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Two militants were killed on Wednesday following a gunfight with the security forces in a Jammu and Kashmir village in Badgam district during a cordon and search operation, reports said quoting police officials.

Police recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site in Gopalpora village of Chadoora area, the report added.

The joint operation by the police and other security forces was launched late last night following credible inputs about the presence of militants in the area.&nbsp;

The militants reportedly fired the first shot at the search party, who retaliated leading to the gunfight that left the two terrorists dead. Their bodies have been retrieved.&nbsp;

Their identities and affiliations were still being ascertained.

Citizens have been requested not to venture inside the encounter zone as it might prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials, the police said.&nbsp;

Two militants were killed on Wednesday following a gunfight with the security forces in a Jammu and Kashmir village in Badgam district during a cordon and search operation, reports said quoting police officials.

Two militants were killed on Wednesday following a gunfight with the security forces in a Jammu and Kashmir village in Badgam district during a cordon and search operation, reports said quoting police officials. Police recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site in Gopalpora village of Chadoora area, the report added. The joint operation by the police and other security forces was launched late last night following credible inputs about the presence of militants in the area. The militants reportedly fired the first shot at the search party, who retaliated leading to the gunfight that left the two terrorists dead. Their bodies have been retrieved. Their identities and affiliations were still being ascertained. Citizens have been requested not to venture inside the encounter zone as it might prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials, the police said.

J&K: 2 militants killed in encounter with security forces 

At 3.30 am on Tuesday, Somshekhar and his family were preparing to leave their hotel for Haridwar. Suddenly, the power went out and their rooms plunged into darkness. Before they could understand what had happened, plumes of thick smoke ran through their floor at the Arpit Palace hotel and a foul smell triggered panic.

Besides Somshekhar, 12 persons were in the group staying at the hotel in central Delhi, where a massive fire killed 17 people, including a child, on Tuesday.

Somshekhar said his sister Jayashree (53), mother Naliniamma (84) and brother Vidhyasagar (59) died in the early-morning fire.

The family had come from Ernakulam district in Kerala to attend a wedding in Ghaziabad on February 8.

"We had come to attend the wedding of a relative in Ghaziabad. We were planning to go to Haridwar today," the 57-year-old said.

"We were ready to leave when there was a sudden power cut. They switched on the generator and there was a cloud of heavy smoke and a foul smell. My sister first spotted the smoke and informed us. The entire corridor was full of smoke and the smell," Somshekhar said.

His mother and brother were with his sister at that time and Somshekhar had rushed to his room to open the windows to allow the smoke to pass and find a possible exit route.

"Yesterday, we went to Vrindavan and returned late at night. We had also planned to visit Amritsar and leave for Kerala on the 15th," he said.

Vijayamma, a relative of Somshekhar, said, "I met the entire family at the wedding. I was meeting Naliniamma after about three years. She was finding it difficult to cope with the winters here. I took her to a room after the wedding. I did not know that I would be seeing her the last time."

Shivanand Chand, an advertising professional from Mumbai, was on the fourth floor of the hotel when the fire broke out.

"I was woken up around 3.30 am by the smell of smoke. I saw a blaze on the corridor and could not find a fire extinguisher. People were running on the corridor and the hotel staff was trying to put out the fire with extinguishers," he said.

Chand said they were choking and stayed by the window to be able to breathe, adding that some people chose to jump out of the window.

A relative of Rabia Jusafbhai, a 52-year-old lawyer who died in the tragedy, said the deceased was here with a male colleague on official work.

Tulsi Ram said his younger brother Lal Chand had been working at the hotel for the last 25 years and he was a supervisor. He had left for work at 8 pm on Monday and it was his son Himanshu who first got to know about the incident. Since then, they have been looking for Lal Chand at various hospitals.

Himanshu Thakur (20), son of Lal Chand, said he was going to college when he got to know about the incident. He tried calling his father but his phone was switched off.

"We went to at least five hospitals, but still could not trace him," he said. 
A 58-year-old man from Ahmedabad woke up to see smoke entering his room from the corridor.

"At around 4 am, I heard people screaming for help. When I opened the door, I saw a dense smoke on the corridor and rushed out of the room," Dilip Trivedi, who had come to Delhi for a business deal, said.

"I had booked another hotel, but as there were no rooms there, they had shifted me to this hotel. I was staying in room number 101 on the first floor," Trivedi said.&nbsp;

Bhupendra Rajput, an eyewitness who assisted in the rescue operations, said, "We were in my room at a hotel nearby when the incident took place. People were shouting and we immediately rushed to the spot."

"There was a stampede as the stairs were narrow. We pulled them out and helped to clear the way for others. Pillows were used to give support to those coming out of the hotel windows," he said.

According to Rajput, the roads near the hotel were blocked, due to which the fire tenders took time to reach the spot. "The first fire tender to arrive did not have adequate water. If that had adequate water, it would have taken less time to bring the blaze under control," he said.

Neelam Krishnamoorthy, whose two young children were among the 59 people who were killed in a fire accident at the Uphaar cinema hall here in 1997, said, "No lessons have been learnt from the Uphaar tragedy."

There were over 50 guests at the hotel, which had a canopy on the terrace housing what appeared to be a restaurant, officials said.

At least 35 people were rescued.

A senior civic official said a suspected short circuit could have sparked the fire.

A video of the incident showed two persons jumping off the fourth floor of the building.

Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who visited the hotel, told reporters he had directed the fire department to inspect the buildings that had five floors or more and submit a report on their fire-safety compliance within a week.

Babu Panikar, head of the Delhi Malayali Association, said, "I got to know that Malayalis were trapped inside. I rushed to the spot to check on them. There were 13 members of a family who had come from Ernakulam to attend a wedding in Ghaziabad.

"Ten of them were rescued safely, while the bodies of the remaining three have been identified. They were supposed to leave for Haridwar at around 6 am on Tuesday. Two of the family members had left for Mumbai on Monday."

At 3.30 am on Tuesday, Somshekhar and his family were preparing to leave their hotel for Haridwar. Suddenly, the power went out and their rooms plunged into darkness.

