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A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands.

The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) will support independent candidates or nominees of smaller parties in the polls, its convener Sanjeev Bhor-Patil said on Saturday.

"We are contemplating to support independent candidates or smaller parties in the polls instead of major political parties, such as alliances of BJP-Shiv Sena or Congress-NCP, as they all neglected our key demands," he said.

He claimed that some members of the community were falsely framed in atrocity cases.

"One of our key demands was to sort out the issue of false atrocity cases. However, no political party has taken it seriously. Our another demand was to implement the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on minimum support price (MSP) for crops," he said.

Bhor-Patil said MKM leaders will meet in the coming week to chalk out strategy for the general elections.

"We cannot register a political party in the name of 'Maratha Kranti Morcha' as it is against our protocol. Hence, we will either support smaller political parties or favourable candidates," another MKM leader said.

The MKM had earlier spearheaded the agitation for quota for the Maratha community in jobs and education in the state.

The Maharashtra Legislature had in November last year passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government.

The quota was granted in addition to the existing 52 per cent reservation in the state.

Meanwhile, members of Other Backward Class (OBC) communities from Maharashtra will organise a march here on the first day of the state legislature session on Monday for "safeguarding" their existing quota.

The organisers of the protest are also opposing any probable move on part of the state government to induct Marathas into the OBC category.&nbsp;

A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands.

A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands. The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) will support independent candidates or nominees of smaller parties in the polls, its convener Sanjeev Bhor-Patil said on Saturday. "We are contemplating to support independent candidates or smaller parties in the polls instead of major political parties, such as alliances of BJP-Shiv Sena or Congress-NCP, as they all neglected our key demands," he said. He claimed that some members of the community were falsely framed in atrocity cases. "One of our key demands was to sort out the issue of false atrocity cases. However, no political party has taken it seriously. Our another demand was to implement the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on minimum support price (MSP) for crops," he said. Bhor-Patil said MKM leaders will meet in the coming week to chalk out strategy for the general elections. "We cannot register a political party in the name of 'Maratha Kranti Morcha' as it is against our protocol. Hence, we will either support smaller political parties or favourable candidates," another MKM leader said. The MKM had earlier spearheaded the agitation for quota for the Maratha community in jobs and education in the state. The Maharashtra Legislature had in November last year passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. The quota was granted in addition to the existing 52 per cent reservation in the state. Meanwhile, members of Other Backward Class (OBC) communities from Maharashtra will organise a march here on the first day of the state legislature session on Monday for "safeguarding" their existing quota. The organisers of the protest are also opposing any probable move on part of the state government to induct Marathas into the OBC category.

Key Maratha outfit not to back major parties in Lok Sabha polls

Some side windows and the main driver's screen of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-gets-its-fastest-train-vande-bharat-express-197645">Vande Bharat Express </a>suffered damages on Saturday after being hit by flying ballast.

As per the CPRO of Northern Railways, a shower of ballast came flying towards Vande Bharat Express when Dibrugarh Rajdhani crossing on the adjoining line had a cattle run over.

The stone chunks hit the driver’s windscreen and one each side outer glasses of windows of coach numbers C4, C6, C7, C8, C13 and two glass panes of C12, causing damage.

"The enroute damage was assessed by the travelling technical team on board the Vande Bharat Express on sight and after careful examination, the train was found fit, so it carried on its onward journey to its destination station at its normal speed. The Train has since then reached New Delhi railway station at 11.05 p.m," read an official statement from the Northern Railways.

The Northern Railways CPRO also said officials are attending to the damaged windows with safety sheets to ensure that the train runs as per schedule on Sunday and passengers are not inconvenienced in any way.

The semi-high speed train was flagged off from New Delhi Railway Station by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, while commercial operations began on February 17.

A day ahead of the commencement of operations, the return journey of Vande Bharat Express following its maiden run was disrupted for over an hour. The Express train had to remain stationed at a place 18 kilometres from Tundla since 6.30 am on February 16 due to a possible cattle run.

Some side windows and the main driver's screen of the Vande Bharat Express suffered damages on Saturday after being hit by flying ballast. As per the CPRO of Northern Railways, a shower of ballast came flying towards Vande Bharat Express when Dibrugarh Rajdhani crossing on the adjoining line had a cattle run over.

Some side windows and the main driver's screen of the Vande Bharat Express suffered damages on Saturday after being hit by flying ballast. As per the CPRO of Northern Railways, a shower of ballast came flying towards Vande Bharat Express when Dibrugarh Rajdhani crossing on the adjoining line had a cattle run over. The stone chunks hit the driver’s windscreen and one each side outer glasses of windows of coach numbers C4, C6, C7, C8, C13 and two glass panes of C12, causing damage. "The enroute damage was assessed by the travelling technical team on board the Vande Bharat Express on sight and after careful examination, the train was found fit, so it carried on its onward journey to its destination station at its normal speed. The Train has since then reached New Delhi railway station at 11.05 p.m," read an official statement from the Northern Railways. The Northern Railways CPRO also said officials are attending to the damaged windows with safety sheets to ensure that the train runs as per schedule on Sunday and passengers are not inconvenienced in any way. The semi-high speed train was flagged off from New Delhi Railway Station by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, while commercial operations began on February 17. A day ahead of the commencement of operations, the return journey of Vande Bharat Express following its maiden run was disrupted for over an hour. The Express train had to remain stationed at a place 18 kilometres from Tundla since 6.30 am on February 16 due to a possible cattle run.

Flying ballast hits Vande Bharat Express, windows damaged

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his ambitious PM Kisan Yojna on Sunday from Gorakhpur — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also in attendance — which aims to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-small-and-marginal-farmers-are-caught-in-a-double-bind-17791">the country's small and marginal farmers</a> income support of Rs 6,000 a year.&nbsp;

Modi said in Gorakhpur that the first installment of the money — there will be three a year of Rs 2,000 each — had been paid into the accounts of 1.01 crore farmers. "Today is a historic day," Modi said.&nbsp;

He added that farmers who had not got the first payment would get it in the coming days.&nbsp;

He added added that "for us also loan waivers would have been easy and convenient" but "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-not-a-solution-to-farm-distress-niti-aayog-185407">we cannot commit such a crime</a>". The loan waivers have been given by the opposition Congress under Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

"This is your money and no one will be able to take it from you," Modi told the country's farmers.&nbsp;He said the scheme had been made foolproof so that no one can snatch away their rights and he added that middlemen will play no role in the scheme.&nbsp;

