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

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

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

Is sending robots to Mars easier than sending humans?

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

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

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

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

Congress demands action against chief election commissioner 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Telangana man allegedly recruited into Russian military dies near Ukraine border

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

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

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

Iran: US accepted some conditions, Clarity needed on others

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

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

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

Delhi wakes up to heavy rain, thunderstorms; yellow alert in place; temperature drops

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces'&nbsp;personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert.

The alert was sent out after one such Facebook profile was detected, from which friend requests are being sent.

"After inputs were received from our personnel about a Facebook profile (Facebook ID name deliberately withheld) using the name of an Indian woman and sending friend requests to military personnel, a thorough check was carried out and found that it was confirmed Pakistani Intelligence Operative and the profile was also created there only," defence intelligence sources told ANI.

"After this, a warning has been issued to defence forces'&nbsp;personnel to be alert about this profile to avoid falling in their trap," they said.

In the recent past, there have several cases where intelligence operatives using fake social media profiles honey-trapped Army personnel and passed on sensitive secret information to them.

Recently, an Army jawan was arrested after he was found to be in touch with a suspected ISI spy using the profile name of 'Anika Chopra'&nbsp;on Facebook and were chatting regularly on the social media and exchanging details and information about the jawam's armoured unit and its movement.

The Army is now tracking multiple accounts of officers and jawans to probe if the Pakistani spy account was in touch with other personnel also to get information from them, the sources said.

A Group Captain of the Indian Air Force was apprehended by the counter-intelligence units of the Army, Air Force and the Intelligence Bureau for sharing information about transport aircraft operations as he was posted in the Air Headquarters here.

A BrahMos employee was also caught where the Pakistani spy had used the same modus-operandi to trap the official.

Sources in the defence intelligence agencies say that there are several Facebook profiles which have been identified and have been deactivated by the operators but a large number of new profiles are created by the enemy intelligence operatives to extract information from Indian personnel.

The three services also keep issuing advisories to their personnel against posting any military-related pictures on their social media profiles to avoid attracting attention of such spies and those found violating the norms also get punished.

Recently, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had also warned his personnel against falling in the social media trap of the enemy.

"Soldiers have been told not to accept social media friend requests with names of film stars. These could be honey traps. We are taking this very seriously and cannot allow security to be compromised through social media. For those (soldiers) who are not reporting the matter, the punishment is heavy," he had stated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces' personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert.

Pakistani intelligence agencies are using fake Facebook profiles with names of Indian women in an attempt to honey trap Indian defence forces' personnel, prompting authorities here to send out an alert. The alert was sent out after one such Facebook profile was detected, from which friend requests are being sent. "After inputs were received from our personnel about a Facebook profile (Facebook ID name deliberately withheld) using the name of an Indian woman and sending friend requests to military personnel, a thorough check was carried out and found that it was confirmed Pakistani Intelligence Operative and the profile was also created there only," defence intelligence sources told ANI. "After this, a warning has been issued to defence forces' personnel to be alert about this profile to avoid falling in their trap," they said. In the recent past, there have several cases where intelligence operatives using fake social media profiles honey-trapped Army personnel and passed on sensitive secret information to them. Recently, an Army jawan was arrested after he was found to be in touch with a suspected ISI spy using the profile name of 'Anika Chopra' on Facebook and were chatting regularly on the social media and exchanging details and information about the jawam's armoured unit and its movement. The Army is now tracking multiple accounts of officers and jawans to probe if the Pakistani spy account was in touch with other personnel also to get information from them, the sources said. A Group Captain of the Indian Air Force was apprehended by the counter-intelligence units of the Army, Air Force and the Intelligence Bureau for sharing information about transport aircraft operations as he was posted in the Air Headquarters here. A BrahMos employee was also caught where the Pakistani spy had used the same modus-operandi to trap the official. Sources in the defence intelligence agencies say that there are several Facebook profiles which have been identified and have been deactivated by the operators but a large number of new profiles are created by the enemy intelligence operatives to extract information from Indian personnel. The three services also keep issuing advisories to their personnel against posting any military-related pictures on their social media profiles to avoid attracting attention of such spies and those found violating the norms also get punished. Recently, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had also warned his personnel against falling in the social media trap of the enemy. "Soldiers have been told not to accept social media friend requests with names of film stars. These could be honey traps. We are taking this very seriously and cannot allow security to be compromised through social media. For those (soldiers) who are not reporting the matter, the punishment is heavy," he had stated.

Defence personnel alerted against Pak spy on Facebook

Inside Kathikhera, the small UP village that inspired Oscar winning film 'Period. End Of Sentence'

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will from Sunday start sending its goods to India via the Chabahar port in Iran.&nbsp;

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event which will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran.&nbsp;

While speaking exclusively to WION, Afghanistan President Ghani’s spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri said, ''The first trade convoy will involve 23 trucks carrying 570 tonnes of goods. The convoy will leave for Chabahar from the border city of Zaranj in a ceremony which will be attended by President Ashraf Ghani."

<img alt="Afghan shipment that will be sent to India via Chabahar port" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ffc51694-c825-417f-a3fc-35707507099d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_1.jpg" />

Highlighting the importance of the port, Chakhansuri told WION, "Chabahar Port is the result of healthy cooperation between India, Iran and Afghanistan. This will ensure enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the countries."

Chakhansuri added,&nbsp;"Other countries in the region should utilise the economic potentials of regional projects and enhance state to state cooperation instead of having illegal relations with non-state actors." He did not however name any of the "other countries".&nbsp;

Last month on January 27, India formally established shipping lanes with the port by sending ships. It has already been decided that every two weeks Indian ships will go from three Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra.

Commercial operations at the port began on December 30, 2018 with the arrival of MV Macheras, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier with 72458 MT of corn cargo.

India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held on December 24, 2018. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

India has been focusing on connecting with Afghanistan which is a landlocked country. Other than Chabahar, India already has ''India-Afghan air corridor'' with Afghanistan that was launched in 2017. Pakistan has not been keen to allow an overland route for India Afghan trade, that makes Chabahar's emergence as a game changer.

On February 26, Iran will celebrate "Chabahar day" in the city of Chabahar itself during which a number of conferences will take place to attract investors.

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will from Sunday start sending its goods to India via the Chabahar port in Iran. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event which will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran.

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will from Sunday start sending its goods to India via the Chabahar port in Iran. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event which will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran. While speaking exclusively to WION, Afghanistan President Ghani’s spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri said, ''The first trade convoy will involve 23 trucks carrying 570 tonnes of goods. The convoy will leave for Chabahar from the border city of Zaranj in a ceremony which will be attended by President Ashraf Ghani." Highlighting the importance of the port, Chakhansuri told WION, "Chabahar Port is the result of healthy cooperation between India, Iran and Afghanistan. This will ensure enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the countries." Chakhansuri added, "Other countries in the region should utilise the economic potentials of regional projects and enhance state to state cooperation instead of having illegal relations with non-state actors." He did not however name any of the "other countries". Last month on January 27, India formally established shipping lanes with the port by sending ships. It has already been decided that every two weeks Indian ships will go from three Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra. Commercial operations at the port began on December 30, 2018 with the arrival of MV Macheras, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier with 72458 MT of corn cargo. India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held on December 24, 2018. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. India has been focusing on connecting with Afghanistan which is a landlocked country. Other than Chabahar, India already has ''India-Afghan air corridor'' with Afghanistan that was launched in 2017. Pakistan has not been keen to allow an overland route for India Afghan trade, that makes Chabahar's emergence as a game changer. On February 26, Iran will celebrate "Chabahar day" in the city of Chabahar itself during which a number of conferences will take place to attract investors.

Afghanistan begins sending goods to Iran's Chabahar port, final destination is India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 53rd episode of his monthly radio-broadcast Mann Ki Baat on Sunday

National War Memorial has been built, will inaugurate it on Monday: PM Modi on Mann ki Baat

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-minor-girls-including-five-victims-of-muzaffarpur-shelter-home-sex-abuse-go-missing-199183">Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna</a> in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said.

Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police Babu Ram said, "Six of the minor girls were found in Gangauli village under the Sakatpur police station area late in the evening".

He said a police team had come from Patna district in search of the missing girls based on the inputs they had gathered during investigation. One of the girls belonged to Gangauli village.

The girl, along with five others, was found at the village and the visiting police team has taken them into custody for interrogation, the SSP said.

Opposition parties flayed the NDA government in Bihar, alleging that five of the girls were "witnesses" in the sex scandal being probed by the CBI under the supervision of the Supreme&nbsp; 
Court, and claimed their escape was a "conspiracy" hatched by the ruling dispensation to protect "big shots".

"Seven girls have escaped from the shelter home. They are said to have fled after cutting the grill of a window at about 3 am. They were under treatment for their violent behaviour," Social Welfare Department Director Raj Kumar told PTI.

It is yet to be ascertained whether the girls include former inmates of the Muzaffarpur Balika Grih, he said.

Hours later, Deputy Inspector General (Patna Range) Rajesh Kumar reached the spot for inspection and said, "We are conducting investigations taking all possible angles into account."

Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were pressed into service to trace the girls who had fled the home situated around 100 km from the state capital.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "Five witnesses of the Muzaffarpur rape case have been made to disappear from Mokama shelter home to protect the chief minister and the government machinery."

Yadav's mother Rabri Devi, who is leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should tell us why he is so scared."

The girls went missing a few hours before hearing in the Muzaffarpur case commenced at a Delhi court, where trial was transferred from the north Bihar town following a Supreme Court order earlier this month.

RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha slammed the Nitish Kumar government over the incident. 
"It appears that the girls have not flee of their own accord, but their escape has been facilitated by the government since the Supreme Court and the CBI have questioned the role of the chief minister in the scandal. Nitish Kumar should resign as other surviving victims face threat to their lives from him," Kushwaha said in a tweet.

Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said, "It appears that attempts are being made to save some people in the Muzaffarpur case. The Supreme Court should take note of the disappearance of girls from Mokama."

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi issued a statement from Ranchi, alleging that the chief minister and Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey be held accountable for the disappearance of the seven girls "which has been made possible to affect the probe into Muzaffarpur sex scandal".