At 3.30 am on Tuesday, Somshekhar and his family were preparing to leave their hotel for Haridwar. Suddenly, the power went out and their rooms plunged into darkness. Before they could understand what had happened, plumes of thick smoke ran through their floor at the Arpit Palace hotel and a foul smell triggered panic. Besides Somshekhar, 12 persons were in the group staying at the hotel in central Delhi, where a massive fire killed 17 people, including a child, on Tuesday. Somshekhar said his sister Jayashree (53), mother Naliniamma (84) and brother Vidhyasagar (59) died in the early-morning fire. The family had come from Ernakulam district in Kerala to attend a wedding in Ghaziabad on February 8. "We had come to attend the wedding of a relative in Ghaziabad. We were planning to go to Haridwar today," the 57-year-old said. "We were ready to leave when there was a sudden power cut. They switched on the generator and there was a cloud of heavy smoke and a foul smell. My sister first spotted the smoke and informed us. The entire corridor was full of smoke and the smell," Somshekhar said. His mother and brother were with his sister at that time and Somshekhar had rushed to his room to open the windows to allow the smoke to pass and find a possible exit route. "Yesterday, we went to Vrindavan and returned late at night. We had also planned to visit Amritsar and leave for Kerala on the 15th," he said. Vijayamma, a relative of Somshekhar, said, "I met the entire family at the wedding. I was meeting Naliniamma after about three years. She was finding it difficult to cope with the winters here. I took her to a room after the wedding. I did not know that I would be seeing her the last time." Shivanand Chand, an advertising professional from Mumbai, was on the fourth floor of the hotel when the fire broke out. "I was woken up around 3.30 am by the smell of smoke. I saw a blaze on the corridor and could not find a fire extinguisher. People were running on the corridor and the hotel staff was trying to put out the fire with extinguishers," he said. Chand said they were choking and stayed by the window to be able to breathe, adding that some people chose to jump out of the window. A relative of Rabia Jusafbhai, a 52-year-old lawyer who died in the tragedy, said the deceased was here with a male colleague on official work. Tulsi Ram said his younger brother Lal Chand had been working at the hotel for the last 25 years and he was a supervisor. He had left for work at 8 pm on Monday and it was his son Himanshu who first got to know about the incident. Since then, they have been looking for Lal Chand at various hospitals. Himanshu Thakur (20), son of Lal Chand, said he was going to college when he got to know about the incident. He tried calling his father but his phone was switched off. "We went to at least five hospitals, but still could not trace him," he said. A 58-year-old man from Ahmedabad woke up to see smoke entering his room from the corridor. "At around 4 am, I heard people screaming for help. When I opened the door, I saw a dense smoke on the corridor and rushed out of the room," Dilip Trivedi, who had come to Delhi for a business deal, said. "I had booked another hotel, but as there were no rooms there, they had shifted me to this hotel. I was staying in room number 101 on the first floor," Trivedi said. Bhupendra Rajput, an eyewitness who assisted in the rescue operations, said, "We were in my room at a hotel nearby when the incident took place. People were shouting and we immediately rushed to the spot." "There was a stampede as the stairs were narrow. We pulled them out and helped to clear the way for others. Pillows were used to give support to those coming out of the hotel windows," he said. According to Rajput, the roads near the hotel were blocked, due to which the fire tenders took time to reach the spot. "The first fire tender to arrive did not have adequate water. If that had adequate water, it would have taken less time to bring the blaze under control," he said. Neelam Krishnamoorthy, whose two young children were among the 59 people who were killed in a fire accident at the Uphaar cinema hall here in 1997, said, "No lessons have been learnt from the Uphaar tragedy." There were over 50 guests at the hotel, which had a canopy on the terrace housing what appeared to be a restaurant, officials said. At least 35 people were rescued. A senior civic official said a suspected short circuit could have sparked the fire. A video of the incident showed two persons jumping off the fourth floor of the building. Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who visited the hotel, told reporters he had directed the fire department to inspect the buildings that had five floors or more and submit a report on their fire-safety compliance within a week. Babu Panikar, head of the Delhi Malayali Association, said, "I got to know that Malayalis were trapped inside. I rushed to the spot to check on them. There were 13 members of a family who had come from Ernakulam to attend a wedding in Ghaziabad. "Ten of them were rescued safely, while the bodies of the remaining three have been identified. They were supposed to leave for Haridwar at around 6 am on Tuesday. Two of the family members had left for Mumbai on Monday."

3 members of family from Kerala among 17 victims in hotel fire tragedy 

Three Indian-Americans are among six people convicted for their role in a two-year multi-million dollar money-laundering scheme, the US Justice Department has said.&nbsp;

Ravinder Reddy Gudipati, 61; Harsh Jaggi, 54 and Neeru Jaggi, 51, all from Laredo, Texas, were convicted of a money laundering conspiracy following a five-week jury trial. Along with the Indian-American trio, Adrian Arciniega-Hernandez, 36, of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; Adriana Alejandra Galvan-Constantini, 36 and Luis Montes-Patino, 57, both from Irving, Texas, were convicted, said Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Harsh and Adrian were also convicted on two counts of money laundering and Neeru Jaggi was convicted on one count of money laundering. Gudipati was convicted on two counts of money laundering in addition to other counts.&nbsp;

Adrain, Galvan-Constantini, Montes-Patino, Gudipati, Harsh and Neeru were part of a complex money laundering scheme whereby money derived from the sale of drugs in the US was laundered through businesses in Laredo in order to return the proceeds to Mexican drug dealers.

According to evidence presented in court, from 2011 to 2013, Galvan-Constantini, Montes-Patino and other co-conspirators helped to move millions of dollars derived from the sale of drugs throughout the US to Laredo in Texas.&nbsp;

The US currency was moved by couriers via cars, commercial buses, commercial planes and also a private plane used in bulk cash amounts of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time.&nbsp;

The money, in heat-sealed packs, uneven rubber-banded money stacks or loose US currency, arrived in plastic bags, cloth bags, suitcases, backpacks and even cereal boxes, it said. The money was then distributed among downtown Laredo, Texas perfume stores, including stores owned by Gudipati and Harsh and Neeru.

Three Indian-Americans are among six people convicted for their role in a two-year multi-million dollar money-laundering scheme, the US Justice Department has said.

Three Indian-Americans are among six people convicted for their role in a two-year multi-million dollar money-laundering scheme, the US Justice Department has said. Ravinder Reddy Gudipati, 61; Harsh Jaggi, 54 and Neeru Jaggi, 51, all from Laredo, Texas, were convicted of a money laundering conspiracy following a five-week jury trial. Along with the Indian-American trio, Adrian Arciniega-Hernandez, 36, of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; Adriana Alejandra Galvan-Constantini, 36 and Luis Montes-Patino, 57, both from Irving, Texas, were convicted, said Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Harsh and Adrian were also convicted on two counts of money laundering and Neeru Jaggi was convicted on one count of money laundering. Gudipati was convicted on two counts of money laundering in addition to other counts. Adrain, Galvan-Constantini, Montes-Patino, Gudipati, Harsh and Neeru were part of a complex money laundering scheme whereby money derived from the sale of drugs in the US was laundered through businesses in Laredo in order to return the proceeds to Mexican drug dealers. According to evidence presented in court, from 2011 to 2013, Galvan-Constantini, Montes-Patino and other co-conspirators helped to move millions of dollars derived from the sale of drugs throughout the US to Laredo in Texas. The US currency was moved by couriers via cars, commercial buses, commercial planes and also a private plane used in bulk cash amounts of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time. The money, in heat-sealed packs, uneven rubber-banded money stacks or loose US currency, arrived in plastic bags, cloth bags, suitcases, backpacks and even cereal boxes, it said. The money was then distributed among downtown Laredo, Texas perfume stores, including stores owned by Gudipati and Harsh and Neeru.

3 Indian-Americans convicted in multi-million dollar money-laundering scheme

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again.&nbsp;

"I want to congratulate the PM for trying to take everybody along," Mulayam said. &nbsp;

"I want all the MPs to win again, and for you to become prime minister again," he added. &nbsp;

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Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha: PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ki koshish ki hai. Main kehna chahta hun ki saare sadaysa phir se jeet kar aayen, aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/reeyh5H9bB">pic.twitter.com/reeyh5H9bB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095632564591702017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha, says, "PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ka pura prayas kiya. Main chahta hun, meri kamna hai ki saare sadsya phir se jeet kar aayen aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein." <a href="https://t.co/j6Bnj9Kr3p">pic.twitter.com/j6Bnj9Kr3p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095655381966163971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Wednesday was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-lapse-as-rajya-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-197104">the last day of parliament</a> before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Mulayam made his comments with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi sitting next to him. Modi in turn smiled, and folded his hands in a namaste.&nbsp;

Mulayam's son Akhilesh and the current chief of the Samajwadi Party is of course firmly in the opposition camp. He will be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in alliance with BSP chief Mayawati. They will be the main challengers of Uttar Pradesh's ruling BJP.&nbsp;

UP is the country most important state politically, sending 80 MPs to parliament.&nbsp;

All has not seemed to be well between Akhilesh and his father Mulayam since a family feud broke out within the SP with Mulayam placing himself somewhere between the competing factions of Akhilesh and Mulayam's brothers Shivpal and Ram Gopal.&nbsp;

Shivpal has since broken away from the SP, setting up a separate Samajwadi Secular Morcha. Shivpal has also said that the SP's current tie-up the BSP goes against everything Mulayam has fought for.&nbsp;

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again.