Modi warned "state governments who are looking to play politics with PM Kisan Yojna" that "if you indulge in this, then curse of farmers will destroy your politics".&nbsp;

To the farmers, he appealed that they not be "misled by anyone".&nbsp;

And that "Mahamilavti logon ke moonh utre huye thhe Parliament mein jab scheme batayi gyi".&nbsp;

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PM:Warn those state govts who are looking to play politics with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMKisan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMKisan</a> Yojna, if you indulge in this then curse of farmers will destroy your politics.I appeal to farmers, don't be misled by anyone. 'Mahamilavti' logon ke moonh utre huye the Parliament mein jab scheme batayi gyi <a href="https://t.co/zIyHCjj3Qb">pic.twitter.com/zIyHCjj3Qb</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1099571635450007552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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UP CM Yogi Adityanath at launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in Gorakhpur: We would like to wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi as after gaining respect of the world as 'champion of earth', he was honoured with Seoul peace prize last week. <a href="https://t.co/xSxleAw4by">pic.twitter.com/xSxleAw4by</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1099564015435595776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The PM Kisan Yojna was announced in this year's interim budget and envisions the payment of the Rs 6,000 a year to 12 crore farmers who own less than 5 acres of land. The scheme&nbsp;is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 75,000 crore a year.&nbsp;

The aid was a response to the massive levels of farmer distress reported from the country's rural areas.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his ambitious PM Kisan Yojna on Sunday from Gorakhpur — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also in attendance — which aims to give the country's small and marginal farmers income support of Rs 6,000 a year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his ambitious PM Kisan Yojna on Sunday from Gorakhpur — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also in attendance — which aims to give the country's small and marginal farmers income support of Rs 6,000 a year. Modi said in Gorakhpur that the first installment of the money — there will be three a year of Rs 2,000 each — had been paid into the accounts of 1.01 crore farmers. "Today is a historic day," Modi said. He added that farmers who had not got the first payment would get it in the coming days. He added added that "for us also loan waivers would have been easy and convenient" but "we cannot commit such a crime". The loan waivers have been given by the opposition Congress under Rahul Gandhi. "This is your money and no one will be able to take it from you," Modi told the country's farmers. He said the scheme had been made foolproof so that no one can snatch away their rights and he added that middlemen will play no role in the scheme. Modi warned "state governments who are looking to play politics with PM Kisan Yojna" that "if you indulge in this, then curse of farmers will destroy your politics". To the farmers, he appealed that they not be "misled by anyone". And that "Mahamilavti logon ke moonh utre huye thhe Parliament mein jab scheme batayi gyi". PM:Warn those state govts who are looking to play politics with #PMKisan Yojna, if you indulge in this then curse of farmers will destroy your politics.I appeal to farmers, don't be misled by anyone. 'Mahamilavti' logon ke moonh utre huye the Parliament mein jab scheme batayi gyi pic.twitter.com/zIyHCjj3Qb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 24, 2019 × UP CM Yogi Adityanath at launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in Gorakhpur: We would like to wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi as after gaining respect of the world as 'champion of earth', he was honoured with Seoul peace prize last week. pic.twitter.com/xSxleAw4by — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 24, 2019 × The PM Kisan Yojna was announced in this year's interim budget and envisions the payment of the Rs 6,000 a year to 12 crore farmers who own less than 5 acres of land. The scheme is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 75,000 crore a year. The aid was a response to the massive levels of farmer distress reported from the country's rural areas.

Modi launches PM Kisan Yojna, says first installment of Rs 2,000 paid to 1.01 crore farmers

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130.

The deaths in Assam state came less than two weeks after tainted liquor killed about 100 people in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-hooch-tragedy-rises-to-70-in-uttrakhand-uttar-pradesh-196229"> Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand</a>.

In addition to the latest toll, at least 200 more people were still hospitalised across Assam.

"The death toll has reached 133 in Golaghat and Jorhat districts from the hooch tragedy," Mukesh Agarwala, additional director general of state police, told AFP on Sunday.

"A total of ten people have been arrested. We have sent the samples of the liquor... to a forensic laboratory. The report is awaited," he added.

Police said people started falling sick after consuming a batch of illegally produced liquor late Thursday.

The victims, who include many women, worked at local tea estates in the region.&nbsp;

Doctors said those rushed to hospital in a critical condition were suffering from severe vomiting, extreme chest pain and breathlessness.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the deaths.

Apart from the arrests, two excise department officials were suspended for failing to take adequate precautions over the sale of the alcohol.

Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed those responsible for the tainted booze would be brought to justice.

Cheap, locally made liquor is common in parts of rural India and bootleggers often add methanol -- a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze -- to their product to increase its strength.&nbsp;

If ingested in large quantities, methanol can cause blindness, liver damage and death.

Hundreds of mainly poor people die each year in the South Asian country from tainted liquor, which normally costs just a few US cents a bottle.

Of the estimated five billion litres of alcohol drunk every year in India, around 40 per cent is illegally produced, according to the International Spirits and Wine Association of India.

Many Indian states have implemented or pushed for prohibition, which, according to critics, further increases the unsupervised manufacture and sale of alcohol.&nbsp;

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130.

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130. The deaths in Assam state came less than two weeks after tainted liquor killed about 100 people in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In addition to the latest toll, at least 200 more people were still hospitalised across Assam. "The death toll has reached 133 in Golaghat and Jorhat districts from the hooch tragedy," Mukesh Agarwala, additional director general of state police, told AFP on Sunday. "A total of ten people have been arrested. We have sent the samples of the liquor... to a forensic laboratory. The report is awaited," he added. Police said people started falling sick after consuming a batch of illegally produced liquor late Thursday. The victims, who include many women, worked at local tea estates in the region. Doctors said those rushed to hospital in a critical condition were suffering from severe vomiting, extreme chest pain and breathlessness. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the deaths. Apart from the arrests, two excise department officials were suspended for failing to take adequate precautions over the sale of the alcohol. Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed those responsible for the tainted booze would be brought to justice. Cheap, locally made liquor is common in parts of rural India and bootleggers often add methanol -- a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze -- to their product to increase its strength. If ingested in large quantities, methanol can cause blindness, liver damage and death. Hundreds of mainly poor people die each year in the South Asian country from tainted liquor, which normally costs just a few US cents a bottle. Of the estimated five billion litres of alcohol drunk every year in India, around 40 per cent is illegally produced, according to the International Spirits and Wine Association of India. Many Indian states have implemented or pushed for prohibition, which, according to critics, further increases the unsupervised manufacture and sale of alcohol.

