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JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-we-can-together-start-a-new-kind-of-politics-priyanka-gandhi-says-on-lucknow-road-show-196688">induction in the Congress</a> will not impact the forthcoming general elections.

He said Priyanka Gandhi is not a big challenge while adding that to create an impact one needs time and that nobody had a "magic wand" which could perform a miracle for the Congress party.

Addressing the media here, Kishor said, “She is just starting, nobody has a magic wand. I don't see her as a big challenge in the short run, not because she lacks capability but because it's hard to make an impact in a short time. In long run, she is a big face and name.”

The newly-appointed Congress general secretary for East Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka on Monday, made her much-awaited political debut by holding a mega road show along with brother and party president Rahul Gandhi in Lucknow. Her fellow UP in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the event.

Priyanka was given charge of Uttar Pradesh east as Congress party’s general secretary on January 23.

JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated induction in the Congress will not impact the forthcoming general elections.

JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated induction in the Congress will not impact the forthcoming general elections. He said Priyanka Gandhi is not a big challenge while adding that to create an impact one needs time and that nobody had a "magic wand" which could perform a miracle for the Congress party. Addressing the media here, Kishor said, “She is just starting, nobody has a magic wand. I don't see her as a big challenge in the short run, not because she lacks capability but because it's hard to make an impact in a short time. In long run, she is a big face and name.” The newly-appointed Congress general secretary for East Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka on Monday, made her much-awaited political debut by holding a mega road show along with brother and party president Rahul Gandhi in Lucknow. Her fellow UP in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the event. Priyanka was given charge of Uttar Pradesh east as Congress party’s general secretary on January 23.

Nobody has a magic wand: Prashant Kishor on Priyanka Gandhi's impact on Lok Sabha polls

India and Pakistan will fight it out on Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International court of justice (ICJ) next week. The oral hearing will take place for 4 days starting from February 18 and will end on February 21.&nbsp;

The first round of oral argument will be made by India on February 18 followed by Pakistan on February 19.

The second round of oral argument will take place on February 20 again beginning with India and then Pakistan on February 21.

Kulbhushan Jadhav was an Indian national who was abducted by Pakistani spy agency ISI--Inter-Services Intelligence from Iran and later a Pakistani military court announced that he will be hanged alleging that he is a spy.&nbsp;

India has been demanding consular access of Jadhav since March 25, 2016, when the High Commission of India in Islamabad was first informed of his custody with Pakistan authorities. Islamabad has refused to provide consular access to Jadhav so far.&nbsp;

India went to the world court on May 8, 2017, and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

On May 18 2017, the ICJ delivered its Order asking Pakistan to not go ahead with the execution. The order said, "Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Mr Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the Court of all the measures taken in implementation of the present Order."

India in its application has asked ICJ for suspending the death sentence. On December 25 2017, Pakistan allowed Kulbhushan's mother and wife to meet him in Islamabad, an event that became a media circus with Pakistani foreign ministry even removing footwears and Mangalsutra of Kulbhushan's wife.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case timeline:&nbsp;

March 25 2016: India informed about the custody of Kulbhushan&nbsp;

April 10 2017: &nbsp;Awarded death sentence by Pakistan Military Court.

May 8 &nbsp;2017: India approaches International Court of Justice (ICJ)&nbsp;

May 9 2017: ICJ Stays execution

May 15 2017: Oral hearing

May 18 2017: World Court delivered its order

December 25 2017: Mother and wife visited Islamabad to meet him

December 28 &nbsp;2017: EAM Sushma Swaraj briefs the Parliament about the meet

India and Pakistan will fight it out on Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International court of justice (ICJ) next week. The oral hearing will take place for 4 days starting from February 18 and will end on February 21.

India and Pakistan will fight it out on Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International court of justice (ICJ) next week. The oral hearing will take place for 4 days starting from February 18 and will end on February 21. The first round of oral argument will be made by India on February 18 followed by Pakistan on February 19. The second round of oral argument will take place on February 20 again beginning with India and then Pakistan on February 21. Kulbhushan Jadhav was an Indian national who was abducted by Pakistani spy agency ISI--Inter-Services Intelligence from Iran and later a Pakistani military court announced that he will be hanged alleging that he is a spy. India has been demanding consular access of Jadhav since March 25, 2016, when the High Commission of India in Islamabad was first informed of his custody with Pakistan authorities. Islamabad has refused to provide consular access to Jadhav so far. India went to the world court on May 8, 2017, and filed a case against Pakistan for “for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging. On May 18 2017, the ICJ delivered its Order asking Pakistan to not go ahead with the execution. The order said, "Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Mr Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the Court of all the measures taken in implementation of the present Order." India in its application has asked ICJ for suspending the death sentence. On December 25 2017, Pakistan allowed Kulbhushan's mother and wife to meet him in Islamabad, an event that became a media circus with Pakistani foreign ministry even removing footwears and Mangalsutra of Kulbhushan's wife. Kulbhushan Jadhav case timeline: March 25 2016: India informed about the custody of Kulbhushan April 10 2017: Awarded death sentence by Pakistan Military Court. May 8 2017: India approaches International Court of Justice (ICJ) May 9 2017: ICJ Stays execution May 15 2017: Oral hearing May 18 2017: World Court delivered its order December 25 2017: Mother and wife visited Islamabad to meet him December 28 2017: EAM Sushma Swaraj briefs the Parliament about the meet

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: International Court of Justice to hold four-day public hearing from February 18 to 21

On day one, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh</a>. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Priyanka added that she had enjoyed organisational work since childhood since she had been involved with Amethi and Rai Bareilly for a long time and would now bring that experience to reviving the party in the state. By saying this, Priyanka sent out the clear signal to party leaders that she is here to stay in Uttar Pradesh, which Rahul Gandhi could not do despite his intense engagement with UP politics both in the 2007 and 2012 assembly elections.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had mentioned this in his speech on Monday, which Priyanka vociferously emphasised during the closed-door interaction.&nbsp;

This becomes important in the context of the statement by former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. He categorically denied the possibility of giving the Congress any more seats in Uttar Pradesh, saying, "Congress is part of SP-BSP alliance as we have already left Rai Bareilly and Amethi to them.”

Priyanka also told party workers that once she takes a call on the Congress' Lok Sabha candidates, factional fights should not break out in the unit.&nbsp;

She also took suggestions as to who should be the party's state president. (Raj Babbar currently holds the post.) She also enquired into the office bearers' knowledge of their constituencies. They were asked about the number of booths in their area; some of them could not answer the question.&nbsp;

Priyanka also sought opinions on issues that she should raise before the elections, and on probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. She also enquired into programmes that Congress units had organised last year and what more needs to be done at the local level.

People who attended the meeting told WION that Priyanka took copious notes and entertained group photographs after each session.&nbsp;

Jyotiraditya Scindia met separately with office bearers in the same building. He is in charge of 38 Lok Sabha seats while Priyanka is overseeing 42. The closed meetings are expected to last till the evening of February 14 after which Priyanka will close the first leg of her Uttar Pradesh tour.&nbsp;

The biggest challenge for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the shortlisting of candidates for the upcoming general elections. On the other hand, there exists a possibility of the Congress accommodating smaller parties to strengthen its position in certain constituencies. A proposal has been sent to Priyanka but she has not taken a call to proceed on the offer.&nbsp;

The Congress has been out of power in Uttar Pradesh for the past 30 years.

On day one, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections.