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again. "I want to congratulate the PM for trying to take everybody along," Mulayam said. "I want all the MPs to win again, and for you to become prime minister again," he added. Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha: PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ki koshish ki hai. Main kehna chahta hun ki saare sadaysa phir se jeet kar aayen, aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein (File pic) pic.twitter.com/reeyh5H9bB — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × #WATCH Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha, says, "PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ka pura prayas kiya. Main chahta hun, meri kamna hai ki saare sadsya phir se jeet kar aayen aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein." pic.twitter.com/j6Bnj9Kr3p — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Wednesday was the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Mulayam made his comments with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi sitting next to him. Modi in turn smiled, and folded his hands in a namaste. Mulayam's son Akhilesh and the current chief of the Samajwadi Party is of course firmly in the opposition camp. He will be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in alliance with BSP chief Mayawati. They will be the main challengers of Uttar Pradesh's ruling BJP. UP is the country most important state politically, sending 80 MPs to parliament. All has not seemed to be well between Akhilesh and his father Mulayam since a family feud broke out within the SP with Mulayam placing himself somewhere between the competing factions of Akhilesh and Mulayam's brothers Shivpal and Ram Gopal. Shivpal has since broken away from the SP, setting up a separate Samajwadi Secular Morcha. Shivpal has also said that the SP's current tie-up the BSP goes against everything Mulayam has fought for.

I want you to become PM again: Mulayam Singh Yadav to Narendra Modi

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-opposition-wins-rahul-gandhi-open-to-mayawati-mamata-as-pm-in-2019-reports-154267">the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together</a>.&nbsp;

"We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together.&nbsp;

"Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added.&nbsp;

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Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party <a href="https://t.co/Bi3RWcOnXx">pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661685753270273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata has of course just emerged from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">a massive clash against the Centre</a> after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal.&nbsp;

Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna.&nbsp;

She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.)&nbsp;

"We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;

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Andhra Pradesh CM &amp; TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. <a href="https://t.co/55hfgefv5p">pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095661894524911616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home.&nbsp;

A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday that the opposition will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "We will fight together in the coming days," Mamata said at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She added that her fight against the Congress and the CPM would remain confined to the state — but that at the national level they would fight together. "Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/ party," she added. Mamata Banerjee: Aane waale din ekhatte hoke humlog ladenge. Hamare saath Congress, CPM ka jo bhi fight rahega state mein rahega. National level mein hum ek saath ladenge. Let them fight against me, I don't mind. For interest of the nation, I'm ready to sacrifice my life/party pic.twitter.com/Bi3RWcOnXx — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Mamata has of course just emerged from a massive clash against the Centre after the CBI showed up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams in Bengal. Mamata had said the CBI's turning up unannounced at Rajeev Kumar's home was a "destruction of the federal structure", and had a few hours later announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna. She called off her dharna after a closed-door meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (A number of opposition leaders had called Mamata after her run-in with the Centre, offering their support.) "We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election," Naidu said on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar. Andhra Pradesh CM & TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi: We are in danger, we have to protect this nation, democracy is under threat. If all of us are not united, this is the last election for all of us, tomorrow there won't be any election. pic.twitter.com/55hfgefv5p — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × ANI meanwhile reported that Mamata, Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah would meet later on Wednesday at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home. A notable absentee from Wednesday's meeting will of course be Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition will fight the Lok Sabha elections together: Mamata Banerjee

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions.

The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes.

The bill was presented in the Rajasthan Assembly by Energy Minister B D Kalla to pacify members of the Gujjar community who have been holding demonstrations since February 8 across the state for quota. They had blocked the Delhi-Mumbai railway track and several highways and roads.

The bill seeks to increase the backward classes' reservation from the present 21 percent to 26 percent with five percent reservation to Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria.

The statement on the objective and reasons of the bill stated that the five castes are most backward and require five percent separate reservation. It also mentions that the central government recently passed the constitution amendment bill to extend reservation to the EWS section among upper castes and that breached the limit of 50 percent reservation earmarked by the Supreme Court.

Gujjar leaders had earlier indicated that they will only call off their protest if they see a "concrete proposal" from the government, implying that they wanted the bill to be passed first.

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters had blocked the railway tracks in Sawai Madhopur district and several highways, demanding the quota in government jobs and educational institutes.

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions. The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes.

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions. The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes. The bill was presented in the Rajasthan Assembly by Energy Minister B D Kalla to pacify members of the Gujjar community who have been holding demonstrations since February 8 across the state for quota. They had blocked the Delhi-Mumbai railway track and several highways and roads. The bill seeks to increase the backward classes' reservation from the present 21 percent to 26 percent with five percent reservation to Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria. The statement on the objective and reasons of the bill stated that the five castes are most backward and require five percent separate reservation. It also mentions that the central government recently passed the constitution amendment bill to extend reservation to the EWS section among upper castes and that breached the limit of 50 percent reservation earmarked by the Supreme Court. Gujjar leaders had earlier indicated that they will only call off their protest if they see a "concrete proposal" from the government, implying that they wanted the bill to be passed first. Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters had blocked the railway tracks in Sawai Madhopur district and several highways, demanding the quota in government jobs and educational institutes.

Amidst violent protests, Rajasthan Assembly passes bill granting 5% quota to Gujjars

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/countrys-confidence-at-all-time-high-modi-says-on-last-day-of-parliament-before-elections-197183">Country's confidence at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/countrys-confidence-at-all-time-high-modi-says-on-last-day-of-parliament-before-elections-197183">all-time</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/countrys-confidence-at-all-time-high-modi-says-on-last-day-of-parliament-before-elections-197183"> high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections</a>

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-students-injured-in-an-explosion-in-at-a-school-in-jk-pulwama-197138">Jammu and Kashmir: 16 schoolchildren injured after&nbsp;explosion</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-students-injured-in-an-explosion-in-at-a-school-in-jk-pulwama-197138"> inside </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-students-injured-in-an-explosion-in-at-a-school-in-jk-pulwama-197138">classroom</a>

Sixteen school students were injured in a blast inside the classroom of a private school Falai-e-Millat in the Narbal area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hardline-islamists-injure-dozens-in-attack-on-minority-muslims-in-bangladesh-197179">Bangladesh: 25 people injured after hardline Islamists attack minority Muslims</a>

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at hundreds of hardline Islamists who attacked minority Muslims in northern Bangladesh, leaving at least 25 people injured, officials said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186">Philippines</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186"> arrests President Duterte critic journalist Maria Ressa on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186">libel</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186"> charge</a>

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in her Manila office on Wednesday in what rights advocates called an act of "persecution".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">bar</a>

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Country's confidence at all-time high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.

Country's confidence at all-time high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high. Jammu and Kashmir: 16 schoolchildren injured after explosion inside classroom Sixteen school students were injured in a blast inside the classroom of a private school Falai-e-Millat in the Narbal area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday. Bangladesh: 25 people injured after hardline Islamists attack minority Muslims Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at hundreds of hardline Islamists who attacked minority Muslims in northern Bangladesh, leaving at least 25 people injured, officials said Wednesday. Philippines arrests President Duterte critic journalist Maria Ressa on libel charge Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in her Manila office on Wednesday in what rights advocates called an act of "persecution". It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in bar British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chit fund scams in West Bengal echoed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with Left and Congress members accusing the Trinamool Congress of looting money of investors.&nbsp;

Members from the Trinamool Congress, which is in power in West Bengal, were protesting in the Well when the discussion on ‘The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018’ was taken up.&nbsp;

Participating in the discussion, Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Trinamool Congress, which is in power in West Bengal, looted the people of the state.&nbsp;

He also said that lakhs of people were looted and that their money should be returned.

CPI-M member Mohammed Salim alleged that TMC has come up due to corruption and even remarked that some members of the party in the House should go to jail.&nbsp;

On both occasions, members from the BJP, which is engaged in a political slugfest with the TMC over Saradha scam and other issues, were seen thumping their desks.&nbsp;

Later, TMC members were seen shouting slogans against Salim. Some members of the TMC are under the lens for their alleged role in chit fund scams.

TMC leader Saugata Roy said chief minister Mamata Banerjee took the trouble of getting arrested the main person in Saradha scam and wanted to know from the central government as what they were doing in the last five years with respect to the scam.&nbsp;

BJD leader B Mahtab said there should be a regulatory mechanism for the state and central governments to work against illegal deposit-taking activities.&nbsp;

While replying to the discussion, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal wondered what message would the school children sitting here take back amid continued slogan shouting by TMC members in the Well. School children were among those sitting in the visitor’s gallery.