Death toll jumps to 133 in Assam hooch tragedy

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that paddy farmers in the state will get a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for the crop.

Till last year, the government was giving a bonus of Rs 200 per quintal for paddy, the key Kharif crop.

"The previous government gave bonus only around the time of elections. But, the BJP-led government gave Rs 200 bonus per quintal for paddy crop every year, irrespective of polls," Fadnavis said addressing a gathering at Sakoli taluka in Bhandara district on Saturday.

"There is a demand for a hike in paddy crop bonus. The government has decided to increase the bonus from Rs 200to Rs 500 per quintal," he added.

To woo distressed farmers ahead of the general polls, the NDA government at the Centre had last year hiked the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy by a sharp Rs 200 per quintal for the 2018-19 crop year.

With that decision, the MSP of paddy (common grade) was increased to Rs 1,750 per quintal.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis also said that no lease will be recovered for fishing in lakes up to 500-hectare area.

Also, fishing contracts will be allocated only to fishing cooperative societies, he said.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that paddy farmers in the state will get a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for the crop. Till last year, the government was giving a bonus of Rs 200 per quintal for paddy, the key Kharif crop.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that paddy farmers in the state will get a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for the crop. Till last year, the government was giving a bonus of Rs 200 per quintal for paddy, the key Kharif crop. "The previous government gave bonus only around the time of elections. But, the BJP-led government gave Rs 200 bonus per quintal for paddy crop every year, irrespective of polls," Fadnavis said addressing a gathering at Sakoli taluka in Bhandara district on Saturday. "There is a demand for a hike in paddy crop bonus. The government has decided to increase the bonus from Rs 200to Rs 500 per quintal," he added. To woo distressed farmers ahead of the general polls, the NDA government at the Centre had last year hiked the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy by a sharp Rs 200 per quintal for the 2018-19 crop year. With that decision, the MSP of paddy (common grade) was increased to Rs 1,750 per quintal. Meanwhile, Fadnavis also said that no lease will be recovered for fishing in lakes up to 500-hectare area. Also, fishing contracts will be allocated only to fishing cooperative societies, he said.

Maharashtra farmers to get Rs 500 per quintal paddy bonus: CM Devendra Fadnavis

India will launch the PSLV-C45 on March 21 which will put 30 satellites, including one for electronic intelligence, in three different orbits.

Speaking to ANI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-isros-five-successful-satellite-missions-in-2018-184234">Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</a> Chairman K Sivan said, “On March 21 we will have PSLV-C45 launch. It is going to launch an electronic intelligence satellite, along with 29 customer satellites from other countries. The speciality of this mission is that for the first time PSLV will launch satellites in 3 different orbits.”

Sivan also said that ISRO is planning to launch India's second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 by April end.

He also spoke about the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which is scheduled to launch two ‘strategic purpose’ satellites in July-August this year.

“SSLV is a small satellite launcher. The first launch will take place in July-August where two small satellites will be launched. They are for a strategic purpose and will be used for monitoring and mapping,” he said.

“Very soon we are going to make PSLVs from industry for which L and T and HAL have formed a consortium. Along with that small satellite launch vehicles will also be made by the industry,” Sivan added.

On February, 19 the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given its approval to the setting up of a new company under Department of Space (DoS) to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by ISRO.

India will launch the PSLV-C45 on March 21 which will put 30 satellites, including one for electronic intelligence, in three different orbits. Speaking to ANI, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan said, “On March 21 we will have PSLV-C45 launch.

India will launch the PSLV-C45 on March 21 which will put 30 satellites, including one for electronic intelligence, in three different orbits. Speaking to ANI, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan said, “On March 21 we will have PSLV-C45 launch. It is going to launch an electronic intelligence satellite, along with 29 customer satellites from other countries. The speciality of this mission is that for the first time PSLV will launch satellites in 3 different orbits.” Sivan also said that ISRO is planning to launch India's second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 by April end. He also spoke about the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which is scheduled to launch two ‘strategic purpose’ satellites in July-August this year. “SSLV is a small satellite launcher. The first launch will take place in July-August where two small satellites will be launched. They are for a strategic purpose and will be used for monitoring and mapping,” he said. “Very soon we are going to make PSLVs from industry for which L and T and HAL have formed a consortium. Along with that small satellite launch vehicles will also be made by the industry,” Sivan added. On February, 19 the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given its approval to the setting up of a new company under Department of Space (DoS) to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by ISRO.

ISRO to launch first 3-orbit mission on March 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday laid out his vision for making India a US $10-trillion economy, and the third-largest in the world, saying he wants the nation to have countless startups, and be a global leader in electric vehicles.

Speaking at the Global Business Summit in New Delhi, he said his government inherited an economy in complete policy paralysis, plagued by runaway inflation and rising current account deficit.

Reforms in the last four and half years have changed the picture. "Change is clearly visible today," he said.

BJP-led NDA rule witnessed highest post-liberalisation growth rate of 7.4 per cent, and lowest inflation of less than 4.5 per cent, he said adding that reforms like goods and services tax (GST) have laid solid foundation for higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday laid out his vision for making India a US $10-trillion economy, and the third-largest in the world, saying he wants the nation to have countless startups, and be a global leader in electric vehicles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday laid out his vision for making India a US $10-trillion economy, and the third-largest in the world, saying he wants the nation to have countless startups, and be a global leader in electric vehicles. Speaking at the Global Business Summit in New Delhi, he said his government inherited an economy in complete policy paralysis, plagued by runaway inflation and rising current account deficit. Reforms in the last four and half years have changed the picture. "Change is clearly visible today," he said. BJP-led NDA rule witnessed highest post-liberalisation growth rate of 7.4 per cent, and lowest inflation of less than 4.5 per cent, he said adding that reforms like goods and services tax (GST) have laid solid foundation for higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

PM Modi sees India as US $10-trillion economy with countless startups

Seven persons including a joint director of the health department have died of swine flu in Chhattisgarh since the beginning of this year, the government informed the Legislative Assembly Friday.

Health Minister TS Singhdeo said joint director of health department Mahendra Janghel was among those who died of H1N1 infection.

The issue was raised by Congress' Kunwar Singh Nishad and BJP MLAs Shivratan Sharma and Ajay Chandrakar.

The MLAs claimed that at least 10 people had died of swine flu in the state in the recent weeks but no concrete action has been taken to prevent its spread and patients are being forced to go to private hospitals.

Singhdeo said huge stocks of medicines have been made available. Medicines, as well as diagnosis facilities, are being provided free in government hospitals, he said.