The scandal had come to light in May last year after an FIR was lodged by the Social Welfare Department based on the social audit report of Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences. 
More than 30 girls were lodged at the shelter home when the scandal came to light and medical examinations confirmed that most of them had been subjected to sexual abuse. The shelter home was subsequently sealed and its inmates were moved to care units in Madhubani, Patna and Mokama.

The case was later handed over to the CBI on the recommendation of the state government which, thereafter, also decided to give up the practice of awarding contracts for running shelter homes to state-funded NGOs.&nbsp;

Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said.

Seven minor girls escaped from a care unit at Mokama town in rural Patna in the early hours of Saturday following which six of them were found in Darbhanga district, police said. Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police Babu Ram said, "Six of the minor girls were found in Gangauli village under the Sakatpur police station area late in the evening". He said a police team had come from Patna district in search of the missing girls based on the inputs they had gathered during investigation. One of the girls belonged to Gangauli village. The girl, along with five others, was found at the village and the visiting police team has taken them into custody for interrogation, the SSP said. Opposition parties flayed the NDA government in Bihar, alleging that five of the girls were "witnesses" in the sex scandal being probed by the CBI under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and claimed their escape was a "conspiracy" hatched by the ruling dispensation to protect "big shots". "Seven girls have escaped from the shelter home. They are said to have fled after cutting the grill of a window at about 3 am. They were under treatment for their violent behaviour," Social Welfare Department Director Raj Kumar told PTI. It is yet to be ascertained whether the girls include former inmates of the Muzaffarpur Balika Grih, he said. Hours later, Deputy Inspector General (Patna Range) Rajesh Kumar reached the spot for inspection and said, "We are conducting investigations taking all possible angles into account." Sniffer dogs and forensic experts were pressed into service to trace the girls who had fled the home situated around 100 km from the state capital. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "Five witnesses of the Muzaffarpur rape case have been made to disappear from Mokama shelter home to protect the chief minister and the government machinery." Yadav's mother Rabri Devi, who is leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should tell us why he is so scared." The girls went missing a few hours before hearing in the Muzaffarpur case commenced at a Delhi court, where trial was transferred from the north Bihar town following a Supreme Court order earlier this month. RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha slammed the Nitish Kumar government over the incident. "It appears that the girls have not flee of their own accord, but their escape has been facilitated by the government since the Supreme Court and the CBI have questioned the role of the chief minister in the scandal. Nitish Kumar should resign as other surviving victims face threat to their lives from him," Kushwaha said in a tweet. Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said, "It appears that attempts are being made to save some people in the Muzaffarpur case. The Supreme Court should take note of the disappearance of girls from Mokama." Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi issued a statement from Ranchi, alleging that the chief minister and Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey be held accountable for the disappearance of the seven girls "which has been made possible to affect the probe into Muzaffarpur sex scandal". The scandal had come to light in May last year after an FIR was lodged by the Social Welfare Department based on the social audit report of Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences. More than 30 girls were lodged at the shelter home when the scandal came to light and medical examinations confirmed that most of them had been subjected to sexual abuse. The shelter home was subsequently sealed and its inmates were moved to care units in Madhubani, Patna and Mokama. The case was later handed over to the CBI on the recommendation of the state government which, thereafter, also decided to give up the practice of awarding contracts for running shelter homes to state-funded NGOs.

Six of seven girls found hours after they flee shelter home in Bihar

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.

"The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported.

"I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone.

He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army.

The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government.

His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.

Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported.

He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said.

"I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying.

According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it.

"Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies.

"I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw."

"Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday. "The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported. "I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone. He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army. The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government. His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act. Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported. He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said. "I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying. According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it. "Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies. "I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper. According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw." "Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.

J&K: Police officer, Army jawan, 3 JeM terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter

India on Sunday handed over 155 houses built under the Indian Housing Project Bridwell Estate in Bogawantalawa, Hatton in the central province of Sri Lanka. Hatton is known as the tea capital of Sri Lanka and is known area is known for its plantation areas.&nbsp;

The houses were handed over to beneficiaries jointly by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe &amp; Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Out of 63,000 houses, India has committed to build under the project, 47,000 have already been constructed.

Speaking at the event Sri Lankan PM thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian government's support for the development support extended to Sri Lanka.

<img alt="Indian housing project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f258fddc-8444-4450-8ef9-e56f4ab17524" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Srilanka.jpg" />

The Indian high commissioner said the Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka with a grant of over $ 350 million is the largest Indian grant assistance project in any country abroad.

<img alt="Indian Housing Project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15133ab6-2e16-4343-a286-0cf3c9ff73ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_1.jpg" />

In January India handed over 150 houses under the project in Nuwara Eliya District in Central Province.

<img alt="Indian Housing Project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d66cf66-a0ee-4745-a4da-a90c42354a95" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_1.jpg" />

<img alt="Indian Housing Project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="001bac1d-d5c1-4fec-bdf1-6147ad901e17" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_2.jpg" />

The third phase of the Indian Housing Project involves the construction of 4000 houses in the Central and Uva Provinces of the country. The project was started in 2010 as part of post-conflict rehabilitation efforts.

India on Sunday handed over 155 houses built under the Indian Housing Project Bridwell Estate in Bogawantalawa, Hatton in the central province of Sri Lanka. Hatton is known as the tea capital of Sri Lanka and is known area is known for its plantation areas.

India on Sunday handed over 155 houses built under the Indian Housing Project Bridwell Estate in Bogawantalawa, Hatton in the central province of Sri Lanka. Hatton is known as the tea capital of Sri Lanka and is known area is known for its plantation areas. The houses were handed over to beneficiaries jointly by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe & Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Out of 63,000 houses, India has committed to build under the project, 47,000 have already been constructed. Speaking at the event Sri Lankan PM thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian government's support for the development support extended to Sri Lanka. The Indian high commissioner said the Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka with a grant of over $ 350 million is the largest Indian grant assistance project in any country abroad. In January India handed over 150 houses under the project in Nuwara Eliya District in Central Province. The third phase of the Indian Housing Project involves the construction of 4000 houses in the Central and Uva Provinces of the country. The project was started in 2010 as part of post-conflict rehabilitation efforts.

India hands over 155 houses in Central Sri Lanka under its development programme 

Tension mounted in Kashmir on Saturday as the government launched a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-fallout-government-withdraws-security-of-18-more-separatists-in-kashmir-198656">massive crackdown on separatists</a> and detained over 150 people, mainly from the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on Article 35-A of the Constitution.

The development, coupled with other administrative measures, triggered a "war hysteria", prompting people in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to stock up on groceries and essentials and buy petrol for their vehicles.

Though police termed the action as routine saying that leaders and potential stone pelters have been picked up in the past, officials privy to the development said this was the first major crackdown on the Jamaat-e-Islami, coming days after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The hearing on Article 35A, which provides special rights and privileges to natives of Jammu and Kashmir, is likely to take place in the apex court on Monday.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), an umbrella coalition of separatist groups, has called for a shutdown in the valley on Sunday.

"To protest these arbitrary mass arrests, nocturnal raids, insecurity among people due to state repression, killings and censorship and any tampering with Article 35-A, a strike will be observed on 24 Feb 2019 (Sunday)," the JRL said in a statement.

The authorities imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits assembly of people, in old parts of Srinagar on Sunday, as a precautionary measure.

The Jamaat-e-Islami had in the past been touted to be the parent political party of the Hizbul Mujahdeen, but the organisation maintained that it is a socio-religious group.

Orders issued by some government departments added to the fears of the people. The Government Medical College in Srinagar cancelled winter vacation of its faculty members and directed them to positively report to work on Monday.

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, which provides ration to people through its outlets, has directed its staff members in Srinagar to ensure completing sale of food grains in their respective areas by Saturday evening.&nbsp;

They were also directed to keep ration depots and sale outlets open on Sunday as well.

As many as 100 additional companies of the paramilitary (nearly 10,000 personnel) have been sent to Kashmir Valley in the apprehension of a law and order situation. Officially, no reason was cited for the movement.

According to Union Home Ministry sources, the movement of troops was pre-election induction.

Markets in Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of the valley, and adjoining areas opened more than an hour late as business owners were not sure of the situation in the wake of detention of over 150 separatist and Jamaat cadres during the night on Friday.

The sound of frequent flying of fighter jets till 1.30 am on Saturday added to the worries of the residents due to simmering Indo-Pak tension.&nbsp;

However, IAF officials described it as a routine exercise.

Long queues were seen outside petrol stations and people were thronging provision shops and buying essential supplies.

The Jamaat issued a statement condemning the detentions and said "...The move is a well-designed conspiracy to pave way for further uncertainty in the region."

The party claimed that during the intervening night of February 22 and 23, police and other agencies launched a mass arrest drive and raided many houses in the valley, wherein dozens of its central and district-level leaders were arrested, including its ameer (chief) Abdul Hamid Fayaz and spokesperson, advocate Zahid Ali.

Besides this, police also detained JKLF chief Yaseen Malik on Friday night, and lodged him in central jail.

Reacting to the crackdown, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti questioned the legality of the action.

"In the past 24 hours, Hurriyat leaders and workers of Jamaat organisation have been arrested.&nbsp;

Fail to understand such an arbitrary move which will only precipitate matters in JK," she tweeted.

"Under what legal grounds are their arrests justified? You can imprison a person but not his ideas," she said.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the state administration needs to reduce the sense of panic among the people.&nbsp;

"People in the valley, especially the cities &amp; towns, are taking everything said or done as a sign that some big trouble is just around the corner. People are hoarding food &amp; fuel. Some government orders are adding to the sense of panic," he added.

Leader of People's Conference, an ally of the BJP, Sajad Lone also said such crackdowns in the past have yielded no results.&nbsp;

"Gov (sic) seems to be on an arrest spree. Just a word of caution. Large scale arrests took place in 1990. Leaders were ferried to Jodhpur and many jails across the country. Things worsened. This is a tried tested and failed model. Please desist from it. It won't work.Things will worsen," he tweeted.

CPI(M) MLA Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the crackdown on and arrests of separatist leaders without any solid legal grounds do not augur well for the state.&nbsp;

Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned Malik's detention and the crackdown.