Chit fund scams in West Bengal echoed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with Left and Congress members accusing the Trinamool Congress of looting money of investors.

Chit fund scams in West Bengal echoed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with Left and Congress members accusing the Trinamool Congress of looting money of investors. Members from the Trinamool Congress, which is in power in West Bengal, were protesting in the Well when the discussion on ‘The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018’ was taken up. Participating in the discussion, Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Trinamool Congress, which is in power in West Bengal, looted the people of the state. He also said that lakhs of people were looted and that their money should be returned. CPI-M member Mohammed Salim alleged that TMC has come up due to corruption and even remarked that some members of the party in the House should go to jail. On both occasions, members from the BJP, which is engaged in a political slugfest with the TMC over Saradha scam and other issues, were seen thumping their desks. Later, TMC members were seen shouting slogans against Salim. Some members of the TMC are under the lens for their alleged role in chit fund scams. TMC leader Saugata Roy said chief minister Mamata Banerjee took the trouble of getting arrested the main person in Saradha scam and wanted to know from the central government as what they were doing in the last five years with respect to the scam. BJD leader B Mahtab said there should be a regulatory mechanism for the state and central governments to work against illegal deposit-taking activities. While replying to the discussion, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal wondered what message would the school children sitting here take back amid continued slogan shouting by TMC members in the Well. School children were among those sitting in the visitor’s gallery.

West Bengal’s chit fund scams expose fault lines in Grand Alliance, Congress, Left spar with TMC in Parliament

The CBI on Wednesday allowed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-chief-rajeev-kumar-insists-on-video-recording-of-session-with-cbi-officials-196292">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> to return to Kolkata after questioning him for five consecutive days here in connection with chit fund scam cases, an official said.

A team of 12 senior CBI officers examined<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chit-fund-scams-kolkata-police-chief-grilled-for-11-hours-in-second-round-of-questioning-196473"> Kumar</a> for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Rs 2,000 crore Saradha chit fund scam, which the agency is probing.

Kumar was also questioned about the Rose Valley ponzi scam.

After examining him for over 30 hours since Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday afternoon allowed the senior IPS officer to return to Kolkata, the official told PTI.

On Wednesday, he had arrived at the CBI office around 9.30 am and he was let off around 12:30 pm, he said.

According to official sources, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-question-kolkata-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-again-on-sunday-196258"> Kolkata Police chief </a>had written to the probe agency seeking a "break" as he is required to prepare a reply to the contempt petition filed by the CBI against him and two other senior officers in the Supreme Court.

Kumar left for Guwahati from where he is scheduled to fly to Kolkata.

Two other senior Kolkata Police officers who had been with Kumar since Saturday also left with him, sources said.

The CBI had also questioned former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh separately and along with Kumar on Sunday and on Monday.

The ex-MP, who was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016, was allowed to return to Kolkata on Monday.

Kumar had led the special investigation team (SIT) formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to probe the Saradha scam before the case was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its sleuths were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3.

Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".

The central investigating agency had said its officials had wanted to question Kumar to plug the holes in the Saradha investigation case as he was supposed to be in possession of certain key documents as a member of the SIT.

The Supreme Court had directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner last week to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The court chose Shillong as the neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and also made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested. 
&nbsp;

The CBI on Wednesday allowed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to return to Kolkata after questioning him for five consecutive days here in connection with chit fund scam cases, an official said.

The CBI on Wednesday allowed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to return to Kolkata after questioning him for five consecutive days here in connection with chit fund scam cases, an official said. A team of 12 senior CBI officers examined Kumar for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Rs 2,000 crore Saradha chit fund scam, which the agency is probing. Kumar was also questioned about the Rose Valley ponzi scam. After examining him for over 30 hours since Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday afternoon allowed the senior IPS officer to return to Kolkata, the official told PTI. On Wednesday, he had arrived at the CBI office around 9.30 am and he was let off around 12:30 pm, he said. According to official sources, the Kolkata Police chief had written to the probe agency seeking a "break" as he is required to prepare a reply to the contempt petition filed by the CBI against him and two other senior officers in the Supreme Court. Kumar left for Guwahati from where he is scheduled to fly to Kolkata. Two other senior Kolkata Police officers who had been with Kumar since Saturday also left with him, sources said. The CBI had also questioned former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh separately and along with Kumar on Sunday and on Monday. The ex-MP, who was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016, was allowed to return to Kolkata on Monday. Kumar had led the special investigation team (SIT) formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to probe the Saradha scam before the case was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court. The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its sleuths were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3. Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup". The central investigating agency had said its officials had wanted to question Kumar to plug the holes in the Saradha investigation case as he was supposed to be in possession of certain key documents as a member of the SIT. The Supreme Court had directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner last week to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The court chose Shillong as the neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and also made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested.

West Bengal chit fund scams: Rajeev Kumar leaves for Kolkata after 5 days of questioning

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The maximum number of Indian nationals brought back was from Kenya (18), followed by Nigeria at 14. The other countries were Afghanistan at 2, Libya at 6, Senegal at 1, South Sudan at 2, Thailand at 3, Turkey at 2 and Yemen at 1.

In addition to this, India also got back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who had been abducted by Islamic State in Iraq.

Giving the details in parliament, Singh said, "Safety and security of Indian nationals in foreign countries is a matter of foremost concern for the Government of India."

He further said, "The Government keeps a close watch on the situation in strife-torn countries, issues advisories wherever required and engages the local authorities regularly to prevent incidents of hostage/kidnapping, while simultaneously making every effort to secure the release of those in captivity."

Last year, 7 Indians engineers were abducted in Afghanistan. The whereabouts of them are still not known.

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday.

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday. The maximum number of Indian nationals brought back was from Kenya (18), followed by Nigeria at 14. The other countries were Afghanistan at 2, Libya at 6, Senegal at 1, South Sudan at 2, Thailand at 3, Turkey at 2 and Yemen at 1. In addition to this, India also got back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who had been abducted by Islamic State in Iraq. Giving the details in parliament, Singh said, "Safety and security of Indian nationals in foreign countries is a matter of foremost concern for the Government of India." He further said, "The Government keeps a close watch on the situation in strife-torn countries, issues advisories wherever required and engages the local authorities regularly to prevent incidents of hostage/kidnapping, while simultaneously making every effort to secure the release of those in captivity." Last year, 7 Indians engineers were abducted in Afghanistan. The whereabouts of them are still not known.

India got back 49 abducted nationals between 2014 and 2018: VK Singh

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

"I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a&nbsp;boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house."&nbsp;

Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill.

On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-want-you-to-become-pm-again-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-narendra-modi-197166">for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing</a>".&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani <a href="https://t.co/Nh0Ss62fZY">pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY</a>
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On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.")

And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it.&nbsp;

And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament.

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PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. <a href="https://t.co/tuSHdq5bHn">pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn</a>
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"Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's confidence is at an all-time high. "I think this is a very good sign because such confidence gives a boost to development," Modi said on Wednesday. He went on to tell his fellow parliamentarians that we "will be proud of this sixteenth Lok Sabha, as it saw the highest number of women members (44) elected to the house." Modi added that this Lok Sabha also "passed laws to fight the menace of black money and corruption" and the GST bill. On the other hand, he said, this Lok Sabha "has also put an end to over 1,400 laws, it had become a jungle-like situation with too many laws. This is a good beginning but more work needs to be done... for which Mulayam Singh Yadav has given me his blessing". PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: 3 dashak ke baad ek purn bahumat wali sarkaar bani aur azaadi ke baad pehli baar Congress gotra ki nahi hai aisi sarkaar bani hai. Congress gotra nahi aisi milijuli pehli sarkaar Atal ji ki thi aur aisi purn bahumat wali sarkaar 2014 mein bani pic.twitter.com/Nh0Ss62fZY — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × On the last day of parliament, Modi referred back to when he had first entered the house, saying he had learnt so much in parliament. "Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai (For the first time I understood that there is a difference between hugging someone and going for his throat.") And he once again lashed out at his favourite target of attack — Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He harked back to when Rahul had said he would make such a big announcement that there would be an earthquake. None came, Modi said on Wednesday. He also referred to when Congress MPs had flown paper planes in parliament to protest against the Rafale deal. The dignity of democracy is so high, Modi said Wednesday, that no plane could touch it. And of course he brought up Rahul's wink in parliament. PM Modi: Mein pehli baar yahan aya, bahut si cheezein jaanne ko mili. Pehli baar mujhe pata chala ki gale milne aur gale padne mein kya antar hai. Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain. pic.twitter.com/tuSHdq5bHn — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × "Pehli baar dekh raha hun ki sadan mein aankhon se gustakhiyaan hoti hain," Modi said.