District surveillance teams have been formed to keep a tab on new infections, he said.

Swine flu testing facilities are available at Medical College Raipur, Microbiology Department of Jagdalpur Medical College and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Besides, three private pathology labs have been certified for carrying out H1N1 virus tests, he added.

Chandrakar asked whether swine flu vaccination will be administered to common people, just as it is being provided to health department workers dealing with swine flu cases.

The minister said as of now doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who are at high risk of infection will be covered under the immunisation program.&nbsp;

Seven persons including a joint director of the health department have died of swine flu in Chhattisgarh since the beginning of this year, the government informed the Legislative Assembly Friday.

Seven persons including a joint director of the health department have died of swine flu in Chhattisgarh since the beginning of this year, the government informed the Legislative Assembly Friday. Health Minister TS Singhdeo said joint director of health department Mahendra Janghel was among those who died of H1N1 infection. The issue was raised by Congress' Kunwar Singh Nishad and BJP MLAs Shivratan Sharma and Ajay Chandrakar. The MLAs claimed that at least 10 people had died of swine flu in the state in the recent weeks but no concrete action has been taken to prevent its spread and patients are being forced to go to private hospitals. Singhdeo said huge stocks of medicines have been made available. Medicines, as well as diagnosis facilities, are being provided free in government hospitals, he said. District surveillance teams have been formed to keep a tab on new infections, he said. Swine flu testing facilities are available at Medical College Raipur, Microbiology Department of Jagdalpur Medical College and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Besides, three private pathology labs have been certified for carrying out H1N1 virus tests, he added. Chandrakar asked whether swine flu vaccination will be administered to common people, just as it is being provided to health department workers dealing with swine flu cases. The minister said as of now doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who are at high risk of infection will be covered under the immunisation program.

Health department, joint director among 7 swine flu victims in Chhattisgarh

The Centre has not been delaying the appointment of judges in higher judiciary and delay, if any, was at the collegium end, the Supreme Court said Friday.

The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) which has alleged that the Centre has been "indefinitely sitting" on the names recommended by the Supreme Court collegium for appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.

"Appointments are happening. As the Chief Justice, I am telling you that whatever is pending is pending before the Supreme Court collegium. Nothing is pending with the government," a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said.

Most of the recommendations with regard to appointment of judges in high courts were pending with the collegium headed by the CJI, it said.&nbsp;

"There are about 27 recommendations pending before the government and there are 70 to 80 pending before the Collegium, as the CJI, I am telling you," the CJI said.

Bhushan, however, said that as per his knowledge, there were several recommendations pending with the government despite the reiteration by the Collegium.

The apex court refused to pass any directions for the time being and ordered listing of the PIL for hearing after six weeks.&nbsp;

"Having heard Prashant Bhushan, counsel appearing for the petitioner, we are of the view that the matter should await orders of the court at a later point of time. List the matter after six weeks," the bench said in its order.

Earlier, the apex court, on November 2, last year, had said that it would hear after eight weeks the PIL which alleged that the Centre has been "indefinitely sitting" on the names recommended by the apex court collegium for appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.

The court had not issued the notice to the Centre on the PIL.

The plea said that the government cannot "frustrate" the process of appointment of judges in the apex court and high courts in "an oblique way" by sitting on collegium's recommendations and not responding to names reiterated by it.

The petitioner has claimed that "stone-walling" of judicial appointments by the executive for "oblique and vested interests" amounts to interference in the due process of law and the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

The plea has sought a direction to the Centre to notify the appointment of judges for the apex court and different high courts whose names have already been unanimously reiterated by the collegium and are pending with the government.

It has also sought a direction to the government to notify the recommendations for appointments of judges to various high court that have been sent by the collegium and the Centre has not responded even though six weeks have passed since the recommendations were received.

"An independent and transparent system of judicial appointments that is free from political and partisan considerations has an important bearing on the independence and impartiality of the judges," the plea has said.

The petitioner has also alleged that important constitutional positions cannot be left vacant merely because of "inaction" of the government and its "politically motivated interference in the judicial appointment process".

It has claimed that such an act not only shows "complete disregard" of the law declared by the top court but "also a virtual breakdown of the consultative process thereby diminishing if not destroying the primacy of the Chief Justice of India with regard to appointment in the manner laid down in the judgement".

Referring to the July 1 this year official figure available on the website of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the plea has said that strength of judges across high courts is 668 against the sanctioned strength of 1,079 judges.&nbsp;

The Centre has not been delaying the appointment of judges in higher judiciary and delay, if any, was at the collegium end, the Supreme Court said Friday. The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) which has alleged that the Centre has been "indefinitely sitting" on the names recommended by the Supreme Court collegium for appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.

The Centre has not been delaying the appointment of judges in higher judiciary and delay, if any, was at the collegium end, the Supreme Court said Friday. The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) which has alleged that the Centre has been "indefinitely sitting" on the names recommended by the Supreme Court collegium for appointment of judges in the higher judiciary. "Appointments are happening. As the Chief Justice, I am telling you that whatever is pending is pending before the Supreme Court collegium. Nothing is pending with the government," a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said. Most of the recommendations with regard to appointment of judges in high courts were pending with the collegium headed by the CJI, it said. "There are about 27 recommendations pending before the government and there are 70 to 80 pending before the Collegium, as the CJI, I am telling you," the CJI said. Bhushan, however, said that as per his knowledge, there were several recommendations pending with the government despite the reiteration by the Collegium. The apex court refused to pass any directions for the time being and ordered listing of the PIL for hearing after six weeks. "Having heard Prashant Bhushan, counsel appearing for the petitioner, we are of the view that the matter should await orders of the court at a later point of time. List the matter after six weeks," the bench said in its order. Earlier, the apex court, on November 2, last year, had said that it would hear after eight weeks the PIL which alleged that the Centre has been "indefinitely sitting" on the names recommended by the apex court collegium for appointment of judges in the higher judiciary. The court had not issued the notice to the Centre on the PIL. The plea said that the government cannot "frustrate" the process of appointment of judges in the apex court and high courts in "an oblique way" by sitting on collegium's recommendations and not responding to names reiterated by it. The petitioner has claimed that "stone-walling" of judicial appointments by the executive for "oblique and vested interests" amounts to interference in the due process of law and the independence and integrity of the judiciary. The plea has sought a direction to the Centre to notify the appointment of judges for the apex court and different high courts whose names have already been unanimously reiterated by the collegium and are pending with the government. It has also sought a direction to the government to notify the recommendations for appointments of judges to various high court that have been sent by the collegium and the Centre has not responded even though six weeks have passed since the recommendations were received. "An independent and transparent system of judicial appointments that is free from political and partisan considerations has an important bearing on the independence and impartiality of the judges," the plea has said. The petitioner has also alleged that important constitutional positions cannot be left vacant merely because of "inaction" of the government and its "politically motivated interference in the judicial appointment process". It has claimed that such an act not only shows "complete disregard" of the law declared by the top court but "also a virtual breakdown of the consultative process thereby diminishing if not destroying the primacy of the Chief Justice of India with regard to appointment in the manner laid down in the judgement". Referring to the July 1 this year official figure available on the website of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the plea has said that strength of judges across high courts is 668 against the sanctioned strength of 1,079 judges.

