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In a move that has mounted more trouble on the Amrapali CMD Anil Sharma, the Supreme Court of India allowed the Delhi Police to arrest him along with two other Amrapali associates in a criminal complaint registered against them.

The court further directed the police to seize Sharma's assets which includes his properties in south Delhi.

"We had never stopped any agency from arresting the directors, who are presently housed at a hotel under the detention of UP police," the court said.

It also said that the Economic Offences Wing (EoW) of Delhi Police can also arrest Amrapali directors - Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar in the case.

In a massive crackdown the Amrapali Group for "wilful disobedience" of its orders, the Court had earlier attached the company's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a "benami" Villa in Goa.

The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by homebuyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in different Amrapali projects.

On October 31, the apex court had directed the Amrapali Group to disclose the names of all the companies with which it had any kind of transactions after forensic auditors pointed out that there may be a web of more than 200-250 such firms where home-buyers' money was transferred.

In a move that has mounted more trouble on the Amrapali CMD Anil Sharma, the Supreme Court of India allowed the Delhi Police to arrest him along with two other Amrapali associates in a criminal complaint registered against them.

In a move that has mounted more trouble on the Amrapali CMD Anil Sharma, the Supreme Court of India allowed the Delhi Police to arrest him along with two other Amrapali associates in a criminal complaint registered against them. The court further directed the police to seize Sharma's assets which includes his properties in south Delhi. "We had never stopped any agency from arresting the directors, who are presently housed at a hotel under the detention of UP police," the court said. It also said that the Economic Offences Wing (EoW) of Delhi Police can also arrest Amrapali directors - Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar in the case. In a massive crackdown the Amrapali Group for "wilful disobedience" of its orders, the Court had earlier attached the company's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a "benami" Villa in Goa. The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by homebuyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in different Amrapali projects. On October 31, the apex court had directed the Amrapali Group to disclose the names of all the companies with which it had any kind of transactions after forensic auditors pointed out that there may be a web of more than 200-250 such firms where home-buyers' money was transferred.

Supreme Court allows Delhi Police to arrest Amrapali CMD, 2 Directors

US President Donald Trump Thursday said "reasonably attractive" news from India and Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters in Hanoi, Vietnam after the second summit with North Korean leader Kim, Trump said, "We have reasonably attractive news from Pakistan and India. They have been going at it we have been involved in trying to help them stop. And we have some reasonably decent news."

He added, "I think, hopefully that will be coming to an end. It's being going for a long time. Decades and decades. There is a lot of dislike unfortunately."

Trump confirmed Washington was in touch with both sides.

&nbsp;"We have been in middle, trying to help them both out. See if we can get some organisation and some peace. And I think probably that is going to be happening," he said.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had spoken to US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in the aftermath of Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps in Pakistan on Tuesday.

National security Advisor Ajit Doval again spoke to US Secretary of state after Pakistan launched an attack on Indian military installations on Wednesday morning.

The US has been calling on Pakistan to act on terror groups on its soil. US State Department today reiterated its call for "Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven &amp; block their access to funds"

US along with France and UK have proposed listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list.

Tensions between India and Pakistan remained high in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, the worst on Indian security personnel in the last two decades.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump Thursday said "reasonably attractive" news from India and Pakistan. Speaking to reporters in Hanoi, Vietnam after the second summit with North Korean leader Kim, Trump said, "We have reasonably attractive news from Pakistan and India.

US President Donald Trump Thursday said "reasonably attractive" news from India and Pakistan. Speaking to reporters in Hanoi, Vietnam after the second summit with North Korean leader Kim, Trump said, "We have reasonably attractive news from Pakistan and India. They have been going at it we have been involved in trying to help them stop. And we have some reasonably decent news." He added, "I think, hopefully that will be coming to an end. It's being going for a long time. Decades and decades. There is a lot of dislike unfortunately." Trump confirmed Washington was in touch with both sides. "We have been in middle, trying to help them both out. See if we can get some organisation and some peace. And I think probably that is going to be happening," he said. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had spoken to US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in the aftermath of Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps in Pakistan on Tuesday. National security Advisor Ajit Doval again spoke to US Secretary of state after Pakistan launched an attack on Indian military installations on Wednesday morning. The US has been calling on Pakistan to act on terror groups on its soil. US State Department today reiterated its call for "Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven & block their access to funds" US along with France and UK have proposed listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list. Tensions between India and Pakistan remained high in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, the worst on Indian security personnel in the last two decades.

Tensions between India, Pakistan to reduce, says US President Trump

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff.

Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''.

Modi's address comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan after India launched a pre-emptive strike on terrorist launch pads in&nbsp;Pakistan soil.

India won't stop at any cost, India will stay united, Modi said and urged Indian citizens to be part of the mission to build the nation.

''India will live as one, India will work as one, India will grow as one, India will fight as one and India will win as one,'' he said.

&nbsp;India is full of self-confidence, the youth is full of enthusiasm and the country is expanding its capabilities with new policies and in a new fashion, Modi added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;''From farmers to soldiers, everyone in the country now feels that impossible is possible and that's why every single citizen of the country, in whatever profession he/she is, is contributing more towards nation building,'' Modi said.

&nbsp;India is at a juncture from where we can see a new and magnificent country emerging, he said.&nbsp;

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff. Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''.

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff. Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''. Modi's address comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan after India launched a pre-emptive strike on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan soil. India won't stop at any cost, India will stay united, Modi said and urged Indian citizens to be part of the mission to build the nation. ''India will live as one, India will work as one, India will grow as one, India will fight as one and India will win as one,'' he said. India is full of self-confidence, the youth is full of enthusiasm and the country is expanding its capabilities with new policies and in a new fashion, Modi added. ''From farmers to soldiers, everyone in the country now feels that impossible is possible and that's why every single citizen of the country, in whatever profession he/she is, is contributing more towards nation building,'' Modi said. India is at a juncture from where we can see a new and magnificent country emerging, he said.

India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday&nbsp;in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action.

Here are the top 10 developments.

<ul>
	<li>According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan.</li>
	<li>US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots".&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India.</li>
	<li>India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions".</li>
	<li>The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. &nbsp;</li>
	<li>Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory.</li>
	<li>The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours. On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action. Here are the top 10 developments. According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan. US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited. India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots". Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India. India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions". The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation. The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory. The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.