Country's confidence at all-time high, Modi says on last day of parliament before elections

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality.

Twitter had been summoned by the committee on February 11 but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

The committee head and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on February 5 had tweeted about the agenda of the February 11 Parliamentary meet as examining the issue of "safeguarding citizens'' rights on social/online news media platforms".

Over the last few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform, and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts.

In the blog released on February 8, Twitter had repeatedly clarified that its product and policies were not influenced by any political ideology.

The blog stated that the company had made over 70 product, policy and operational changes since the beginning of 2018 to make people feel safe.

Citing that mistakes can happen, the blog said that these mistakes were not political statements of intent, they were "basic human error rate of running the fastest, most open conversational tool in history".

The blog also assured that the company had a specialised global team to enforce the Twitter Rules with impartiality.

Speaking about the trending topics the blog said that the trends were based on regular speculation and the topics trending have been popular for a while or on a daily basis.

It further added that the trends are not determined by the total number of Tweets on a topic alone but also the number of Tweets in a given time period (i.e. velocity), which is not necessarily related to the total number of Tweets (i.e. volume).

It also stated that "very rare instances" where Twitter prevents certain content from trending is when trends contain profanity or adult/graphic references, incite hate on the basis of a protected characteristic, or violate the Twitter Rules.&nbsp;

It reiterated that political ideology had never been the reason for preventing trending topics.

Last year Twitter had updated the follower counts of every account and had removed a significant number of inactive accounts. The social networking site said it would continue to proactively identify and challenge problematic accounts globally.

In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections the company said it was working with Indian political parties to verify candidates, elected officials and relevant party officials.

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality.

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality. Twitter had been summoned by the committee on February 11 but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. The committee head and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on February 5 had tweeted about the agenda of the February 11 Parliamentary meet as examining the issue of "safeguarding citizens'' rights on social/online news media platforms". Over the last few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform, and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts. In the blog released on February 8, Twitter had repeatedly clarified that its product and policies were not influenced by any political ideology. The blog stated that the company had made over 70 product, policy and operational changes since the beginning of 2018 to make people feel safe. Citing that mistakes can happen, the blog said that these mistakes were not political statements of intent, they were "basic human error rate of running the fastest, most open conversational tool in history". The blog also assured that the company had a specialised global team to enforce the Twitter Rules with impartiality. Speaking about the trending topics the blog said that the trends were based on regular speculation and the topics trending have been popular for a while or on a daily basis. It further added that the trends are not determined by the total number of Tweets on a topic alone but also the number of Tweets in a given time period (i.e. velocity), which is not necessarily related to the total number of Tweets (i.e. volume). It also stated that "very rare instances" where Twitter prevents certain content from trending is when trends contain profanity or adult/graphic references, incite hate on the basis of a protected characteristic, or violate the Twitter Rules. It reiterated that political ideology had never been the reason for preventing trending topics. Last year Twitter had updated the follower counts of every account and had removed a significant number of inactive accounts. The social networking site said it would continue to proactively identify and challenge problematic accounts globally. In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections the company said it was working with Indian political parties to verify candidates, elected officials and relevant party officials.

Ahead of Parliamentary meet, Twitter said it was passionate to serve the Indian users 

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale.

The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.86 per cent cheaper than what was negotiated by the UPA in 2007.

"It cannot be that the Supreme Court is wrong, the CAG is wrong and only the dynasty is right. Satyameva Jayate? the truth shall prevail. The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," Jaitley said in a series of tweets.

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The lies of ‘Mahajhootbandhan’ stand exposed by the CAG Report.
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He said the CAG report outlines that 2016 deal terms were lower in terms of price, faster in terms of delivery, while ensuring better maintenance and lower escalation.

"The lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by the CAG Report. How does democracy punish those who consistently lied to the nation?" he questioned in the tweet.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale. The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale. The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.86 per cent cheaper than what was negotiated by the UPA in 2007. "It cannot be that the Supreme Court is wrong, the CAG is wrong and only the dynasty is right. Satyameva Jayate? the truth shall prevail. The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," Jaitley said in a series of tweets. The lies of ‘Mahajhootbandhan’ stand exposed by the CAG Report. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 13, 2019 × He said the CAG report outlines that 2016 deal terms were lower in terms of price, faster in terms of delivery, while ensuring better maintenance and lower escalation. "The lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by the CAG Report. How does democracy punish those who consistently lied to the nation?" he questioned in the tweet.

Lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by CAG report, says Jaitley

Union Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lies-of-mahajhootbandhan-stand-exposed-by-cag-report-on-rafale-says-jaitley-197100">Arun Jaitley </a>on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal.

Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country.

He further hit out at the Congress and said that Rahul Gandhi had lied about the Rafale deal.

Jaitley said that the maintenance process of the aircraft&nbsp;is cheaper under the NDA government and&nbsp;the price was increased due to the addition of sophisticated equipment.

Citing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-rafale-deal-286-per-cent-cheaper-than-the-one-negotiated-upa-cag-197103">CAG report</a>, he said, "The report has completely vindicated stand of NDA government. It has blasted the big lie which was being spearheaded by the Congress."

He further said that the deal had received a satisfactory response from the Supreme Court and the CAG and that the&nbsp;matter does not end here.

"The matter doesn’t finish here, the people have to punish those who misled the country. This is exactly the repetition of 1989. In 1989 when the Congress government headed by Shri Rajeev Gandhi was mired in corruption, they manufactured a Saint Kitts against Mr VP Singh. Because Mr Modi has a clean image let us manufacture a crisis," he said.

Dismissing the reports of the government intervention in the deal he said, "In a consultation process, people are bound to express different views (MoD dissent note), that is how decisions take place, but ultimately the Government is one and final decision is taken. "

On reports of Congress' charge against CAG Mehrishi he said, "Congress stands for the destruction of institutions, they destroyed institutions during the emergency. No file or decision relating to any defence purchase, or Rafale in particular ever went to Rajiv Mehrishi(CAG) when he was Secy Economic Affairs for eleven months".

The Union Minister also assured that the delivery of the planes would be done faster. 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal. Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over its constant attack on the Rafale deal. Claiming that the party has ''vested interests'' in delaying the aircraft deal, Jaitley blamed the UPA government for compromising with the national security of the country. He further hit out at the Congress and said that Rahul Gandhi had lied about the Rafale deal. Jaitley said that the maintenance process of the aircraft is cheaper under the NDA government and the price was increased due to the addition of sophisticated equipment. Citing the CAG report, he said, "The report has completely vindicated stand of NDA government. It has blasted the big lie which was being spearheaded by the Congress." He further said that the deal had received a satisfactory response from the Supreme Court and the CAG and that the matter does not end here. "The matter doesn’t finish here, the people have to punish those who misled the country. This is exactly the repetition of 1989. In 1989 when the Congress government headed by Shri Rajeev Gandhi was mired in corruption, they manufactured a Saint Kitts against Mr VP Singh. Because Mr Modi has a clean image let us manufacture a crisis," he said. Dismissing the reports of the government intervention in the deal he said, "In a consultation process, people are bound to express different views (MoD dissent note), that is how decisions take place, but ultimately the Government is one and final decision is taken. " On reports of Congress' charge against CAG Mehrishi he said, "Congress stands for the destruction of institutions, they destroyed institutions during the emergency. No file or decision relating to any defence purchase, or Rafale in particular ever went to Rajiv Mehrishi(CAG) when he was Secy Economic Affairs for eleven months". The Union Minister also assured that the delivery of the planes would be done faster.

