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman and his family at RR hospital in Delhi earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/BMGKqgLYDA">pic.twitter.com/BMGKqgLYDA</a>
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Videos that appeared on social media after Abhinandan's capture showed him being beaten by Pakistani villagers before he was rescued by Pakistani army personnel. When he crossed over to India Friday night, Abhinandan's right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen.&nbsp;

Ex-servicemen and strategic affairs experts have said the courage and grace Abhinandan showed while in captivity were exemplary.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Abhinandan's return, saying the nation is proud of his courage.

"Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nation-is-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage-pm-modi-on-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-200592">The nation is proud of your exemplary courage</a>. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," Modi tweeted Friday night.&nbsp;

Tensions between the India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near the town of Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.&nbsp;

Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">which killed at least 40 soldiers</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. Abhinandan was captured by the Pakistanis on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets; he was however able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before that. The news agency PTI quoted officials as saying Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process which is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check up is over, the officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed. Abhinandan arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services. Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, the officials said. #Visuals: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman and his family at RR hospital in Delhi earlier today. pic.twitter.com/BMGKqgLYDA — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × Videos that appeared on social media after Abhinandan's capture showed him being beaten by Pakistani villagers before he was rescued by Pakistani army personnel. When he crossed over to India Friday night, Abhinandan's right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen. Ex-servicemen and strategic affairs experts have said the courage and grace Abhinandan showed while in captivity were exemplary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Abhinandan's return, saying the nation is proud of his courage. "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," Modi tweeted Friday night. Tensions between the India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near the town of Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir which killed at least 40 soldiers. (With inputs from PTI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling down' process, is met by Nirmala Sitharaman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi.

The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context.

Technology providers, researchers, start-ups, developers, academia, public sector agencies and other domain experts are participating in the two-day event.

The expo-cum-Conference will provide avenues for interaction among stakeholders that can open up new areas for collaboration and will facilitate the conversion of ideas into market-ready products.

Youth are the main beneficiaries of this initiative. Proven technologies which are identified during CTI - 2019 will be further invited to design and build lighthouse projects of nearly one thousand housing units each at six States in the country.

These states are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi. The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi. The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context. Technology providers, researchers, start-ups, developers, academia, public sector agencies and other domain experts are participating in the two-day event. The expo-cum-Conference will provide avenues for interaction among stakeholders that can open up new areas for collaboration and will facilitate the conversion of ideas into market-ready products. Youth are the main beneficiaries of this initiative. Proven technologies which are identified during CTI - 2019 will be further invited to design and build lighthouse projects of nearly one thousand housing units each at six States in the country. These states are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi to inaugurate Construction Technology India Expo today

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check.

The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone.&nbsp;

"The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said.

It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process.&nbsp;

"Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably.

While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers.

"India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said.

The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said.&nbsp;

For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added.

Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process.

"The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said.

Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years.

Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW.

"India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said. Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check. The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone. "The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said. It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process. "Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably. While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers. "India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said. The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said. For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added. Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process. "The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said. Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years. Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW. "India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India projected on track to achieve Paris climate change agreement target: US expert 

The Prayagraj Mela Authority on Saturday set one more Guinness World Record by undertaking massive sanitation works.

Two earlier records were about ‘handprint painting’ and ‘largest parade of buses.’ &nbsp;

&nbsp;A large number of people wearing masks and brooms in their hands descended on the streets and cleaning them, a rare sight in the holy city of India, famous for the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

The new record was created in view of the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nation-wide campaign in India for the period 2014 to 2019 that aims at cleaning streets, roads, and other infrastructures in cities, towns, and rural areas.

Only on Friday, the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) had set a Guinness World Record for “most contribution to a handprint painting on the theme of ‘Jai Gange’ in eight hours.

A part of ‘Paint My City’ initiative, the handprint community activity saw the participation of 7,664 people from all age groups.

The earlier record was held by Seoul in which 4,675 people had taken part.

On February 28, the PMA authorities had set the Guinness World Record for the “largest parade of buses.”

A total of 500 buses with the Kumbh Mela logo were used to make the record. The buses covered a stretch of 3.2 kilometres in the district.&nbsp;

The Prayagraj Mela Authority on Saturday set one more Guinness World Record by undertaking massive sanitation works. Two earlier records were about ‘handprint painting’ and ‘largest parade of buses.