India-Pakistan standoff: Top 10 developments 

India on Wednesday shot down a Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector, news agency ANI reported. A parachute was seen as the F-16, which was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 km within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, was going down, ANI further reported. The condition of the pilot is unknown, the agency said.

The fighter jet was one of the three planes which violated Indian airspace and reached Nowshera this morning. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-take-meaningful-action-on-terror-groups-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199960">Pakistani planes</a> were pushed back by Indian fighter jets which were patrolling the area, a top official said.

The Pakistani jets dropped bombs while returning, officials said, but added that there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.

"The jets entered into Indian air space over Nowshera sector this morning," the official said.

They were immediately pushed back by Indian jets on air patrol.

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J&amp;K: Pictures of craters formed from Pakistani bombs dropped near Indian Army post in Rajouri sector. Pic courtesy: Army sources) <a href="https://t.co/bAqG1YW3AO">pic.twitter.com/bAqG1YW3AO</a>
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The authorities have closed airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar for civilian traffic; the Pathankot airport has been put on high alert. Pakistan too has stopped its domestic and international flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Islamabad airports.

The violation of airspace comes a day after the Indian Air Force pounded a terror camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammed in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Pakistan's Balakot</a>. The air strike was carried out by a fleet of 12 Mirage fighter jets which were mobilised from Gwalior in India and finished the operation in about 21 minutes.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-reviews-security-situation-a-day-after-air-strike-on-terrorist-camp-in-pak-soil-200008">air strike</a> came 12 days after a convoy of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF, was attacked in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India called the air strikes a "pre-emptive, non-military operation" meant to neutralise the JeM terror camp. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held a press briefing after the air strike on Tuesday and said the operation was carried out after specific intelligence input that JeM was planning to send more terrorists into India.

India on Wednesday shot down a Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector, news agency ANI reported. A parachute was seen as the F-16, which was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 km within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, was going down, ANI further reported.

India on Wednesday shot down a Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector, news agency ANI reported. A parachute was seen as the F-16, which was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 km within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, was going down, ANI further reported. The condition of the pilot is unknown, the agency said. The fighter jet was one of the three planes which violated Indian airspace and reached Nowshera this morning. The Pakistani planes were pushed back by Indian fighter jets which were patrolling the area, a top official said. The Pakistani jets dropped bombs while returning, officials said, but added that there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage. "The jets entered into Indian air space over Nowshera sector this morning," the official said. They were immediately pushed back by Indian jets on air patrol. J&K: Pictures of craters formed from Pakistani bombs dropped near Indian Army post in Rajouri sector. Pic courtesy: Army sources) pic.twitter.com/bAqG1YW3AO — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019 × The authorities have closed airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar for civilian traffic; the Pathankot airport has been put on high alert. Pakistan too has stopped its domestic and international flight operations from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Islamabad airports. The violation of airspace comes a day after the Indian Air Force pounded a terror camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan's Balakot. The air strike was carried out by a fleet of 12 Mirage fighter jets which were mobilised from Gwalior in India and finished the operation in about 21 minutes. The air strike came 12 days after a convoy of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF, was attacked in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. India called the air strikes a "pre-emptive, non-military operation" meant to neutralise the JeM terror camp. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held a press briefing after the air strike on Tuesday and said the operation was carried out after specific intelligence input that JeM was planning to send more terrorists into India.

Pakistan fighter planes enter Indian airspace in J&K; one reportedly shot down, others drop bombs when pushed back

Srinagar, Jammu and Leh airports were Wednesday closed for civilian air traffic shortly after an IAF jet crashed in Budgam district and amid an escalation of cross-Line of Control shelling between armies of India and Pakistan.

"The civilian air traffic has been suspended temporarily in view of the emergency," an official of the Airport Authority of India told PTI.

While the official did not specify the nature of the emergency, it is believed the step was taken in view of an IAF jet crashing in Budgam district this morning.

Jammu and Leh's airports have also been closed for civilian traffic.

The flare-up in the cross-LoC shelling, which was initiated by Pakistani troops in early hours of Wednesday has also resulted in security forces and other establishments being put on a heightened alert.

Srinagar, Jammu and Leh airports were Wednesday closed for civilian air traffic shortly after an IAF jet crashed in Budgam district and amid an escalation of cross-Line of Control shelling between armies of India and Pakistan.

Srinagar, Jammu and Leh airports were Wednesday closed for civilian air traffic shortly after an IAF jet crashed in Budgam district and amid an escalation of cross-Line of Control shelling between armies of India and Pakistan. "The civilian air traffic has been suspended temporarily in view of the emergency," an official of the Airport Authority of India told PTI. While the official did not specify the nature of the emergency, it is believed the step was taken in view of an IAF jet crashing in Budgam district this morning. Jammu and Leh's airports have also been closed for civilian traffic. The flare-up in the cross-LoC shelling, which was initiated by Pakistani troops in early hours of Wednesday has also resulted in security forces and other establishments being put on a heightened alert.

Srinagar, Jammu, Leh airports closed for civilian air traffic

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, especially along the border with Pakistan, a day after Indian fighter jets bombed the biggest camp of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in that country, officials said.

During the meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others, a detailed presentation was given about the security situation in the country and steps taken to ensure peace in all sensitive places.

Singh directed the officials to ensure the Border Security Force, which guards the India-Pakistan border continues to remain on the highest level of alertness so that any misadventure from across the border could be foiled, a home ministry official said.

Those who attended the meeting include Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain.

In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the Pulwama attack, officials said.

The pre-dawn operation described as "non-military" and "preemptive" struck a five-star resort-style camp on a hilltop forest that provided a dozen Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force(IAF) with a "sitting duck target" and caught the terrorists in their sleep, sources said. The strike is the first by the IAF inside Pakistan after the 1971 war.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told the media that the "intelligence-led operation" on the Pakistan-based terror group's biggest training camp in Balakot became "absolutely necessary" as it was planning more suicide attacks in India, after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed.