On day one, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka added that she had enjoyed organisational work since childhood since she had been involved with Amethi and Rai Bareilly for a long time and would now bring that experience to reviving the party in the state. By saying this, Priyanka sent out the clear signal to party leaders that she is here to stay in Uttar Pradesh, which Rahul Gandhi could not do despite his intense engagement with UP politics both in the 2007 and 2012 assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi had mentioned this in his speech on Monday, which Priyanka vociferously emphasised during the closed-door interaction. This becomes important in the context of the statement by former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. He categorically denied the possibility of giving the Congress any more seats in Uttar Pradesh, saying, "Congress is part of SP-BSP alliance as we have already left Rai Bareilly and Amethi to them.” Priyanka also told party workers that once she takes a call on the Congress' Lok Sabha candidates, factional fights should not break out in the unit. She also took suggestions as to who should be the party's state president. (Raj Babbar currently holds the post.) She also enquired into the office bearers' knowledge of their constituencies. They were asked about the number of booths in their area; some of them could not answer the question. Priyanka also sought opinions on issues that she should raise before the elections, and on probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. She also enquired into programmes that Congress units had organised last year and what more needs to be done at the local level. People who attended the meeting told WION that Priyanka took copious notes and entertained group photographs after each session. Jyotiraditya Scindia met separately with office bearers in the same building. He is in charge of 38 Lok Sabha seats while Priyanka is overseeing 42. The closed meetings are expected to last till the evening of February 14 after which Priyanka will close the first leg of her Uttar Pradesh tour. The biggest challenge for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the shortlisting of candidates for the upcoming general elections. On the other hand, there exists a possibility of the Congress accommodating smaller parties to strengthen its position in certain constituencies. A proposal has been sent to Priyanka but she has not taken a call to proceed on the offer. The Congress has been out of power in Uttar Pradesh for the past 30 years.

My final goal is the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Pollution levels in the national capital shot up on Tuesday as wind speed dropped to zero, while fog disrupted rail services in the region.

According to the Centre-run SAFAR, air quality index (AQI) was docking at 314 in the morning which falls in the 'very poor'&nbsp;category.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 315 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor'&nbsp;category at 337. Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 272, 328 and 470, respectively.

AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor'&nbsp;and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'.

Meanwhile, the Indian Railways said as many as 18 trains coming towards Delhi are running late due to low visibility on the railway tracks.

Overcast skies prevailed in Delhi with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 9-degree Celsius and 23 Degree Celsius, respectively.

The relative humidity will be around 57 per cent for the entire day, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The organisation has further predicted cloudy skies across the capital on Wednesday with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 9 Degree Celsius and 24 Degree Celsius.

SAFAR in its advisory has stated that Delhiites must avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

As per a UNICEF report titled Clean the air with children, the experts have found that the increasing menace of air pollution causes miscarriages, early delivery and, low birth weight.

It also contributes to diseases that account for almost 1 in 10 of all deaths of children under the age of five.

The organisation also stated that it can harm the healthy development of children's brains and can also drag on economies and societies, already costing as much as 0.3 per cent of global GDP- and rising.

"Children breathe twice as quickly as adults and take in more air relative to their body weight. the respiratory tracks are more permeable and thus more vulnerable. Their immune systems are weaker. Their brains are still developing," the UNICEF report read.&nbsp;

Pollution levels in the national capital shot up on Tuesday as wind speed dropped to zero, while fog disrupted rail services in the region. According to the Centre-run SAFAR, air quality index (AQI) was docking at 314 in the morning which falls in the 'very poor' category.

Pollution levels in the national capital shot up on Tuesday as wind speed dropped to zero, while fog disrupted rail services in the region. According to the Centre-run SAFAR, air quality index (AQI) was docking at 314 in the morning which falls in the 'very poor' category. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 315 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 337. Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 272, 328 and 470, respectively. AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways said as many as 18 trains coming towards Delhi are running late due to low visibility on the railway tracks. Overcast skies prevailed in Delhi with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 9-degree Celsius and 23 Degree Celsius, respectively. The relative humidity will be around 57 per cent for the entire day, according to the India Meteorological Department. The organisation has further predicted cloudy skies across the capital on Wednesday with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering at 9 Degree Celsius and 24 Degree Celsius. SAFAR in its advisory has stated that Delhiites must avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. As per a UNICEF report titled Clean the air with children, the experts have found that the increasing menace of air pollution causes miscarriages, early delivery and, low birth weight. It also contributes to diseases that account for almost 1 in 10 of all deaths of children under the age of five. The organisation also stated that it can harm the healthy development of children's brains and can also drag on economies and societies, already costing as much as 0.3 per cent of global GDP- and rising. "Children breathe twice as quickly as adults and take in more air relative to their body weight. the respiratory tracks are more permeable and thus more vulnerable. Their immune systems are weaker. Their brains are still developing," the UNICEF report read.

Delhi's air pollution spikes, fog disrupts rail services

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday.

J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too. They have named another accused in the case, further investigation is underway."

Earlier on Monday, the Haridwar police had arrested the prime accused Sardar Hardev and his son Sukka in Jhabrera in connection with the deaths that occurred due to consumption of illicit liquor in Uttarkhand`s Roorkee.

DG Law and Order Ashok Kumar told ANI that so far four people have been arrested in the region.

Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of more than 70 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions.

Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with hooch tragedy in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday.

The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday. J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too.

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday. J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too. They have named another accused in the case, further investigation is underway." Earlier on Monday, the Haridwar police had arrested the prime accused Sardar Hardev and his son Sukka in Jhabrera in connection with the deaths that occurred due to consumption of illicit liquor in Uttarkhand`s Roorkee. DG Law and Order Ashok Kumar told ANI that so far four people have been arrested in the region. Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of more than 70 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions. Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with hooch tragedy in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday. The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

Uttrakhand: 2 held in Roorkee in Hooch tragedy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/if-huawei-is-co-located-with-american-systems-it-would-be-difficult-for-us-to-partner-pompeo-to-hungary-196791">If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary</a>

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence.

Pompeo was particularly insistent on Hungry not allowing Chinese telecom giant Huawei access to 5G network.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800">Delhi: 9 dead as fire breaks out in Karol Bagh hotel</a>

At least nine people died in a massive fire that broke out in Delhi's Karol Bagh Hotel Arpit Palace early Tuesday morning.

While many others were feared trapped inside the hotel, the authorities rescued around 25 people from the site.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783">It's up to Democrats if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783"> shuts again: Trump</a>

The President of the United States, said Monday that it depends on the Democrats whether there will be a partial government shutdown again this weekend due to lack of funds, as he began a visit to the border with Mexico to continue his campaign in favour of the construction of a wall there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-cabinet-ministers-believe-pm-may-preparing-to-resign-report-196794">British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report</a>

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">Footballer Emiliano Sala killed by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">head</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">, trunk injuries: Inquest</a>

Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala died of "head and trunk injuries", an inquest in England heard Monday as it began to examine his death in a plane crash in the sea.

If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence.

If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence. Pompeo was particularly insistent on Hungry not allowing Chinese telecom giant Huawei access to 5G network. Delhi: 9 dead as fire breaks out in Karol Bagh hotel At least nine people died in a massive fire that broke out in Delhi's Karol Bagh Hotel Arpit Palace early Tuesday morning. While many others were feared trapped inside the hotel, the authorities rescued around 25 people from the site. It's up to Democrats if government shuts again: Trump The President of the United States, said Monday that it depends on the Democrats whether there will be a partial government shutdown again this weekend due to lack of funds, as he began a visit to the border with Mexico to continue his campaign in favour of the construction of a wall there. British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported. Footballer Emiliano Sala killed by head, trunk injuries: Inquest Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala died of "head and trunk injuries", an inquest in England heard Monday as it began to examine his death in a plane crash in the sea.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer.&nbsp;

All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract.&nbsp;

The deal is for 72,400 rifles and will cost around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route.&nbsp;

According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing".