The Prayagraj Mela Authority on Saturday set one more Guinness World Record by undertaking massive sanitation works. Two earlier records were about ‘handprint painting’ and ‘largest parade of buses.’ A large number of people wearing masks and brooms in their hands descended on the streets and cleaning them, a rare sight in the holy city of India, famous for the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The new record was created in view of the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nation-wide campaign in India for the period 2014 to 2019 that aims at cleaning streets, roads, and other infrastructures in cities, towns, and rural areas. Only on Friday, the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) had set a Guinness World Record for “most contribution to a handprint painting on the theme of ‘Jai Gange’ in eight hours. A part of ‘Paint My City’ initiative, the handprint community activity saw the participation of 7,664 people from all age groups. The earlier record was held by Seoul in which 4,675 people had taken part. On February 28, the PMA authorities had set the Guinness World Record for the “largest parade of buses.” A total of 500 buses with the Kumbh Mela logo were used to make the record. The buses covered a stretch of 3.2 kilometres in the district.

Kumbh Mela sets Guinness World Record by undertaking massive sanitation work

A parliamentary panel Friday asked the government to go all out to explain to the international community the reasons behind India's decision to carry out an air strike on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585"> Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror </a>camp inside Pakistan.

The suggestion came when f<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/iaf-pilot-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-crosses-wagah-border-reaches-india-200569">oreign secretary Vijay Gokhale</a> briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on external affairs about the latest developments that have taken place between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by the JeM in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The panel told the foreign secretary that the government should highlight the impact of the air strike and the information about the extent of damage, including casualties, suffered by the JeM.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

This will ensure that no international agency questions the impact of the strike, a member of the panel said.&nbsp;

Gokhale, who was assisted by officials of the Ministry of external affairs (MEA), informed the panel's members about the air strike on the JeM terror camp in Pakistan and also about the retaliation by the western neighbour, a source said.

A committee member, who was present in the meeting, said foreign ministry officials had briefed the panel earlier in October when Imran Khan was elected prime minister of Pakistan.

On Friday, the briefing included the MEA's assessment of the Pakistan prime minister's tenure so far, the member said.

The foreign secretary also told the panel that an attempt by the Pakistan Air Force on to target military installations in India was unsuccessful as it was thwarted by the Indian Air Force, which lost a jet in the fight back.

The members told the foreign secretary that the government should vigorously publicise across the world the reasons behind New Delhi's move to target the terror camp, a member later said.

Another member said the foreign secretary detailed the diplomatic measures that the ministry took right from after the Pulwama attack to the ensuing air strike, and efforts thereon to seek out the international community to brief them about the impasse, in an effort to isolate Pakistan globally.

Foreign Secretary Gokhale assured the committee that diplomatic overtures to the international community were still underway.

He also informed the members on how India got the support of the members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the issue.&nbsp;

In a major diplomatic achievement, India on Friday for the first time addressed the OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi where External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is a guest of honour.

Pakistan has boycotted the plenary session of the OIC meet to protest India's participation there.&nbsp;

One of the parliamentary panel's members also said while a slew of questions were asked to the foreign secretary about the anti-terror strikes against Pakistan, Gokhale was "cautious" about answering them, taking the stand that he could not reveal much because of the "sensitive nature" of the information and "national security".&nbsp;

The panel raised some queries about the assessment of damage caused by the air strike, but Gokhale said he was not authorised to divulge details.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a member of the committee but was not present in the meeting Friday.

The panel members also lauded the armed forces, including the IAF, and described the air strike as a "glorious and heroic" job which needs to be widely publicised.

The purpose of the meeting, described as good and constructive, was part of "parliamentary accountability" and the MEA gave a briefing in this regard, a member said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The meeting was attended by chairperson Shashi Tharoor, Arka Keshari Deo, Prof Richard Hay, Jagdambika Pal, Magannti Venakateshwara Rao, Mohammad Salim, P Bhattacharya, Sambhaji Chhatrapati, Swapan Dasgupta, Chunibhai Kanjibhai Gohel and Kumar Ketkar.

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after the JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir.

A parliamentary panel Friday asked the government to go all out to explain to the international community the reasons behind India's decision to carry out an air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp inside Pakistan.