The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, especially along the border with Pakistan, a day after Indian fighter jets bombed the biggest camp of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in that country, officials said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, especially along the border with Pakistan, a day after Indian fighter jets bombed the biggest camp of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in that country, officials said. During the meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others, a detailed presentation was given about the security situation in the country and steps taken to ensure peace in all sensitive places. Singh directed the officials to ensure the Border Security Force, which guards the India-Pakistan border continues to remain on the highest level of alertness so that any misadventure from across the border could be foiled, a home ministry official said. Those who attended the meeting include Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain. In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the Pulwama attack, officials said. The pre-dawn operation described as "non-military" and "preemptive" struck a five-star resort-style camp on a hilltop forest that provided a dozen Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force(IAF) with a "sitting duck target" and caught the terrorists in their sleep, sources said. The strike is the first by the IAF inside Pakistan after the 1971 war. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told the media that the "intelligence-led operation" on the Pakistan-based terror group's biggest training camp in Balakot became "absolutely necessary" as it was planning more suicide attacks in India, after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike.

Rajnath reviews security situation a day after airstrike on terrorist camp in Pakistan

A four-storey building collapsed in central Delhi's Karol Bagh area on Wednesday, Delhi Fire service said.

A call about the incident was received at 8.40 am after which four vehicles, including two rescue responders, were sent to the spot, a senior official from Delhi Fire Service said.

The building is located in Dev Nagar area.

The ground floor of the building houses shops. However, there was no occupancy on the four floors of the building, the officer said.

Operations are underway to ascertain if anyone is trapped inside the building. No casualty has been reported in the incident so far, officials said. 
&nbsp;

A four-storey building collapsed in central Delhi's Karol Bagh area on Wednesday, Delhi Fire service said. A call about the incident was received at 8.40 am after which four vehicles, including two rescue responders, were sent to the spot, a senior official from Delhi Fire Service said.

A four-storey building collapsed in central Delhi's Karol Bagh area on Wednesday, Delhi Fire service said. A call about the incident was received at 8.40 am after which four vehicles, including two rescue responders, were sent to the spot, a senior official from Delhi Fire Service said. The building is located in Dev Nagar area. The ground floor of the building houses shops. However, there was no occupancy on the four floors of the building, the officer said. Operations are underway to ascertain if anyone is trapped inside the building. No casualty has been reported in the incident so far, officials said.

Four-storey building collapses in Delhi's Karol Bagh area

Tw&nbsp;pilots were killed when an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crashed in Budgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning

The aircraft that crashed in Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Budgam was IAF's Mi-17 transport chopper, reported news agency ANI.

Bodies of two pilots have been recovered from the crash site, the report said quoting police sources.&nbsp;

Security forces are scanning the area.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Police on military aircraft crash in Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Budgam, say, "Two bodies have been found at the crash site." <a href="https://t.co/Tg2uFeJjdW">pic.twitter.com/Tg2uFeJjdW</a>
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&nbsp;

Tw pilots were killed when an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crashed in Budgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning The aircraft that crashed in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam was IAF's Mi-17 transport chopper, reported news agency ANI.

Tw pilots were killed when an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crashed in Budgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning The aircraft that crashed in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam was IAF's Mi-17 transport chopper, reported news agency ANI. Bodies of two pilots have been recovered from the crash site, the report said quoting police sources. Security forces are scanning the area. #SpotVisuals: Police on military aircraft crash in Jammu & Kashmir's Budgam, say, "Two bodies have been found at the crash site." pic.twitter.com/Tg2uFeJjdW — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019 ×

2 pilots killed as IAF's Mi-17 transport chopper crashes in Jammu and Kashmir

Two operatives of Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been arrested from West Bengal's Murshidabad district and a cache of explosive materials seized from their possession, a senior police officer said Wednesday.

In a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) of the Kolkata Police and the Murshidabad police, Moshibur Rahman (35) alias Farooque and Ruhul Amin alias Saifullah (26) were apprehended Tuesday night, he said.

"Both Moshibur and Ruhul, residents of Murshidabad district, are active members of the outlawed JMB. A cache of explosive materials, including aluminium dust, calether (spirit of ether) and sulphuric acid, have been recovered from their possession," the senior officer told PTI.

The duo happen to be associates of Kauser and Sajjad, who were nabbed on January 29 for their involvement in 2014 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-polices-stf-arrest-another-jmb-operative-in-connection-with-burdwan-blast-196289">Burdwan blast case</a>, he said.

On October 2, 2014, a blast had occurred in a house at Khagragarh in Burdwan district, killing two persons.

"We have interrogated Sajjad and found out that Moshibur and Ruhul have been trained in making acid bombs. Their plan was to attack the police and get Kauser released," the officer said.

With Tuesday's successful raid in Murshidabad, the number of JMB operatives arrested in a month rose to six, he added.

On February 16, Ariful Islam alias Arif (22) was arrested from the city's Babughat area for his alleged links to the terror outfit.

Three days later, Asif Iqbal alias Nadeem, another resident of Murshidabad district, was held at Santragachi railway station in Howrah district.

Islam was involved in 2018 Bodh Gaya blast case, police had claimed.

On January 19 last year, a low-intensity bomb had exploded at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, shortly after Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama finished a sermon at the Mahabodhi temple.&nbsp;

Two operatives of Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been arrested from West Bengal's Murshidabad district and a cache of explosive materials seized from their possession, a senior police officer said Wednesday.

Two operatives of Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been arrested from West Bengal's Murshidabad district and a cache of explosive materials seized from their possession, a senior police officer said Wednesday. In a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) of the Kolkata Police and the Murshidabad police, Moshibur Rahman (35) alias Farooque and Ruhul Amin alias Saifullah (26) were apprehended Tuesday night, he said. "Both Moshibur and Ruhul, residents of Murshidabad district, are active members of the outlawed JMB. A cache of explosive materials, including aluminium dust, calether (spirit of ether) and sulphuric acid, have been recovered from their possession," the senior officer told PTI. The duo happen to be associates of Kauser and Sajjad, who were nabbed on January 29 for their involvement in 2014 Burdwan blast case, he said. On October 2, 2014, a blast had occurred in a house at Khagragarh in Burdwan district, killing two persons. "We have interrogated Sajjad and found out that Moshibur and Ruhul have been trained in making acid bombs. Their plan was to attack the police and get Kauser released," the officer said. With Tuesday's successful raid in Murshidabad, the number of JMB operatives arrested in a month rose to six, he added. On February 16, Ariful Islam alias Arif (22) was arrested from the city's Babughat area for his alleged links to the terror outfit. Three days later, Asif Iqbal alias Nadeem, another resident of Murshidabad district, was held at Santragachi railway station in Howrah district. Islam was involved in 2018 Bodh Gaya blast case, police had claimed. On January 19 last year, a low-intensity bomb had exploded at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, shortly after Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama finished a sermon at the Mahabodhi temple.