Government stand vindicated, says Arun Jaitley on Rafale deal

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bikaner-land-scam-robert-vadra-mother-maureen-vadra-appear-before-ed-in-jaipur-196846">appeared before the ED</a> at its zonal office here for the second consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bikaner-land-case-robert-vadra-appears-before-ed-in-jaipur-priyanka-gandhi-accompanies-him-196917">Vadra and his mother Maureen </a>had appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Jaipur. Congress general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi had accompanied them to the probe agency's office.

Vadra arrived at the ED office on Bhawani Singh road at 10.26 am in a vehicle amid tight security.

Maureen, who had appeared before the ED on Tuesday, was allowed to go after some time, while her son was grilled for nearly nine hours.

The Rajasthan High Court had asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency, following which the duo appeared before the ED in Jaipur.

In the Bikaner case, the agency had summoned Vadra thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court.

The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border.

It is understood that the agency wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm &nbsp;Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him.&nbsp;

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the ED at its zonal office here for the second consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the ED at its zonal office here for the second consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's Bikaner district. On Tuesday, Vadra and his mother Maureen had appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Jaipur. Congress general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi had accompanied them to the probe agency's office. Vadra arrived at the ED office on Bhawani Singh road at 10.26 am in a vehicle amid tight security. Maureen, who had appeared before the ED on Tuesday, was allowed to go after some time, while her son was grilled for nearly nine hours. The Rajasthan High Court had asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency, following which the duo appeared before the ED in Jaipur. In the Bikaner case, the agency had summoned Vadra thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court. The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. It is understood that the agency wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him.

Robert Vadra appears before ED in Jaipur for second consecutive day

The Rafale deal negotiated by the NDA government was cheaper than the UPA offer, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has observed in its much-awaited report on Capital Acquisition on Indian Air Force which was tabled by the government in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday..

The NDA deal was 2.86 per cent cheaper than the one negotiated the UPA government, according to the report.

The report does not disclose the actual price of the 36 Rafale fighter jets contracted by the NDA government. However, it includes an examination of the pricing.&nbsp;

According to the report, a &nbsp;Defence Ministry team in March 2015 recommended the scrapping of the 126 Rafale deal saying that Dassault Aviation was not the lowest bidder and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence &amp; Space Company) was not fully compliant with the tender requirements.

The government's decision to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault has become a controversial political issue, with the main opposition party Congress levelling allegations of corruption and impropriety, and the ruling dispensation defending the move.

The Rafale issue was also even raised before the Supreme Court, which did not find any substance in the allegations.

However, the issue has continued to rock Parliament with Congress President Rahul Gandhi directly accusing the Prime Minister of benefiting industrialist Anil Ambani.

Meanwhile, Opposition Congress staged a protest outside the Parliament premises over Rafale deal.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Rafale deal negotiated by the NDA government was cheaper than the UPA offer, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has observed in its much-awaited report on Capital Acquisition on Indian Air Force which was tabled by the government in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The Rafale deal negotiated by the NDA government was cheaper than the UPA offer, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has observed in its much-awaited report on Capital Acquisition on Indian Air Force which was tabled by the government in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.. The NDA deal was 2.86 per cent cheaper than the one negotiated the UPA government, according to the report. The report does not disclose the actual price of the 36 Rafale fighter jets contracted by the NDA government. However, it includes an examination of the pricing. According to the report, a Defence Ministry team in March 2015 recommended the scrapping of the 126 Rafale deal saying that Dassault Aviation was not the lowest bidder and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company) was not fully compliant with the tender requirements. The government's decision to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault has become a controversial political issue, with the main opposition party Congress levelling allegations of corruption and impropriety, and the ruling dispensation defending the move. The Rafale issue was also even raised before the Supreme Court, which did not find any substance in the allegations. However, the issue has continued to rock Parliament with Congress President Rahul Gandhi directly accusing the Prime Minister of benefiting industrialist Anil Ambani. Meanwhile, Opposition Congress staged a protest outside the Parliament premises over Rafale deal. (With inputs from PTI)

NDA Rafale deal 2.86 per cent cheaper than one negotiated by UPA: CAG  

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chit-fund-scams-kolkata-police-chief-grilled-for-11-hours-in-second-round-of-questioning-196473">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said.

Kumar, who is being examined since Saturday for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Saradha ponzi scam, arrived shortly after 9.30 am at the CBI office, he said.

"He was accompanied by two senior IPS officers and his counsel Biswajit Deb," the official told PTI.

The Kolkata Police chief has already spent more than 30 hours over the past four days inside the highly secured CBI office here, facing questions relating to Saradha and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-not-to-monitor-saradha-probe-rejects-plea-196571">Rose Valley chit fund scam cases</a>, he added.

On Tuesday, an unidentified masked man was called in the afternoon at the CBI office. The man came out shortly after Kumar left the premises, giving headway to massive speculations about his identity.

Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh was also grilled by the CBI on the second and the third day, along with Kumar.

The ex-MP was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016.

The questioning of Ghosh is over for the time being and he was allowed to return to Kolkata, a CBI official said Tuesday.

The Supreme Court had directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested.

The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence to question him on February 3.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said. Kumar, who is being examined since Saturday for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Saradha ponzi scam, arrived shortly after 9.30 am at the CBI office, he said. "He was accompanied by two senior IPS officers and his counsel Biswajit Deb," the official told PTI. The Kolkata Police chief has already spent more than 30 hours over the past four days inside the highly secured CBI office here, facing questions relating to Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scam cases, he added. On Tuesday, an unidentified masked man was called in the afternoon at the CBI office. The man came out shortly after Kumar left the premises, giving headway to massive speculations about his identity. Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh was also grilled by the CBI on the second and the third day, along with Kumar. The ex-MP was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016. The questioning of Ghosh is over for the time being and he was allowed to return to Kolkata, a CBI official said Tuesday. The Supreme Court had directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested. The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence to question him on February 3. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".

Rose Valley scam: Kolkata Police chief faces CBI grilling for fifth day in a row

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-criticises-cong-for-promising-to-withdraw-triple-talaq-bill-196044">Triple Talaq bill </a>and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-massive-outrage-in-northeast-citizenship-bill-to-be-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-today-196825">Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016</a>&nbsp;lapsed on the last day of the Budget session in the Parliament on Wednesday after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.

The Upper House was adjourned after it passed some bills including Interim Budget and Finance Bill for 2019-20 without debate.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu in his customary address at the close of the session rued that precious time of the House was lost in protests, stalling proceedings.

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 31.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 which was initially scheduled to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday&nbsp;could not be presented following the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha.

Amid the ruckus created by SP members, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day without the bill being tabled. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states.

The bill aimed to grant Indian citizenship to non-muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

While The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a&nbsp;Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand.

The Centre had re-promulgated an ordinance in January this year as the revised bill could not be passed in the Upper House of the parliament where the government lacks a majority.

The bill criminalised&nbsp;the practice of instant triple talaq with a provision of three years imprisonment to the erring husband.

The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled "unconstitutional" a practice that allows Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession.

In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the apex court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Triple Talaq bill and the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 lapsed on the last day of the Budget session in the Parliament on Wednesday after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.

The Triple Talaq bill and the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 lapsed on the last day of the Budget session in the Parliament on Wednesday after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die. The Upper House was adjourned after it passed some bills including Interim Budget and Finance Bill for 2019-20 without debate. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu in his customary address at the close of the session rued that precious time of the House was lost in protests, stalling proceedings. The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 31. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 which was initially scheduled to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday could not be presented following the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha. Amid the ruckus created by SP members, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day without the bill being tabled. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states. The bill aimed to grant Indian citizenship to non-muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. While The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand. The Centre had re-promulgated an ordinance in January this year as the revised bill could not be passed in the Upper House of the parliament where the government lacks a majority. The bill criminalised the practice of instant triple talaq with a provision of three years imprisonment to the erring husband. The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled "unconstitutional" a practice that allows Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession. In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the apex court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice. (With inputs from agencies)

Triple Talaq, Citizenship Amendment bills lapse as Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud will be on a two-day visit to India on February 19 and 20.&nbsp;

Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "India and Saudi Arabia have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations anchored in mutually beneficial partnership and extensive people to people contracts."