"Strongly condemn the nocturnal crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami leadership and cadres and the arrest of Yasin Malik. Such illegal and coercive measures against Kashmiris are futile and will not change realities on ground. Force and intimidation will only worsen the situation," the Mirwaiz tweeted.&nbsp;

Tension mounted in Kashmir on Saturday as the government launched a massive crackdown on separatists and detained over 150 people, mainly from the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on Article 35-A of the Constitution.

Tension mounted in Kashmir on Saturday as the government launched a massive crackdown on separatists and detained over 150 people, mainly from the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on Article 35-A of the Constitution. The development, coupled with other administrative measures, triggered a "war hysteria", prompting people in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to stock up on groceries and essentials and buy petrol for their vehicles. Though police termed the action as routine saying that leaders and potential stone pelters have been picked up in the past, officials privy to the development said this was the first major crackdown on the Jamaat-e-Islami, coming days after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The hearing on Article 35A, which provides special rights and privileges to natives of Jammu and Kashmir, is likely to take place in the apex court on Monday. The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), an umbrella coalition of separatist groups, has called for a shutdown in the valley on Sunday. "To protest these arbitrary mass arrests, nocturnal raids, insecurity among people due to state repression, killings and censorship and any tampering with Article 35-A, a strike will be observed on 24 Feb 2019 (Sunday)," the JRL said in a statement. The authorities imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits assembly of people, in old parts of Srinagar on Sunday, as a precautionary measure. The Jamaat-e-Islami had in the past been touted to be the parent political party of the Hizbul Mujahdeen, but the organisation maintained that it is a socio-religious group. Orders issued by some government departments added to the fears of the people. The Government Medical College in Srinagar cancelled winter vacation of its faculty members and directed them to positively report to work on Monday. The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, which provides ration to people through its outlets, has directed its staff members in Srinagar to ensure completing sale of food grains in their respective areas by Saturday evening. They were also directed to keep ration depots and sale outlets open on Sunday as well. As many as 100 additional companies of the paramilitary (nearly 10,000 personnel) have been sent to Kashmir Valley in the apprehension of a law and order situation. Officially, no reason was cited for the movement. According to Union Home Ministry sources, the movement of troops was pre-election induction. Markets in Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of the valley, and adjoining areas opened more than an hour late as business owners were not sure of the situation in the wake of detention of over 150 separatist and Jamaat cadres during the night on Friday. The sound of frequent flying of fighter jets till 1.30 am on Saturday added to the worries of the residents due to simmering Indo-Pak tension. However, IAF officials described it as a routine exercise. Long queues were seen outside petrol stations and people were thronging provision shops and buying essential supplies. The Jamaat issued a statement condemning the detentions and said "...The move is a well-designed conspiracy to pave way for further uncertainty in the region." The party claimed that during the intervening night of February 22 and 23, police and other agencies launched a mass arrest drive and raided many houses in the valley, wherein dozens of its central and district-level leaders were arrested, including its ameer (chief) Abdul Hamid Fayaz and spokesperson, advocate Zahid Ali. Besides this, police also detained JKLF chief Yaseen Malik on Friday night, and lodged him in central jail. Reacting to the crackdown, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti questioned the legality of the action. "In the past 24 hours, Hurriyat leaders and workers of Jamaat organisation have been arrested. Fail to understand such an arbitrary move which will only precipitate matters in JK," she tweeted. "Under what legal grounds are their arrests justified? You can imprison a person but not his ideas," she said. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the state administration needs to reduce the sense of panic among the people. "People in the valley, especially the cities & towns, are taking everything said or done as a sign that some big trouble is just around the corner. People are hoarding food & fuel. Some government orders are adding to the sense of panic," he added. Leader of People's Conference, an ally of the BJP, Sajad Lone also said such crackdowns in the past have yielded no results. "Gov (sic) seems to be on an arrest spree. Just a word of caution. Large scale arrests took place in 1990. Leaders were ferried to Jodhpur and many jails across the country. Things worsened. This is a tried tested and failed model. Please desist from it. It won't work.Things will worsen," he tweeted. CPI(M) MLA Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the crackdown on and arrests of separatist leaders without any solid legal grounds do not augur well for the state. Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned Malik's detention and the crackdown. "Strongly condemn the nocturnal crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami leadership and cadres and the arrest of Yasin Malik. Such illegal and coercive measures against Kashmiris are futile and will not change realities on ground. Force and intimidation will only worsen the situation," the Mirwaiz tweeted.

J&K: Tension mounts after government crackdown, separatists call for bandh today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the ‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’, said to be the largest copy of the sacred text to be printed, on February 26 at the ISKCON Temple and Cultural Centre in East of Kailash in Delhi.

The book, which measures 2.8m x 2m (closed) and weighs 800 kg, is touted to be the largest Bhagavad Gita to be ever printed.

Prime Minister Modi will be joined by Gopal Krishna Goswami, and other dignitaries from India and abroad.

“Among many things that attract the world towards India, a central part of it is our culture and deep philosophical knowledge. ISKCON is engaged in many spiritual and social activities in India and around the world," said Yudhistir Govinda Das, National Communications Director of ISKCON."

"We also try to do our part in promoting Indian culture and knowledge which is aptly represented as the Bhagavad Gita. This particular edition is an emblem to represent these values of India and serve as beacon of peace and goodwill for the years to come,” he said.

“The ‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’ comprises of 670 pages which cover the original 700 Sanskrit verses along with the commentary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya), for a total of one acre of printed matter,” ISKCON said in a staement.

With an artistic touch of eighteen exquisite paintings and an innovative elegant layout, the book “has been “printed in Milan, Italy on YUPO synthetic paper so as to make it untearable and waterproof,” it said.

Yudhistir said, “While there are other bigger books, the 'Astounding Bhagavad Gita'&nbsp;is the largest principle sacred text to ever be printed. A team of ISKCON devotees from various countries worked round the clock for months to produce this Gita as offering to Srila Prabhupada and the tradition of Sanatana Dharma which have taught us compassion, service and a connection with the Supreme Lord.”

Prime Minister Modi will also address the audience comprising spiritual leaders, diplomats, social leaders, scholars along with devotees and members of ISKCON from around the world who have gathered to witness the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the ‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’, said to be the largest copy of the sacred text to be printed, on February 26 at the ISKCON Temple and Cultural Centre in East of Kailash in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the ‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’, said to be the largest copy of the sacred text to be printed, on February 26 at the ISKCON Temple and Cultural Centre in East of Kailash in Delhi. The book, which measures 2.8m x 2m (closed) and weighs 800 kg, is touted to be the largest Bhagavad Gita to be ever printed. Prime Minister Modi will be joined by Gopal Krishna Goswami, and other dignitaries from India and abroad. “Among many things that attract the world towards India, a central part of it is our culture and deep philosophical knowledge. ISKCON is engaged in many spiritual and social activities in India and around the world," said Yudhistir Govinda Das, National Communications Director of ISKCON." "We also try to do our part in promoting Indian culture and knowledge which is aptly represented as the Bhagavad Gita. This particular edition is an emblem to represent these values of India and serve as beacon of peace and goodwill for the years to come,” he said. “The ‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’ comprises of 670 pages which cover the original 700 Sanskrit verses along with the commentary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya), for a total of one acre of printed matter,” ISKCON said in a staement. With an artistic touch of eighteen exquisite paintings and an innovative elegant layout, the book “has been “printed in Milan, Italy on YUPO synthetic paper so as to make it untearable and waterproof,” it said. Yudhistir said, “While there are other bigger books, the 'Astounding Bhagavad Gita' is the largest principle sacred text to ever be printed. A team of ISKCON devotees from various countries worked round the clock for months to produce this Gita as offering to Srila Prabhupada and the tradition of Sanatana Dharma which have taught us compassion, service and a connection with the Supreme Lord.” Prime Minister Modi will also address the audience comprising spiritual leaders, diplomats, social leaders, scholars along with devotees and members of ISKCON from around the world who have gathered to witness the occasion.

‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’: PM Modi to unveil ‘largest sacred text to ever be printed’

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Thackeray held a meeting of party MPs, district and taluka chiefs at the party headquarters to devise a strategy for the polls. It was the first meeting after a decision was taken to join hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

The directives assume significance as a section of grassroots party workers are not happy with his decision to ally with the BJP.

Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, "Uddhav ji believes in a two-way approach towards party workers. He gives them guidance and takes their advice."

He said Thackeray was conducting meetings at various levels, to clear doubts and answer queries of grassroots workers regarding the alliance.

Meanwhile, another Sena leader quoted Thackeray as saying the Sena-BJP alliance's victory was very important for the country and all party workers should strive hard for it.

He also said efforts should be made at the local level to pave the way for the alliance's victory.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Thackeray held a meeting of party MPs, district and taluka chiefs at the party headquarters to devise a strategy for the polls. It was the first meeting after a decision was taken to join hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The directives assume significance as a section of grassroots party workers are not happy with his decision to ally with the BJP. Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, "Uddhav ji believes in a two-way approach towards party workers. He gives them guidance and takes their advice." He said Thackeray was conducting meetings at various levels, to clear doubts and answer queries of grassroots workers regarding the alliance. Meanwhile, another Sena leader quoted Thackeray as saying the Sena-BJP alliance's victory was very important for the country and all party workers should strive hard for it. He also said efforts should be made at the local level to pave the way for the alliance's victory.

Uddhav Thackeray asks party workers to ensure BJP-Sena victory

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-hooch-tragedy-leaves-85-dead-government-destroys-15000-litres-liquor-199205">death toll</a> in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114.&nbsp;

The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts. Twelve tea garden workers died Thursday night itself, with the toll steadily climbing since then.&nbsp;

A number of tea garden workers brew liqour themselves, mixing additives in to make it stronger. The liqour is then often sold.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday met victims at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who had fallen ill.

Sonowal said the guilty would not not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of the state excise minister

Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday.

Sonowal had on Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragedy by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal. The chief minsister has asked for the report to be submitted within a month.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said Saturday that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute".

Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said,&nbsp; 
"Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill."

Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College&nbsp; 
Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to the large number of affected people, he said.

Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and co-ordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said.

"The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said.

Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there.

Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation.

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor.

Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.

Activists of the state's leading student and youth organsiation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation.&nbsp;

This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. Earlier, at least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The death toll in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114. The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts.

The death toll in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114. The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts. Twelve tea garden workers died Thursday night itself, with the toll steadily climbing since then. A number of tea garden workers brew liqour themselves, mixing additives in to make it stronger. The liqour is then often sold. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday met victims at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who had fallen ill. Sonowal said the guilty would not not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of the state excise minister Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday. Sonowal had on Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragedy by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal. The chief minsister has asked for the report to be submitted within a month. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said Saturday that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute". Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill." Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to the large number of affected people, he said. Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and co-ordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said. "The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said. Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there. Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor. Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. Activists of the state's leading student and youth organsiation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation. This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. Earlier, at least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor. (With inputs from PTI)

Assam hooch deaths: Toll climbs to over 100

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-crisis-us-will-take-action-says-mike-pompeo-199230">Venezuela crisis: US 'will take action', says Mike Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday the United States "will take action" as he condemned violence perpetrated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's "thugs" after security forces fired on demonstrators.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-tensions-peak-after-government-launches-crackdown-on-separatists-who-call-for-bandh-today-199250">J&amp;K: Tension mounts after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-tensions-peak-after-government-launches-crackdown-on-separatists-who-call-for-bandh-today-199250">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-tensions-peak-after-government-launches-crackdown-on-separatists-who-call-for-bandh-today-199250"> crackdown, separatists call for bandh today</a>

Tension mounted in Kashmir on Saturday as the government launched a massive crackdown on separatists and detained over 150 people, mainly from the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on Article 35-A of the Constitution.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-takes-u-turn-says-bahawalpur-seminary-not-linked-to-jem-199229">After claiming it has taken control of JeM headquarters, Pakistan makes U-turn, says it is 'seminary'</a>

Making a complete U-turn, the Pakistan government on Saturday dismissed its claim of having taken control of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur. It instead said the complex has no link with the terror outfit, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ailing-goa-chief-minister-manohar-parrikar-hospitalised-again-199231">Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar hospitalised again</a>

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted in the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) late Saturday night, a statement said.

The chief minister's office said in the statement that he was taken to GMCH for an upper GI endoscopy. "His health condition continues to be stable," the CMO said, adding Parrikar would be kept under observation for around 48 hours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-facing-sex-abuse-charges-gets-1-million-bail-199240">Singer R Kelly, accused of sexually abusing minor girls, gets $1 million bail</a>

A US judge set $1 million bail for R&amp;B superstar R Kelly on Saturday after prosecutors laid out graphic details of charges that he sexually abused four victims, three of them minors.&nbsp;

Venezuela crisis: US 'will take action', says Mike Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday the United States "will take action" as he condemned violence perpetrated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's "thugs" after security forces fired on demonstrators.

Venezuela crisis: US 'will take action', says Mike Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday the United States "will take action" as he condemned violence perpetrated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's "thugs" after security forces fired on demonstrators. J&K: Tension mounts after government crackdown, separatists call for bandh today Tension mounted in Kashmir on Saturday as the government launched a massive crackdown on separatists and detained over 150 people, mainly from the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on Article 35-A of the Constitution. After claiming it has taken control of JeM headquarters, Pakistan makes U-turn, says it is 'seminary' Making a complete U-turn, the Pakistan government on Saturday dismissed its claim of having taken control of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur. It instead said the complex has no link with the terror outfit, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar hospitalised again Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted in the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) late Saturday night, a statement said. The chief minister's office said in the statement that he was taken to GMCH for an upper GI endoscopy. "His health condition continues to be stable," the CMO said, adding Parrikar would be kept under observation for around 48 hours. Singer R Kelly, accused of sexually abusing minor girls, gets $1 million bail A US judge set $1 million bail for R&B superstar R Kelly on Saturday after prosecutors laid out graphic details of charges that he sexually abused four victims, three of them minors.

News brief: Big stories of the day

More than 200 vehicles were gutted in a major fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon at Porur ground in Chennai.&nbsp;

The incident occurred near the Sri Ramachandra Medical College around 2 pm.

Soon after receiving the report, fire tenders were pressed to rush the spot to extinguish the blaze.

"Äround 214 cars have been gutted in the fire. The incident reportedly took place after dry grass caught fire and the blaze was fanned by winds," said fire officials.

This tragic incident comes a day after around 300 cars were burnt in a major fire that broke out in the parking area of Aero India 2019 on Saturday afternoon in Bengaluru. Police Investigation is underway.

More than 200 vehicles were gutted in a major fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon at Porur ground in Chennai. The incident occurred near the Sri Ramachandra Medical College around 2 pm.

More than 200 vehicles were gutted in a major fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon at Porur ground in Chennai. The incident occurred near the Sri Ramachandra Medical College around 2 pm. Soon after receiving the report, fire tenders were pressed to rush the spot to extinguish the blaze. "Äround 214 cars have been gutted in the fire. The incident reportedly took place after dry grass caught fire and the blaze was fanned by winds," said fire officials. This tragic incident comes a day after around 300 cars were burnt in a major fire that broke out in the parking area of Aero India 2019 on Saturday afternoon in Bengaluru. Police Investigation is underway.

Fire breaks out at Chennai parking lot, over 200 vehicles gutted

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called out Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to drop his ‘mask of innocence’ while criticising the Pakistan government for its role in the Pulwama terror attack.

Addressing a rally along with Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar, Owaisi said, “We would like to tell Pakistan PM not to give that message to India which he wants to seated before a camera. This is not the first attack. There was Pathankot, Uri and now Pulwama. And on behalf of India, I want to tell the Prime Minister of Pakistan to drop his mask of innocence.”

He also said that Pakistan should not worry about Indian Muslims as they are here by choice after refusing Jinnah's proposition during 1947.

He also outlined the country’s diversity and said that the neighbouring country is jealous by the unity of Indian citizens.

“One of the ministers from Pakistan had said that they will stop the prayer bells from ringing in temples of India but I want to tell him that he doesn’t know India. Till Muslims of this country are alive, Azaan will sound from mosques and bells will ring in temples. This is the beauty of our country which the neighbouring country sees with jealousy. People in this country live as one and when it will come to the country we all will be together,” Owaisi said.

Owaisi also lambasted terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for its role in the dastardly terror attack and opined that a disciple of Mohammed would never kill a person.

“I want to clearly say as a citizen of India, that this dastardly attack has links to Pakistan. It was done as per plan of Pakistan government, Pakistan Army and ISI. I would like to tell the outfit that killed our 40 men and claimed its responsibility - you`re not Jaish-e-Mohammed, you are Jaish-e-Shayateen. You are Jaish-e-Shayateen, Jaish-e-Iblis. Masood Azhar, you are not a Maulana, you are a disciple of the devil. It is not Laskhar-e-Taiba, it is Lashkar-e-Shayateen.”

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives when a JeM operative attacked their convoy in Pulwama's Awantipora in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

In the wake of the attack, the international community has extended its support to India in its fight against terrorism, including China which had previously stonewalled efforts to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called out Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to drop his ‘mask of innocence’ while criticising the Pakistan government for its role in the Pulwama terror attack.

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called out Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to drop his ‘mask of innocence’ while criticising the Pakistan government for its role in the Pulwama terror attack. Addressing a rally along with Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar, Owaisi said, “We would like to tell Pakistan PM not to give that message to India which he wants to seated before a camera. This is not the first attack. There was Pathankot, Uri and now Pulwama. And on behalf of India, I want to tell the Prime Minister of Pakistan to drop his mask of innocence.” He also said that Pakistan should not worry about Indian Muslims as they are here by choice after refusing Jinnah's proposition during 1947. He also outlined the country’s diversity and said that the neighbouring country is jealous by the unity of Indian citizens. “One of the ministers from Pakistan had said that they will stop the prayer bells from ringing in temples of India but I want to tell him that he doesn’t know India. Till Muslims of this country are alive, Azaan will sound from mosques and bells will ring in temples. This is the beauty of our country which the neighbouring country sees with jealousy. People in this country live as one and when it will come to the country we all will be together,” Owaisi said. Owaisi also lambasted terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for its role in the dastardly terror attack and opined that a disciple of Mohammed would never kill a person. “I want to clearly say as a citizen of India, that this dastardly attack has links to Pakistan. It was done as per plan of Pakistan government, Pakistan Army and ISI. I would like to tell the outfit that killed our 40 men and claimed its responsibility - you`re not Jaish-e-Mohammed, you are Jaish-e-Shayateen. You are Jaish-e-Shayateen, Jaish-e-Iblis. Masood Azhar, you are not a Maulana, you are a disciple of the devil. It is not Laskhar-e-Taiba, it is Lashkar-e-Shayateen.” Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives when a JeM operative attacked their convoy in Pulwama's Awantipora in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. In the wake of the attack, the international community has extended its support to India in its fight against terrorism, including China which had previously stonewalled efforts to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the United Nations Security Council.

Pulwama attack: Pakistan PM should drop his 'mask of innocence', says Owaisi

Ailing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikar-very-unwell-living-with-gods-blessings-goa-deputy-speaker-195259">Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar </a>was admitted in the Goa Medical College and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/condition-of-manohar-parrikar-stable-aiims-sources-194633">Hospital </a>(GMCH) late Saturday night, a statement said.

The chief minister's office said in the statement that he was taken to GMCH for an upper GI endoscopy. "His health condition continues to be stable," the CMO said, adding Parrikar would be kept under observation for around 48 hours.&nbsp;

Parrikar, 63, has been suffering from a pancreatic ailment since the last one year and is recuperating at his private residence.

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane arrived at the GMCH to inquire about Parrikar's condition. He said the chief minister was kept in an isolated ward, but his condition was stable and he was doing well.

"I spoke to him (Parrikar), tomorrow he will go home. He has come here for a check up," Rane told reporters outside GMCH.

"The chief minister is a fighter. He told me to go home. He is under observation. There is nothing to worry about or speculate. He is absolutely fine," the minister added.

"He will be admitted for a day under observation. The doctors must have wanted some tests to be done. By tomorrow evening he should be back home, he said.