Two JMB operatives held in Bengal, explosive materials seized

Delhiites woke up to a cloudy Wednesday morning, with the weatherman predicting the possibility of a hailstorm and thundershowers in the national capital during the day.

The minimum temperature was recorded at seven&nbsp;degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius, according to a MeT department official.

The MET department has forecast light rain with the possibility of hailstorm or thundershower during the day, the official said.

On Tuesday, the minimum temperature settled at 9.5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius. 
&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a cloudy Wednesday morning, with the weatherman predicting the possibility of a hailstorm and thundershowers in the national capital during the day.

Delhiites woke up to a cloudy Wednesday morning, with the weatherman predicting the possibility of a hailstorm and thundershowers in the national capital during the day. The minimum temperature was recorded at seven degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius, according to a MeT department official. The MET department has forecast light rain with the possibility of hailstorm or thundershower during the day, the official said. On Tuesday, the minimum temperature settled at 9.5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius.

Hailstorm, thundershowers likely in Delhi-NCR

IAF fighter jet crashes in Central Kashmir Budgam

In view of Wednesday's flip flops post by the Pakistani army, New Delhi doesn't see Pakistan acting on the issue of terrorism.&nbsp;

Highlighting the contraction by the Pakistani army post-arrest of Indian air personnel, a top source said, "DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan. This is directly contradictory to his earlier tweet which claims another two in the region."&nbsp;

Adding, "this shows Pakistani duplicity - their own lies have been exposed."

But the Pakistani not once but twice did it flip flop on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Spokesperson of the Indian ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar briefed the media at 3.15 in which India confirmed one of its personnel is missing in action.

One hour later when the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation he continued to say 'pilots' in the plural.

The top source, speaking to WION said, "this is evidence that the Pakistani officials and military were not briefing the PM correctly."

Explaining, "If they cannot even present the right facts before their Prime Minister, how can we trust them to take any action against terrorists."

In view of Wednesday's flip flops post by the Pakistani army, New Delhi doesn't see Pakistan acting on the issue of terrorism. Highlighting the contraction by the Pakistani army post-arrest of Indian air personnel, a top source said, "DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan.

In view of Wednesday's flip flops post by the Pakistani army, New Delhi doesn't see Pakistan acting on the issue of terrorism. Highlighting the contraction by the Pakistani army post-arrest of Indian air personnel, a top source said, "DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan. This is directly contradictory to his earlier tweet which claims another two in the region." Adding, "this shows Pakistani duplicity - their own lies have been exposed." But the Pakistani not once but twice did it flip flop on Wednesday. Spokesperson of the Indian ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar briefed the media at 3.15 in which India confirmed one of its personnel is missing in action. One hour later when the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation he continued to say 'pilots' in the plural. The top source, speaking to WION said, "this is evidence that the Pakistani officials and military were not briefing the PM correctly." Explaining, "If they cannot even present the right facts before their Prime Minister, how can we trust them to take any action against terrorists."

India highlights Pakistan's contradiction; doesn't see Pakistan acting against terror

Alarm bells have rung in global capital as the situation has escalated in the Indian subcontinent after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ensure-no-harm-comes-to-indian-defence-personnel-expect-his-safe-return-india-to-pak-deputy-high-commissioner-200097">Pakistani strike on Indian military installations</a>. India has called <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/shot-down-one-pakistan-air-force-plane-1-mig-21-aircraft-lost-pilot-missing-in-action-ministry-of-external-affairs-200046">Islamabad's action</a> as an "unprovoked act of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-threatens-to-boycott-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-guest-of-honour-indias-participation-200113">aggression by Pakistan"</a>.&nbsp;

Several countries have issued statements asking for restraint between India and Pakistan.

The European Union called for restraint and avoid any further escalation of the situation. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini in a statement said, "This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region."

The EU also asked Islamabad to address the issue of terrorism which include, "clear and targeted actions related to all forms of terrorist activity."

UK said it is working with international partners including through the UN Security Council to de-escalate tensions. UK PM Theresa May said her country is "deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan" and urged "dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability."

The French foreign minister said it is closely monitoring the situation and called Pakistan and India to de-escalate.

Russian govt also expressed its "serious concern" about the "aggravation of the situation" and called on both "sides to show restraint" and "step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means."

Moscow said it will willing to assist in strengthening New Delhi and Islamabad's counter-terrorism potential.

China reiterated what it said on Tuesday and called India and Pakistan to "bear in mind the peace and stability in the region" and "exercise restraint".

South Asian countries have also called India and Pakistan to show restraint. Nepal, which is the current chair of SAARC called on both sides to "exercise restraint and not engage in actions that would threaten peace and security in the region"

Sri Lankan foreign ministry in a statement said it strongly supports "peace and stability" in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the "diffusion of tensions".

It urged India and Pakistan to act in a manner that "ensures the security, peace and stability of the entire region."

Alarm bells have rung in global capital as the situation has escalated in the Indian subcontinent after Pakistani strike on Indian military installations. India has called Islamabad's action as an "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan".