This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization.

The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions.

Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000.

The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs.&nbsp;

Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India.&nbsp;

These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters.

The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India.

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer. All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract.

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer. All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract. The deal is for 72,400 rifles and will cost around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route. According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing". This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization. The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions. Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000. The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs. Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India. These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters. The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India.

To modernise army's weaponry, India buys 72,400 Sig Sauer rifles

Union minister KJ Alphons has said the emergency exit of the Arpit Palace Hotel, which caught fire early Tuesday morning, leading to the deaths of at least 17 people, was locked.&nbsp;

Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, visited the accident site on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“When I headed to the emergency exit, I found that it had been locked yesterday (last night). Also, it was too narrow,” he told reporters there.

“Obviously, even if people came to the emergency exit, they could not have escaped as it was too narrow and it was locked anyway,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-people-jumped-to-save-themselves-but-to-their-deaths-196943">The hotel was allegedly flouting other norms too</a>, including running a makeshift restaurant on the rooftop.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the fire.&nbsp;

Suggesting that a short-circuit may have led to the incident, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) officials said as per the records, the building had faced "intermittent partial demolition" or other civic action under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act from mid-June 1993 to January 1994, for unauthorised constructions.

Officials said the report of the probe is expected to come in three days.

"A probe has been ordered and its report is expected in three days. The probe will seek to find if there were any lapses from the civic officials' end, or Delhi Fire department's end and also talk about ensuring that such incidents do not recur," North Delhi Mayor Adesh Gupta said.

Action will be taken against civic employees if they are found guilty of committing any lapses, he said.&nbsp;

As per the preliminary NDMC report, the fire&nbsp;initially broke out on the second floor of the building.

"As per preliminary information gathered from the site, it reveals that the incidence of fire occurred on the second floor around 3.30 am today due to short-circuit," a senior official said.&nbsp;

The hotel was first granted a licence in October 2005 and was renewed every year. The last licence renewal was done on May 25, 2018, which is valid till March 31, the official said.

"However, no unauthorised construction has been reported in the recent past. The entire structure is under protection within the provisions of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act," the official said.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions until December 31, 2020. The immunity under the existing Bill ends on December 31.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Union minister KJ Alphons has said the emergency exit of the Arpit Palace Hotel, which caught fire early Tuesday morning, leading to the deaths of at least 17 people, was locked.

Union minister KJ Alphons has said the emergency exit of the Arpit Palace Hotel, which caught fire early Tuesday morning, leading to the deaths of at least 17 people, was locked. Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, visited the accident site on Tuesday. “When I headed to the emergency exit, I found that it had been locked yesterday (last night). Also, it was too narrow,” he told reporters there. “Obviously, even if people came to the emergency exit, they could not have escaped as it was too narrow and it was locked anyway,” he added. The hotel was allegedly flouting other norms too, including running a makeshift restaurant on the rooftop. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the fire. Suggesting that a short-circuit may have led to the incident, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) officials said as per the records, the building had faced "intermittent partial demolition" or other civic action under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act from mid-June 1993 to January 1994, for unauthorised constructions. Officials said the report of the probe is expected to come in three days. "A probe has been ordered and its report is expected in three days. The probe will seek to find if there were any lapses from the civic officials' end, or Delhi Fire department's end and also talk about ensuring that such incidents do not recur," North Delhi Mayor Adesh Gupta said. Action will be taken against civic employees if they are found guilty of committing any lapses, he said. As per the preliminary NDMC report, the fire initially broke out on the second floor of the building. "As per preliminary information gathered from the site, it reveals that the incidence of fire occurred on the second floor around 3.30 am today due to short-circuit," a senior official said. The hotel was first granted a licence in October 2005 and was renewed every year. The last licence renewal was done on May 25, 2018, which is valid till March 31, the official said. "However, no unauthorised construction has been reported in the recent past. The entire structure is under protection within the provisions of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act," the official said. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions until December 31, 2020. The immunity under the existing Bill ends on December 31. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi hotel fire that killed 17: Emergency exit was locked, says union minister KJ Alphons

An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-27 aircraft on Tuesday evening crashed near Pokhran in Rajasthan, officials said.&nbsp;

"A MIG 27 aircraft airborne from Jaisalmer crashed during a routine mission today evening. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident," Defence spokesperson Colonel Sombit Ghosh said.

The aircraft had taken off from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and crashed near the Pokhran around 6.10 pm.&nbsp;

The plane was airborne on a training mission from Jaisalmer.

"No casualty has been reported so far," a police official&nbsp;said.

An IAF spokesman said a court of inquiry would probe the cause of the accident.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-27 aircraft on Tuesday evening crashed near Pokhran in Rajasthan, officials said. "A MIG 27 aircraft airborne from Jaisalmer crashed during a routine mission today evening.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-27 aircraft on Tuesday evening crashed near Pokhran in Rajasthan, officials said. "A MIG 27 aircraft airborne from Jaisalmer crashed during a routine mission today evening. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident," Defence spokesperson Colonel Sombit Ghosh said. The aircraft had taken off from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and crashed near the Pokhran around 6.10 pm. The plane was airborne on a training mission from Jaisalmer. "No casualty has been reported so far," a police official said. An IAF spokesman said a court of inquiry would probe the cause of the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

MiG-27 aircraft on training mission crashes near Pokhran, pilot ejects safely

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

The agreement introduces a liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals who want to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes and vice versa. The agreement also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes.&nbsp;

The agreement will be effective from March 11, 2019, after, "all formalities including information being provided to all Immigration Offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed,"&nbsp;the MEA noted in its release.&nbsp;

Diplomatic Notes are exchanged after the Cabinet's approval and President's signature.

The Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-president-solihs-visit-maldives-resets-india-first-policy-india-reciprocates-with-14-bn-aid-package-184877">Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih's visit to India</a> on December 17, 2018. During the visit, President Solih had said that the agreement will facilitate many Maldivians who send their children for education to India. It will also facilitate easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment.

Indians form the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people living in the island nation. The Indian community is also crucial to the Maldivian economy, consisting of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians.&nbsp;

Around 25 per cent of teachers in the island country is from India.

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement. The agreement introduces a liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals who want to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes and vice versa. The agreement also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes. The agreement will be effective from March 11, 2019, after, "all formalities including information being provided to all Immigration Offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed," the MEA noted in its release. Diplomatic Notes are exchanged after the Cabinet's approval and President's signature. The Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed during the Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih's visit to India on December 17, 2018. During the visit, President Solih had said that the agreement will facilitate many Maldivians who send their children for education to India. It will also facilitate easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment. Indians form the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people living in the island nation. The Indian community is also crucial to the Maldivian economy, consisting of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians. Around 25 per cent of teachers in the island country is from India.

India, Maldives to implement liberalised visa regime

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-modi-government-followed-upas-policy-on-inter-governmental-agreements-196598">Rafale jet fighter deal</a>, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said.

The government's decision to buy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-should-answer-if-rafale-deal-meant-to-strengthen-iaf-or-industrialist-shiv-sena-196220">36 Rafale fighter jets</a> 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 CAG report will be tabled on Tuesday, a day before the end of the present Lok Sabha session. This is the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha as the general elections are due in April-May.