A parliamentary panel Friday asked the government to go all out to explain to the international community the reasons behind India's decision to carry out an air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp inside Pakistan. The suggestion came when foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on external affairs about the latest developments that have taken place between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by the JeM in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The panel told the foreign secretary that the government should highlight the impact of the air strike and the information about the extent of damage, including casualties, suffered by the JeM. This will ensure that no international agency questions the impact of the strike, a member of the panel said. Gokhale, who was assisted by officials of the Ministry of external affairs (MEA), informed the panel's members about the air strike on the JeM terror camp in Pakistan and also about the retaliation by the western neighbour, a source said. A committee member, who was present in the meeting, said foreign ministry officials had briefed the panel earlier in October when Imran Khan was elected prime minister of Pakistan. On Friday, the briefing included the MEA's assessment of the Pakistan prime minister's tenure so far, the member said. The foreign secretary also told the panel that an attempt by the Pakistan Air Force on to target military installations in India was unsuccessful as it was thwarted by the Indian Air Force, which lost a jet in the fight back. The members told the foreign secretary that the government should vigorously publicise across the world the reasons behind New Delhi's move to target the terror camp, a member later said. Another member said the foreign secretary detailed the diplomatic measures that the ministry took right from after the Pulwama attack to the ensuing air strike, and efforts thereon to seek out the international community to brief them about the impasse, in an effort to isolate Pakistan globally. Foreign Secretary Gokhale assured the committee that diplomatic overtures to the international community were still underway. He also informed the members on how India got the support of the members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the issue. In a major diplomatic achievement, India on Friday for the first time addressed the OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi where External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is a guest of honour. Pakistan has boycotted the plenary session of the OIC meet to protest India's participation there. One of the parliamentary panel's members also said while a slew of questions were asked to the foreign secretary about the anti-terror strikes against Pakistan, Gokhale was "cautious" about answering them, taking the stand that he could not reveal much because of the "sensitive nature" of the information and "national security". The panel raised some queries about the assessment of damage caused by the air strike, but Gokhale said he was not authorised to divulge details. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a member of the committee but was not present in the meeting Friday. The panel members also lauded the armed forces, including the IAF, and described the air strike as a "glorious and heroic" job which needs to be widely publicised. The purpose of the meeting, described as good and constructive, was part of "parliamentary accountability" and the MEA gave a briefing in this regard, a member said. The meeting was attended by chairperson Shashi Tharoor, Arka Keshari Deo, Prof Richard Hay, Jagdambika Pal, Magannti Venakateshwara Rao, Mohammad Salim, P Bhattacharya, Sambhaji Chhatrapati, Swapan Dasgupta, Chunibhai Kanjibhai Gohel and Kumar Ketkar. Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after the JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir.

Go all out to explain to world reasons behind air strike: Parliamentary panel to govt

A team of rescuers from the Navy and Army Friday announced to leave the operation site in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district after 60 days of searching the 15 miners trapped in a 370 feet-deep illegal coal mine.

The Navy and the Army informed local authorities about their decision to pack up and leave the operation on direction from their higher-ups, operations spokesperson R Susngi said.

However, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has been engaged in the rescue operation since the day of the tragedy on December 13 last, will continue with their services.

"There is no instruction for us to wind up the operation and we will continue with our work," Santosh Singh, Assistant Commandant of Guwahati-based NDRF team, told PTI Friday from the site.

The Navy will be going back on Saturday, the operations spokesperson said, adding the Army will also pack up and leave on receiving a direction from the higher authority.&nbsp;

The Navy and Army personnel along with rescuers of the NDRF had so far detected five bodies deep inside the mine and retrieved two of them, officials said.

The Navy arrived at the accident site at Ksan area of Lumthari village on December 31 last and lately operated their underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search the holes 24/7.

The district authority congratulated and saluted the efforts, dedication and the tremendous contribution of the agencies in the two-month-long rescue operation for the trapped miners at Ksan.

District Deputy Commissioner F M Dopth also conveyed his deepest gratitude.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

On Thursday, the second body was handed over to the relatives from Lumthari village, Susngi said. The highly decomposed body was identified by his family members from the clothes he wore, he said.