The chief minister, who met State Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai in the evening to discuss politics and administration, was shifted to GMCH, almost four km away from his residence, at around 10 pm.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">Parrikar </a>was diagnosed with the ailment in February last year. On February 14, 2018 he fell ill and was shifted to GMCH from where he was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai next day.

The chief minister had returned to Goa on February 20, 2018 to present the State Budget during then ongoing Assembly Session. He left for the US for treatment on March 3, 2018 and returned on June 14, 2018.

Parrikar attended Monsoon Session of State Legislative Assembly from July 19 to August 3, and left for the US on August 10 for a second round of check up.

He returned to Goa on August 22, 2018. As he continued being treated at a make-shift medical facility at his residence, Parrikar was shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences at New Delhi on September 15.

After almost a month-long treatment, he returned to Goa on October 14, 2018. Parrikar stunned everyone when he joined the office on January 2, 2019 after a gap of two and a half months.

On January 27, he attended the inauguration of the third bridge on River Mandovi along with Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

He also attended budget session on January 29 and presented State Budget next day. On the last day of session, on January 31, he was taken for treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi and returned to Goa on February 5.

Parrikar also addressed Atal Booth Karyakarta Sammelan on February 9 in the presence of BJP chief Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted in the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) late Saturday night, a statement said. The chief minister's office said in the statement that he was taken to GMCH for an upper GI endoscopy.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was admitted in the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) late Saturday night, a statement said. The chief minister's office said in the statement that he was taken to GMCH for an upper GI endoscopy. "His health condition continues to be stable," the CMO said, adding Parrikar would be kept under observation for around 48 hours. Parrikar, 63, has been suffering from a pancreatic ailment since the last one year and is recuperating at his private residence. State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane arrived at the GMCH to inquire about Parrikar's condition. He said the chief minister was kept in an isolated ward, but his condition was stable and he was doing well. "I spoke to him (Parrikar), tomorrow he will go home. He has come here for a check up," Rane told reporters outside GMCH. "The chief minister is a fighter. He told me to go home. He is under observation. There is nothing to worry about or speculate. He is absolutely fine," the minister added. "He will be admitted for a day under observation. The doctors must have wanted some tests to be done. By tomorrow evening he should be back home, he said. The chief minister, who met State Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai in the evening to discuss politics and administration, was shifted to GMCH, almost four km away from his residence, at around 10 pm. Parrikar was diagnosed with the ailment in February last year. On February 14, 2018 he fell ill and was shifted to GMCH from where he was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai next day. The chief minister had returned to Goa on February 20, 2018 to present the State Budget during then ongoing Assembly Session. He left for the US for treatment on March 3, 2018 and returned on June 14, 2018. Parrikar attended Monsoon Session of State Legislative Assembly from July 19 to August 3, and left for the US on August 10 for a second round of check up. He returned to Goa on August 22, 2018. As he continued being treated at a make-shift medical facility at his residence, Parrikar was shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences at New Delhi on September 15. After almost a month-long treatment, he returned to Goa on October 14, 2018. Parrikar stunned everyone when he joined the office on January 2, 2019 after a gap of two and a half months. On January 27, he attended the inauguration of the third bridge on River Mandovi along with Union minister Nitin Gadkari. He also attended budget session on January 29 and presented State Budget next day. On the last day of session, on January 31, he was taken for treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi and returned to Goa on February 5. Parrikar also addressed Atal Booth Karyakarta Sammelan on February 9 in the presence of BJP chief Amit Shah.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar hospitalised again

A deputy superintendent of police and a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist were killed in an encounter in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

The encounter took place in the Turigam area of Kulgam after the police got an intelligence input about the presence of a group of terrorists in the area, they added.

The approaching police party was fired upon, in which Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Aman Thakur got seriously injured in the neck. The officer succumbed to his injuries when he was being flown to the army hospital, the officials said.

One terrorist was also killed in the encounter, but his identity is yet to be ascertained.

A 2011-batch JK Police Services officer and a resident of Doda district in the Jammu region, Thakur was leading the police team from the front in the encounter with JeM terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said, "It is an unfortunate incident, in which we have lost a brave officer. He was a fighter and he led Sunday's operation himself."

Thakur was posted as the DySP (operation) in Kulgam, a terrorist-infested area of south Kashmir, two years ago and had successfully carried out anti-terror operations in the area.

He was awarded the DGP's Commendation Medal and Certificate for his exemplary service only last month.&nbsp;

A deputy superintendent of police and a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist were killed in an encounter in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

A deputy superintendent of police and a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist were killed in an encounter in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Sunday, officials said. The encounter took place in the Turigam area of Kulgam after the police got an intelligence input about the presence of a group of terrorists in the area, they added. The approaching police party was fired upon, in which Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Aman Thakur got seriously injured in the neck. The officer succumbed to his injuries when he was being flown to the army hospital, the officials said. One terrorist was also killed in the encounter, but his identity is yet to be ascertained. A 2011-batch JK Police Services officer and a resident of Doda district in the Jammu region, Thakur was leading the police team from the front in the encounter with JeM terrorists. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said, "It is an unfortunate incident, in which we have lost a brave officer. He was a fighter and he led Sunday's operation himself." Thakur was posted as the DySP (operation) in Kulgam, a terrorist-infested area of south Kashmir, two years ago and had successfully carried out anti-terror operations in the area. He was awarded the DGP's Commendation Medal and Certificate for his exemplary service only last month.

Police officer, terrorist killed in encounter in J&K's Kulgam

Pak lawmaker says 'atmosphere beginning to thaw' after meetings with Indian leaders

Protests over the permanent residence certificate (PRC) row further intensified in Itanagar with the protesters going on a rampage on Sunday.&nbsp;

They set on fire the private house of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, burnt various vehicles and vandalised even police and fire stations in the capital.

Security has been beefed up in and around important buildings and the residences of important politicians including Chief Minister Pema Khandu.&nbsp;

Protesters even tried to march towards the CM residence, but security forces foiled their bid.

Many people are said to have sustained injuries in the stone pelting.

The protest got violent after one person was killed in the police firing on Friday night. The district administration has called in the army to maintain law and order in the city.

Locals are protesting after the state government appointed Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) recommended granting PRC to six communities, who have been living in Namsai and Changlang districts of the state for decades.

The decision to grant PRC to them will allow them to benefit from various welfare and other schemes. JHPC recommended PRC to six communities after having a detailed discussion with all stakeholders, but nearly 18 student and civil society organisations are protesting against the move. They are against giving PRC to non-Arunachalees.

However, Chief Minister Khandu has clarified that the government did not intend to bring any Bill to push PRC forward and has even announced not to discuss the issue in the Assembly. He has, however, stated that he would like to have wider consultations with all stakeholders on the issue of PRC in near future.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace. He called up Chief Minister Khandu and took stock of the prevailing situation in the state.

Protests over the permanent residence certificate (PRC) row further intensified in Itanagar with the protesters going on a rampage on Sunday. They set on fire the private house of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, burnt various vehicles and vandalised even police and fire stations in the capital.

Protests over the permanent residence certificate (PRC) row further intensified in Itanagar with the protesters going on a rampage on Sunday. They set on fire the private house of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, burnt various vehicles and vandalised even police and fire stations in the capital. Security has been beefed up in and around important buildings and the residences of important politicians including Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Protesters even tried to march towards the CM residence, but security forces foiled their bid. Many people are said to have sustained injuries in the stone pelting. The protest got violent after one person was killed in the police firing on Friday night. The district administration has called in the army to maintain law and order in the city. Locals are protesting after the state government appointed Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) recommended granting PRC to six communities, who have been living in Namsai and Changlang districts of the state for decades. The decision to grant PRC to them will allow them to benefit from various welfare and other schemes. JHPC recommended PRC to six communities after having a detailed discussion with all stakeholders, but nearly 18 student and civil society organisations are protesting against the move. They are against giving PRC to non-Arunachalees. However, Chief Minister Khandu has clarified that the government did not intend to bring any Bill to push PRC forward and has even announced not to discuss the issue in the Assembly. He has, however, stated that he would like to have wider consultations with all stakeholders on the issue of PRC in near future. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace. He called up Chief Minister Khandu and took stock of the prevailing situation in the state.

Permanent residence certificate row: Protesters set ablaze Arunachal Pradesh deputy CM’s residence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-compares-child-sex-abuse-to-human-sacrifice-199347">Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice</a>

Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/relief-for-homebuyers-gst-on-under-construction-flats-slashed-to-5-affordable-housing-to-attract-1-199371">Relief for homebuyers: GST on under-construction flats slashed to 5%; affordable housing to attract 1%</a>

In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">Venezuela: Guaido urges Washington to consider 'all options' to oust Maduro as 4 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">die</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344"> in clashes</a>

Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334">Pakistan should be isolated </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334">like</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-should-be-isolated-like-it-happened-with-south-africa-during-apartheid-vinod-rai-199334"> it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai</a>

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370">North Korea warns US sceptics as Kim heads for Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-sceptics-as-kim-heads-for-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-199370"> with Trump</a>

North Korea warned President Donald Trump on Sunday not to listen to US critics who were disrupting efforts to improve ties, as its leader, Kim Jong Un, made his way across China by train to a second summit with Trump in Vietnam.

&nbsp;

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia.

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice', says Church would bring abusers to justice Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia. Relief for homebuyers: GST on under-construction flats slashed to 5%; affordable housing to attract 1% In a big relief to home buyers, the GST Council Sunday slashed tax rates on under-construction housing properties to 5 per cent without the input tax credit, from the existing 12 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. Venezuela: Guaido urges Washington to consider 'all options' to oust Maduro as 4 die in clashes Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him. Pakistan should be isolated like it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid. North Korea warns US sceptics as Kim heads for Vietnam for summit with Trump North Korea warned President Donald Trump on Sunday not to listen to US critics who were disrupting efforts to improve ties, as its leader, Kim Jong Un, made his way across China by train to a second summit with Trump in Vietnam.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.

Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves.

In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community.

Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla.&nbsp;

"I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day.

"I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen.

Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change.

There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION.

“There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma.

As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party.&nbsp;

India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India.