Former minister and senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged conflict of interest and asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi to recuse himself from auditing the deal as he was the finance secretary when the deal was negotiated.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley, however, rebutted the claims of Sibal saying that the Congress was casting aspersions on the institution of CAG based on "falsehood".

"Another attack on the institution of CAG by the 'Institution wreckers' based on falsehood. After ten years in Government former UPA ministers still don't know that Finance Secretary is only a designation given to the senior-most secretary in the finance ministry," Jaitley said a series of tweets Sunday.

Sibal said Mehrishi was the finance secretary from October 24, 2014, to August 30, 2015, and in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Paris on April 10, 2015 and announced the signing of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-based-on-fudged-arithmetic-jaitley-dismisses-report-of-rafale-price-escalation-191327">Rafale deal</a>.

"...Finance Ministry plays an important role in these negotiations...Now it is clear that the Rafale deal happened under Rajiv Mehrishi. Now he is CAG. We met him twice on September 19 and October 4, 2018. We told him about the scam. We told him that the deal should be probed because it is corrupt. But how can he initiate a probe against himself," Sibal had said.

The Rafale issue was 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.

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on Rafale jet fighter deal, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said.

The government is scheduled to table the CAG report on Rafale jet fighter deal, which has generated a massive political controversy, in Parliament Tuesday, sources said. 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 CAG report will be tabled on Tuesday, a day before the end of the present Lok Sabha session. This is the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha as the general elections are due in April-May. Former minister and senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged conflict of interest and asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi to recuse himself from auditing the deal as he was the finance secretary when the deal was negotiated. Union Minister Arun Jaitley, however, rebutted the claims of Sibal saying that the Congress was casting aspersions on the institution of CAG based on "falsehood". "Another attack on the institution of CAG by the 'Institution wreckers' based on falsehood. After ten years in Government former UPA ministers still don't know that Finance Secretary is only a designation given to the senior-most secretary in the finance ministry," Jaitley said a series of tweets Sunday. Sibal said Mehrishi was the finance secretary from October 24, 2014, to August 30, 2015, and in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Paris on April 10, 2015 and announced the signing of the Rafale deal. "...Finance Ministry plays an important role in these negotiations...Now it is clear that the Rafale deal happened under Rajiv Mehrishi. Now he is CAG. We met him twice on September 19 and October 4, 2018. We told him about the scam. We told him that the deal should be probed because it is corrupt. But how can he initiate a probe against himself," Sibal had said. The Rafale issue was 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.

Government to table CAG report on Rafale deal in Parliament Tuesday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-has-made-indias-unipolar-politics-bipolar-says-union-minister-rajnath-singh-196285">Union Minister Rajnath Singh </a>on Monday denounced Congress president Rahul Gandhi's persistent 'chowkidar chor hai'&nbsp;jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and coined a rhyming slogan in his defence.

While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, Singh said that the Prime Minister is not a "chor" (thief) but "pure and that he is the only "cure" for country.

Addressing a gathering here, he said, “Main kehna chahta hoon chowkidaar chor nahi hai, balki hamara chowkidaar pure hai. Agli baar usko PM banna sure hai, aur yahi Bharat ki samasyaon ka cure hai.” (I want to say that our ‘chowkidaar’ is not a thief but is an honest man. He will be the PM for the next time for sure and that is the cure for all problems in India.)

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-committed-to-complete-nrc-within-stipulated-time-rajnath-singh-195425">Singh</a>’s remark comes after Gandhi on Monday continued his "chowkidar chor hai" barb, in a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his party would not sit idle until a government based on Congress ideology is formed in Uttar Pradesh.

Attacking the Prime Minister, Rahul said, "The country's 'chowkidar'&nbsp;looted the people of Uttar Pradesh, the Air Force and others in the country. Chowkidar chor hai!"&nbsp;

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday denounced Congress president Rahul Gandhi's persistent 'chowkidar chor hai' jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and coined a rhyming slogan in his defence.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday denounced Congress president Rahul Gandhi's persistent 'chowkidar chor hai' jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and coined a rhyming slogan in his defence. While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, Singh said that the Prime Minister is not a "chor" (thief) but "pure and that he is the only "cure" for country. Addressing a gathering here, he said, “Main kehna chahta hoon chowkidaar chor nahi hai, balki hamara chowkidaar pure hai. Agli baar usko PM banna sure hai, aur yahi Bharat ki samasyaon ka cure hai.” (I want to say that our ‘chowkidaar’ is not a thief but is an honest man. He will be the PM for the next time for sure and that is the cure for all problems in India.) Singh’s remark comes after Gandhi on Monday continued his "chowkidar chor hai" barb, in a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his party would not sit idle until a government based on Congress ideology is formed in Uttar Pradesh. Attacking the Prime Minister, Rahul said, "The country's 'chowkidar' looted the people of Uttar Pradesh, the Air Force and others in the country. Chowkidar chor hai!"

Chowkidar is pure, will become PM for sure: Rajnath Singh

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department.

Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11).

Thirty-six cases were detected positive on Monday in Jaipur, nine in Barmer, four in Jhunjhunu three each in Dausa, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Udaipur, two each in Sikar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Nagaur, Ajmer and Rajsamand, and one each in Bhilwara, Baran, Bharatpur and Alwar.

Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country.

H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.&nbsp;

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department. Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11).

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department. Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11). Thirty-six cases were detected positive on Monday in Jaipur, nine in Barmer, four in Jhunjhunu three each in Dausa, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Udaipur, two each in Sikar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Nagaur, Ajmer and Rajsamand, and one each in Bhilwara, Baran, Bharatpur and Alwar. Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air. The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.

79 fresh cases of Swine flu detected in Rajasthan; death toll touches 112

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/competition-commission-probes-accusations-that-google-abused-android-to-block-its-rivals-sources-196940">India probing if Google used its Android operating system to block rivals: Sources</a>

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-people-jumped-to-save-themselves-but-to-their-deaths-196943">Delhi hotel fire: People jumped to save themselves, but fell to their deaths</a>

People jumped from the top floors of the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh after it caught fire early Tuesday morning, but to their deaths.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-stopped-at-lucknow-airport-alleges-govt-preventing-him-from-visiting-allahabad-196923">Akhilesh Yadav stopped at Lucknow airport, alleges govt preventing him from visiting Allahabad</a> 
 
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/contempt-of-court-ex-cbi-chief-nageswara-rao-leaves-courtroom-after-serving-day-long-sentence-of-confinement-196949">SC allows ex-CBI chief M Nageswara Rao to leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/contempt-of-court-ex-cbi-chief-nageswara-rao-leaves-courtroom-after-serving-day-long-sentence-of-confinement-196949">court</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/contempt-of-court-ex-cbi-chief-nageswara-rao-leaves-courtroom-after-serving-day-long-sentence-of-confinement-196949"> after day-long detention</a> 
 
The Supreme Court has finally allowed former interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao to leave the court after his day-long detention.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-denies-telling-banks-to-stop-working-with-palestinians-196947">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-denies-telling-banks-to-stop-working-with-palestinians-196947"> says it did not tell banks to stop working with Palestinians</a>

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting.

India probing if Google used its Android operating system to block rivals: Sources India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

India probing if Google used its Android operating system to block rivals: Sources India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Delhi hotel fire: People jumped to save themselves, but fell to their deaths People jumped from the top floors of the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh after it caught fire early Tuesday morning, but to their deaths. Akhilesh Yadav stopped at Lucknow airport, alleges govt preventing him from visiting Allahabad Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University. SC allows ex-CBI chief M Nageswara Rao to leave court after day-long detention The Supreme Court has finally allowed former interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao to leave the court after his day-long detention. US says it did not tell banks to stop working with Palestinians The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting.