The companies involved in discharging water from the mines, including the Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and KSB dewatered over 1 crore litres every day, he said.

The operation to rescue the miners is one of the longest in the country and involved multiple agencies, including the Navy, Army, NDRF among others.

The family members of each of the 15 miners have been given Rs 1 lakh interim relief each by the district authorities.

The mine disaster had shocked the nation. Media reports highlighted the cash-rich illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya in violation of a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014.

The Supreme Court is monitoring the development and the rescue operations on a weekly basis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A team of rescuers from the Navy and Army Friday announced to leave the operation site in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district after 60 days of searching the 15 miners trapped in a 370 feet-deep illegal coal mine.

A team of rescuers from the Navy and Army Friday announced to leave the operation site in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district after 60 days of searching the 15 miners trapped in a 370 feet-deep illegal coal mine. The Navy and the Army informed local authorities about their decision to pack up and leave the operation on direction from their higher-ups, operations spokesperson R Susngi said. However, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has been engaged in the rescue operation since the day of the tragedy on December 13 last, will continue with their services. "There is no instruction for us to wind up the operation and we will continue with our work," Santosh Singh, Assistant Commandant of Guwahati-based NDRF team, told PTI Friday from the site. The Navy will be going back on Saturday, the operations spokesperson said, adding the Army will also pack up and leave on receiving a direction from the higher authority. The Navy and Army personnel along with rescuers of the NDRF had so far detected five bodies deep inside the mine and retrieved two of them, officials said. The Navy arrived at the accident site at Ksan area of Lumthari village on December 31 last and lately operated their underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search the holes 24/7. The district authority congratulated and saluted the efforts, dedication and the tremendous contribution of the agencies in the two-month-long rescue operation for the trapped miners at Ksan. District Deputy Commissioner F M Dopth also conveyed his deepest gratitude. On Thursday, the second body was handed over to the relatives from Lumthari village, Susngi said. The highly decomposed body was identified by his family members from the clothes he wore, he said. The companies involved in discharging water from the mines, including the Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and KSB dewatered over 1 crore litres every day, he said. The operation to rescue the miners is one of the longest in the country and involved multiple agencies, including the Navy, Army, NDRF among others. The family members of each of the 15 miners have been given Rs 1 lakh interim relief each by the district authorities. The mine disaster had shocked the nation. Media reports highlighted the cash-rich illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya in violation of a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014. The Supreme Court is monitoring the development and the rescue operations on a weekly basis.

Navy, Army decide to wind up operation in Meghalaya's coal mine tragedy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhance-security-government-issues-alert-to-at-all-airports-airlines-200723">Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines</a>

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-australia-1st-odi-at-rajiv-gandhi-international-stadium-200657">Live updates | INDvsAUS, 1st ODI: Dhawan out for nought, India are 4/1 after 2 overs</a>

Nathan Coulter-Nile to Dhawan, caught out by Maxwell.&nbsp;

It's no doubt a big wicket for Australia and it might create pressure on the India side.&nbsp;

Skipper Kohli comes to the crease.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-meets-wing-commander-abhinandan-he-is-currently-undergoing-cooling-process-200730">Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling process', is met by Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">SpaceX astronaut capsule separates from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">rocket</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">, is en route to International Space Station</a>

NASA and SpaceX celebrated the successful launch Saturday of a new astronaut capsule on a week-long round trip to the International Space Station -- a key step towards resuming manned space flights from US soil after an eight-year break.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/samjhauta-express-services-restored-train-to-run-from-india-on-sunday-railways-200726">Samjhauta Express services restored; train to run from India to Pak to Sunday</a>

The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI.

The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments. Live updates | INDvsAUS, 1st ODI: Dhawan out for nought, India are 4/1 after 2 overs Nathan Coulter-Nile to Dhawan, caught out by Maxwell. It's no doubt a big wicket for Australia and it might create pressure on the India side. Skipper Kohli comes to the crease. Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling process', is met by Nirmala Sitharaman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. SpaceX astronaut capsule separates from rocket, is en route to International Space Station NASA and SpaceX celebrated the successful launch Saturday of a new astronaut capsule on a week-long round trip to the International Space Station -- a key step towards resuming manned space flights from US soil after an eight-year break. Samjhauta Express services restored; train to run from India to Pak to Sunday The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI. The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

The Samjhauta Express will leave for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-samjhauta-express-train-service-200175">Pakistan</a> from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI.