Alarm bells have rung in global capital as the situation has escalated in the Indian subcontinent after Pakistani strike on Indian military installations. India has called Islamabad's action as an "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan". Several countries have issued statements asking for restraint between India and Pakistan. The European Union called for restraint and avoid any further escalation of the situation. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini in a statement said, "This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region." The EU also asked Islamabad to address the issue of terrorism which include, "clear and targeted actions related to all forms of terrorist activity." UK said it is working with international partners including through the UN Security Council to de-escalate tensions. UK PM Theresa May said her country is "deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan" and urged "dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability." The French foreign minister said it is closely monitoring the situation and called Pakistan and India to de-escalate. Russian govt also expressed its "serious concern" about the "aggravation of the situation" and called on both "sides to show restraint" and "step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means." Moscow said it will willing to assist in strengthening New Delhi and Islamabad's counter-terrorism potential. China reiterated what it said on Tuesday and called India and Pakistan to "bear in mind the peace and stability in the region" and "exercise restraint". South Asian countries have also called India and Pakistan to show restraint. Nepal, which is the current chair of SAARC called on both sides to "exercise restraint and not engage in actions that would threaten peace and security in the region" Sri Lankan foreign ministry in a statement said it strongly supports "peace and stability" in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the "diffusion of tensions". It urged India and Pakistan to act in a manner that "ensures the security, peace and stability of the entire region."

Alarm bells in global capitals as world asks India and Pakistan to exercise restraint

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">tension&nbsp;with Islamabad</a> and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.&nbsp;

Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-account-how-mirage-2000-jets-destroyed-targets-inside-pakistan-199915">terrorist infrastructure </a>of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint."

JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel.&nbsp;

Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action."

"The&nbsp;target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added

The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance.&nbsp;

She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it&nbsp;denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM."

The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times.

Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open"

This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan.

The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades.

Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil. Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the terrorist infrastructure of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint." JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel. Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action." "The target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance. She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM." The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee. India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus. France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom. This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times. Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open" This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan. The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades. Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Don't want to see further escalation, says India at RIC meet in China

The Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA released a third model SKODA KAMIQ to its European SUV portfolio on Wednesday.

Designed with&nbsp;an elevated seat position and&nbsp;higher ground clearance the new model perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle.

The model offers the agility of a compact car with numerous Simply Clever features including an emotive design, state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems.

The car designed with a generous amount of space aims to target the interest of the new, younger groups that pursue a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle in the increasingly popular city SUV segment.

The model is exclusively available with front-wheel drive
<img alt="Skoda" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f52fb55a-3a10-4484-9a4e-b8b8594501b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SKODAA.JPG" />
The name of the new model 'KAMIQ' means something that fits perfectly and originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland.

The name continues the already familiar nomenclature of SKODA SUV models. The names of the larger models, the SKODA KAROQ and SKODA KODIAQ also starts with the letter K and end in a Q.

Speaking about the new addition to its&nbsp;European SUV portfolio SKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing&nbsp;Alain Favey said, "With the expansion of our SUV family, we have not only focused on a uniform design language, the clear line of the names containing a K and a Q also accentuates the coherence and has a high recognition value. In the language of the Inuit, KAMIQ embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. That suits this car perfectly".

&nbsp;

The Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA released a third model SKODA KAMIQ to its European SUV portfolio on Wednesday. Designed with an elevated seat position and higher ground clearance the new model perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle.

The Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA released a third model SKODA KAMIQ to its European SUV portfolio on Wednesday. Designed with an elevated seat position and higher ground clearance the new model perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle. The model offers the agility of a compact car with numerous Simply Clever features including an emotive design, state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems. The car designed with a generous amount of space aims to target the interest of the new, younger groups that pursue a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle in the increasingly popular city SUV segment. The model is exclusively available with front-wheel drive The name of the new model 'KAMIQ' means something that fits perfectly and originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland. The name continues the already familiar nomenclature of SKODA SUV models. The names of the larger models, the SKODA KAROQ and SKODA KODIAQ also starts with the letter K and end in a Q. Speaking about the new addition to its European SUV portfolio SKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing Alain Favey said, "With the expansion of our SUV family, we have not only focused on a uniform design language, the clear line of the names containing a K and a Q also accentuates the coherence and has a high recognition value. In the language of the Inuit, KAMIQ embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. That suits this car perfectly".

Skoda unveils the new city SUV, SKODA KAMIQ 

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday.&nbsp;

The apex court trashed the Centre’s plea seeking review of its earlier verdict by which it had declined to interfere with a decision of the Allahabad High Court on the crucial quota issue.

The top court also dismissed the prayer for an open court hearing of the Centre’s review petition. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and Indira Bannerjee dismissed the review petitions filed by Centre, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and several individual petitioners.

“Application for listing Review Petition in open Court is rejected. Grounds in the review petitions were also raised and gone into when the special leave petitions were considered by this Court…We have gone through the review petitions and do not find any error apparent on record to justify interference in review jurisdiction. These review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the bench said.

It said that appeals of the Centre and the UGC were dismissed as the findings in the order of the high court was found to be correct. The apex court had on January 21, dismissed the appeals of the Centre and UGC against the order of Allahabad High Court which had ruled that quota for SC/ST or OBC in posts of faculty will be calculated department-wise and not College or University-wise.

The high court, while deciding a petition challenging the reservation policy for faculties in Banaras Hindu University had on April 7, 2017, struck down a circular of UGC on filling of posts of teachers for SC/ST or OBC categories. “The respondent university will carry out the exercise of applying reservation to the posts under advertisement treating the department/subject as a unit for all levels of teachers rather than treating the university as a unit,” the High Court had said.

The Centre and UGC in their contention had said that process of selection of faculty members from SC/ST or OBC would get delayed due to difficulties in ensuring 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent quota respectively. Earlier, Universities adopted a system under which every fourth teacher was appointed from OBC category, seventh from SC category and 14th from ST category.

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday.