The Saudi Prince had met Prime minister Narendra Modi on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Before that PM Modi met Mohammed Bin Salman, the Deputy Crown Prince in September 2016 on the sidelines of Hangzhou G20 summit in China.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited Riyadh in April 2016. During the visit, PM King Salman had honoured PM Modi with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.

Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest trading partner of India after China, US and Japan. &nbsp;India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom.

Oil prices are something that India has raised with Riyadh many times. Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih in December during the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting (OPEC) meet said, "India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been 'vocal'&nbsp;about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times".

He said, "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers."

Saudi energy minister assured of affordable oil prices, adding, "Consumer in US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy"

The bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in FY 2017-18, a year on year increase of 9.56 per cent. In April 2018, Saudi Aramco, largest companies in the world by revenue signed a MoU with an Indian consortium (IOC, HPCL &amp; BPCL) to acquire 50 per cent stake in India’s largest refinery project ‘Ratnagiri Refinery &amp; Petrochemicals Limited’ at $ 44 billion.

A 2.7 million strong Indian community is in Saudi Arabia. Haj pilgrimage is an important component of bilateral relations. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Hajj Quota by 5, 000, enabling 1,75, 025 Indian to perform Hajj last year.

India sees Saudi Arabia as a valuable partner and the relationship between New Delhi and Riyadh has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud will be on a two-day visit to India on February 19 and 20. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "India and Saudi Arabia have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations anchored in mutually beneficial partnership and extensive people to people contracts.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud will be on a two-day visit to India on February 19 and 20. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "India and Saudi Arabia have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations anchored in mutually beneficial partnership and extensive people to people contracts." The Saudi Prince had met Prime minister Narendra Modi on November 29 in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 summit. Before that PM Modi met Mohammed Bin Salman, the Deputy Crown Prince in September 2016 on the sidelines of Hangzhou G20 summit in China. Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited Riyadh in April 2016. During the visit, PM King Salman had honoured PM Modi with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country. Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest trading partner of India after China, US and Japan. India imports 17 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the kingdom. Oil prices are something that India has raised with Riyadh many times. Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih in December during the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting (OPEC) meet said, "India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been 'vocal' about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times". He said, "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers." Saudi energy minister assured of affordable oil prices, adding, "Consumer in US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy" The bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in FY 2017-18, a year on year increase of 9.56 per cent. In April 2018, Saudi Aramco, largest companies in the world by revenue signed a MoU with an Indian consortium (IOC, HPCL & BPCL) to acquire 50 per cent stake in India’s largest refinery project ‘Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited’ at $ 44 billion. A 2.7 million strong Indian community is in Saudi Arabia. Haj pilgrimage is an important component of bilateral relations. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Hajj Quota by 5, 000, enabling 1,75, 025 Indian to perform Hajj last year. India sees Saudi Arabia as a valuable partner and the relationship between New Delhi and Riyadh has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security.

Saudi Crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman to visit India on February 19-20

Supreme Court today rejected former CBI interim chief&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-curious-case-of-plea-challenging-appointment-of-interim-cbi-chief-m-nageswara-rao-192498">M Nageswara Rao's</a> "unqualified" and "unconditional apology" in the Bihar shelter home case.

India's top court sentenced Rao till the rising of court and imposed fine of Rs 1 lakh.&nbsp;

The court had issued the notice to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-director-nageswara-rao-transfers-20-officers-191880">Rao for transferring joint director</a> A K Sharma who was probing the Bihar shelter home case. The top court said additional director Nageswara Rao was aware of apex court directions that CBI officer cannot be transferred without its consent.&nbsp;

"If this is not contempt of court then what is, the top court asked, adding, "his attitude has been, I have done what I had to do."

Supreme Court said Nageswara Rao and CBI legal officer had committed contempt of court.

"Go to one corner of court and sit down till the court rises," Supreme Court told Rao and DoP Dhansu Ram.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Rao's defence, Attorney General&nbsp;Venugopal said&nbsp;Nageswara Rao has put himself at the mercy of the court and has had an unblemished career as a police officer.

Rao on Monday had admitted that as interim chief of the CBI he had committed a "mistake" in transferring Sharma and apologised to the top court, saying he had no intention to circumvent its orders.

Rao had filed an affidavit in response to the contempt notice issued to him on February 7th.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi had asked for his "unconditional apology" and detailed affidavit after he transferred former joint director AK Sharma who was probing the Bihar shelter home sexual abuse case.

In the last hearing, CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said: “We are going to take it very very seriously. You have played with the order of the Supreme Court of India. God help you! Never play with SC’s order”. 
&nbsp; 
“I don’t think any of us have felt the need (talks about fellow judges) to invoke our authority for contempt. I believe that the dignity of the court has to be maintained. This is blatant!”, CJI Gogoi said, adding,"this is suo moto contempt against Nageshwar Rao. The charge against him he did not withstand the orders of this court.”&nbsp;

Supreme Court today rejected former CBI interim chief M Nageswara Rao's "unqualified" and "unconditional apology" in the Bihar shelter home case. India's top court sentenced Rao till the rising of court and imposed fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Supreme Court today rejected former CBI interim chief M Nageswara Rao's "unqualified" and "unconditional apology" in the Bihar shelter home case. India's top court sentenced Rao till the rising of court and imposed fine of Rs 1 lakh. The court had issued the notice to Rao for transferring joint director A K Sharma who was probing the Bihar shelter home case. The top court said additional director Nageswara Rao was aware of apex court directions that CBI officer cannot be transferred without its consent. "If this is not contempt of court then what is, the top court asked, adding, "his attitude has been, I have done what I had to do." Supreme Court said Nageswara Rao and CBI legal officer had committed contempt of court. "Go to one corner of court and sit down till the court rises," Supreme Court told Rao and DoP Dhansu Ram. In Rao's defence, Attorney General Venugopal said Nageswara Rao has put himself at the mercy of the court and has had an unblemished career as a police officer. Rao on Monday had admitted that as interim chief of the CBI he had committed a "mistake" in transferring Sharma and apologised to the top court, saying he had no intention to circumvent its orders. Rao had filed an affidavit in response to the contempt notice issued to him on February 7th. CJI Ranjan Gogoi had asked for his "unconditional apology" and detailed affidavit after he transferred former joint director AK Sharma who was probing the Bihar shelter home sexual abuse case. In the last hearing, CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said: “We are going to take it very very seriously. You have played with the order of the Supreme Court of India. God help you! Never play with SC’s order”. “I don’t think any of us have felt the need (talks about fellow judges) to invoke our authority for contempt. I believe that the dignity of the court has to be maintained. This is blatant!”, CJI Gogoi said, adding,"this is suo moto contempt against Nageshwar Rao. The charge against him he did not withstand the orders of this court.”

Supreme Court holds CBI ex-interim director Nageswara Rao guilty of contempt; fines Rs 1 lakh

A terrorist and an army jawan were killed while another soldier was injured in an encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday, police sources said.

"One militant has been killed in an ongoing operation in Ratnipora area of Pulwama," the sources said.

They said an armyman also lost his life in the encounter, while another soldier was injured.

The injured soldier has been taken to a hospital for treatment, the sources said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ratnipora area in south Kashmir during the night following specific information about the presence of militants there.

The search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired on the forces who retaliated.

The operation is on and further details were awaited.&nbsp;

A terrorist and an army jawan were killed while another soldier was injured in an encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday, police sources said.