The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

The official said the first train from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-pakistan-india-cancels-samjhauta-express-operations-on-its-end-200352">India </a>will leave on March 3.

While Pakistan had cancelled its services right after an air strike by the Indian Air Force, India cancelled the operations of the Samjhauta Express on February 28.

The Railway Board in an order had said all operations of the Attari Special Express, Delhi-Attari-Delhi, which together with the Pakistani line from Wagah-Lahore is known as the Samjhauta or Friendship Express, will remain cancelled.

It had also said that the cancellation was due to "purely operational reasons".

Sources said after the missive about Pakistan's resumption of services was conveyed to the board, it was decided that services on the Indian end will resume too.

The train will start running from the Indian side on Sunday, while on the Pakistan side it will leave Lahore on Monday for its return journey, the official said.?

On the Indian side, the train runs from Delhi to Attari and from Lahore to Wagah on the Pakistan side.

The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach.&nbsp;

The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations.

From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday. The train operates from Delhi on every Wednesday and Sunday.

The sources said the footfall on the train, which generally records an occupancy of around 70 per cent, had fallen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.&nbsp;

The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI.

The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI. The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The official said the first train from India will leave on March 3. While Pakistan had cancelled its services right after an air strike by the Indian Air Force, India cancelled the operations of the Samjhauta Express on February 28. The Railway Board in an order had said all operations of the Attari Special Express, Delhi-Attari-Delhi, which together with the Pakistani line from Wagah-Lahore is known as the Samjhauta or Friendship Express, will remain cancelled. It had also said that the cancellation was due to "purely operational reasons". Sources said after the missive about Pakistan's resumption of services was conveyed to the board, it was decided that services on the Indian end will resume too. The train will start running from the Indian side on Sunday, while on the Pakistan side it will leave Lahore on Monday for its return journey, the official said.? On the Indian side, the train runs from Delhi to Attari and from Lahore to Wagah on the Pakistan side. The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday. The train operates from Delhi on every Wednesday and Sunday. The sources said the footfall on the train, which generally records an occupancy of around 70 per cent, had fallen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Samjhauta Express services restored; train to run from India to Pak to Sunday

Christian Michel, the 'middleman'&nbsp;in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights.

In the application, Michel also claimed that he was not given privacy to use the toilet. He was made to use open toilets and two guards accompanied him at all times, he claimed.

The Patiala House Court has sought a reply from Tihar jail authorities on the application filed by the AgustaWestland accused.

Michel had earlier filed a plea in the Delhi Court raising questions about putting him in a solitary cell, alleging that he was lodged in a cell with dreaded criminals like Chhota Rajan.

In the last hearing, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar had directed competent authority to appear before it on March 5 saying else it will summon Director General (DG) Prisons.

Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.

Christian Michel, the 'middleman' in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights.

Christian Michel, the 'middleman' in the VVIP chopper scam, on Saturday moved a fresh application before a Delhi court seeking judicial inquiry over being shifted to a solitary cell in Tihar Jail and an apparent violation of human rights. In the application, Michel also claimed that he was not given privacy to use the toilet. He was made to use open toilets and two guards accompanied him at all times, he claimed. The Patiala House Court has sought a reply from Tihar jail authorities on the application filed by the AgustaWestland accused. Michel had earlier filed a plea in the Delhi Court raising questions about putting him in a solitary cell, alleging that he was lodged in a cell with dreaded criminals like Chhota Rajan. In the last hearing, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar had directed competent authority to appear before it on March 5 saying else it will summon Director General (DG) Prisons. Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December last year, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the CBI and ED cases against him related to the AgustaWestland deal.

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel seeks judicial inquiry over being shifted to solitary cell in Tihar Jail

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">the Pulwama attack</a> and subsequent developments.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the alert and marked it to senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

"In view of the intelligence input in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments, it is imperative to enhance the existing security measures being taken at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes etc. So that no untoward incident takes place," the alert notification read.