The BJP Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of working as a "lobbyist" for foreign firms and asserted that the e-mail he cited to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to some chopper deal and not the purchase of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-table-cag-report-on-rafale-deal-in-parliament-tuesday-196795">Rafale fighter jet</a> as the Congress president claimed.

After Gandhi accused Modi of "treason" claiming that businessman Anil Ambani was aware in advance of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-modi-government-followed-upas-policy-on-inter-governmental-agreements-196598">Rafale deal India </a>and France had signed in 2015, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed his charges as "height of shamelessness and irresponsibility" and dubbed him a "lying machine".

The Union minister also put Airbus, whose internal e-mail was cited by the Congress president, in a dock, saying the European aircraft manufacturer is under a needle of suspicion in deals finalised during the previous Congress-led government.

The firm is also linked to a corporate lobbyist, who was recently deported from the UAE and is being probed on money laundering charges, he alleged.

"Let Rahul Gandhi explain where did he get an internal e-mail of Airbus.&nbsp;

Who is supplying him? ...There cannot be a bigger thing than this that he is working as a lobbyist for foreign firms," Prasad said.

He also took strong exception to the Congress leader charging Modi with "treason", saying his party had serious differences with former prime ministers coming from the Gandhi family over several "murky" defence deals signed during their term but it never accused them of treason.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) has thrown muck at his own face by abusing our honest prime minister... We will expose his lies before the public," he said. 
Gandhi has repeatedly levelled allegations against the government over baseless claims, he said.

Earlier Tuesday, Gandhi accused Modi of acting as a "middleman" of Anil Ambani in the Rafale jet deal, as he cited the e-mail to claim the businessman was aware of the MoU before India and France signed it. 
In a scathing counter-attack targeting the Gandhi family, the BJP leader alleged that its members "looted" the country and that both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are on bail in a case of "land grab", a reference to the National Herald case.

When they were in power, they made money by "brokering" deals and have now become a lobbyist for foreign firms for making money, Prasad added.

Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra is facing probe and he has the temerity to question our honest prime minister, he said.

"This is the height of shamelessness and irresponsibility. He called the prime minister traitor. What else we can expect from this lying machine," he said.

To Gandhi's dismissal of the CAG report on the Rafale deal as "Chowkidar auditor general" report, the BJP leader said the Congress has a tendency to target institutions when their stand does not suit them. 
&nbsp;

The BJP Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of working as a "lobbyist" for foreign firms and asserted that the e-mail he cited to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to some chopper deal and not the purchase of Rafale fighter jet as the Congress president claimed.

The BJP Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of working as a "lobbyist" for foreign firms and asserted that the e-mail he cited to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to some chopper deal and not the purchase of Rafale fighter jet as the Congress president claimed. After Gandhi accused Modi of "treason" claiming that businessman Anil Ambani was aware in advance of the Rafale deal India and France had signed in 2015, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed his charges as "height of shamelessness and irresponsibility" and dubbed him a "lying machine". The Union minister also put Airbus, whose internal e-mail was cited by the Congress president, in a dock, saying the European aircraft manufacturer is under a needle of suspicion in deals finalised during the previous Congress-led government. The firm is also linked to a corporate lobbyist, who was recently deported from the UAE and is being probed on money laundering charges, he alleged. "Let Rahul Gandhi explain where did he get an internal e-mail of Airbus. Who is supplying him? ...There cannot be a bigger thing than this that he is working as a lobbyist for foreign firms," Prasad said. He also took strong exception to the Congress leader charging Modi with "treason", saying his party had serious differences with former prime ministers coming from the Gandhi family over several "murky" defence deals signed during their term but it never accused them of treason. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has thrown muck at his own face by abusing our honest prime minister... We will expose his lies before the public," he said. Gandhi has repeatedly levelled allegations against the government over baseless claims, he said. Earlier Tuesday, Gandhi accused Modi of acting as a "middleman" of Anil Ambani in the Rafale jet deal, as he cited the e-mail to claim the businessman was aware of the MoU before India and France signed it. In a scathing counter-attack targeting the Gandhi family, the BJP leader alleged that its members "looted" the country and that both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are on bail in a case of "land grab", a reference to the National Herald case. When they were in power, they made money by "brokering" deals and have now become a lobbyist for foreign firms for making money, Prasad added. Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra is facing probe and he has the temerity to question our honest prime minister, he said. "This is the height of shamelessness and irresponsibility. He called the prime minister traitor. What else we can expect from this lying machine," he said. To Gandhi's dismissal of the CAG report on the Rafale deal as "Chowkidar auditor general" report, the BJP leader said the Congress has a tendency to target institutions when their stand does not suit them.

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of acting as a defence lobbyist

Retail inflation declined marginally to 2.05 per cent in January over the previous month on a continued decline in food prices, including vegetables and eggs, said government data Tuesday.

Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2018 has also been revised downward to 2.11 per cent from the earlier estimate of 2.19 per cent. The inflation was 5.07 per cent in January 2018.

The data released by the Central Statistics Office further said the inflation in the 'fuel and light' category also fell to 2.2 per cent in January this year from 4.54 per cent in December 2018.

The Reserve Bank of India, which reduced the key lending rate by 0.25 per cent last week, mainly factors in CPI-based inflation while arriving at its bi-monthly monetary policy.

The central bank has revised downwards the retail inflation forecast to 2.8 per cent for the last quarter of the current fiscal on account of favourable factors including benign monsoon.

Retail inflation declined marginally to 2.05 per cent in January over the previous month on a continued decline in food prices, including vegetables and eggs, said government data Tuesday.

Retail inflation declined marginally to 2.05 per cent in January over the previous month on a continued decline in food prices, including vegetables and eggs, said government data Tuesday. Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2018 has also been revised downward to 2.11 per cent from the earlier estimate of 2.19 per cent. The inflation was 5.07 per cent in January 2018. The data released by the Central Statistics Office further said the inflation in the 'fuel and light' category also fell to 2.2 per cent in January this year from 4.54 per cent in December 2018. The Reserve Bank of India, which reduced the key lending rate by 0.25 per cent last week, mainly factors in CPI-based inflation while arriving at its bi-monthly monetary policy. The central bank has revised downwards the retail inflation forecast to 2.8 per cent for the last quarter of the current fiscal on account of favourable factors including benign monsoon.

Retail inflation drops to 19-month low in January on falling food prices

The Supreme Court has finally allowed&nbsp;former interim <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-holds-cbi-ex-interim-director-nageswara-rao-guilty-of-contempt-fines-1-lakh-196865">CBI director M Nageswara Rao</a>&nbsp;to leave the court after his day-long detention.

The court had on Tuesday morning found Rao guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him and&nbsp;CBI legal adviser S Bhasuram to a Rs 1 lakh fine and day-long detention in the court.&nbsp;

Rao and&nbsp;S Bhasuram, who also made to serve the day-long detention, had asked the court for permission to leave at 3.40 — but the court said no. They would have to stay till 4 pm, the rising of the court.&nbsp;

The top court responded furiously to the second attempt by Attorney General K K Venugopal, who represented Rao, seeking permission for Rao to leave.

"What's this? Do you want us to sentence him till the rising of the court tomorrow? Go and sit where you were," the CJI said.