The United Nations (UN) declared February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this year. FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minority communities in India. Amid allegations that Dawoodi Bohra women are oppressed, mute spectators of a patriarchal system, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) comprising over 72,000 practising Dawoodi Bohra women set the record straight about their practices and the community in light of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Bohra Woman's association claims that Dawoodi Bohra women are among the most progressive and educated in India, having a near 100 per cent literacy rate. The representative from the community claims that the women from the community enjoy positions of power across various sectors such as IT, law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture and retail businesses among others, and are empowered and in fact encouraged to build careers for themselves. In fact, DBWRF claims that women of the community are deeply pained that despite having cemented their position as business leaders, responsible citizens, loving mothers and homemakers, in a highly educated and gender equal community, they have come under scrutiny for their harmless practice of female circumcision (khafz). The same has been wrongly labelled as female genital mutilation by those with an agenda against the community. Yasmeen vividly remembers being taken by her mom, maternal grandmother and another female relative, when she was seven, to some chawl in Bhendi Baazar called the Bohri moholla. "I was lying down, my frock was held up…then I don’t remember anything. Just that there was intense pain as I walked back and I was told to keep myself clean, using Dettol water for istinja (wash after urination)," she said as she recalled the trauma she had to undergo on that horrific day. "I cried a lot. It was not just that. I think it did affect my sexual performance. College days when young girls were too busy trying to get male attention, I was called The Ice Maiden. I went to a convent and then to women’s universities. I had a love marriage but my husband was not happy. He repeatedly told me (jokingly) that my father was to blame for having me circumcised and taking away his pleasure," Says Yasmeen. Till today she can't figure out, whether it’s a dysfunction of a physical, psychological or emotional nature. Now she has two grown-up boys and she doesn't care much about herself but will surely want to extend all her support to the next generation can see a change. There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven-year-old girl’s clitoral hood. Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is the specific goal this year of a women survivor lead organisation, WeSpeakOut. "Khafz is FGM.” says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to WION. “There is an attempt to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it,” says Masooma. As the country faces general elections, women opposing female circumcision call upon all Indian political leaders to heed to their appeal and want the new government to step in to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice. The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party. India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Calls for zero tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation get louder as election nears 

In his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-via-mann-ki-baat-199233">Mann ki Baat</a> address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke extensively about the Indian Army post the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died.

Hailing the efforts of the army, Modi said the Indian Army has resolved to eliminate terrorism from the country.

"The army has resolved to wipe out terrorists and their harbourers. The martyrdom of these brave soldiers brought to the fore, through the media, touching, inspiring stories of their kin, which give hope and strength to the entire country, " he said.

He further said the country needs to unite and forget its differences of caste, communalism, and regionalism to fight terrorism.

"I respectfully bow to all the brave sons of the country who laid down their lives, protecting the honour of their motherland India. This martyrdom will keep inspiring us relentlessly to uproot the very base of terrorism; it will fortify our resolve".&nbsp;

"We shall have to take up this challenge facing our country, forgetting all barriers of casteism, communalism, regionalism and other difference, so that, our steps against terror are firmer, stronger and more decisive".

He further hailed the Indian Army and said the alleged masterminds were killed within a 100 hours of the Pulwama attack. He added that the soldiers sacrificed their own lives to prevent civilian losses.&nbsp;

Modi added that he would inaugurate a National War Memorial Monday in Delhi.

"The never-ending wait after the nation's independence for a War Memorial is about to be over. India not having a National War Memorial used to surprise me and really pain me. This new memorial has been built near India Gate and Amar Jawan Jyoti."&nbsp;

He also remembered the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the terror attack and said, "Families of martyrs are living example of patriotism."

He finally concluded the 53rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast by wishing good luck to students&nbsp;who will be appearing for their annual examinations in the coming month.

Addressing the nation, he said, "Elections are the biggest celebration of democracy. In the next two months, we will be busy in the hurly-burly of the general elections. I myself will also be a candidate during this election. In maintaining respect for healthy democratic traditions, the next episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will be broadcast on the last Sunday of the month of May."

"This means I shall take up our thoughts and ideas accumulated over the three months of March, April and entire May after the elections, with confidence anew," he said.

This was Modi’s second Mann Ki Baat address of the year.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his Mann ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke extensively about the Indian Army post the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died.

In his Mann ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke extensively about the Indian Army post the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died. Hailing the efforts of the army, Modi said the Indian Army has resolved to eliminate terrorism from the country. "The army has resolved to wipe out terrorists and their harbourers. The martyrdom of these brave soldiers brought to the fore, through the media, touching, inspiring stories of their kin, which give hope and strength to the entire country, " he said. He further said the country needs to unite and forget its differences of caste, communalism, and regionalism to fight terrorism. "I respectfully bow to all the brave sons of the country who laid down their lives, protecting the honour of their motherland India. This martyrdom will keep inspiring us relentlessly to uproot the very base of terrorism; it will fortify our resolve". "We shall have to take up this challenge facing our country, forgetting all barriers of casteism, communalism, regionalism and other difference, so that, our steps against terror are firmer, stronger and more decisive". He further hailed the Indian Army and said the alleged masterminds were killed within a 100 hours of the Pulwama attack. He added that the soldiers sacrificed their own lives to prevent civilian losses. Modi added that he would inaugurate a National War Memorial Monday in Delhi. "The never-ending wait after the nation's independence for a War Memorial is about to be over. India not having a National War Memorial used to surprise me and really pain me. This new memorial has been built near India Gate and Amar Jawan Jyoti." He also remembered the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the terror attack and said, "Families of martyrs are living example of patriotism." He finally concluded the 53rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast by wishing good luck to students who will be appearing for their annual examinations in the coming month. Addressing the nation, he said, "Elections are the biggest celebration of democracy. In the next two months, we will be busy in the hurly-burly of the general elections. I myself will also be a candidate during this election. In maintaining respect for healthy democratic traditions, the next episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will be broadcast on the last Sunday of the month of May." "This means I shall take up our thoughts and ideas accumulated over the three months of March, April and entire May after the elections, with confidence anew," he said. This was Modi’s second Mann Ki Baat address of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Army has resolved to wipe out terrorists, their harbourers: PM Modi in Mann ki Baat

Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/governor-of-jammu-and-kashmir-satya-pal-malik-speaks-to-sudhir-chaudhary-173379">Satya Pal Malik</a> Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hurriyat-shouldnt-consider-me-an-alien-satya-pal-malik-190706">Malik said</a> the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life.

"Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said.

"The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here.

The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaTerrorAttack</a>&amp;subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes <a href="https://t.co/KEYl1K3Lnm">pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099576585861050368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place.

He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said.

"Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said.

After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale.

"Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said.

The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause.

The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low.

"The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said.

The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region.

However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes.

"Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said.

"On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said.

On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks.

"The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said.

The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident.

He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters. Malik said the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life. "Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said. "The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here. The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of #PulwamaTerrorAttack&subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2019 × In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place. He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said. "Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said. After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale. "Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said. The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause. The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low. "The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said. The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region. However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes. "Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said. "On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said. On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks. "The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said. The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident. He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.

J&K governor: Additional troops coming for Panchayat elections, do not believe in rumours

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has hinted at joining politics, a month after his wife Priyanka Gandhi made her debut into active politics and was appointed a general secretary in the party.

In a Facebook post, Vadra said, "All these years of experience and learning cannot be just wasted and should be put to better use...Once all these accusations and allegations are over, I feel I should dedicate a larger role in serving the people."

"Years and months I spent campaigning, working in different parts of the country, but mainly in UP, gave me a feeling to do more for people and make smaller changes possible by me, in areas and when they got to know me, the genuine love, affection, respect I earned was humbling," he said.

Forty-nine-year-old Vadra, who has been repeatedly questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the recent past in connection with money laundering and land grab cases, accused the government of targeting him to divert the attention from the real issues confronting the country.

"More than a decade of different governments being after me, using and highlighting my name to divert real issues of the country (sic)," he said.

"People of the country gradually realised this Modus and knew there was no truth in any of these allegations. People reach out and show respect and wish me luck for a better future," he said.

"Now with my visits to the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi and Rajasthan, almost &nbsp;8 visits, of many hours &nbsp;and since I have always adhered to rules and surely not above the law, I have been a person to learn from every event I go through."

Priyanka Gandhi joined Congress on January 23 and was appointed general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East).

She has been assigned a tough task to revive Congress in UP, particularly the eastern part of the state.

On Saturday, Congress had announced various committees for UP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

In his post, Vadra also referred to the social service he has been doing with various organisations.

Of late, Vadra`s Facebook page is full of his pictures doing social service. His close aide Jagdish Sharma has also been putting out Vadra`s pictures on social media. Vadra had also in the past hinted at joining politics and had been seen in the Gandhi strongholds of Raebareli and Amethi.

According to a source, he was keen to contest about a decade back, but it was put on hold at that time. Asked about Vadra`s questioning by the ED, Priyanka Gandhi had told ANI in Lucknow, "These things will go on and I will do my work."&nbsp;

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has hinted at joining politics, a month after his wife Priyanka Gandhi made her debut into active politics and was appointed a general secretary in the party.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has hinted at joining politics, a month after his wife Priyanka Gandhi made her debut into active politics and was appointed a general secretary in the party. In a Facebook post, Vadra said, "All these years of experience and learning cannot be just wasted and should be put to better use...Once all these accusations and allegations are over, I feel I should dedicate a larger role in serving the people." "Years and months I spent campaigning, working in different parts of the country, but mainly in UP, gave me a feeling to do more for people and make smaller changes possible by me, in areas and when they got to know me, the genuine love, affection, respect I earned was humbling," he said. Forty-nine-year-old Vadra, who has been repeatedly questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the recent past in connection with money laundering and land grab cases, accused the government of targeting him to divert the attention from the real issues confronting the country. "More than a decade of different governments being after me, using and highlighting my name to divert real issues of the country (sic)," he said. "People of the country gradually realised this Modus and knew there was no truth in any of these allegations. People reach out and show respect and wish me luck for a better future," he said. "Now with my visits to the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi and Rajasthan, almost 8 visits, of many hours and since I have always adhered to rules and surely not above the law, I have been a person to learn from every event I go through." Priyanka Gandhi joined Congress on January 23 and was appointed general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). She has been assigned a tough task to revive Congress in UP, particularly the eastern part of the state. On Saturday, Congress had announced various committees for UP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. In his post, Vadra also referred to the social service he has been doing with various organisations. Of late, Vadra`s Facebook page is full of his pictures doing social service. His close aide Jagdish Sharma has also been putting out Vadra`s pictures on social media. Vadra had also in the past hinted at joining politics and had been seen in the Gandhi strongholds of Raebareli and Amethi. According to a source, he was keen to contest about a decade back, but it was put on hold at that time. Asked about Vadra`s questioning by the ED, Priyanka Gandhi had told ANI in Lucknow, "These things will go on and I will do my work."