Centre not delaying appointment of judges in higher judiciary: Supreme Court

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election.

Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls.

A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday.

"The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls. A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday. "The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

BJP to contest Mizoram Lok Sabha seat: Party state unit

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan</a>.

"May I jog your memories? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001," Akbaruddin tweeted.

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May I jog your memories ? 
 
To all friends who think that <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001. 🙏🏽<a href="https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j">https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j</a> <a href="https://t.co/zEttbCV3qx">pic.twitter.com/zEttbCV3qx</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1098976410121719808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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JeM, which claimed responsibility for the recent Pulwama terror attack, has been listed as an associated entity of deceased terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in the list.

The October 19, 2001 statement brings attention to paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) which calls on all states to freeze funds and other financial assets of designated entities, connected to Laden, on the list, in a bid to completely block funding to Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the ghastly 9/11 attacks in the United States.

This comes after the Pakistan Army held a press conference, where its spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">dismissed his country's involvement in the attack</a>, despite Pakistan-based JeM's claim of responsibility.

India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required.

The United States had, immediately after the attack, called for Pakistan to stop providing support and a safe haven to terrorist organisations in their country, further cementing their stand against terrorism.

Washington, along with other countries, extended support to India in the wake of the February 14 attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan.

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan. "May I jog your memories? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001," Akbaruddin tweeted. May I jog your memories ? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001. 🙏🏽https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j pic.twitter.com/zEttbCV3qx — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 22, 2019 × JeM, which claimed responsibility for the recent Pulwama terror attack, has been listed as an associated entity of deceased terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in the list. The October 19, 2001 statement brings attention to paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) which calls on all states to freeze funds and other financial assets of designated entities, connected to Laden, on the list, in a bid to completely block funding to Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the ghastly 9/11 attacks in the United States. This comes after the Pakistan Army held a press conference, where its spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor dismissed his country's involvement in the attack, despite Pakistan-based JeM's claim of responsibility. India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The United States had, immediately after the attack, called for Pakistan to stop providing support and a safe haven to terrorist organisations in their country, further cementing their stand against terrorism. Washington, along with other countries, extended support to India in the wake of the February 14 attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

2001 UNSC list reconfirms Pakistan as JeM's base: Syed Akbaruddin

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February&nbsp;14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.”

The government order also cited a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-chief-secretaries-dgps-of-11-states-to-take-action-against-assault-on-kashmiris-post-pulwama-198894">Supreme Court directive</a> issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order.

The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states.

Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre.

The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14.

In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February 14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.” The government order also cited a Supreme Court directive issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order. The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states. Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre. The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country. As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14. In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Pulwama attack: MHA directs states, union territories to ensure safety, security of Kashmiris

Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said.

The train, which will be run under the government's Bharat Darshan scheme, will have a seven-night and eight-day tour package beginning March 4 from Chandigarh, it said.

The journey will also cover pilgrimage sites like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Indore, MP, Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Priced at Rs 7,560 per person, the tour package has multiple boarding and de-boarding stations viz Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt, Rewari, Alwar and Jaipur, the statement said.

"The package has been designed to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Train will halt at Vadodara station and passengers will be taken to the Statue of Unity by buses," it said.

The Statue of Unity is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in front of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue at a height of 182 metres.

The package includes the train journey in non-AC sleeper class, hall or dormitory accommodation at places of night stay, morning freshen up, road transportation, pure vegetarian meals, sightseeing as per the itinerary by non-AC vehicles, services of tour manager, according to the statement.

The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity at Kevadia Colony in Narmada district has become a major attraction for the tourists after it was opened to public last year.

It had made a collection of Rs 1.26 crore within three days since November 8. By December, the daily footfall had reached 30,000, according to the state government.&nbsp;

Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said.

Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said. The train, which will be run under the government's Bharat Darshan scheme, will have a seven-night and eight-day tour package beginning March 4 from Chandigarh, it said. The journey will also cover pilgrimage sites like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Indore, MP, Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Priced at Rs 7,560 per person, the tour package has multiple boarding and de-boarding stations viz Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt, Rewari, Alwar and Jaipur, the statement said. "The package has been designed to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Train will halt at Vadodara station and passengers will be taken to the Statue of Unity by buses," it said. The Statue of Unity is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in front of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue at a height of 182 metres. The package includes the train journey in non-AC sleeper class, hall or dormitory accommodation at places of night stay, morning freshen up, road transportation, pure vegetarian meals, sightseeing as per the itinerary by non-AC vehicles, services of tour manager, according to the statement. The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity at Kevadia Colony in Narmada district has become a major attraction for the tourists after it was opened to public last year. It had made a collection of Rs 1.26 crore within three days since November 8. By December, the daily footfall had reached 30,000, according to the state government.

Railways to run special train to Statue of Unity from March 4

Kashmiri separatist and JKLF chief Yasin Malik was detained by the police late on Friday night.

The cops apprehended him from his Maisuma residence in Srinagar. He reportedly has been taken to the Kothibagh Police Station.

Malik’s detention comes ahead of a crucial hearing on Article 35-A in Supreme Court which is likely to take place on Monday.

The article, incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1954, grants special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

In the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF soldiers on February 14, earlier this week, Jammu and Kashmir government <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-fallout-government-withdraws-security-of-18-more-separatists-in-kashmir-198656">withdrew security cover of several separatists</a> including Malik, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah and Saleem Geelani.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kashmiri separatist and JKLF chief Yasin Malik was detained by the police late on Friday night. The cops apprehended him from his Maisuma residence in Srinagar. He reportedly has been taken to the Kothibagh Police Station.