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday. The apex court trashed the Centre’s plea seeking review of its earlier verdict by which it had declined to interfere with a decision of the Allahabad High Court on the crucial quota issue. The top court also dismissed the prayer for an open court hearing of the Centre’s review petition. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and Indira Bannerjee dismissed the review petitions filed by Centre, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and several individual petitioners. “Application for listing Review Petition in open Court is rejected. Grounds in the review petitions were also raised and gone into when the special leave petitions were considered by this Court…We have gone through the review petitions and do not find any error apparent on record to justify interference in review jurisdiction. These review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the bench said. It said that appeals of the Centre and the UGC were dismissed as the findings in the order of the high court was found to be correct. The apex court had on January 21, dismissed the appeals of the Centre and UGC against the order of Allahabad High Court which had ruled that quota for SC/ST or OBC in posts of faculty will be calculated department-wise and not College or University-wise. The high court, while deciding a petition challenging the reservation policy for faculties in Banaras Hindu University had on April 7, 2017, struck down a circular of UGC on filling of posts of teachers for SC/ST or OBC categories. “The respondent university will carry out the exercise of applying reservation to the posts under advertisement treating the department/subject as a unit for all levels of teachers rather than treating the university as a unit,” the High Court had said. The Centre and UGC in their contention had said that process of selection of faculty members from SC/ST or OBC would get delayed due to difficulties in ensuring 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent quota respectively. Earlier, Universities adopted a system under which every fourth teacher was appointed from OBC category, seventh from SC category and 14th from ST category.

Supreme Court dismisses Centre, UGC review pleas against department-wise quota for faculties

The Railways on Wednesday said the Samjhauta Express will continue to run as per schedule from Delhi to Attari in India, amidst reports that Pakistan has suspended its operations between Wagah to Lahore on its side.

“The train will run as per schedule as of now,” Northern Railway spokesperson Deepak Kumar told PTI about its operation on the Indian side.

The biweekly train, which runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, will leave at 11:10 pm tonight as per schedule from the Old Delhi Railway station with 26 passengers aboard – four in AC coach, 22 in non-AC coaches — sources said.

The train does not have any commercial stops between Delhi and Attari.

Originally, the train offered a through service with one rake going all the way between the terminals – Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan. However, now a Pakistani rake stops at Attari at which point passengers have to change trains and board an Indian rake.

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 22 July 1976 under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations.

From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday.

Sources said the footfall on the train, which generally recorded an occupancy of around 70 pre cent, has fallen drastically post the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

The Railways on Wednesday said the Samjhauta Express will continue to run as per schedule from Delhi to Attari in India, amidst reports that Pakistan has suspended its operations between Wagah to Lahore on its side.

The Railways on Wednesday said the Samjhauta Express will continue to run as per schedule from Delhi to Attari in India, amidst reports that Pakistan has suspended its operations between Wagah to Lahore on its side. “The train will run as per schedule as of now,” Northern Railway spokesperson Deepak Kumar told PTI about its operation on the Indian side. The biweekly train, which runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, will leave at 11:10 pm tonight as per schedule from the Old Delhi Railway station with 26 passengers aboard – four in AC coach, 22 in non-AC coaches — sources said. The train does not have any commercial stops between Delhi and Attari. Originally, the train offered a through service with one rake going all the way between the terminals – Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan. However, now a Pakistani rake stops at Attari at which point passengers have to change trains and board an Indian rake. 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 22 July 1976 under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday. Sources said the footfall on the train, which generally recorded an occupancy of around 70 pre cent, has fallen drastically post the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Samjhauta Express on schedule between Delhi and Attari: Railways

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism &amp; Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said.

Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said.&nbsp;

Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said.

The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said.

With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said.

The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018.

Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018.

China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018.

Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate.

German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.&nbsp;

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data. Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said. Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said. Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said. The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said. With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said. The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018. Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018. China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018. Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate. German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.

India tops international overnight visitors to Dubai in 2018

Two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were gunned down by security forces on Wednesday during an encounter in Memander area of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-yet-again-5-army-personnel-injured-199925">Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, officials said.

The encounter, which broke out between the security forces and terrorists in the wee hours of Wednesday in Shopian, has ended and security forces have begun the combing operations in the area.

The encounter comes a day after India carried out air strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale&nbsp;on Tuesday said Indian Air Force has eliminated a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders, during multiple air strikes in the terror launch pads.

The terror camp in a thick forest area atop a hill was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out.

In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly violated ceasefire in a number of places along the LoC. Heavy shelling was also reported in the region.

On February 24, the three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed in an encounter in Kulgam, said the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were gunned down by security forces on Wednesday during an encounter in Memander area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were gunned down by security forces on Wednesday during an encounter in Memander area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The encounter, which broke out between the security forces and terrorists in the wee hours of Wednesday in Shopian, has ended and security forces have begun the combing operations in the area. The encounter comes a day after India carried out air strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Tuesday said Indian Air Force has eliminated a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders, during multiple air strikes in the terror launch pads. The terror camp in a thick forest area atop a hill was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out. In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly violated ceasefire in a number of places along the LoC. Heavy shelling was also reported in the region. On February 24, the three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed in an encounter in Kulgam, said the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Shopian encounter: Two JeM terrorists killed, combing operations underway

The Income Tax Department Wednesday said it conducted "sensitive search" that covered the head of a prominent organisation in connection with alleged terror financing and anti-national activities.&nbsp;

Four premises in the Kashmir Valley and three in the national capital were searched, the department said without naming the organisation or the persons involved.

"The head of a prominent organisation allegedly indulging in anti-national activities along with his associates were covered in a sensitive search action by the Income Tax Department today," it said in a statement.

"The search action has yielded credible evidence of large scale undisclosed financial transactions carried out in the business of quarrying, hotels etc."

Without providing specific details, the department said it unearthed clinching evidence of "huge unaccounted expenditure having been incurred in cash on the reconstruction and remodelling of the residential premises presently being used by the tax evader's family."

"Despite carrying out large scale financial transactions, neither the protagonist nor any member of his family has ever filed an income tax return. The evidence found in search action is robust enough to show a deliberate and willful attempt to evade tax," it said.

In the search action, three hard disks have also been seized.

"The analysis of the information contained in the disks is likely to yield even more substantial evidence against the tax evader and his associates. This action is part of a concerted drive to trace illegal sources of funding that has financed the separatist elements and their activities in the Valley," the statement added.&nbsp;

The Income Tax Department Wednesday said it conducted "sensitive search" that covered the head of a prominent organisation in connection with alleged terror financing and anti-national activities.