The Supreme Court had found Rao them guilty of contempt for willfully disobeying its order by transferring CBI Joint Director AK Sharma, who was probing the Bihar shelter home sexual assault cases, as additional director general of CRPF on January 17.

"In our considered view, it is a case where contempt has been committed by both the then acting CBI Director, M N Rao, and the director prosecution (of the agency)" a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said.

Holding them guilty of contempt of court, the bench, comprising justices LN Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, said, "We could not have done anything else."

It said, "We have heard Rao and Bhasuram for the commission of contempt of court and we impose one lakh fine and sentence them till the rising of the court".

"Go to one corner of the court and sit down till the rising of this court," the CJI had said.

The Supreme Court has finally allowed former interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao to leave the court after his day-long detention. The court had on Tuesday morning found Rao guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him and CBI legal adviser S Bhasuram to a Rs 1 lakh fine and day-long detention in the court.

The Supreme Court has finally allowed former interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao to leave the court after his day-long detention. The court had on Tuesday morning found Rao guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him and CBI legal adviser S Bhasuram to a Rs 1 lakh fine and day-long detention in the court. Rao and S Bhasuram, who also made to serve the day-long detention, had asked the court for permission to leave at 3.40 — but the court said no. They would have to stay till 4 pm, the rising of the court. The top court responded furiously to the second attempt by Attorney General K K Venugopal, who represented Rao, seeking permission for Rao to leave. "What's this? Do you want us to sentence him till the rising of the court tomorrow? Go and sit where you were," the CJI said. The Supreme Court had found Rao them guilty of contempt for willfully disobeying its order by transferring CBI Joint Director AK Sharma, who was probing the Bihar shelter home sexual assault cases, as additional director general of CRPF on January 17. "In our considered view, it is a case where contempt has been committed by both the then acting CBI Director, M N Rao, and the director prosecution (of the agency)" a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said. Holding them guilty of contempt of court, the bench, comprising justices LN Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, said, "We could not have done anything else." It said, "We have heard Rao and Bhasuram for the commission of contempt of court and we impose one lakh fine and sentence them till the rising of the court". "Go to one corner of the court and sit down till the rising of this court," the CJI had said.

SC allows ex-CBI chief M Nageswara Rao to leave court after day-long detention

People jumped from the top floors of the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh after it caught fire early Tuesday morning, but to their deaths.&nbsp;

Different news reports on Tuesday said that as many as four people had died after jumping. At least one of the deaths was caught on eyewitness video.&nbsp;

One news report said two men had jumped. And that officials had identified one of the men as an Indian Revenue Service officer posted in Delhi, and the other as a hotel staffer.&nbsp;

The eyewitness video showed one of the men jumped from the fifth floor of the hotel building.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800">At least 17 people died in the fire</a> which started at around 4.30 am. The fire was finally brought under control by about 7 am after 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. News reports said the fire may have been started by a short circuit.&nbsp;

The five-storey Hotel Arpit Palace, popular with budget travellers, lies on Karol Bagh's Gurudwara Road.&nbsp;

Other reports said a woman and a child had also jumped, again to their deaths.&nbsp;

News reports quoted hotel staff as saying there were 150 guests in the hotel when the fire started.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted a fire official as saying the hotel's corridors&nbsp;were wood-panelled — the hotel was built some 25 years ago — which is why guests were not able to use them to escape.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the site Tuesday and ordered a magisterial enquiry into the fire.&nbsp;

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia meanwhile called off an event, slated for Tuesday evening, celebrating four years of the AAP government in power.&nbsp;

People jumped from the top floors of the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh after it caught fire early Tuesday morning, but to their deaths. Different news reports on Tuesday said that as many as four people had died after jumping.

People jumped from the top floors of the Hotel Arpit Palace in Delhi's Karol Bagh after it caught fire early Tuesday morning, but to their deaths. Different news reports on Tuesday said that as many as four people had died after jumping. At least one of the deaths was caught on eyewitness video. One news report said two men had jumped. And that officials had identified one of the men as an Indian Revenue Service officer posted in Delhi, and the other as a hotel staffer. The eyewitness video showed one of the men jumped from the fifth floor of the hotel building. At least 17 people died in the fire which started at around 4.30 am. The fire was finally brought under control by about 7 am after 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. News reports said the fire may have been started by a short circuit. The five-storey Hotel Arpit Palace, popular with budget travellers, lies on Karol Bagh's Gurudwara Road. Other reports said a woman and a child had also jumped, again to their deaths. News reports quoted hotel staff as saying there were 150 guests in the hotel when the fire started. The news agency ANI quoted a fire official as saying the hotel's corridors were wood-panelled — the hotel was built some 25 years ago — which is why guests were not able to use them to escape. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the site Tuesday and ordered a magisterial enquiry into the fire. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia meanwhile called off an event, slated for Tuesday evening, celebrating four years of the AAP government in power.

Delhi hotel fire: People jumped to save themselves, but fell to their deaths

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-must-do-more-against-fake-news-eu-193737">Alphabet Inc's unit Google</a> abuses its popular <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-shifted-23-billion-to-tax-haven-bermuda-in-2017-report-188166">Android mobile operating system</a> to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has for the past six months been reviewing a case similar to one Google faced in Europe that led to a fine of 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) by antitrust regulators last year, three of the sources said. Google has challenged that order.

The European Commission found Google had abused its market dominance since 2011 with practices such as forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store on Android devices.

"It is on the lines of the EU case, but at a preliminary stage," said one of the sources, who is aware of the CCI investigation.

Google declined to comment. The CCI did not respond to Reuters' queries.

The watchdog's enquiry into allegations against Google over its Android platform has not previously been reported.

Google executives have in recent months met Indian antitrust officials at least once to discuss the complaint, which was filed by a group of individuals, one of the sources said.

The Indian watchdog could ask its investigations unit to further investigate the accusations against Google, or throw out the complaint if it lacks merit. The watchdog's investigations have historically taken years to complete.

Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 85 per cent of the world's smartphones. In India, about 98 per cent of the smartphones sold in 2018 used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates.

In October, Google said it would charge smartphone makers a fee for using its popular Google Play app store and also allow them to use rival versions of Android to comply with the EU order.

The change, however, covered only the European Economic Area, which comprises the 28 EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

"The CCI will have a tough time not initiating a formal investigation into Google given the EU case unless they can show the problem has been addressed (by remedies)," one of the sources said.

The Indian complaint presents the latest regulatory headache for the Mountain View, California-based company in a key growth market.

Last year, the Indian antitrust watchdog imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19 million) on Google for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page.

Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss, Reuters reported.

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has for the past six months been reviewing a case similar to one Google faced in Europe that led to a fine of 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) by antitrust regulators last year, three of the sources said. Google has challenged that order. The European Commission found Google had abused its market dominance since 2011 with practices such as forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store on Android devices. "It is on the lines of the EU case, but at a preliminary stage," said one of the sources, who is aware of the CCI investigation. Google declined to comment. The CCI did not respond to Reuters' queries. The watchdog's enquiry into allegations against Google over its Android platform has not previously been reported. Google executives have in recent months met Indian antitrust officials at least once to discuss the complaint, which was filed by a group of individuals, one of the sources said. The Indian watchdog could ask its investigations unit to further investigate the accusations against Google, or throw out the complaint if it lacks merit. The watchdog's investigations have historically taken years to complete. Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 85 per cent of the world's smartphones. In India, about 98 per cent of the smartphones sold in 2018 used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates. In October, Google said it would charge smartphone makers a fee for using its popular Google Play app store and also allow them to use rival versions of Android to comply with the EU order. The change, however, covered only the European Economic Area, which comprises the 28 EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. "The CCI will have a tough time not initiating a formal investigation into Google given the EU case unless they can show the problem has been addressed (by remedies)," one of the sources said. The Indian complaint presents the latest regulatory headache for the Mountain View, California-based company in a key growth market. Last year, the Indian antitrust watchdog imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19 million) on Google for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page. Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss, Reuters reported.

India's Competition Commission probing if Google used its Android operating system to block rivals: Sources

A Delhi court Tuesday sent Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case, to judicial custody till February 18.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar also directed Saxena's medical check-up at AIIMS and sought a report by 2 pm tomorrow.

Saxena, whose ED custody ended today had sought to talk to judge Kumar in private, without the presence of his lawyers, after which the court had initiated in-camera proceedings in the case.

Last Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sought his custody from the court, saying the probe is at a crucial stage.

Saxena is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by ED in the case.

Christian Michel, former AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica directors Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Air Force chief SP Tyagi and Saxena's wife Shivani have also been named by the agency in the charge sheet.

A Delhi court Tuesday sent Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case, to judicial custody till February 18. Special Judge Arvind Kumar also directed Saxena's medical check-up at AIIMS and sought a report by 2 pm tomorrow.

A Delhi court Tuesday sent Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case, to judicial custody till February 18. Special Judge Arvind Kumar also directed Saxena's medical check-up at AIIMS and sought a report by 2 pm tomorrow. Saxena, whose ED custody ended today had sought to talk to judge Kumar in private, without the presence of his lawyers, after which the court had initiated in-camera proceedings in the case. Last Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sought his custody from the court, saying the probe is at a crucial stage. Saxena is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by ED in the case. Christian Michel, former AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica directors Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Air Force chief SP Tyagi and Saxena's wife Shivani have also been named by the agency in the charge sheet.

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court sends Rajeev Saxena to judicial custody till February 18, orders his medical check-up

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indigo-airlines-cancels-47-flights-hundreds-of-passengers-affected-9294">the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday</a> from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said.

On Monday also, the Gurugram-headquartered airline had pulled 32 flights from its network.

On the other hand, there was no indication of any probe by the aviation regulator into the cancellation of such a large number of flights by the airline since last Saturday.

IndiGo has cancelled 30 flights for Tuesday due to the ongoing pilots' issue. Most of the flights have been cancelled from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, the source said.

While eight flights are not being operated from Kolkata, another five flights are cancelled from Hyderabad and four each from Bangalore and Chennai, among others, he added.

The source also alleged that IndiGo was forcing passengers to either buy last-minute fares or offering them alternate flights with one-stop connectivity with long transit time.

Response to the queries sent to IndiGo and Directorate General of Civil Aviation on this issue was awaited.

In a statement on Sunday, the airline had blamed on weather for disruption in operations across its network.

"As part of recovering our schedule, the positioning of the crew and aircraft had to be readjusted. As a result, a number of flights were cancelled, it had said without giving any specific number of flights were cancelled. 
&nbsp;

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said.

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said. On Monday also, the Gurugram-headquartered airline had pulled 32 flights from its network. On the other hand, there was no indication of any probe by the aviation regulator into the cancellation of such a large number of flights by the airline since last Saturday. IndiGo has cancelled 30 flights for Tuesday due to the ongoing pilots' issue. Most of the flights have been cancelled from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, the source said. While eight flights are not being operated from Kolkata, another five flights are cancelled from Hyderabad and four each from Bangalore and Chennai, among others, he added. The source also alleged that IndiGo was forcing passengers to either buy last-minute fares or offering them alternate flights with one-stop connectivity with long transit time. Response to the queries sent to IndiGo and Directorate General of Civil Aviation on this issue was awaited. In a statement on Sunday, the airline had blamed on weather for disruption in operations across its network. "As part of recovering our schedule, the positioning of the crew and aircraft had to be readjusted. As a result, a number of flights were cancelled, it had said without giving any specific number of flights were cancelled.

For second day, IndiGo cancels 30 flights because of shortage of pilots

Samajwadi Party president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

"The government is afraid of oath ceremony of a student leader and is stopping me at the airport to prevent me from visiting Allahabad," Yadav claimed.

He also posted photographs in his official Twitter handle in which he was seen talking to police officers inside the airport.

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I was prevented from boarding the airplane without any written orders. Currently detained at Lucknow airport. 
 
It is clear how frightened the govt is by the oath ceremony of a student leader. The BJP knows that youth of our great country will not tolerate this injustice anymore! <a href="https://t.co/xtnpNWtQRd">pic.twitter.com/xtnpNWtQRd</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1095205611380400128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said he had to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

When asked, Airport Director AK Sharma said, "I have no such information."

The matter rocked the Uttar Pradesh legislature.

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My statement on the negative and undemocratic politics behind my detention at Lucknow Airport. <a href="https://t.co/dP7MvdjOcT">pic.twitter.com/dP7MvdjOcT</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1095235277533204480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As soon as Samajwadi Party members came to know about their national president being stopped at the airport, they tried to raise the matter during Question Hour in the assembly.

"The present regime is trying to kill democracy and stop our leader from visiting Allahabad," Samajwadi Party leader Narendra Verma said.

The members also trooped into the Well of the House due to which Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes during the Question Hour.

The matter was also raised in the Legislative Council, leading to the adjournment of the House for 25 minutes during the pre-lunch sitting.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University. "The government is afraid of oath ceremony of a student leader and is stopping me at the airport to prevent me from visiting Allahabad," Yadav claimed. He also posted photographs in his official Twitter handle in which he was seen talking to police officers inside the airport. I was prevented from boarding the airplane without any written orders. Currently detained at Lucknow airport. It is clear how frightened the govt is by the oath ceremony of a student leader. The BJP knows that youth of our great country will not tolerate this injustice anymore! pic.twitter.com/xtnpNWtQRd — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 12, 2019 × He said he had to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University. When asked, Airport Director AK Sharma said, "I have no such information." The matter rocked the Uttar Pradesh legislature. My statement on the negative and undemocratic politics behind my detention at Lucknow Airport. pic.twitter.com/dP7MvdjOcT — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 12, 2019 × As soon as Samajwadi Party members came to know about their national president being stopped at the airport, they tried to raise the matter during Question Hour in the assembly. "The present regime is trying to kill democracy and stop our leader from visiting Allahabad," Samajwadi Party leader Narendra Verma said. The members also trooped into the Well of the House due to which Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes during the Question Hour. The matter was also raised in the Legislative Council, leading to the adjournment of the House for 25 minutes during the pre-lunch sitting.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stopped at Lucknow airport, alleges government preventing him from visiting Allahabad University

India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-fifth-time-in-a-week-fires-on-jk-border-posts-189011">ceasefire violations</a> were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019. Two BSF personnel were injured, while one lost his life.&nbsp;

India sent a note verbale to Pakistan regarding the violations. Pakistan violated ceasefire as many as 2,140 times last year in which 14 BSF personnel were killed, 53 got injured.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir, told the Parliament on Tuesday, "Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasized, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and abide by the ceasefire commitments along the International Border and LoC".

India has been raising the issue of ceasefire violations with Pak&nbsp;authorities at the appropriate levels. The matter is also raised through Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) talks via hotline which happen almost every Tuesday.

In May 2018, Indian and Pak DGMOs spoke to each other and agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated by any side. 
&nbsp;

India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 ceasefire violations were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019.

India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 ceasefire violations were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019. Two BSF personnel were injured, while one lost his life. India sent a note verbale to Pakistan regarding the violations. Pakistan violated ceasefire as many as 2,140 times last year in which 14 BSF personnel were killed, 53 got injured. Minister of State for Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir, told the Parliament on Tuesday, "Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasized, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and abide by the ceasefire commitments along the International Border and LoC". India has been raising the issue of ceasefire violations with Pak authorities at the appropriate levels. The matter is also raised through Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) talks via hotline which happen almost every Tuesday. In May 2018, Indian and Pak DGMOs spoke to each other and agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated by any side.

Pakistan violated ceasefire over 200 times in January, India raises matter with Pak authorities

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning.

Police have identified the terrorist as Hilal Ahmad Rather son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather, a resident of Behgambagh Kakapora district Pulwama.

Police said that he was involved in several terror crimes, including the escape of top Lashkar commander, Naveed Jatt, who was killed in an encounter last year.&nbsp;

"As per police records, he was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He had a long history of terror crime records and was wanted by law for his complicity in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir: Army Jawan Baljeet Singh lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in Pulwama earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/iGSBWCojpf">pic.twitter.com/iGSBWCojpf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095231389824249857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A joint team of 50 Rashtriya Rifles. 10 PAPA, Special operation group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation around 3 AM in Ratnipora village. As forces zeroed in on the spot, terrorists opened fire on them.&nbsp;

Two Indian army personnel suffered grievous wounds and were shifted to army's 92 base hospital, Badamibagh Srinagar, where one Havaldar Baljeet Singh of 55 RR succumb to his injuries.&nbsp;

"Chinar Corps Cdr and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Havaldar Baljeet Singh (50 RR), who was martyred in the line of duty in Pulwama on 12 Feb 2019 &amp; offer condolences to the family," Army said.&nbsp;

On Sunday, five terrorists were killed in an operation on Sunday in Kulgam district.&nbsp;

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning.

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning. Police have identified the terrorist as Hilal Ahmad Rather son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather, a resident of Behgambagh Kakapora district Pulwama. Police said that he was involved in several terror crimes, including the escape of top Lashkar commander, Naveed Jatt, who was killed in an encounter last year. "As per police records, he was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He had a long history of terror crime records and was wanted by law for his complicity in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release. Jammu and Kashmir: Army Jawan Baljeet Singh lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in Pulwama earlier today. pic.twitter.com/iGSBWCojpf — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019 × A joint team of 50 Rashtriya Rifles. 10 PAPA, Special operation group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation around 3 AM in Ratnipora village. As forces zeroed in on the spot, terrorists opened fire on them. Two Indian army personnel suffered grievous wounds and were shifted to army's 92 base hospital, Badamibagh Srinagar, where one Havaldar Baljeet Singh of 55 RR succumb to his injuries. "Chinar Corps Cdr and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Havaldar Baljeet Singh (50 RR), who was martyred in the line of duty in Pulwama on 12 Feb 2019 & offer condolences to the family," Army said. On Sunday, five terrorists were killed in an operation on Sunday in Kulgam district.

J&K: Army jawan martyred, one terrorist gunned down in Pulwama encounter

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner.

AICC general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied them to the office and thereafter she left.

They reached ED's zonal office at Bhawani Singh Road in a vehicle escorted by police and other security personnel. Vadra's mother was allowed to leave after some time and he was also permitted to go at around 1.30 pm.

He is expected to return to the office post lunch.

Near the ED office, several banners and hoardings — of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Vadra — were put up.&nbsp;

They also had slogans like "Kattar soch nahi yuva josh" and "Jan jan ki hai yehi pukar, Rahul ji-Priyanka ji abki baar'.

PCC vice president Archana Sharma said she had no information about these posters.

"The party has not put up any such hoardings," she asserted.

This is Vadra's fourth appearance before the agency and first in Jaipur. On last three occasions, he appeared before ED in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad.

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.

In the Bikaner land 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 Indo-Pak 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, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner.

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner. AICC general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied them to the office and thereafter she left. They reached ED's zonal office at Bhawani Singh Road in a vehicle escorted by police and other security personnel. Vadra's mother was allowed to leave after some time and he was also permitted to go at around 1.30 pm. He is expected to return to the office post lunch. Near the ED office, several banners and hoardings — of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Vadra — were put up. They also had slogans like "Kattar soch nahi yuva josh" and "Jan jan ki hai yehi pukar, Rahul ji-Priyanka ji abki baar'. PCC vice president Archana Sharma said she had no information about these posters. "The party has not put up any such hoardings," she asserted. This is Vadra's fourth appearance before the agency and first in Jaipur. On last three occasions, he appeared before ED in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad. 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. In the Bikaner land 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 Indo-Pak 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.

Bikaner land case: Robert Vadra appears before ED in Jaipur; Priyanka Gandhi accompanies him

Notwithstanding the controversy, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-table-cag-report-on-rafale-deal-in-parliament-tuesday-196795">the Rafale fighter jet </a>procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-modi-government-followed-upas-policy-on-inter-governmental-agreements-196598">delivery of the aircraft </a>is slated to take place in France and would be brought to India, the official added.

Earlier in the day, IAF's Deputy Chief Air Marshal VS Chaudhari said that no sovereign guarantees were given by the Russians in the S-400 air missile system deal.

Later while briefing on the Vayu Shakti exercise, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla said, “Rafale induction into the Air Force will give a big boost to our combat capabilities”.

Sharing details of the ongoing exercise, he added: “LCA, Akash missile defence systems, ALH Dhruv and Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft to represent the indigenous aircraft capability in the exercise”.

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today used a fresh media report to allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acted as a “middleman” for industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter deal and accused him of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and indulging in “treason” for which “action must be initiated”. However, Ambani has repeatedly refuted all allegations and have termed them baseless.

Earlier on February 11, Air Marshal SBP Sinha who headed Rafale negotiations on behalf of India said that the anti-corruption clause in the Rafale deal was not there in the earlier government to government contracts signed with America and Russia.

The UPA government in 2013 had come up with a new policy which allowed the Defence Ministry not to follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides.

Notwithstanding the controversy, the Rafale fighter jet procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday.

Notwithstanding the controversy, the Rafale fighter jet procurement process is on schedule and the first aircraft will be delivered to India in September this year, said an Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Tuesday. The delivery of the aircraft is slated to take place in France and would be brought to India, the official added. Earlier in the day, IAF's Deputy Chief Air Marshal VS Chaudhari said that no sovereign guarantees were given by the Russians in the S-400 air missile system deal. Later while briefing on the Vayu Shakti exercise, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla said, “Rafale induction into the Air Force will give a big boost to our combat capabilities”. Sharing details of the ongoing exercise, he added: “LCA, Akash missile defence systems, ALH Dhruv and Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft to represent the indigenous aircraft capability in the exercise”. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today used a fresh media report to allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acted as a “middleman” for industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter deal and accused him of violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and indulging in “treason” for which “action must be initiated”. However, Ambani has repeatedly refuted all allegations and have termed them baseless. Earlier on February 11, Air Marshal SBP Sinha who headed Rafale negotiations on behalf of India said that the anti-corruption clause in the Rafale deal was not there in the earlier government to government contracts signed with America and Russia. The UPA government in 2013 had come up with a new policy which allowed the Defence Ministry not to follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides.

First Rafale aircraft set to be delivered in September in India

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Bikaner land case: Robert Vadra appears before ED in Jaipur; Priyanka Gandhi accompanies him

First Rafale aircraft set to be delivered in September in India