I should dedicate a larger role in serving people: Robert Vadra hints at joining politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 on Friday for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth. The award was presented to him by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a grand ceremony in South Korea.

The event was organised in Seoul and interestingly, the head chef of Lotte Hotel in Seoul where PM Modi stayed along with his delegation was an Indian with her roots in Gorakhpur.&nbsp;

Deepali, the Indian-origin chef based in Seoul, was specially invited by the Indian Ambassador of South Korea to head the culinary front for the PM and his delegation of over 150 people.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, Deepali said it was an exciting moment for her to prepare food for the PM and his delegation. It was a moment of pride for her and her family.&nbsp;

She said the PM loved the food and also complimented her for it after he learnt that the head chef for his delegation was an Indian. Later, after the dinner when he met Deepali, he asked her about her roots and was delighted to learn that Deepali is from Gorakhpur. He told Deepali that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-launches-pm-kisan-yojna-says-first-installment-of-rs-2000-paid-to-11-crore-farmers-199330">he will visit Gorakhpur on February 24</a> (today).&nbsp;

Here are some excerpts of Deepali speaking to WION.

WION: What was it like being head chef for PM Modi and his delegation?&nbsp;

DEEPALI: It was definitely an exciting moment to head the culinary front for the PM and his delegation of 150 pax. This event was held in “Lotte Hotel Seoul”, by the way I do not work at this place on a regular basis. It was for this event that the Indian Ambassador here in Seoul had asked me to lead on the culinary front for PM Modi’s trip (2 days and approximately 150+ people in the delegation).

WION: What did the menu include during his two days of stay?&nbsp;

DEEPALI: It was mostly Indian food served in breakfast, lunch and dinner.&nbsp;

MENU FOR BOTH DAYS WERE AS FOLLOW:

February 21

Breakfast: 
Banarasi Aloo&nbsp; 
jhol &amp; puri&nbsp; 
Kanda poha&nbsp; 
Upma&nbsp; 
Shrikhand

Lunch: 
Dal Tarka&nbsp; 
Palak paneer&nbsp; 
Dum aloo&nbsp; 
Chana salad&nbsp; 
Kachumbar salad&nbsp; 
Bundi Raita&nbsp; 
Jeera Rice&nbsp; 
Tandoori Roti&nbsp; 
Gajar Halwa&nbsp; 
Pickle / papadum/ chutney&nbsp;

Dinner&nbsp; 
Dal Makhni&nbsp; 
Khoya matar makhana&nbsp; 
Veg Jalfrezi&nbsp; 
Corn salad&nbsp; 
Sprout salad&nbsp; 
Fruit Raita&nbsp; 
Saffron Rice&nbsp; 
Naan&nbsp; 
Ras malai&nbsp; 
Pickle / papadum/ chutney

&nbsp; 
February 22

Breakfast 
Idli&nbsp; 
Vermicelli upma&nbsp; 
Medu vada&nbsp; 
Sambhar Chutney&nbsp; 
Rava Kesri

Lunch 
Chana palak Daal&nbsp; 
Kadhai paneer&nbsp; 
Aloo gobhi&nbsp; 
Mix veg Raita&nbsp; 
Peanut potato salad&nbsp; 
Carrot Sundal&nbsp; 
Tandoori roti&nbsp; 
Peas pulav&nbsp; 
Kheer&nbsp; 
Pickle / papadum/ chutney

PM’s reception on February 22

Dabeli&nbsp; 
Sandwich&nbsp; 
Sabudana vada&nbsp; 
Skewers&nbsp; 
Hara bhara kabaab&nbsp; 
Fruit juice, coke and water&nbsp; 
Tea coffee
<img alt="Modi in Seoul" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b28be95d-1a27-40e9-ae34-0cc591343246" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chef_0.jpg" />
&nbsp; 
WION: Any comments by the PM on the food?

DEEPALI: It was after dinner that we got a chance to meet the PM and he complimented us for the food saying, “It was very tasty”. After this we got a chance to get pictures clicked with the him and then he also asked me to send this picture to my parents in Gorakhpur.&nbsp;

WION: Tell us more about your journey from Gorakhpur to Seoul.&nbsp;

DEEPALI: I was born and brought up in Gorakhpur, did my schooling from Gorakhpur itself and then moved to Vanasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan where I completed my Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science. I got married while I was completing my Masters.&nbsp;

My husband then was working in US so I moved to US and started my career as a developer in US itself. By the time I got settled with my job in US, my husband got transferred to Thailand. Since I was a trailing spouse I didn not have a work permit, my husband had the work permit, I was on a dependent VISA. I decided to utilise the time I had by enrolling in a college but I got a job offer from my institute of that of a Corporate trainer. Then I got to know we were expecting our first child so we moved back to India.

After the birth of my first child we then moved to the Philippines where I got to know that the best courses offered here were on Culinary, I started learning Culinary.&nbsp;I won a lot of competitions after that and then I started getting more work as a Chef. I never thought that I would be working as a Chef but I went with the flow.&nbsp;

Then we again got a transfer to South Korea. Whatever Indian Projects that were in Seoul I was the Chef-in-Charge in most of them. Interestingly I was never a trained Chef in Indian food because of my training in Culinary in the Philippines. I never cooked Indian food so to get the expertise I worked for free in Indian Restaurants in Seoul.&nbsp;

It has been a learning experience for me and the journey has been an exciting one from Gorakhpur to Seoul.&nbsp;
<img alt="Chef" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca547a9a-641a-446b-a30f-c2b978365afd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chef%202.jpg" />
WION: What is it about India that you miss here in Seoul, South Korea?&nbsp;

DEEPALI: I miss my family and friends the most. Along with that I miss the “chaat” and my mother’s “mutton curry” the most here.

WION: What was your experience of serving the PM of India?&nbsp;

DEEPALI: The delegation and Mr PM liked the food. It was a great honour to personally hear from him that the food was good.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 on Friday for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 on Friday for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth. The award was presented to him by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a grand ceremony in South Korea. The event was organised in Seoul and interestingly, the head chef of Lotte Hotel in Seoul where PM Modi stayed along with his delegation was an Indian with her roots in Gorakhpur. Deepali, the Indian-origin chef based in Seoul, was specially invited by the Indian Ambassador of South Korea to head the culinary front for the PM and his delegation of over 150 people. While speaking to WION, Deepali said it was an exciting moment for her to prepare food for the PM and his delegation. It was a moment of pride for her and her family. She said the PM loved the food and also complimented her for it after he learnt that the head chef for his delegation was an Indian. Later, after the dinner when he met Deepali, he asked her about her roots and was delighted to learn that Deepali is from Gorakhpur. He told Deepali that he will visit Gorakhpur on February 24 (today). Here are some excerpts of Deepali speaking to WION. WION: What was it like being head chef for PM Modi and his delegation? DEEPALI: It was definitely an exciting moment to head the culinary front for the PM and his delegation of 150 pax. This event was held in “Lotte Hotel Seoul”, by the way I do not work at this place on a regular basis. It was for this event that the Indian Ambassador here in Seoul had asked me to lead on the culinary front for PM Modi’s trip (2 days and approximately 150+ people in the delegation). WION: What did the menu include during his two days of stay? DEEPALI: It was mostly Indian food served in breakfast, lunch and dinner. MENU FOR BOTH DAYS WERE AS FOLLOW: February 21 Breakfast: Banarasi Aloo jhol & puri Kanda poha Upma Shrikhand Lunch: Dal Tarka Palak paneer Dum aloo Chana salad Kachumbar salad Bundi Raita Jeera Rice Tandoori Roti Gajar Halwa Pickle / papadum/ chutney Dinner Dal Makhni Khoya matar makhana Veg Jalfrezi Corn salad Sprout salad Fruit Raita Saffron Rice Naan Ras malai Pickle / papadum/ chutney February 22 Breakfast Idli Vermicelli upma Medu vada Sambhar Chutney Rava Kesri Lunch Chana palak Daal Kadhai paneer Aloo gobhi Mix veg Raita Peanut potato salad Carrot Sundal Tandoori roti Peas pulav Kheer Pickle / papadum/ chutney PM’s reception on February 22 Dabeli Sandwich Sabudana vada Skewers Hara bhara kabaab Fruit juice, coke and water Tea coffee WION: Any comments by the PM on the food? DEEPALI: It was after dinner that we got a chance to meet the PM and he complimented us for the food saying, “It was very tasty”. After this we got a chance to get pictures clicked with the him and then he also asked me to send this picture to my parents in Gorakhpur. WION: Tell us more about your journey from Gorakhpur to Seoul. DEEPALI: I was born and brought up in Gorakhpur, did my schooling from Gorakhpur itself and then moved to Vanasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan where I completed my Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science. I got married while I was completing my Masters. My husband then was working in US so I moved to US and started my career as a developer in US itself. By the time I got settled with my job in US, my husband got transferred to Thailand. Since I was a trailing spouse I didn not have a work permit, my husband had the work permit, I was on a dependent VISA. I decided to utilise the time I had by enrolling in a college but I got a job offer from my institute of that of a Corporate trainer. Then I got to know we were expecting our first child so we moved back to India. After the birth of my first child we then moved to the Philippines where I got to know that the best courses offered here were on Culinary, I started learning Culinary. I won a lot of competitions after that and then I started getting more work as a Chef. I never thought that I would be working as a Chef but I went with the flow. Then we again got a transfer to South Korea. Whatever Indian Projects that were in Seoul I was the Chef-in-Charge in most of them. Interestingly I was never a trained Chef in Indian food because of my training in Culinary in the Philippines. I never cooked Indian food so to get the expertise I worked for free in Indian Restaurants in Seoul. It has been a learning experience for me and the journey has been an exciting one from Gorakhpur to Seoul. WION: What is it about India that you miss here in Seoul, South Korea? DEEPALI: I miss my family and friends the most. Along with that I miss the “chaat” and my mother’s “mutton curry” the most here. WION: What was your experience of serving the PM of India? DEEPALI: The delegation and Mr PM liked the food. It was a great honour to personally hear from him that the food was good.