The Income Tax Department Wednesday said it conducted "sensitive search" that covered the head of a prominent organisation in connection with alleged terror financing and anti-national activities. Four premises in the Kashmir Valley and three in the national capital were searched, the department said without naming the organisation or the persons involved. "The head of a prominent organisation allegedly indulging in anti-national activities along with his associates were covered in a sensitive search action by the Income Tax Department today," it said in a statement. "The search action has yielded credible evidence of large scale undisclosed financial transactions carried out in the business of quarrying, hotels etc." Without providing specific details, the department said it unearthed clinching evidence of "huge unaccounted expenditure having been incurred in cash on the reconstruction and remodelling of the residential premises presently being used by the tax evader's family." "Despite carrying out large scale financial transactions, neither the protagonist nor any member of his family has ever filed an income tax return. The evidence found in search action is robust enough to show a deliberate and willful attempt to evade tax," it said. In the search action, three hard disks have also been seized. "The analysis of the information contained in the disks is likely to yield even more substantial evidence against the tax evader and his associates. This action is part of a concerted drive to trace illegal sources of funding that has financed the separatist elements and their activities in the Valley," the statement added.

I-T Department searches premises of head of prominent organisation in Kashmir, Delhi in terror financing case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199949">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199949"> urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report</a>

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-strikes-down-trumps-border-emergency-199924">US House strikes down US President Trump's border emergency</a>

The US House of Representatives dealt a blow to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, approving a resolution blocking him from obtaining funding for a Mexican border wall through his declaration of a national emergency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-ex-lawyer-cohen-to-offer-new-russia-details-to-congress-source-199926">Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen to offer new Russia details to Congress: Source</a>

US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-yet-again-5-army-personnel-injured-199925">Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC yet again, 5 Army personnel injured</a>

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC) in Memander area of Shopian district, leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants. Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. US House strikes down US President Trump's border emergency The US House of Representatives dealt a blow to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, approving a resolution blocking him from obtaining funding for a Mexican border wall through his declaration of a national emergency. Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen to offer new Russia details to Congress: Source US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC yet again, 5 Army personnel injured Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC) in Memander area of Shopian district, leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday threatened to boycott a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled for this week in the UAE if India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participates in the event.

Swaraj has been invited as a "guest of honour" at the inaugural session of the OIC foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi on March 1-2.

"I have no reservations with the OIC or any other Islamic country. My reservations are with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj's attendance at the OIC meeting," Qureshi was quoted as saying by the Geo News.

"If Swaraj attends the meeting then I will not participate in it," he said.

He said he spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"We believe India has committed aggression against a brother Islamic country and attacked a founding member of the OIC," Qureshi quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

"The Turkish foreign minister said there is no reason for Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj to attend the meeting of the OIC and Turkey will fully oppose her invitation and opportunity to address," Qureshi claimed.

Last night, Qureshi said he spoke to his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his reservations over an invitation to Swaraj.

"Under the current circumstances, it will not be possible for me to attend OIC meeting where Swaraj is present," he said.

Meanwhile, the OIC on Tuesday "condemned" India's "incursion and aerial violation" in Pakistan.

It urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid any steps that would endanger peace and security in the region. It called upon both parties to act responsibly and encouraged them to seek a peaceful solution to the current crisis without resort to use of force.

It also called on them to embrace dialogue and work towards a de-escalation of the current situation as a matter of priority.

The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah and expressed deep concern over the heightened tension in the region and called for immediate de-escalation.

The OIC is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, with 40 countries being Muslim Majority countries.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday threatened to boycott a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled for this week in the UAE if India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participates in the event.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday threatened to boycott a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled for this week in the UAE if India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participates in the event. Swaraj has been invited as a "guest of honour" at the inaugural session of the OIC foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi on March 1-2. "I have no reservations with the OIC or any other Islamic country. My reservations are with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj's attendance at the OIC meeting," Qureshi was quoted as saying by the Geo News. "If Swaraj attends the meeting then I will not participate in it," he said. He said he spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. "We believe India has committed aggression against a brother Islamic country and attacked a founding member of the OIC," Qureshi quoted Cavusoglu as saying. "The Turkish foreign minister said there is no reason for Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj to attend the meeting of the OIC and Turkey will fully oppose her invitation and opportunity to address," Qureshi claimed. Last night, Qureshi said he spoke to his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his reservations over an invitation to Swaraj. "Under the current circumstances, it will not be possible for me to attend OIC meeting where Swaraj is present," he said. Meanwhile, the OIC on Tuesday "condemned" India's "incursion and aerial violation" in Pakistan. It urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid any steps that would endanger peace and security in the region. It called upon both parties to act responsibly and encouraged them to seek a peaceful solution to the current crisis without resort to use of force. It also called on them to embrace dialogue and work towards a de-escalation of the current situation as a matter of priority. The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah and expressed deep concern over the heightened tension in the region and called for immediate de-escalation. The OIC is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, with 40 countries being Muslim Majority countries.

Pakistan threatens to boycott Islamic Cooperation meet over 'guest of honour' India's participation

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

"We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement after speaking with the foreign ministers of both countries.

Pompeo said that in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he stressed "the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil."

''I also encouraged both the ministers to prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity,'' the statement further said.&nbsp;

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Pakistan should take meaningful action against terror groups operating on its soil: US on Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistani territory <a href="https://t.co/wiYAMXYO5l">pic.twitter.com/wiYAMXYO5l</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1100588845651947521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from AFP)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants. "We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement after speaking with the foreign ministers of both countries. Pompeo said that in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he stressed "the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil." ''I also encouraged both the ministers to prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity,'' the statement further said. Pakistan should take meaningful action against terror groups operating on its soil: US on Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistani territory pic.twitter.com/wiYAMXYO5l — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 27, 2019 × (With inputs from AFP)

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought a response from the Centre on a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The apex court had earlier decided to keep the plea pending saying that it would be taken up “only after the Citizenship Act Amendment Bill, consideration of which is now stated to be pending before the Rajya Sabha, reaches its finality”.&nbsp;

A bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which recently considered the plea for an urgent hearing on the PIL, Wednesday ordered, “Issue notice returnable in six weeks.”

The bench, also comprising Justices LN Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, was hearing the petition filed by the “Nagarikatwa Aain Songsudhan Birodhi Mancha” (Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill) which has sought to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as “discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal”.

The bill has been cleared by the Lok Sabha and it would now be presented in the Upper House of Parliament. The bill, passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of the 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

It also seeks to provide relief to the persecuted migrants who have come through the western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh etc., the home minister had said. The PIL opposed the bill on the ground that it had introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and termed it as “communally motivated humanitarianism”.

“Never before has religion been specifically identified in the citizenship law as a ground for distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens. It has introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and can be conveniently branded as ‘communally motivated humanitarianism’. “The illegal immigrants who are to be granted the benefit of this legislation are to qualify for citizenship only on the basis of religion, a requirement that goes against one of the basic tenets of the Indian Constitution, secularism,” it said.

It further claimed that the “direct and inevitable” effect of the bill would be the dilution of the Assam Accord inked in 1985, which presently made anyone entering Assam from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971, an “illegal immigrant”. “The amendment defeats the purpose of the accord and opens the floodgates to more illegal immigration and consequently, increases claims on diminishing resources. The transformation of migrants, hitherto perceived as illegal encroachers, into legitimate citizens cannot be justified,” it said.

The plea further claimed that the bill had the potential to “derail and nullify” the gains made by updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. “Many persons, who could not otherwise establish their claims and were therefore excluded from the draft NRC published recently, can now take shelter under this and subsequently, become legitimate Indian citizens at the cost of the indigenous people of Assam,” it said.

The petition further alleged that Assam had repeatedly witnessed ethnic clashes and violence, which were arising out of existential threat perceptions, fear of being reduced to a minority in one’s own homeland and giving up territories to foreigners and imposition of foreign or alien culture. The PIL sought directions to the Centre, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Assam government to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as “discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal”. It further sought directions to the Centre to constitute a National Immigration Commission or any other appropriate body to frame a National Immigration Policy and a National Refugee Policy.

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought a response from the Centre on a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought a response from the Centre on a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The apex court had earlier decided to keep the plea pending saying that it would be taken up “only after the Citizenship Act Amendment Bill, consideration of which is now stated to be pending before the Rajya Sabha, reaches its finality”. A bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which recently considered the plea for an urgent hearing on the PIL, Wednesday ordered, “Issue notice returnable in six weeks.” The bench, also comprising Justices LN Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, was hearing the petition filed by the “Nagarikatwa Aain Songsudhan Birodhi Mancha” (Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill) which has sought to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as “discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal”. The bill has been cleared by the Lok Sabha and it would now be presented in the Upper House of Parliament. The bill, passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of the 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document. It also seeks to provide relief to the persecuted migrants who have come through the western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh etc., the home minister had said. The PIL opposed the bill on the ground that it had introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and termed it as “communally motivated humanitarianism”. “Never before has religion been specifically identified in the citizenship law as a ground for distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens. It has introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and can be conveniently branded as ‘communally motivated humanitarianism’. “The illegal immigrants who are to be granted the benefit of this legislation are to qualify for citizenship only on the basis of religion, a requirement that goes against one of the basic tenets of the Indian Constitution, secularism,” it said. It further claimed that the “direct and inevitable” effect of the bill would be the dilution of the Assam Accord inked in 1985, which presently made anyone entering Assam from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971, an “illegal immigrant”. “The amendment defeats the purpose of the accord and opens the floodgates to more illegal immigration and consequently, increases claims on diminishing resources. The transformation of migrants, hitherto perceived as illegal encroachers, into legitimate citizens cannot be justified,” it said. The plea further claimed that the bill had the potential to “derail and nullify” the gains made by updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. “Many persons, who could not otherwise establish their claims and were therefore excluded from the draft NRC published recently, can now take shelter under this and subsequently, become legitimate Indian citizens at the cost of the indigenous people of Assam,” it said. The petition further alleged that Assam had repeatedly witnessed ethnic clashes and violence, which were arising out of existential threat perceptions, fear of being reduced to a minority in one’s own homeland and giving up territories to foreigners and imposition of foreign or alien culture. The PIL sought directions to the Centre, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Assam government to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as “discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal”. It further sought directions to the Centre to constitute a National Immigration Commission or any other appropriate body to frame a National Immigration Policy and a National Refugee Policy.

Citizenship Bill: Supreme Court seeks reply from Centre

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.&nbsp;

Swaraj reportedly raised Pulwama terror attack in her meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

"I am visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks during the meeting held on the side-lines of Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meeting.&nbsp;

"The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, the Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation," she said.&nbsp;

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

Stating that the JeM is banned by the UN and other countries, Swaraj told Wang that this terrorist attack is the direct result of the impunity and cover provided to the JeM and its leaders by the Pakistani side.

After the Pulwama attack the entire UN has spoken with full voice to condemn it, she said.&nbsp;

Swaraj who arrived here early this morning told Wang that this is their first meeting this year and therefore an opportune time for the two sides to take stock of the bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation.

''This is our first meeting this year. Therefore, an opportune time for us to take stock of our bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. The India-China relationship is an important relationship for both of our countries,'' she said.&nbsp;

Swaraj met the Chinese foreign minister ahead of 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) at the scenic town in China.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> China: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. <a href="https://t.co/RDLfXz6cqV">pic.twitter.com/RDLfXz6cqV</a>
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She will also hold bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, besides the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to ANI.&nbsp;

(With agencies inputs)

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. Swaraj reportedly raised Pulwama terror attack in her meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, reported news agency PTI. "I am visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks during the meeting held on the side-lines of Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meeting. "The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, the Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation," she said. Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. Stating that the JeM is banned by the UN and other countries, Swaraj told Wang that this terrorist attack is the direct result of the impunity and cover provided to the JeM and its leaders by the Pakistani side. After the Pulwama attack the entire UN has spoken with full voice to condemn it, she said. Swaraj who arrived here early this morning told Wang that this is their first meeting this year and therefore an opportune time for the two sides to take stock of the bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. ''This is our first meeting this year. Therefore, an opportune time for us to take stock of our bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. The India-China relationship is an important relationship for both of our countries,'' she said. Swaraj met the Chinese foreign minister ahead of 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) at the scenic town in China. #WATCH China: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. pic.twitter.com/RDLfXz6cqV — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019 × She will also hold bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, besides the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to ANI. (With agencies inputs)

Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report

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