A terrorist and an army jawan were killed while another soldier was injured in an encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday, police sources said. "One militant has been killed in an ongoing operation in Ratnipora area of Pulwama," the sources said. They said an armyman also lost his life in the encounter, while another soldier was injured. The injured soldier has been taken to a hospital for treatment, the sources said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ratnipora area in south Kashmir during the night following specific information about the presence of militants there. The search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired on the forces who retaliated. The operation is on and further details were awaited.

Terrorist, soldier killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama; encounter underway

The Centre is slated to present the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

The Northeast fears the bill will lead to a further influx of Bangladeshi migrants, which is why the opposition to the bill. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha - or lower house of Indian Parliament - in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states.

The Northeast state governments have been opposing the bill since its passage from the lower house of Parliament.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said&nbsp;that his government would leave no stone unturned to constantly protect the rights and privileges of the people.

He further said that the state government, which represents the will and desire of the people, remains opposed to the bill that seeks to remove hurdles for eligible migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in getting Indian citizenship.&nbsp;

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu who had been defending the bill initially changed his stance on Monday.

He along with his&nbsp;Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Monday to apprise him about the prevailing situation in their respective states in particular and in the Northeast following the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Lok Sabha on January 8.

MNF leader and Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that the ruling party would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) if the Bill is passed.

State BJP chief John V Hluna also warned that the state unit of the saffron party would be dissolved if the central leadership goes ahead with the proposed amendment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Centre is slated to present the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

The Centre is slated to present the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. The Northeast fears the bill will lead to a further influx of Bangladeshi migrants, which is why the opposition to the bill. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha - or lower house of Indian Parliament - in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states. The Northeast state governments have been opposing the bill since its passage from the lower house of Parliament. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that his government would leave no stone unturned to constantly protect the rights and privileges of the people. He further said that the state government, which represents the will and desire of the people, remains opposed to the bill that seeks to remove hurdles for eligible migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan in getting Indian citizenship. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu who had been defending the bill initially changed his stance on Monday. He along with his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Monday to apprise him about the prevailing situation in their respective states in particular and in the Northeast following the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Lok Sabha on January 8. MNF leader and Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that the ruling party would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) if the Bill is passed. State BJP chief John V Hluna also warned that the state unit of the saffron party would be dissolved if the central leadership goes ahead with the proposed amendment. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid massive outrage in Northeast, Citizenship bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today

Bhupen Hazarika's son has reportedly turned down the Bharat Ratna given to the renowned Assamese singer over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. &nbsp;

News reports Monday quoted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-ratna-for-bhupen-hazarika-a-victory-for-humanity-diversity-tej-hazarika-193299">Tej Hazarika</a>, Bhupen Hazarika's son, as telling an Assamese television news channel that he would not be accepting the Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

The news reports quoted Tej as saying he was not accepting the award because of the current situation in the state,&nbsp;an allusion to the current unrest in the region over the Citizenship Amendment Bill.&nbsp;

Hazarika died in 2011. The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was given to him this year on Republic Day.&nbsp;

"It is his (Tej's) decision, not mine," ANI quoted Bhupen Hazarika's brother Samar as saying. "Anyway, I think he (Bhupen) should get it. It is already too late."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Samar Hazarika, late Singer composer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhupenHazarika?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhupenHazarika</a>'s brother on reports that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhupenHazarika?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhupenHazarika</a>'s son Tej has refused to accept Bharat Ratan for Bhupen Hazarika: It is his decision, not mine. Anyway, I think he (Bhupen) should get it. It is already too late. <a href="https://t.co/3YW1ikldsb">pic.twitter.com/3YW1ikldsb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095013972409868288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has caused a massive uproar in the Northeast.&nbsp;

The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

The Northeast fears the bill will lead to a further influx of Bangladeshi migrants, which is why the opposition to the bill. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is currently pending in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

Bhupen Hazarika's son has reportedly turned down the Bharat Ratna given to the renowned Assamese singer over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. News reports Monday quoted Tej Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika's son, as telling an Assamese television news channel that he would not be accepting the Bharat Ratna.

Bhupen Hazarika's son has reportedly turned down the Bharat Ratna given to the renowned Assamese singer over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. News reports Monday quoted Tej Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika's son, as telling an Assamese television news channel that he would not be accepting the Bharat Ratna. The news reports quoted Tej as saying he was not accepting the award because of the current situation in the state, an allusion to the current unrest in the region over the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Hazarika died in 2011. The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was given to him this year on Republic Day. "It is his (Tej's) decision, not mine," ANI quoted Bhupen Hazarika's brother Samar as saying. "Anyway, I think he (Bhupen) should get it. It is already too late." Samar Hazarika, late Singer composer #BhupenHazarika's brother on reports that #BhupenHazarika's son Tej has refused to accept Bharat Ratan for Bhupen Hazarika: It is his decision, not mine. Anyway, I think he (Bhupen) should get it. It is already too late. pic.twitter.com/3YW1ikldsb — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has caused a massive uproar in the Northeast. The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. The Northeast fears the bill will lead to a further influx of Bangladeshi migrants, which is why the opposition to the bill. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, leading to raging protests in the northeastern states. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is currently pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Bhupen Hazarika's family turns down Bharat Ratna over Citizenship Amendment Bill: Reports

The Delhi Police arrested the general manager and a manager of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-that-killed-17-emergency-exit-was-locked-says-union-minister-kj-alphons-196987">Hotel Arpit Palace</a>, where a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-people-jumped-to-save-themselves-but-to-their-deaths-196943">massive fire </a>killed 17 people on Tuesday, an officer said.

The hotel's general manager, Rajender, and manager, Vikas, have been arrested for culpable homicide, DCP (central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa said.

The case has been registered under sector section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Conviction under both the sections leads to seven years of imprisonment, the officials said.

The hotel owner, Shardendu Goel, is absconding after the incident.

Randhawa said the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch.

The Delhi Police arrested the general manager and a manager of Hotel Arpit Palace, where a massive fire killed 17 people on Tuesday, an officer said. The hotel's general manager, Rajender, and manager, Vikas, have been arrested for culpable homicide, DCP (central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa said.

The Delhi Police arrested the general manager and a manager of Hotel Arpit Palace, where a massive fire killed 17 people on Tuesday, an officer said. The hotel's general manager, Rajender, and manager, Vikas, have been arrested for culpable homicide, DCP (central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa said. The case has been registered under sector section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Conviction under both the sections leads to seven years of imprisonment, the officials said. The hotel owner, Shardendu Goel, is absconding after the incident. Randhawa said the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch.

Delhi hotel fire: Police arrest managers, hunt for absconding owner

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the&nbsp;portrait of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-atal-bihari-vajpayees-government-went-about-pokhran-ii----136003">former prime&nbsp;minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Atal Ji had a long political career, a large part of that career was spent in opposition. Yet, he continued raising issues of public interest and never ever deviated from his ideology".

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will be remembered because there was criticism in his words for opposition but in his heart, there was no anger against opposition".

The portrait had been prepared by the renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament's portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting.

Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">passed away on August 16, 2018</a>, after a prolonged illness.

The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former prime&nbsp;ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-releases-rs-100-commemorative-coin-in-memory-of-atal-bihari-vajpayee-186141">commemorative coin in memory of the late leader</a> on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers.

The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the portrait of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi. The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the portrait of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi. The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Atal Ji had a long political career, a large part of that career was spent in opposition. Yet, he continued raising issues of public interest and never ever deviated from his ideology". Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will be remembered because there was criticism in his words for opposition but in his heart, there was no anger against opposition". The portrait had been prepared by the renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament's portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting. Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers. The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages. (With inputs from agencies)

Portrait of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiled in Parliament

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

The <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/bikaner-land-scam-robert-vadra-mother-to-appear-before-ed-in-jaipur-196687">mother-son duo </a>arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law.

Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after.

On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm.

In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest.

A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers.

It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions.

It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range.

The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security. The mother-son duo arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law. Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after. On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm. In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest. A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers. It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions. It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range. The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.

Bikaner land scam: Robert Vadra, mother Maureen Vadra appear before ED in Jaipur

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