Kashmiri separatist and JKLF chief Yasin Malik was detained by the police late on Friday night. The cops apprehended him from his Maisuma residence in Srinagar. He reportedly has been taken to the Kothibagh Police Station. Malik’s detention comes ahead of a crucial hearing on Article 35-A in Supreme Court which is likely to take place on Monday. The article, incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1954, grants special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. In the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF soldiers on February 14, earlier this week, Jammu and Kashmir government withdrew security cover of several separatists including Malik, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah and Saleem Geelani.

JKLF chief Yaseen Malik detained in Jammu and Kashmir

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at 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 50000 to those who fell ill.

Sonowal said the guilty will 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 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.

According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital.

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Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat &amp; Jorhat, Excise Department &amp; District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture &amp; sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now <a href="https://t.co/8DDTL1vjnf">pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099310539677880323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said.

A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night.

Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. 
Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning 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 a 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 coordinate 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 a 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 organisation 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. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at 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 50000 to those who fell ill. Sonowal said the guilty will 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 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. According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital. Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat & Jorhat, Excise Department & District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture & sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2019 × In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said. A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night. Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning 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 a 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 coordinate 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 a 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 organisation 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. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

Assam hooch tragedy leaves 85 dead, government destroys 15,000 litres liquor

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-warns-venezuela-against-lethal-force-on-protesters-199058">UN chief warns Maduro government against lethal force on protesters</a>

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-gave-prosecutors-information-on-trump-family-business-report-199063">Michael Cohen gave prosecutors information on Trump family business: Report</a>

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen met last month with federal prosecutors in Manhattan and provided information about potential irregularities in the Trump family business, the New York Times reported on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-president-bashir-declares-year-long-state-of-emergency-across-the-country-199057">President Bashir declares </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-president-bashir-declares-year-long-state-of-emergency-across-the-country-199057">year-long</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-president-bashir-declares-year-long-state-of-emergency-across-the-country-199057"> state of emergency across Sudan</a>

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday and dissolved the government in an effort to quell weeks of demonstrations that have rocked his iron-fisted rule.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apps-send-intimate-user-data-to-facebook-report-199073">Smartphone apps send intimate user data to Facebook: Report</a>

A news report Friday said many smartphone apps were sending highly personal information such as menstrual cycles and body weight to Facebook, without notifying users.

Trump speaks on Pulwama attack, says 'very dangerous situation' between India and Pakistan US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir.

Trump speaks on Pulwama attack, says 'very dangerous situation' between India and Pakistan US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir. UN chief warns Maduro government against lethal force on protesters UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged authorities in Venezuela not to use lethal force against protesters, after soldiers shot dead two indigenous people who were attempting to prevent the sealing of a border crossing to Brazil. Michael Cohen gave prosecutors information on Trump family business: Report US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen met last month with federal prosecutors in Manhattan and provided information about potential irregularities in the Trump family business, the New York Times reported on Friday. President Bashir declares year-long state of emergency across Sudan Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday and dissolved the government in an effort to quell weeks of demonstrations that have rocked his iron-fisted rule. Smartphone apps send intimate user data to Facebook: Report A news report Friday said many smartphone apps were sending highly personal information such as menstrual cycles and body weight to Facebook, without notifying users.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year.&nbsp;

Special Judge Arvind Kumar posted the matter for February 25. The application which was moved through senior advocate KTS Tulsi sought a copy of the documents seized by the agency from Vadra’s office.

Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, said in his application that the ED has been interrogating him based on the seized documents and therefore their copies should be provided to him.&nbsp;

On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra’s offices at Delhi. Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur.

The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relate to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2. Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds.

The property is allegedly owned by him. The agency had earlier said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds, each, six other flats and more properties. The plea had said Vadra’s office was raided by the ED on December 7, 2018, and, therefore, he seriously apprehends that his liberty may be curtailed by the investigating agency.

“The petitioner (Vadra) is being subjected to a farce criminal prosecution which actually is beset with nothing else except political vendetta and most, unfortunately, the respondent (ED) being the law enforcement agency is a party to the unethical and illegal exercise. “It is stated that the petitioner’s (Vadra’s) firm through its authorised representative Manoj Arora has already joined investigation with the ED conducting investigation into the affairs of the firm in Rajasthan with their offices at Jaipur on many occasions and has supplied all the relevant documents to the satisfaction of the officials of the ED,” the plea had said.

Arora, an employee of Vadra’s Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter’s overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra had alleged that he is being “hounded and harassed” to subserve political ends. Arora had alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of “political vendetta”.

However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that “should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?” The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came to light during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. “This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property,” the ED had told the court.

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year.

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year. Special Judge Arvind Kumar posted the matter for February 25. The application which was moved through senior advocate KTS Tulsi sought a copy of the documents seized by the agency from Vadra’s office. Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, said in his application that the ED has been interrogating him based on the seized documents and therefore their copies should be provided to him. On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra’s offices at Delhi. Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur. The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relate to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2. Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is allegedly owned by him. The agency had earlier said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds, each, six other flats and more properties. The plea had said Vadra’s office was raided by the ED on December 7, 2018, and, therefore, he seriously apprehends that his liberty may be curtailed by the investigating agency. “The petitioner (Vadra) is being subjected to a farce criminal prosecution which actually is beset with nothing else except political vendetta and most, unfortunately, the respondent (ED) being the law enforcement agency is a party to the unethical and illegal exercise. “It is stated that the petitioner’s (Vadra’s) firm through its authorised representative Manoj Arora has already joined investigation with the ED conducting investigation into the affairs of the firm in Rajasthan with their offices at Jaipur on many occasions and has supplied all the relevant documents to the satisfaction of the officials of the ED,” the plea had said. Arora, an employee of Vadra’s Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter’s overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra had alleged that he is being “hounded and harassed” to subserve political ends. Arora had alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of “political vendetta”. However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that “should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?” The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came to light during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. “This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property,” the ED had told the court.

Money laundering case: Robert Vadra moves application in Delhi court seeking copy of documents with ED

A CRPF jawan who was transferred to Telangana from Jammu and Kashmir has gone missing from the train before arriving in Hyderabad to join duty.

A complaint in this regard has been filed by CRPF ASI Arjun Dubey, who was heading the team of personnel travelling to Telangana.

Ashok, the Superintendent of Police (SP)- Government Railway Police (GRP), Secunderabad District told ANI, “We have received the complaint. The 14 member team was transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Telangana. On 19 February they took Telangana Express from Delhi and reached Secunderabad Railway Station on 20 February. 13 CRPF personnel got down but one Jawan by the name Saldeep Kumar a native of Jammu and Kashmir wasn’t found, all others waited for him for some time and left to Hakimpet CRPF quarters to report”

As per the police official, the missing CRPF official is not reachable over the phone and is yet to report for duty.