The BCAS has asked airlines and airports to take 20 specific enhanced security measures which will be "in operation till further orders".&nbsp;

The security measures include "strict access control to regulate entry into terminal building, airside, all operational area and other aviation facilities".&nbsp;

The BCAS has directed "enhanced screening of passengers, including 100 per cent full pat down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoint", and enhanced random screening of "staff and visitors" at the main gate to the terminal building.

No vehicle should be parked in front of the terminal building and there should be "intensive checking of vehicles entering car parking area", according to the alert notification. ? Another measure is -- strict on ground monitoring of regulatory guidelines for operations of non-conventional aerial platform like microlight aircraft, aero models, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, power hang gliders and hot air balloons.&nbsp;

The BCAS has suggested enhanced screening of passengers, staff, and hand baggages and "strengthening of anti-terrorism/anti-sabotage measures and placement of quick response teams" at all airports.&nbsp;

According to the alert notification, "QRT and perimeter patrolling" has to be strengthened too. QRTs are part of the CISF only, which is in-charge of security at various airports across the country. 
"Intensive checking of vehicles/persons at the approach to airport terminals/installations" has also been called for.&nbsp;

Enhanced random check at the entry of terminal building, including utilization of bomb detection and disposal squads and dog squads at the entry point has been suggested.&nbsp;

According to the alert notification, authorities have been asked to "enhance surveillance in and around the aviation installations" and specific monitoring of "flights/helicopters/UAV/&nbsp; 
UAS/drones/gliders/hot air balloons from airports/helipads/airfield around Delhi National Capital region".&nbsp;

Regarding catering, the alert notification said, "Inspection by the chief security officer of the airline concerned from the presetting stage to vehicle check and entry into airside. Airport Security Unit/Aviation Security Group to ensure thorough check of the vehicle through under view mirror, cabin search etc and checking of the driver and attendant and their ID matching of signatures". 
There would be "no issuance of visitor entry passes till further notice", it said and directed strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance.&nbsp;

The BCAS also called for "thorough search and anti-sabotage check of the aircraft by the airline concerned and its guarding to ensure no unauthorized access to the aircraft... To ensure that no unauthorized person gains access to aero bridge".&nbsp;

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the alert and marked it to senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). "In view of the intelligence input in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments, it is imperative to enhance the existing security measures being taken at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes etc. So that no untoward incident takes place," the alert notification read. The BCAS has asked airlines and airports to take 20 specific enhanced security measures which will be "in operation till further orders". The security measures include "strict access control to regulate entry into terminal building, airside, all operational area and other aviation facilities". The BCAS has directed "enhanced screening of passengers, including 100 per cent full pat down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoint", and enhanced random screening of "staff and visitors" at the main gate to the terminal building. No vehicle should be parked in front of the terminal building and there should be "intensive checking of vehicles entering car parking area", according to the alert notification. ? Another measure is -- strict on ground monitoring of regulatory guidelines for operations of non-conventional aerial platform like microlight aircraft, aero models, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, power hang gliders and hot air balloons. The BCAS has suggested enhanced screening of passengers, staff, and hand baggages and "strengthening of anti-terrorism/anti-sabotage measures and placement of quick response teams" at all airports. According to the alert notification, "QRT and perimeter patrolling" has to be strengthened too. QRTs are part of the CISF only, which is in-charge of security at various airports across the country. "Intensive checking of vehicles/persons at the approach to airport terminals/installations" has also been called for. Enhanced random check at the entry of terminal building, including utilization of bomb detection and disposal squads and dog squads at the entry point has been suggested. According to the alert notification, authorities have been asked to "enhance surveillance in and around the aviation installations" and specific monitoring of "flights/helicopters/UAV/ UAS/drones/gliders/hot air balloons from airports/helipads/airfield around Delhi National Capital region". Regarding catering, the alert notification said, "Inspection by the chief security officer of the airline concerned from the presetting stage to vehicle check and entry into airside. Airport Security Unit/Aviation Security Group to ensure thorough check of the vehicle through under view mirror, cabin search etc and checking of the driver and attendant and their ID matching of signatures". There would be "no issuance of visitor entry passes till further notice", it said and directed strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance. The BCAS also called for "thorough search and anti-sabotage check of the aircraft by the airline concerned and its guarding to ensure no unauthorized access to the aircraft... To ensure that no unauthorized person gains access to aero bridge".

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines

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Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines