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Two Surya Kiran aircraft practising for the upcoming Aero India air show collided in Bengaluru Tuesday, leading to the death of one pilot.&nbsp;

The two&nbsp;planes were carrying a total of three pilots — one of the planes had a co-pilot but only two pilots were able to eject.&nbsp;

The crash took place at Bengaluru's Yelahanka air base.&nbsp;

Bengaluru Police added that a civilian was also hurt in the crash.&nbsp;

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Inidan Air Force (IAF) on 2 aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today in Bengaluru during rehearsal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AeroIndia2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AeroIndia2019</a>: Three pilots were occupants. Two pilots ejected and have been evacuated to the Command Hospital. Third pilot sustained fatal injuries. <a href="https://t.co/eSjZPvipAr">pic.twitter.com/eSjZPvipAr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097773825528344578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Three pilots involved. One aircraft was flying with both seats occupied. I hope my chute count was wrong.
— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) <a href="https://twitter.com/zone5aviation/status/1097742918889205760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AeroIndia2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AeroIndia2019</a>. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/gJHWx6OtSm">pic.twitter.com/gJHWx6OtSm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097757444501958657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Spot visuals: Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AeroIndia2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AeroIndia2019</a>. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/SaQ5NznTjF">pic.twitter.com/SaQ5NznTjF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097765712314085376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Surya Kiran is the Indian Air Force's aerobatics&nbsp;team.

The team was formed in 1996,&nbsp;is part of the IAF's 52nd Squadron, and usually performs with nine aircraft.&nbsp;

Aero India will be held in Bangalore from February 20 to 24.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Two Surya Kiran aircraft practising for the upcoming Aero India air show collided in Bengaluru Tuesday, leading to the death of one pilot. The two planes were carrying a total of three pilots — one of the planes had a co-pilot but only two pilots were able to eject.

Two Surya Kiran aircraft practising for the upcoming Aero India air show collided in Bengaluru Tuesday, leading to the death of one pilot. The two planes were carrying a total of three pilots — one of the planes had a co-pilot but only two pilots were able to eject. The crash took place at Bengaluru's Yelahanka air base. Bengaluru Police added that a civilian was also hurt in the crash. Inidan Air Force (IAF) on 2 aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today in Bengaluru during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019: Three pilots were occupants. Two pilots ejected and have been evacuated to the Command Hospital. Third pilot sustained fatal injuries. pic.twitter.com/eSjZPvipAr — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × Three pilots involved. One aircraft was flying with both seats occupied. I hope my chute count was wrong. — Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) February 19, 2019 × #WATCH Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/gJHWx6OtSm — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × Spot visuals: Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/SaQ5NznTjF — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × Surya Kiran is the Indian Air Force's aerobatics team. The team was formed in 1996, is part of the IAF's 52nd Squadron, and usually performs with nine aircraft. Aero India will be held in Bangalore from February 20 to 24.

Two Surya Kiran aircraft collide in Bengaluru, 1 pilot dead

The Kerala government Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the family of V V Vasanth Kumar, the CRPF personnel from the state who was killed in the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

A state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also took the decision to meet the educational expenses of 44-year-old jawan's two children- son Amandeep (5) and daughter Anamika (8).

Vijayan later told reporters that steps would be taken to make permanent the temporary job of Vasanth's wife Sheena, who is now working as an assistant at the veterinary university.

A new house would be constructed for the grieving family of the slain jawan, hailing from Wayanad district, he said.

"The government is sharing the grief over the killing of 40 CRPF personnel who had lost life in the terror attack in Pulwama.

One of our brothers, hailing from Wayanad, also was among them," the Chief Minister said.

"We have decided to extend helping hand to his family. For that, the government will give Rs 25 lakh as financial assistance to them--Rs 15 lakh to his wife and 10 lakh to his mother," he said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

The Kerala government Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the family of V V Vasanth Kumar, the CRPF personnel from the state who was killed in the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kerala government Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the family of V V Vasanth Kumar, the CRPF personnel from the state who was killed in the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. A state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also took the decision to meet the educational expenses of 44-year-old jawan's two children- son Amandeep (5) and daughter Anamika (8). Vijayan later told reporters that steps would be taken to make permanent the temporary job of Vasanth's wife Sheena, who is now working as an assistant at the veterinary university. A new house would be constructed for the grieving family of the slain jawan, hailing from Wayanad district, he said. "The government is sharing the grief over the killing of 40 CRPF personnel who had lost life in the terror attack in Pulwama. One of our brothers, hailing from Wayanad, also was among them," the Chief Minister said. "We have decided to extend helping hand to his family. For that, the government will give Rs 25 lakh as financial assistance to them--Rs 15 lakh to his wife and 10 lakh to his mother," he said. Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Pulwama attack: Kerala government announces Rs 25 lakh to slain CRPF jawan's family

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-robert-vadras-interim-bail-till-march-2-directs-him-to-join-probe-197796">Robert Vadra</a>'s lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate&nbsp;(ED) that&nbsp;Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the&nbsp;hearing today.

''Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea &amp; nausea," KTS Tulsi said.

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Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi says, "Robert Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea &amp; nausea." <a href="https://t.co/Be8mDGKoVk">pic.twitter.com/Be8mDGKoVk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097752313064771584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The ED&nbsp;on Munday summoned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law to appear before it today for questioning in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property.

A Delhi court had over the weekend extended interim bail of Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora till March 2 in connection with the case.

Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the hearing today.

Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the hearing today. ''Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea & nausea," KTS Tulsi said. Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi says, "Robert Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea & nausea." pic.twitter.com/Be8mDGKoVk — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × The ED on Munday summoned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law to appear before it today for questioning in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property. A Delhi court had over the weekend extended interim bail of Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora till March 2 in connection with the case.

Robert Vadra suffering from diarrhoea, hence will not attend hearing today: Lawyer

Pakistan's support of terror and its involvement in the Pulwama attack last week will be a focus of discussion over Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's two-day visit to India starting Tuesday, government sources told WION.&nbsp;

The prince will be coming to Delhi after visiting Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-signs-deals-to-invest-20-billion-in-pakistan-197974">where he has announced investments of $20 billion</a>.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia had last year given Pakistan a $6 billion bailout.

India is hoping that Saudi Arabia will curtail its funding to Pakistan should it not rein <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sacrifices-of-our-brave-security-personnel-shall-not-go-in-vain-modi-says-after-pulwama-attack-197456">its support for terror groups based on its soil</a>.&nbsp;

During his visit, Salman will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. This will be the second meet between Modi and the prince in a span of three months. They last met on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit.&nbsp;

"One the issues which could come up for discussion are trade and investment, defence, security including counter-terrorism is another. Renewable energy which is something that is coming up as an important area of cooperation,"&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in his briefing last week.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him then with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest trading partner after China, the US and Japan. India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom. Bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in 2017-18, a year-on-year increase of 9.56 per cent.&nbsp;

"The objective is to consolidate the strategic partnership which we have with the country," Raveesh Kumar had added.&nbsp;

Crown Prince&nbsp;Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor.

Saudi Arabia of course in one of the world's largest oil producers.

In April 2018, Saudi Aramco, the&nbsp;largest company in the world by revenue, signed an MoU with an Indian consortium of IOC, HPCL and BPCL&nbsp;to acquire a 50 per cent stake in India’s largest refinery project. Saudi Aramco paid $44 billion for its stake in Ratnagiri Refinery &amp; Petrochemicals Limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 2.7 million-strong Indian community lives in Saudi Arabia.

The Haj pilgrimage is an important component of the bilateral relations between the two countries. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year.

Pakistan's support of terror and its involvement in the Pulwama attack last week will be a focus of discussion over Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's two-day visit to India starting Tuesday, government sources told WION.

Pakistan's support of terror and its involvement in the Pulwama attack last week will be a focus of discussion over Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's two-day visit to India starting Tuesday, government sources told WION. The prince will be coming to Delhi after visiting Pakistan, where he has announced investments of $20 billion. Saudi Arabia had last year given Pakistan a $6 billion bailout. India is hoping that Saudi Arabia will curtail its funding to Pakistan should it not rein its support for terror groups based on its soil. During his visit, Salman will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. This will be the second meet between Modi and the prince in a span of three months. They last met on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "One the issues which could come up for discussion are trade and investment, defence, security including counter-terrorism is another. Renewable energy which is something that is coming up as an important area of cooperation," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in his briefing last week. Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him then with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country. Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest trading partner after China, the US and Japan. India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom. Bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in 2017-18, a year-on-year increase of 9.56 per cent. "The objective is to consolidate the strategic partnership which we have with the country," Raveesh Kumar had added. Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia of course in one of the world's largest oil producers. In April 2018, Saudi Aramco, the largest company in the world by revenue, signed an MoU with an Indian consortium of IOC, HPCL and BPCL to acquire a 50 per cent stake in India’s largest refinery project. Saudi Aramco paid $44 billion for its stake in Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited. A 2.7 million-strong Indian community lives in Saudi Arabia. The Haj pilgrimage is an important component of the bilateral relations between the two countries. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year.

As Saudi crown prince visits India, Pak's terror support to be a focus

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-ngt-order-to-reopen-sterlite-plant-188983">Supreme Court </a>on Monday set&nbsp;aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned&nbsp;Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's&nbsp;Tuticorin.

The court told Vedanta and the Tamil Nadu government that they could take the issue up with the Madras High Court.

A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the NGT did not have the jurisdiction to order the reopening of the plant.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Supreme Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to&nbsp;conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons.

On&nbsp;December 15, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-government-approaches-supreme-court-challenging-ngt-order-of-reopening-sterlite-plant-187859">NGT had set aside</a> the Tamil Nadu government's order for closure of mining company Vedanta Ltd’s Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin saying it was “non-sustainable" and “unjustified".

The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently" close the mining group’s copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

At least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-vedanta-protesters-killed-by-shots-to-head-chest-half-from-behind-autopsies-185867">13 people were killed</a> and several injured on May 22 last year when police opened fire on a large crowd of people protesting against the plant due to the&nbsp;environmental pollution allegedly caused by the plant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. The court told Vedanta and the Tamil Nadu government that they could take the issue up with the Madras High Court. A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the NGT did not have the jurisdiction to order the reopening of the plant. The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons. On December 15, the NGT had set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order for closure of mining company Vedanta Ltd’s Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin saying it was “non-sustainable" and “unjustified". The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently" close the mining group’s copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 last year when police opened fire on a large crowd of people protesting against the plant due to the environmental pollution allegedly caused by the plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Vedanta Sterlite plant: Supreme Court sets aside NGT order allowing its reopening

A Delhi court on Monday extended till March 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) counsel informed the Patiala House Court that Karti has been asked to appear before it for questioning on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for his alleged role in the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media cases.

The ED also pleaded that the matter be posted for hearing after March 12.

However, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A M Singhvi, appearing on behalf of the father-son duo, opposed the agency`s request.

The Aircel-Maxis case emerged out of the 2G spectrum cases, pertaining to an approval granted to a Mauritius-based firm, M/S Global Communication and Services Holdings Limited, by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for investment in Aircel.

The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the finance minister. According to the rules and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy of the government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving a foreign investment amount of up to Rs 600 crore.

However, he reportedly approved the foreign investment proposal of Global Communication and Services Holdings Ltd worth around Rs 3560 crore.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Monday extended till March 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case.

A Delhi court on Monday extended till March 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) counsel informed the Patiala House Court that Karti has been asked to appear before it for questioning on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for his alleged role in the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media cases. The ED also pleaded that the matter be posted for hearing after March 12. However, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A M Singhvi, appearing on behalf of the father-son duo, opposed the agency`s request. The Aircel-Maxis case emerged out of the 2G spectrum cases, pertaining to an approval granted to a Mauritius-based firm, M/S Global Communication and Services Holdings Limited, by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for investment in Aircel. The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the finance minister. According to the rules and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy of the government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving a foreign investment amount of up to Rs 600 crore. However, he reportedly approved the foreign investment proposal of Global Communication and Services Holdings Ltd worth around Rs 3560 crore.

Aircel-Maxis case: Interim protection from arrest of Chidambaram, Karti extended till March 8

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

The bloody gun battle left a civilian dead in the crossfire, besides injuries to Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on CRPF personnel which left 40 jawans dead.

Jammu and Kashmir Police were on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a CRPF bus last week.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered an injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about the presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area.

Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area.

As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. Thereafter, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them — Kamran and Hilal.

As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said.

The third militant, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by a wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by a wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. 
Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday. The bloody gun battle left a civilian dead in the crossfire, besides injuries to Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on CRPF personnel which left 40 jawans dead. Jammu and Kashmir Police were on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a CRPF bus last week. The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said. Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained. The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed. The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered an injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said. Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about the presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area. Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area. As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. Thereafter, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them — Kamran and Hilal. As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said. The third militant, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave. The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here. Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said. Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers. An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by a wife. Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by a wife and a son. Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son. Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

Three terrorists killed in an encounter in south Kashmir; Army major, 4 soldiers killed

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar told the Supreme Court Monday he was grilled for 40 hours in five days in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, and said it was "very intriguing" as to why the agency took a "major decision" to interrogate him on February 3 -- last day of the then interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao.

The apex court on February 5 had directed Kumar to "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times" in connection with the chit fund scam and had ordered that the agency will not take any coercive steps including his arrest.

The order had come two days after the February 3 incident in which the CBI alleged that its sleuths who had gone to quiz him were bundled into a police van and detained in the police custody. The agency had also alleged that state police had surrounded the residence of its joint director Vikas Shrivastava and police personnel in uniform had joined Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had sat on 'dharna' to protest CBI action.

In his affidavit, Kumar claimed that he answered all questions to the "satisfaction" of the CBI which grilled him for 40 hours in five days at a neutral place in Shillong in Meghalaya. He said he reached Shillong on the evening of February 8 and joined investigation on February 9 at 11 am.

Kumar said he was "subjected to approximately 40 hours of questioning spread over 5 days, from February 9 to February 13" during which he was in Shillong, and "continued to join the investigation, responding to each query truthfully and to his best knowledge, despite the questions being repetitive in nature".

He said that on February 12, he was willing to continue with the examination even after 10 pm, but was given the notice to appear on the next date.

He stated that there were only 15-20 questions left which the CBI needed answers to, and it was only at 12.30 pm on February 13 that he "was discharged, after answering all the questions that the CBI had, to their satisfaction".

The Kolkata Police Commissioner said however that it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day of Rao in office.

Kumar, in his affidavit, said: "In this context, it is also pertinent to mention here that Sunday i.e. February 3, 2019, was the last day in office of the interim CBI Director, who was to be replaced by the present Director, CBI, the very next day i.e. on February 4, 2019.

"It seems very intriguing as to why such a major decision could not wait even for a single day for the new Director CBI to join, especially when the last notice was issued to the answering respondent, after a gap of more than a year, as noted hereinabove.

"The action taken by the CBI was also dehors the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court keeping in abeyance the notices issued by the CBI under section 160, CrPC to the State Police Officials, in presence of the counsels representing the CBI."&nbsp;

Kumar, against whom a strong remarks were passed by the apex court on February 4, that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," said "he was never in exclusive and direct possession of evidences/material/documents as alleged in the instant petition, for him to act contumaciously or subvert any orders passed by this Court.

He was accused by the CBI of shielding the owners of the chit fund companies -- Saradha chit fund and Rose Valley chit fund and the people close to the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state.

CBI had alleged that the directors of the companies had paid a huge donation to the TMC.

On the February 3 incident, Kumar said the CBI officials, in a clandestine manner, approached his residence on Sunday at 6 PM, with media personnel, "after having gone in media describing me as an absconder, with the sole intent to harass me and tarnish my reputation and impeccable service record".

He also said that no police officer, ever sat or joined the 'dharna' along with Mamata Banerjee "in uniform or otherwise" at any given point in time.

The CBI had told the apex court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT in the Saradha chit fund scam, destroyed, destructed and tampered with material evidence in the form of call detail records (CDRs) of the prime accused and potential accused persons.

The agency had said a strong prima facie case of Kumar having committed offences both under Prevention of Corruption Act and other IPC offences has been made out.

It had also claimed that companies like Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group had given huge contributions to the Trinamool Congress.

The agency had said that the entire SIT, set up by the West Bengal government, is under investigation as it was conniving with accused and potential accused to subvert the investigating process.

It had said there is a large number of hard discs and other material still in custody of Kumar which he had collected as an investigating officer being the head of the SIT and being the functional head and day-to-day in-charge of SIT.

The CBI had said Kumar is prima facie guilty of having committed criminal offences and has not coordinated in spite of the summons being issued.

"Kumar has also destroyed, destructed and tampered with the material primary evidence in the form of CDRs while handing over the same to the CBI on June 28, 2018," the agency had said.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar told the Supreme Court Monday he was grilled for 40 hours in five days in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, and said it was "very intriguing" as to why the agency took a "major decision" to interrogate him on February 3 -- last day of the then interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar told the Supreme Court Monday he was grilled for 40 hours in five days in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, and said it was "very intriguing" as to why the agency took a "major decision" to interrogate him on February 3 -- last day of the then interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao. The apex court on February 5 had directed Kumar to "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times" in connection with the chit fund scam and had ordered that the agency will not take any coercive steps including his arrest. The order had come two days after the February 3 incident in which the CBI alleged that its sleuths who had gone to quiz him were bundled into a police van and detained in the police custody. The agency had also alleged that state police had surrounded the residence of its joint director Vikas Shrivastava and police personnel in uniform had joined Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had sat on 'dharna' to protest CBI action. In his affidavit, Kumar claimed that he answered all questions to the "satisfaction" of the CBI which grilled him for 40 hours in five days at a neutral place in Shillong in Meghalaya. He said he reached Shillong on the evening of February 8 and joined investigation on February 9 at 11 am. Kumar said he was "subjected to approximately 40 hours of questioning spread over 5 days, from February 9 to February 13" during which he was in Shillong, and "continued to join the investigation, responding to each query truthfully and to his best knowledge, despite the questions being repetitive in nature". He said that on February 12, he was willing to continue with the examination even after 10 pm, but was given the notice to appear on the next date. He stated that there were only 15-20 questions left which the CBI needed answers to, and it was only at 12.30 pm on February 13 that he "was discharged, after answering all the questions that the CBI had, to their satisfaction". The Kolkata Police Commissioner said however that it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day of Rao in office. Kumar, in his affidavit, said: "In this context, it is also pertinent to mention here that Sunday i.e. February 3, 2019, was the last day in office of the interim CBI Director, who was to be replaced by the present Director, CBI, the very next day i.e. on February 4, 2019. "It seems very intriguing as to why such a major decision could not wait even for a single day for the new Director CBI to join, especially when the last notice was issued to the answering respondent, after a gap of more than a year, as noted hereinabove. "The action taken by the CBI was also dehors the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court keeping in abeyance the notices issued by the CBI under section 160, CrPC to the State Police Officials, in presence of the counsels representing the CBI." Kumar, against whom a strong remarks were passed by the apex court on February 4, that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," said "he was never in exclusive and direct possession of evidences/material/documents as alleged in the instant petition, for him to act contumaciously or subvert any orders passed by this Court. He was accused by the CBI of shielding the owners of the chit fund companies -- Saradha chit fund and Rose Valley chit fund and the people close to the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state. CBI had alleged that the directors of the companies had paid a huge donation to the TMC. On the February 3 incident, Kumar said the CBI officials, in a clandestine manner, approached his residence on Sunday at 6 PM, with media personnel, "after having gone in media describing me as an absconder, with the sole intent to harass me and tarnish my reputation and impeccable service record". He also said that no police officer, ever sat or joined the 'dharna' along with Mamata Banerjee "in uniform or otherwise" at any given point in time. The CBI had told the apex court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT in the Saradha chit fund scam, destroyed, destructed and tampered with material evidence in the form of call detail records (CDRs) of the prime accused and potential accused persons. The agency had said a strong prima facie case of Kumar having committed offences both under Prevention of Corruption Act and other IPC offences has been made out. It had also claimed that companies like Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group had given huge contributions to the Trinamool Congress. The agency had said that the entire SIT, set up by the West Bengal government, is under investigation as it was conniving with accused and potential accused to subvert the investigating process. It had said there is a large number of hard discs and other material still in custody of Kumar which he had collected as an investigating officer being the head of the SIT and being the functional head and day-to-day in-charge of SIT. The CBI had said Kumar is prima facie guilty of having committed criminal offences and has not coordinated in spite of the summons being issued. "Kumar has also destroyed, destructed and tampered with the material primary evidence in the form of CDRs while handing over the same to the CBI on June 28, 2018," the agency had said.

Chit fund scams: I was grilled for 40 hours in five days, says Kolkata police chief

Union minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-that-killed-17-emergency-exit-was-locked-says-union-minister-kj-alphons-196987">KJ Alphons</a> has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

His body was brought back to Wayanad, Kerala on Saturday. Hundreds of people had come to pay their last respects to him, with Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, being one of them.&nbsp;

That was when the photograph was taken.&nbsp;

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With the country in shock after the Pulwama attack, in which over 40 CRPF jawans died, Alphons had faced a massive amount of flak on social media.&nbsp;

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Union minister Alphons Kj 
Taking selfie with martyreds coffin 
Why it is so imp to do publicity<a href="https://twitter.com/manojnair96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manojnair96</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bhushankpatil12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhushankpatil12</a> <a href="https://t.co/8whHx59IkM">pic.twitter.com/8whHx59IkM</a>
— SANDIP DAVE (@SandipskDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandipskDave/status/1096851741163823104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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We Malayalis would like to apologise for Alphons KJ. Better late than never
— Weed (@goonerblues) <a href="https://twitter.com/goonerblues/status/1096851583248281603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Alphons has now said the photograph in question was not a selfie. That "some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook."&nbsp;

Alphons has also complained to the Kerala director general of police.&nbsp;

"Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of IPC," Alphons said to the DGP.&nbsp;

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Union Minister KJ Alphons to Kerala DGP: I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on 16th Feb at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook. <a href="https://t.co/P7q2EQOK1b">pic.twitter.com/P7q2EQOK1b</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097301793736843265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a union minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before law," Alphons added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union minister KJ Alphons has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack.

Union minister KJ Alphons has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack. His body was brought back to Wayanad, Kerala on Saturday. Hundreds of people had come to pay their last respects to him, with Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, being one of them. That was when the photograph was taken. × With the country in shock after the Pulwama attack, in which over 40 CRPF jawans died, Alphons had faced a massive amount of flak on social media. Union minister Alphons Kj Taking selfie with martyreds coffin Why it is so imp to do publicity@manojnair96 @bhushankpatil12 pic.twitter.com/8whHx59IkM — SANDIP DAVE (@SandipskDave) February 16, 2019 × We Malayalis would like to apologise for Alphons KJ. Better late than never — Weed (@goonerblues) February 16, 2019 × Alphons has now said the photograph in question was not a selfie. That "some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook." Alphons has also complained to the Kerala director general of police. "Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of IPC," Alphons said to the DGP. Union Minister KJ Alphons to Kerala DGP: I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on 16th Feb at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/P7q2EQOK1b — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × "It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a union minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before law," Alphons added.

Did not take selfie with slain CRPF jawan, union minister says after flak

BJP's association with the Shiv Sena goes beyond politics and is bound by a desire to see a strong India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday after the two parties agreed to contest the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

He said the decision to contest together strengthens the NDA significantly.

"I am sure our alliance is going to be Maharashtra's first and only choice," the PM tweeted.

"Inspired by the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bal Thackeray, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non-corrupt and proud of India's cultural ethos," he wrote.

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Inspired by the vision of Atal Ji and Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non corrupt and proud of India’s cultural ethos.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1097518253751132162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He also said the BJP's association with the Shiv Sena goes beyond politics.

"We are bound by a desire to see a strong and developed India," Modi said.

Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

BJP's association with the Shiv Sena goes beyond politics and is bound by a desire to see a strong India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday after the two parties agreed to contest the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

BJP's association with the Shiv Sena goes beyond politics and is bound by a desire to see a strong India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday after the two parties agreed to contest the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together. He said the decision to contest together strengthens the NDA significantly. "I am sure our alliance is going to be Maharashtra's first and only choice," the PM tweeted. "Inspired by the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bal Thackeray, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non-corrupt and proud of India's cultural ethos," he wrote. Inspired by the vision of Atal Ji and Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non corrupt and proud of India’s cultural ethos. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2019 × He also said the BJP's association with the Shiv Sena goes beyond politics. "We are bound by a desire to see a strong and developed India," Modi said. Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

Inspired by vision of Atal ji and Balasaheb: PM Modi on alliance with Shiv Sena

A senior Border Security Officer (BSF) officer Monday said adequate measures are being taken to thwart a new strategy which was adopted by terrorists in the last week's Pulwama bus bombing in which 40 jawans of CRPF were killed.

BSF Additional Director General (ADG) A K Sharma also said security forces would give a befitting reply to the anti-national forces.

"The government and security forces are doing their job in the wake of the recent incident (Pulwama terror attack)," ADG Sharma told reporters when asked about the Pulwama terror attack.

ADG Sharma was the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the BSF's 49th Inter-Frontier Platoon Weapons Shooting Competition in the city.

A total of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in Pulwama district.

"Whenever any incident occurs in the country because of anti-national forces present in India or from outside, then the government and security forces are always ready to give a befitting reply. This time also an appropriate reply will be given," the ADG said.

When asked about a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber ramming an SUV carrying over 100 kgs of explosives into the bus of the CRPF jawans in Pulwama, Sharma said a new method was used in that incident. "To deal with it, adequate measures are being taken with new thinking so that such an incident doesn't occur again," he added.

Meanwhile, teams from BSF's 11 frontiers took part in the competition in which Rajasthan Frontier emerged as the overall champion.

For the first time in the history of BSF, women personnel also took part.

Sharma said the role of women in BSF is growing.

"BSF's women personnel are discharging their duties efficiently. They have been trained to use modern weapons effectively against country's enemies on frontiers," Sharma added.

A senior Border Security Officer (BSF) officer Monday said adequate measures are being taken to thwart a new strategy which was adopted by terrorists in the last week's Pulwama bus bombing in which 40 jawans of CRPF were killed.

A senior Border Security Officer (BSF) officer Monday said adequate measures are being taken to thwart a new strategy which was adopted by terrorists in the last week's Pulwama bus bombing in which 40 jawans of CRPF were killed. BSF Additional Director General (ADG) A K Sharma also said security forces would give a befitting reply to the anti-national forces. "The government and security forces are doing their job in the wake of the recent incident (Pulwama terror attack)," ADG Sharma told reporters when asked about the Pulwama terror attack. ADG Sharma was the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the BSF's 49th Inter-Frontier Platoon Weapons Shooting Competition in the city. A total of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in Pulwama district. "Whenever any incident occurs in the country because of anti-national forces present in India or from outside, then the government and security forces are always ready to give a befitting reply. This time also an appropriate reply will be given," the ADG said. When asked about a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber ramming an SUV carrying over 100 kgs of explosives into the bus of the CRPF jawans in Pulwama, Sharma said a new method was used in that incident. "To deal with it, adequate measures are being taken with new thinking so that such an incident doesn't occur again," he added. Meanwhile, teams from BSF's 11 frontiers took part in the competition in which Rajasthan Frontier emerged as the overall champion. For the first time in the history of BSF, women personnel also took part. Sharma said the role of women in BSF is growing. "BSF's women personnel are discharging their duties efficiently. They have been trained to use modern weapons effectively against country's enemies on frontiers," Sharma added.

Measures being taken to thwart new strategy of terrorists: BSF

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism.

Swaraj, on her maiden visit to the country, said an MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation will be signed between India and Morocco.

"Morocco has been a leader in counter-terrorism efforts and is a pioneer in fighting radicalisation. We are signing an MoU in this field to further deepen our bilateral cooperation," &nbsp;Swaraj said in her address to the Indian community in Rabat.

Referring to the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, Swaraj said she had wanted to cancel her visit,&nbsp;but was persuaded not to do so by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It's my first visit to Morocco. When I tour, I do so happily but I have come here with a heavy heart. I left on (February) 16th morning and on 14th February 40 of our jawans were killed in Pulwama. I thought I should cancel my visit," Swaraj said.

"When I mentioned it to the Prime Minister, he pointed out that Morocco had always stood with us against terrorism and is going to sign an agreement with us on counter-terrorism. He also said that the country is fighting radicalisation and urged me to go. That is how I agreed to come here," the minister said.

The Pulwama terror attack that took place on Thursday on a convoy of CRPF soldiers was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. It was the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

In Morocco, the minister is scheduled to meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita and other political leaders.

Meanwhile, during the external affairs minister's interaction session with the Indian community at Rabat, Moroccan singer Nasr Megri sang the favourite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'.

Swaraj is currently on a three-nation visit to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. She held talks with the Bulgarian leadership on Saturday related to strengthening cooperation in key areas, before arriving here for a two-day visit on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism.

Just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Morocco on Sunday said India will seek to consolidate its partnership with the North African country in several areas including counter-terrorism. Swaraj, on her maiden visit to the country, said an MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation will be signed between India and Morocco. "Morocco has been a leader in counter-terrorism efforts and is a pioneer in fighting radicalisation. We are signing an MoU in this field to further deepen our bilateral cooperation," Swaraj said in her address to the Indian community in Rabat. Referring to the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, Swaraj said she had wanted to cancel her visit, but was persuaded not to do so by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It's my first visit to Morocco. When I tour, I do so happily but I have come here with a heavy heart. I left on (February) 16th morning and on 14th February 40 of our jawans were killed in Pulwama. I thought I should cancel my visit," Swaraj said. "When I mentioned it to the Prime Minister, he pointed out that Morocco had always stood with us against terrorism and is going to sign an agreement with us on counter-terrorism. He also said that the country is fighting radicalisation and urged me to go. That is how I agreed to come here," the minister said. The Pulwama terror attack that took place on Thursday on a convoy of CRPF soldiers was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. It was the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack. In Morocco, the minister is scheduled to meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita and other political leaders. Meanwhile, during the external affairs minister's interaction session with the Indian community at Rabat, Moroccan singer Nasr Megri sang the favourite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'. Swaraj is currently on a three-nation visit to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain. She held talks with the Bulgarian leadership on Saturday related to strengthening cooperation in key areas, before arriving here for a two-day visit on Sunday.

India, Morocco to sign MoU on counter-terrorism cooperation: Sushma Swaraj

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said.

Around 10 to 15 Naxals were also injured in the firing that took place early on Sunday morning.

Troops from the Special Task Force (STF) and the DRG from Basingbahar, Sonpur and Kohkametta camps proceeded to the Irpanar, Ikmetta, Irakbhatti area after being informed about the presence of 200 Naxals.

"At around 10 a.m, there was a heavy exchange of fire near Ikkametta jungles, which lies 9 km south of Sonpur camp. The encounter lasted for over an hour and unable to stand the offensive, the Maoists retreated with their injured," an official said.

One jawan, Dayaram Nuretti, sustained minor injuries and is condition is reported to be stable.&nbsp;

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said.

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said. Around 10 to 15 Naxals were also injured in the firing that took place early on Sunday morning. Troops from the Special Task Force (STF) and the DRG from Basingbahar, Sonpur and Kohkametta camps proceeded to the Irpanar, Ikmetta, Irakbhatti area after being informed about the presence of 200 Naxals. "At around 10 a.m, there was a heavy exchange of fire near Ikkametta jungles, which lies 9 km south of Sonpur camp. The encounter lasted for over an hour and unable to stand the offensive, the Maoists retreated with their injured," an official said. One jawan, Dayaram Nuretti, sustained minor injuries and is condition is reported to be stable.

Jawan injured in encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh

Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

In a joint press conference with BJP chief Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said public sentiment was that the two parties should come together.

The BJP and Sena alliance will win at least 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Shah said.

Crores of workers of BJP and Shiv Sena wanted the alliance between the two parties, Shah said. The Sena is the oldest ally of BJP, he added.

The Ram temple has been the common thread for an alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena, Thackeray said. It has to be built at the earliest, he added.

BJP and Sena are parties with a national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said. In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, he added.

Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year. In a joint press conference with BJP chief Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said public sentiment was that the two parties should come together. The BJP and Sena alliance will win at least 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Shah said. Crores of workers of BJP and Shiv Sena wanted the alliance between the two parties, Shah said. The Sena is the oldest ally of BJP, he added. The Ram temple has been the common thread for an alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena, Thackeray said. It has to be built at the earliest, he added. BJP and Sena are parties with a national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said. In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, he added.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: BJP to contest 25 seats, Shiv Sena 23 in alliance in Maharashtra

The maximum temperature in Delhi settled at 21.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal.

"While the Safdarjung observatory recorded moderate fog with the visibility of 250 metre, the fog was dense in Palam area as the observatory there recorded visibility at zero metre," a Met official said.

The humidity oscillated between 100 and 58 per cent, the official said.

The weatherman has predicted moderate to dense fog on Monday morning.

"On Monday, a partly cloudy sky with strong surface wind during day is predicted, with a possibility of very light rain with thunderstorm likely towards afternoon/evening," the official said.

The minimum temperature and maximum temperature are expected to settle around 12 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively today.

The maximum temperature in Delhi settled at 21.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal.

The maximum temperature in Delhi settled at 21.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal. "While the Safdarjung observatory recorded moderate fog with the visibility of 250 metre, the fog was dense in Palam area as the observatory there recorded visibility at zero metre," a Met official said. The humidity oscillated between 100 and 58 per cent, the official said. The weatherman has predicted moderate to dense fog on Monday morning. "On Monday, a partly cloudy sky with strong surface wind during day is predicted, with a possibility of very light rain with thunderstorm likely towards afternoon/evening," the official said. The minimum temperature and maximum temperature are expected to settle around 12 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively today.

Light rain with thunderstorm likely in Delhi today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-signs-deals-to-invest-20-billion-in-pakistan-197974">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-signs-deals-to-invest-20-billion-in-pakistan-197974">relief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-signs-deals-to-invest-20-billion-in-pakistan-197974"> for its economy, Saudi Arabia to invest $20 billion in Pakistan</a>

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth $20 billion which will provide welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">J&amp;K:&nbsp;Encounter breaks out in Pulwama, 4 jawans injured</a>

A gun battle has broken out between security forces and terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The news agency ANI reported that two to three terrorists are trapped in the area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-aide-predicts-hundreds-of-miles-of-border-wall-by-2020-197976">Trump aide Stephen Miller predicts 'hundreds of miles' of border wall by 2020</a>

A top adviser to Donald Trump said Sunday that the&nbsp;president's emergency declaration&nbsp;could allow "hundreds of miles" of barriers to be built on the&nbsp;Mexican border&nbsp;before the 2020 election.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-chris-gayle-announces-retirement-from-odi-cricket-197975">West Indies' Chris Gayle to retire from ODIs after 2019 World Cup</a>

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket after this summer’s ICC World Cup, scheduled to begin from May 30.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/california-tells-trump-that-lawsuit-over-border-wall-is-imminent-197985">California tells Trump lawsuit over border wall is 'imminent'</a>

California will "imminently" challenge President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to obtain funds for&nbsp;a US-Mexico border wall, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said on Sunday.

In relief for its economy, Saudi Arabia to invest $20 billion in Pakistan Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth $20 billion which will provide welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

In relief for its economy, Saudi Arabia to invest $20 billion in Pakistan Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth $20 billion which will provide welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country. J&K: Encounter breaks out in Pulwama, 4 jawans injured A gun battle has broken out between security forces and terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The news agency ANI reported that two to three terrorists are trapped in the area. Trump aide Stephen Miller predicts 'hundreds of miles' of border wall by 2020 A top adviser to Donald Trump said Sunday that the president's emergency declaration could allow "hundreds of miles" of barriers to be built on the Mexican border before the 2020 election. West Indies' Chris Gayle to retire from ODIs after 2019 World Cup West Indies batsman Chris Gayle announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket after this summer’s ICC World Cup, scheduled to begin from May 30. California tells Trump lawsuit over border wall is 'imminent' California will "imminently" challenge President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to obtain funds for a US-Mexico border wall, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said on Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Terror, investment and welfare of the Indian community will on the agenda during Saudi Arabian Crown Prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-arabia-vows-to-try-to-de-escalate-tensions-between-india-and-pakistan-198124">Mohammad bin Salman's two-day visit to India</a> starting Tuesday. The terror attack in Pulwama will also be a topic of discussion between Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince.

Prince Salman was on a two-day state visit to Pakistan from February 17 to 18 where he has announced investments of $20 billion. Saudi Arabia had last year given a $6 billion bailout to Pakistan.

Asked about the recent announcement of $20 billion investment, a top government source told WION, "Can't compare ties Saudi has with India, to Pakistan. When they invest in India, they invest in a robust economy. They are not here to bail out India."

Adding further the source noted, "Our relationship has radically transformed in the last few years. We are looking at joint naval exercise. Someone who should be worried, it is Pakistan."

On terror, the source said, "Saudi has a far better understanding of our position on Kashmir and the kind of terrorism we have been facing."

India is hoping that Saudi Arabia will curtail its funding to Pakistan should it not curb its support to terror groups based on its soil.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Crown Prince did not head to India straight after concluding his Pak visit. Instead, he went back to Riyadh and will reach New Delhi on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

This will be the second meeting between PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince in a span of three months. They last met on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit.&nbsp;

"One the issues which could come up for discussion is trade. Investment, defence, security including counter-terrorism are the others. Renewable energy which is something that is coming up as an important area of cooperation," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said during his briefing last week.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest trading partner after China, the US and Japan. India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom. Bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in 2017-18, a year-on-year increase of 9.56 per cent.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia, of course, is one of the world's largest oil producers.

A 2.7 million-strong Indian community lives in Saudi Arabia. The Haj pilgrimage is an important component of the bilateral relations between the two countries. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year. 
&nbsp;

Terror, investment and welfare of the Indian community will on the agenda during Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's two-day visit to India starting Tuesday.

Terror, investment and welfare of the Indian community will on the agenda during Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's two-day visit to India starting Tuesday. The terror attack in Pulwama will also be a topic of discussion between Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince. Prince Salman was on a two-day state visit to Pakistan from February 17 to 18 where he has announced investments of $20 billion. Saudi Arabia had last year given a $6 billion bailout to Pakistan. Asked about the recent announcement of $20 billion investment, a top government source told WION, "Can't compare ties Saudi has with India, to Pakistan. When they invest in India, they invest in a robust economy. They are not here to bail out India." Adding further the source noted, "Our relationship has radically transformed in the last few years. We are looking at joint naval exercise. Someone who should be worried, it is Pakistan." On terror, the source said, "Saudi has a far better understanding of our position on Kashmir and the kind of terrorism we have been facing." India is hoping that Saudi Arabia will curtail its funding to Pakistan should it not curb its support to terror groups based on its soil. Interestingly, the Crown Prince did not head to India straight after concluding his Pak visit. Instead, he went back to Riyadh and will reach New Delhi on Tuesday evening. This will be the second meeting between PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince in a span of three months. They last met on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "One the issues which could come up for discussion is trade. Investment, defence, security including counter-terrorism are the others. Renewable energy which is something that is coming up as an important area of cooperation," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said during his briefing last week. Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country. Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest trading partner after China, the US and Japan. India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom. Bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in 2017-18, a year-on-year increase of 9.56 per cent. Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia, of course, is one of the world's largest oil producers. A 2.7 million-strong Indian community lives in Saudi Arabia. The Haj pilgrimage is an important component of the bilateral relations between the two countries. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year.

With us they invest in our robust economy, in Pakistan they bailout: India on Riyadh's $20 billion investment in Pak

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">world</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108"> has to act: PM Narendra Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-fierce-gun-battle-underway-dig-south-kashmir-injured-198102">Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured</a> 
 
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089">Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ</a> 
 
India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-court-orders-arrest-of-ex-president-yameen-on-money-laundering-charges-198101">Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges</a> 
 
Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/judgment-cant-be-taken-based-purely-on-empathy-uk-home-secretary-on-return-of-shamima-begum-who-married-is-terrorist-in-syria-198104">Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return</a>

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace. Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes". Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported. Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to try to “de-escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to head to New Delhi from Islamabad.&nbsp;

The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 41 CRPF soldiers.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday. Officials said that Qureshi briefed him in detail about the situation after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

Tensions have been mounting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours amidst the war of words and diplomatic brinkmanship over the attack. “Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,” Jubeir told the media.

He also said both countries were facing similar challenges, including the scourge of terrorism. “We want both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has influence over Pakistan and the Crown Prince during two-day visit inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments of worth $20 billion. The Kingdom also provided $3 billion loans and another $3 billion oil facility on deferred payment during the past three months.

Jubei’s remarks to make efforts for reducing tensions came as Pakistan on Monday called back its envoy from India for consultations. Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged a strong protest. Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was also called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to try to “de-escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to head to New Delhi from Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to try to “de-escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to head to New Delhi from Islamabad. The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 41 CRPF soldiers. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday. Officials said that Qureshi briefed him in detail about the situation after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir. Tensions have been mounting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours amidst the war of words and diplomatic brinkmanship over the attack. “Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,” Jubeir told the media. He also said both countries were facing similar challenges, including the scourge of terrorism. “We want both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations,” he said. Saudi Arabia has influence over Pakistan and the Crown Prince during two-day visit inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments of worth $20 billion. The Kingdom also provided $3 billion loans and another $3 billion oil facility on deferred payment during the past three months. Jubei’s remarks to make efforts for reducing tensions came as Pakistan on Monday called back its envoy from India for consultations. Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged a strong protest. Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was also called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

Saudi Arabia vows to try to ‘de-escalate’ tensions between India and Pakistan

Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

During the press statement, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri firmly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. He said, " I would like to pay my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack perpetrated just a few days ago. We firmly condemn, as we have done for the last 3 year. We condemn every terror attack. It goes against what we think should be health coexistence"&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed terror and said, "terrorism is a threat to world peace and stability. Pulwama terror attack shows time for talks is over. He said the world should take strong action against terror and supporters of terror. "

He called on G20 countries to act on the issue of terror and take into account the 11 point agenda on counter-terror issued during the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit in Germany. The agenda called on G20 countries to exchange of suspected terrorist list, joint action against them among other things.

Remember both India and Argentina are members of powerful G20 grouping. Last year Argentina became the first South American country to host the G20 summit. During the Buenos Aires G20 summit, it was announced that India will host G20 in 2022.

Both also issued "India-Argentina Special declaration to Fight Terrorism". In the declaration leaders "gave a call that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries" and without taking Pakistan's name said, "terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world."

The declaration affirmed their support for a "U.N. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism."

The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT has called for a common definition of terror but lack of consensus at the united nation is making it passage difficult at the multilateral body. The cabinet committee on security (CCS) which met in the aftermath of Pulwama attack on Friday has called for the formation of an India led global consensus on CCIT.

India and Argentina signed ten MoUs in several areas, including Defence, Tourism, pharmaceuticals, Civil nuclear and agriculture. An MoU was also signed on Cooperation in Antarctica.

Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel. During the press statement, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri firmly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. He said, " I would like to pay my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack perpetrated just a few days ago. We firmly condemn, as we have done for the last 3 year. We condemn every terror attack. It goes against what we think should be health coexistence" Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed terror and said, "terrorism is a threat to world peace and stability. Pulwama terror attack shows time for talks is over. He said the world should take strong action against terror and supporters of terror. " He called on G20 countries to act on the issue of terror and take into account the 11 point agenda on counter-terror issued during the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit in Germany. The agenda called on G20 countries to exchange of suspected terrorist list, joint action against them among other things. Remember both India and Argentina are members of powerful G20 grouping. Last year Argentina became the first South American country to host the G20 summit. During the Buenos Aires G20 summit, it was announced that India will host G20 in 2022. Both also issued "India-Argentina Special declaration to Fight Terrorism". In the declaration leaders "gave a call that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries" and without taking Pakistan's name said, "terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world." The declaration affirmed their support for a "U.N. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism." The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT has called for a common definition of terror but lack of consensus at the united nation is making it passage difficult at the multilateral body. The cabinet committee on security (CCS) which met in the aftermath of Pulwama attack on Friday has called for the formation of an India led global consensus on CCIT. India and Argentina signed ten MoUs in several areas, including Defence, Tourism, pharmaceuticals, Civil nuclear and agriculture. An MoU was also signed on Cooperation in Antarctica.

Pulwama attack: India, Argentina come strong on terror during President Macri's visit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-e-mohammed-commander-army-major-and-five-others-killed-in-pulwama-gun-battle-198095">Maulana Masood Azhar</a>, the dreaded architect of some of India's biggest terror attacks, was an "easy man" to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times.

Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In custody, intelligence agencies did not have to use "coercive method" against Azhar to extract information as he started speaking after the "first slap" from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau said.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into the diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, the officer said.

After his arrival in India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during interrogation sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed answer to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had in 1993 travelled with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries, drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

"You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release. 
The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in the 1999 exchange and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to free him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding to a new posting to which he wished me good luck."

"I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999, in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant it when he said that we would not be able to keep him for long," he said.

The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.

Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded architect of some of India's biggest terror attacks, was an "easy man" to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times.

Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded architect of some of India's biggest terror attacks, was an "easy man" to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times. Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir. In custody, intelligence agencies did not have to use "coercive method" against Azhar to extract information as he started speaking after the "first slap" from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said. "He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau said. After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel. While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time. "There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said. Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into the diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, the officer said. After his arrival in India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said. "I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them. A man of mannerism and etiquette during interrogation sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed answer to any question that was asked to him, he said. The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had in 1993 travelled with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries, drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said. Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI. "You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying. Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release. The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in the 1999 exchange and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan. Another attempt to free him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995. Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding to a new posting to which he wished me good luck." "I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999, in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant it when he said that we would not be able to keep him for long," he said. The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province. The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.

One slap from Indian army officer was enough to rattle JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar, says his interrogator

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-e-mohammed-commander-army-major-and-five-others-killed-in-pulwama-gun-battle-198095">Pulwama terror attack</a> has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-fierce-gun-battle-underway-dig-south-kashmir-injured-198102">action against terrorism</a> and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri here, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.

After the talks, the two sides signed ten agreements in diverse areas like defence, nuclear energy, tourism, information and communication technology, and agriculture.

"I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to the world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed.

"Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci.

The Argentine President is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir last week.

Condoling the death of the CRPF personnel, Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism.

Referring to the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations, Modi said this will give new a dimension to bilateral ties.

Modi said India and Argentina have been cooperating at different international fora.

Argentina, Modi said, has strongly backed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement. Of the four groups, India has gained entry in three export control regimes, except the NSG.

Modi also welcomed Argentina's entry into the International Solar Alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace. Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri here, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it. After the talks, the two sides signed ten agreements in diverse areas like defence, nuclear energy, tourism, information and communication technology, and agriculture. "I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to the world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed. "Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci. The Argentine President is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir last week. Condoling the death of the CRPF personnel, Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism. Referring to the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations, Modi said this will give new a dimension to bilateral ties. Modi said India and Argentina have been cooperating at different international fora. Argentina, Modi said, has strongly backed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement. Of the four groups, India has gained entry in three export control regimes, except the NSG. Modi also welcomed Argentina's entry into the International Solar Alliance.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi

A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-e-mohammed-commander-army-major-and-five-others-killed-in-pulwama-gun-battle-198095">terrorists and security forces</a> in Pulwama on Monday.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.

Amit Kumar&nbsp;received a gunshot wound in the abdomen.

Police in Pulwama appeal to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives and one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation.

The operation is being carried out by a joint team consisting of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

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Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> on 14th February. <a href="https://t.co/gmEL1QADVu">pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu</a>
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Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.&nbsp;

Earlier in the morning, Army shot dead Gazi Rashid who was the alleged mastermind of the 14th Feb Pulwama attack.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama on Monday. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital.

A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama on Monday. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Amit Kumar received a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Police in Pulwama appeal to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives and one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. The operation is being carried out by a joint team consisting of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following #PulwamaAttack on 14th February. pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. Earlier in the morning, Army shot dead Gazi Rashid who was the alleged mastermind of the 14th Feb Pulwama attack. "Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. (With inputs from agencies)

Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured

The Supreme Court Monday stayed the proceedings of a Chennai court relating to the 1996 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case lodged against AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. A bench headed by Chief Justice issued a notice to Dhinakaran and sought his reply on the petition filed by ED challenging the Madras High Court order of June 25, 2018.

The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, was not in agreement with the Enforcement Directorate that the trial should continue during the pendency of the appeal before the apex court. The probe agency had filed an appeal against the high court order by which lower court was directed to order the ED to provide copies of the documents of the case to Dhinakaran.

The high court had also dispensed with the appearance of Dhinakaran except when ordered by the trial court. The case against Dhinakaran was that he allegedly acquired USD 1,04,93,313 in foreign exchange without obtaining permission from the Reserve Bank of India and deposited it in the current account of Dipper Investments Ltd., a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and having an account with Barclays Bank in the UK.

The Supreme Court Monday stayed the proceedings of a Chennai court relating to the 1996 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case lodged against AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran.

The Supreme Court Monday stayed the proceedings of a Chennai court relating to the 1996 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case lodged against AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. A bench headed by Chief Justice issued a notice to Dhinakaran and sought his reply on the petition filed by ED challenging the Madras High Court order of June 25, 2018. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, was not in agreement with the Enforcement Directorate that the trial should continue during the pendency of the appeal before the apex court. The probe agency had filed an appeal against the high court order by which lower court was directed to order the ED to provide copies of the documents of the case to Dhinakaran. The high court had also dispensed with the appearance of Dhinakaran except when ordered by the trial court. The case against Dhinakaran was that he allegedly acquired USD 1,04,93,313 in foreign exchange without obtaining permission from the Reserve Bank of India and deposited it in the current account of Dipper Investments Ltd., a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and having an account with Barclays Bank in the UK.

Relief for TTV Dhinakaran, SC stays trial court proceedings in FERA case

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">February 14 CRPF bombing</a>, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

Four Army personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five.

The encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said.

The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

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Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> on 14th February. <a href="https://t.co/gmEL1QADVu">pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu</a>
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"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said. Four Army personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five. The encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said. Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following #PulwamaAttack on 14th February. pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × "Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said. The slain soldiers are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. Militants fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, Army major and five others killed in Pulwama gun battle

Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations'

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted.&nbsp;

"He left New Delhi this morning," Faisal added.&nbsp;

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We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. 
He left New Delhi this morning .
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Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high ever since <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">last Thursday's Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF men died</a>. A local youth, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Adil Ahmad Dar</a>, had rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying the Central Reserve Police Force men.&nbsp;

The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is led by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani goods by 200 per cent.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given the armed forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">Indian security forces killed two terrorists on Monday in Pulwama</a>, about 10 kilometres from the site of the attack. That encounter is still ongoing but it is thought the two terrorists killed in the attack are Kamran Hilal, the mastermind of the Pulwama attack, and Abdul Rashid Gazi, the maker of the bomb used in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations' "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted.

Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations' "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted. "He left New Delhi this morning," Faisal added. We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning . — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019 × Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high ever since last Thursday's Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF men died. A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying the Central Reserve Police Force men. The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is led by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani goods by 200 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given the armed forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack. Indian security forces killed two terrorists on Monday in Pulwama, about 10 kilometres from the site of the attack. That encounter is still ongoing but it is thought the two terrorists killed in the attack are Kamran Hilal, the mastermind of the Pulwama attack, and Abdul Rashid Gazi, the maker of the bomb used in the Pulwama attack.

Pulwama attack: Pakistan calls back high commissioner to India 'for consultations'

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Pulwama attack: Pakistan calls back high commissioner to India 'for consultations'