GRP has registered a missing case and has also issued a lookout notice for the missing Jawan.

Further investigation is the case is underway.&nbsp;

A CRPF jawan who was transferred to Telangana from Jammu and Kashmir has gone missing from the train before arriving in Hyderabad to join duty. A complaint in this regard has been filed by CRPF ASI Arjun Dubey, who was heading the team of personnel travelling to Telangana.

A CRPF jawan who was transferred to Telangana from Jammu and Kashmir has gone missing from the train before arriving in Hyderabad to join duty. A complaint in this regard has been filed by CRPF ASI Arjun Dubey, who was heading the team of personnel travelling to Telangana. Ashok, the Superintendent of Police (SP)- Government Railway Police (GRP), Secunderabad District told ANI, “We have received the complaint. The 14 member team was transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Telangana. On 19 February they took Telangana Express from Delhi and reached Secunderabad Railway Station on 20 February. 13 CRPF personnel got down but one Jawan by the name Saldeep Kumar a native of Jammu and Kashmir wasn’t found, all others waited for him for some time and left to Hakimpet CRPF quarters to report” As per the police official, the missing CRPF official is not reachable over the phone and is yet to report for duty. GRP has registered a missing case and has also issued a lookout notice for the missing Jawan. Further investigation is the case is underway.

CRPF jawan goes missing while travelling from J&K to Telangana

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25.

At the end of the contest, the name of the train and the mascot will be shortlisted through a nominated committee and winners will be awarded a cash prize along with a certificate confirming their participation in the contest.

There will be five consolation prizes also in each category whose entries will be as good as winning entry but could not win because of certain minor details, the NHSRCL said in an official release.

"The mascot essentially should be a well-designed character which will personify the value system of NHSRCL and will also be able to communicate effectively. Naming the bullet train will provide it an identity which will help people to establish a connect with the bullet train," it added.

The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 km will be covered in the tunnel under the sea.

The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores.

The total cost of the train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs. 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.&nbsp;

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25.

The Centre has announced a contest inviting suggestions for a suitable name and mascot design for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed bullet train. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) revealed that participants can submit entries till March 25. At the end of the contest, the name of the train and the mascot will be shortlisted through a nominated committee and winners will be awarded a cash prize along with a certificate confirming their participation in the contest. There will be five consolation prizes also in each category whose entries will be as good as winning entry but could not win because of certain minor details, the NHSRCL said in an official release. "The mascot essentially should be a well-designed character which will personify the value system of NHSRCL and will also be able to communicate effectively. Naming the bullet train will provide it an identity which will help people to establish a connect with the bullet train," it added. The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 km will be covered in the tunnel under the sea. The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores. The total cost of the train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs. 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.

Centre announces contest for naming bullet train, designing mascot

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha).

Police officials of the six neighbouring states discussed several law and order issues including the flow of illegal money, liquor, Maoist activities, security arrangements in affected areas and Intelligence sharing to develop more impact full inter-state cooperation to tackle the challenges and holding smooth upcoming general election 2019.

"We already have an institutionalised mechanism for inter-state coordination in Police, today we had special coordination meeting in view of the coming election, and focus was on to deploy joint forces for tackling Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace, movement of narcotics, movement of cash and movement of criminals. We will focus on increasing our communication and joint operations," said Asit Tripathi, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Government of Odisha.

Meanwhile, Sharma added, "We have good cooperation with neighbouring states in terms of intelligence sharing, joint operations but such meetings are necessary before the elections to discuss the emerging challenge and the solution for that, we have identified certain areas where we have to coordinate so that peacefully election will be conducted".

The Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April-May this year.

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday. DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha).

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday. DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha). Police officials of the six neighbouring states discussed several law and order issues including the flow of illegal money, liquor, Maoist activities, security arrangements in affected areas and Intelligence sharing to develop more impact full inter-state cooperation to tackle the challenges and holding smooth upcoming general election 2019. "We already have an institutionalised mechanism for inter-state coordination in Police, today we had special coordination meeting in view of the coming election, and focus was on to deploy joint forces for tackling Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace, movement of narcotics, movement of cash and movement of criminals. We will focus on increasing our communication and joint operations," said Asit Tripathi, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Government of Odisha. Meanwhile, Sharma added, "We have good cooperation with neighbouring states in terms of intelligence sharing, joint operations but such meetings are necessary before the elections to discuss the emerging challenge and the solution for that, we have identified certain areas where we have to coordinate so that peacefully election will be conducted". The Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April-May this year.

Road to Lok Sabha polls: 6 states participate in inter-state police coordination meeting

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.

Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others.

They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration.

The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest.

Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism.

The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama. Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others. They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration. The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest. Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism. The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Pulwama terror attack: Scores of angry Indians protest in New York

The trial in the sensational Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case will begin from Monday at a Delhi court.

Some of the accused were produced before a designated POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court here on Saturday, which said it will take up the matter on Monday.

On February 7, the Supreme Court had transferred the case from a Bihar court to Saket court, which would now conclude the trial within six months.

Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur and the issue had come to light following a report by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

The apex court had said the transfer of records to Saket court should be completed within two weeks and the trial is to be concluded within six months by holding preferably "day-to-day" trial.&nbsp;

The trial in the sensational Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case will begin from Monday at a Delhi court. Some of the accused were produced before a designated POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court here on Saturday, which said it will take up the matter on Monday.

The trial in the sensational Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case will begin from Monday at a Delhi court. Some of the accused were produced before a designated POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court here on Saturday, which said it will take up the matter on Monday. On February 7, the Supreme Court had transferred the case from a Bihar court to Saket court, which would now conclude the trial within six months. Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur and the issue had come to light following a report by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The apex court had said the transfer of records to Saket court should be completed within two weeks and the trial is to be concluded within six months by holding preferably "day-to-day" trial.

Muzaffarpur shelter home case: Trial to begin in Saket court from Monday

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday.

According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.''

General Bajwa's visit to LoC comes hours after Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor's statement at a press conference that "we are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048"> India to exercise all options to win </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048">decisive</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048"> battle against Pakistan, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a>

He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with "full force if attacked."

Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Gafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan."

Pakistan maintained a belligerent stand and levelled various allegations against India, giving wrong and misleading details.

During the entire press meet, Gafoor remained in a denial mode about his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack even though <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit</a>, based in Pakistan, has claimed the responsibility for it in a statement.

India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required.

The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack.