'Exciting moment to prepare food for PM': Head chef for Modi's Seoul visit speaks to WION

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase assistance under PM-Kisan to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,000 per year.

In a letter written to the Prime Minister, Patnaik also appealed for the inclusion of landless labourers, sharecroppers and vulnerable agricultural households under the Central sector Scheme PM-KISAN.

“These categories of agricultural workers are at the bottom of the agriculture economy pyramid and they deserve special care and attention. Rural prosperity and reduction in poverty cannot be achieved without an adequate focus on these weaker sections of the populace,” the letter read.

He also cited his state’s flagship KALIA scheme and wrote, “Under KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme of State Government not only small and marginal farmers but landless labourers, sharecroppers and vulnerable agricultural households are also covered. Under KALIA scheme annual financial assistance of Rs. 10,00 is envisaged for every small and marginal farmer.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be formally launching the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme from Gorakhpur on Sunday.

Under the scheme, the central government will on the same day make the first instalment of Rs 2,000 in the bank account of beneficiary farmers. About one crore farmers are expected to receive the first instalment on Sunday.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase assistance under PM-Kisan to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,000 per year. In a letter written to the Prime Minister, Patnaik also appealed for the inclusion of landless labourers, sharecroppers and vulnerable agricultural households under the Central sector Scheme PM-KISAN.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase assistance under PM-Kisan to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,000 per year. In a letter written to the Prime Minister, Patnaik also appealed for the inclusion of landless labourers, sharecroppers and vulnerable agricultural households under the Central sector Scheme PM-KISAN. “These categories of agricultural workers are at the bottom of the agriculture economy pyramid and they deserve special care and attention. Rural prosperity and reduction in poverty cannot be achieved without an adequate focus on these weaker sections of the populace,” the letter read. He also cited his state’s flagship KALIA scheme and wrote, “Under KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme of State Government not only small and marginal farmers but landless labourers, sharecroppers and vulnerable agricultural households are also covered. Under KALIA scheme annual financial assistance of Rs. 10,00 is envisaged for every small and marginal farmer.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be formally launching the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme from Gorakhpur on Sunday. Under the scheme, the central government will on the same day make the first instalment of Rs 2,000 in the bank account of beneficiary farmers. About one crore farmers are expected to receive the first instalment on Sunday.

Naveen Patnaik urges PM Modi to increase PM-KISAN aid to Rs 10,000

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises".

Interacting Saturday with the media at a programme -- 'meet the press' -- organised by the Press Club of Thiruvananthapuram, she said her party has had discussions with several regional parties and the BJP and the Congress need to be rooted out.

"The two parties got ample opportunities and they have not fulfilled their promises. How can they ask for votes?" said Kavitha, daughter of TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

She said the fundamental agenda of the alliance of regional parties would be not to tie up either with the BJP or the Congress.

"Regional parties will play a greater role in this election. While playing that role, we want to make sure that the BJP and the Congress are kept away from power. It's high time as we have given them ample opportunity. It's time for someone else to take charge," she said.

The Nizamabad Lok Sabha MP said, "We want to make sure that a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance comes to power in this country. We will work very hard for that. We have already began the work."

Kavitha opined the proposed alliance of regional parties should not be called a 'third front', but a 'federal front'.

"Because you never know, we might surprise you and emerge as the 'first front'."&nbsp;

She said states should have more freedom to decide on various important issues like reservation, education and health.&nbsp;

"So, we call this a federal front and we are working with like-minded parties. Many parties are on board. We are overtly and covertly working with various parties. Once the elections are over, you will see what shape the Federal front is going to take," she said.

"The front will be driven by an agenda to make sure that the nation makes progress."&nbsp;

She lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government alleging it failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of the country. 
Kavitha also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that his government has ensured power supply to 18,000 villages where there was no electricity before 2014.

"I always hear the same number of (18,000) for last five years. So I don't know how many villages got power in last five years. This rhetoric won't work," she said.

She said promises made by political parties during election campaigns should be fulfilled.

"Modiji...Came to power and made a promise that 33 per cent women reservation bill would be taken up. Five full years have passed. The BJP government was in full majority and they have comfortable majority in Rajya Sabha as well.&nbsp;

"Why have they (BJP) not introduced the bill? Should not the women of the country question them? Should not be a political party be held accountable for the promises made? We (TRS) have fulfilled our promises," she said.&nbsp;

She said the BJP and Congress ruled this country for 75 years and asked, "how many opportunities have they missed". "I think it's time for a change and for a new leadership to take charge."

She was also critical of the current reservation policy of the country.

"Each state has got a different demography. How can the same reservation policy be effective for all the states...States should be given more freedom to decide on these matters.&nbsp;

"The states are more informed about these issues. The Centre should be focusing more on foreign policy and international issues, monetary issues, internal security," she said.

She praised the Kudumbashree project of the Kerala government and said her party was "very impressed" by it.

"We have discussed at length the project Kudumbashree as we are very fond of it. We are very impressed with how the women are empowered in Kerala.

We are now going to start one food processing industry in every constituency of Telangana. The self-help group of women will be involved in the project," she said.&nbsp;

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises".

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises". Interacting Saturday with the media at a programme -- 'meet the press' -- organised by the Press Club of Thiruvananthapuram, she said her party has had discussions with several regional parties and the BJP and the Congress need to be rooted out. "The two parties got ample opportunities and they have not fulfilled their promises. How can they ask for votes?" said Kavitha, daughter of TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. She said the fundamental agenda of the alliance of regional parties would be not to tie up either with the BJP or the Congress. "Regional parties will play a greater role in this election. While playing that role, we want to make sure that the BJP and the Congress are kept away from power. It's high time as we have given them ample opportunity. It's time for someone else to take charge," she said. The Nizamabad Lok Sabha MP said, "We want to make sure that a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance comes to power in this country. We will work very hard for that. We have already began the work." Kavitha opined the proposed alliance of regional parties should not be called a 'third front', but a 'federal front'. "Because you never know, we might surprise you and emerge as the 'first front'." She said states should have more freedom to decide on various important issues like reservation, education and health. "So, we call this a federal front and we are working with like-minded parties. Many parties are on board. We are overtly and covertly working with various parties. Once the elections are over, you will see what shape the Federal front is going to take," she said. "The front will be driven by an agenda to make sure that the nation makes progress." She lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government alleging it failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of the country. Kavitha also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that his government has ensured power supply to 18,000 villages where there was no electricity before 2014. "I always hear the same number of (18,000) for last five years. So I don't know how many villages got power in last five years. This rhetoric won't work," she said. She said promises made by political parties during election campaigns should be fulfilled. "Modiji...Came to power and made a promise that 33 per cent women reservation bill would be taken up. Five full years have passed. The BJP government was in full majority and they have comfortable majority in Rajya Sabha as well. "Why have they (BJP) not introduced the bill? Should not the women of the country question them? Should not be a political party be held accountable for the promises made? We (TRS) have fulfilled our promises," she said. She said the BJP and Congress ruled this country for 75 years and asked, "how many opportunities have they missed". "I think it's time for a change and for a new leadership to take charge." She was also critical of the current reservation policy of the country. "Each state has got a different demography. How can the same reservation policy be effective for all the states...States should be given more freedom to decide on these matters. "The states are more informed about these issues. The Centre should be focusing more on foreign policy and international issues, monetary issues, internal security," she said. She praised the Kudumbashree project of the Kerala government and said her party was "very impressed" by it. "We have discussed at length the project Kudumbashree as we are very fond of it. We are very impressed with how the women are empowered in Kerala. We are now going to start one food processing industry in every constituency of Telangana. The self-help group of women will be involved in the project," she said.

Regional parties to play greater role, BJP & Congress won't come to power: TRS MP K Kavitha

india-news

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

india news

Defence personnel alerted against Pak spy on Facebook

Inside Kathikhera, the small UP village that inspired Oscar winning film 'Period. End Of Sentence'

Afghanistan begins sending goods to Iran's Chabahar port, final destination is India

National War Memorial has been built, will inaugurate it on Monday: PM Modi on Mann ki Baat

Six of seven girls found hours after they flee shelter home in Bihar

J&K: Police officer, Army jawan, 3 JeM terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter

India hands over 155 houses in Central Sri Lanka under its development programme

J&K: Tension mounts after government crackdown, separatists call for bandh today

‘Astounding Bhagavad Gita’: PM Modi to unveil ‘largest sacred text to ever be printed’

Uddhav Thackeray asks party workers to ensure BJP-Sena victory

Assam hooch deaths: Toll climbs to over 100

News brief: Big stories of the day

Fire breaks out at Chennai parking lot, over 200 vehicles gutted

Pulwama attack: Pakistan PM should drop his 'mask of innocence', says Owaisi

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar hospitalised again

Police officer, terrorist killed in encounter in J&K's Kulgam

Pak lawmaker says 'atmosphere beginning to thaw' after meetings with Indian leaders

Permanent residence certificate row: Protesters set ablaze Arunachal Pradesh deputy CM’s residence

News brief: Big stories of the day

Calls for zero tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation get louder as election nears

Army has resolved to wipe out terrorists, their harbourers: PM Modi in Mann ki Baat

J&K governor: Additional troops coming for Panchayat elections, do not believe in rumours

I should dedicate a larger role in serving people: Robert Vadra hints at joining politics

'Exciting moment to prepare food for PM': Head chef for Modi's Seoul visit speaks to WION

Naveen Patnaik urges PM Modi to increase PM-KISAN aid to Rs 10,000

Regional parties to play greater role, BJP & Congress won't come to power: TRS MP K Kavitha