He also claimed that Pakistan was not being isolated internationally, even at a time when the entire international community is mounting pressure on the country to act against terror infrastructure existing in the country.&nbsp;

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday. According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday. According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.'' General Bajwa's visit to LoC comes hours after Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor's statement at a press conference that "we are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war." Also read: India to exercise all options to win decisive battle against Pakistan, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with "full force if attacked." Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Gafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan." Pakistan maintained a belligerent stand and levelled various allegations against India, giving wrong and misleading details. During the entire press meet, Gafoor remained in a denial mode about his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack even though Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, based in Pakistan, has claimed the responsibility for it in a statement. India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack. He also claimed that Pakistan was not being isolated internationally, even at a time when the entire international community is mounting pressure on the country to act against terror infrastructure existing in the country.

Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa visits troops at LoC amid growing tension with India

Seven girls including five victims of infamous Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse case have run away from Mokama’s Baal Griha, a shelter home run by Nazareth Hospital Society, confirmed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Garima Malik.

The matter came to light when the authorities of Nazareth Hospital Society, an NGO, found the grill of the main gate of the shelter home cut, following which they counted the girls staying there and found that seven of them including five victims of Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal were missing.

Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi said: “A missing report about the seven girls has been registered. We are trying to locate the girls.”

It is being alleged that these seven girls manage to run away due to the sheer laxity shown by the authorities of Nazareth Hospital Society, which is also accused of not cooperating with the police in their investigation.

It is worth mentioning that five girls were shifted to Nazareth Hospital Society from Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti, Muzaffarpur, in August last year after their ordeal of sexual abuse was highlighted in the audit report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).&nbsp;

Seven girls including five victims of infamous Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse case have run away from Mokama’s Baal Griha, a shelter home run by Nazareth Hospital Society, confirmed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Garima Malik.

Seven girls including five victims of infamous Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse case have run away from Mokama’s Baal Griha, a shelter home run by Nazareth Hospital Society, confirmed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Garima Malik. The matter came to light when the authorities of Nazareth Hospital Society, an NGO, found the grill of the main gate of the shelter home cut, following which they counted the girls staying there and found that seven of them including five victims of Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal were missing. Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi said: “A missing report about the seven girls has been registered. We are trying to locate the girls.” It is being alleged that these seven girls manage to run away due to the sheer laxity shown by the authorities of Nazareth Hospital Society, which is also accused of not cooperating with the police in their investigation. It is worth mentioning that five girls were shifted to Nazareth Hospital Society from Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti, Muzaffarpur, in August last year after their ordeal of sexual abuse was highlighted in the audit report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Seven minor girls including five victims of Muzaffarpur shelter home sex abuse go missing

Goa police has issued instructions to senior police officials for ensuring the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir residents staying or visiting Goa.

Speaking to ANI, DGP Muktesh Chander said, “We have asked top police officials to keep track of security of J&amp;K residents in Goa. We have asked our SP North and South and Special Branch to look after the safety of Kashmiris and act in case of any problem”.

He also talked about cyber-security issues and cautioned people to stay away from suspicious websites and mobile applications.

“We are in a digitised world and it very necessary to exercise caution. Unnecessary applications must be avoided. If you visit download sites hosted abroad then your phone or computer may easily get virus. A large number of Indians download songs. There are many such sites based in Pakistan. While downloading them, it is possible that some virus can enter the computer. Someone may hack your computer and misuse it. You buy songs from the market or pay to download, free downloads are dangerous”, he said.

Outlining further as to how such websites and mobile application can lead to covert leakage of information, he added.

"Smartphone’s have camera, recorder, microphone, GPS. These can be activated by malware or virus. You won’t even know will get your phone on the table will get its microphone activated and your conversation is recorded.”

Chander also advised people to not to use social media for rumour mongering.

The Goa top cop`s remark comes amidst reports of Kashmiris, especially students, allegedly being threatened in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack. &nbsp;

Goa police has issued instructions to senior police officials for ensuring the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir residents staying or visiting Goa. Speaking to ANI, DGP Muktesh Chander said, “We have asked top police officials to keep track of security of J&K residents in Goa.

Goa police has issued instructions to senior police officials for ensuring the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir residents staying or visiting Goa. Speaking to ANI, DGP Muktesh Chander said, “We have asked top police officials to keep track of security of J&K residents in Goa. We have asked our SP North and South and Special Branch to look after the safety of Kashmiris and act in case of any problem”. He also talked about cyber-security issues and cautioned people to stay away from suspicious websites and mobile applications. “We are in a digitised world and it very necessary to exercise caution. Unnecessary applications must be avoided. If you visit download sites hosted abroad then your phone or computer may easily get virus. A large number of Indians download songs. There are many such sites based in Pakistan. While downloading them, it is possible that some virus can enter the computer. Someone may hack your computer and misuse it. You buy songs from the market or pay to download, free downloads are dangerous”, he said. Outlining further as to how such websites and mobile application can lead to covert leakage of information, he added. "Smartphone’s have camera, recorder, microphone, GPS. These can be activated by malware or virus. You won’t even know will get your phone on the table will get its microphone activated and your conversation is recorded.” Chander also advised people to not to use social media for rumour mongering. The Goa top cop`s remark comes amidst reports of Kashmiris, especially students, allegedly being threatened in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack.

Goa DGP issues directions for safeguarding J&K residents; cautions people on use of Pak websites

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172">Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172">country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172"> put on high alert</a>

Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">I don't want my children to bear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">burden</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report</a>

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/300-vehicles-burnt-as-massive-fire-engulfs-aero-india-show-in-bengaluru-199152">300 vehicles burnt as massive fire engulfs Aero India show in Bengaluru</a>

Around 300 vehicles have been gutted after a massive fire broke out at the parking lot of Bengaluru's Yelahanka Air Force Station, where the Aero India 2019 show was being held.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-writes-to-unsc-again-on-pakistan-alleges-violations-by-pakistan-forces-199149">Afghanistan writes to UNSC again on Islamabad, alleges violations by Pakistan forces</a>

For the second time in a week, Afghanistan has taken its neighbour Pakistan to United Nations Security Council (UNSC).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across country put on high alert Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note.

Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across country put on high alert Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note. I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday. Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported. 300 vehicles burnt as massive fire engulfs Aero India show in Bengaluru Around 300 vehicles have been gutted after a massive fire broke out at the parking lot of Bengaluru's Yelahanka Air Force Station, where the Aero India 2019 show was being held. Afghanistan writes to UNSC again on Islamabad, alleges violations by Pakistan forces For the second time in a week, Afghanistan has taken its neighbour Pakistan to United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

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