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

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

Is sending robots to Mars easier than sending humans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imran Khan released hours after Mumbai Police detain him during CJP protest

Nathan Lyon completes 1,000 Test runs at No. 10 to script rare cricket feat

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

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

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

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

Meta's Muse AI could be a security nightmare for India's billion-plus users

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

IND vs WI, 3rd T20I: Abhishek Sharma smashes 18-ball fifty, sets record for fastest to 2,000 T20I runs

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

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

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

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

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

Are Gold and Silver poised for a rebound soon? 

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

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

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

The street cannot govern India, but the government cannot ignore it either

Iran: US accepted some conditions, Clarity needed on others

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

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

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

Delhi Protest: Congress calls for march to Supreme court 

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

Sabarimala temple, which grappled with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-support-supreme-court-verdict-will-lift-ban-on-entry-of-women-says-temple-board-195559">crisis over the entry of young women into the shrine </a>after the Supreme Court verdict last year, reopened on Tuesday for monthly worship.

The temple will be opened for five days for the monthly ‘puja’ in the monthly Malayalam month of Kumbhom.

The state administration has deployed scores of police personnel in Pamba and surrounding areas in an attempt to avoid violence and unrest.

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the apex court's decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 into the holy shrine.

Recently, the National Ayyappa Devotees Association (NADA) filed a petition for rehearing in Sabarimala case in the Supreme Court, citing that the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were not heard previously.

Nearly four months after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-2-women-visited-sabarimala-kerala-minister-tells-assembly-195144">top court permitted women of all age</a>s to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer their prayers.

Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women—Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga. 
&nbsp;

Sabarimala temple, which grappled with a crisis over the entry of young women into the shrine after the Supreme Court verdict last year, reopened on Tuesday for monthly worship.

Sabarimala temple, which grappled with a crisis over the entry of young women into the shrine after the Supreme Court verdict last year, reopened on Tuesday for monthly worship. The temple will be opened for five days for the monthly ‘puja’ in the monthly Malayalam month of Kumbhom. The state administration has deployed scores of police personnel in Pamba and surrounding areas in an attempt to avoid violence and unrest. The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the apex court's decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 into the holy shrine. Recently, the National Ayyappa Devotees Association (NADA) filed a petition for rehearing in Sabarimala case in the Supreme Court, citing that the devotees of Lord Ayyappa were not heard previously. Nearly four months after the top court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer their prayers. Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women—Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga.

Kerala: Sabarimala temple reopens for monthly worship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800"> massive fire incident</a> in a central <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karol-bagh-fire-delhi-government-cancels-fourth-anniversary-celebrations-announces-5-lakh-compensation-196894">Delhi</a> hotel early Tuesday.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," he tweeted.

He wished for speedy recovery of the injured.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. 
 
I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. 
 
May the injured recover soon: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1095197717851078657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At least 17 people were killed in the fire at Arpit Palace Hotel on Gurudwara Road in Karol Bagh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a massive fire incident in a central Delhi hotel early Tuesday. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a massive fire incident in a central Delhi hotel early Tuesday. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," he tweeted. He wished for speedy recovery of the injured. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 12, 2019 × At least 17 people were killed in the fire at Arpit Palace Hotel on Gurudwara Road in Karol Bagh.

PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Delhi hotel fire

At least 17 people died in a massive fire that broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karol-bagh-fire-delhi-government-cancels-fourth-anniversary-celebrations-announces-5-lakh-compensation-196894">central Delhi</a>, early on Tuesday morning.

A call about the fire was received at 4.35am and 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, a senior officer from the Delhi Fire Service said. It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire, said the officer.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-condoles-loss-of-lives-in-delhi-fire-196886">PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Delhi fire</a>

"Fire has been doused and bodies are being taken out now. Rescue operation is underway," said Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

"We have started the investigation and will be able to tell more about the incident when it is complete. Seventeen people have been killed so far and 4-5 others have been injured," said M S Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi.

More than 25 people have been rescued so far, but the authorities believe several others are still trapped inside the hotel.

The injured have been rushed to three hospitals including the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML).

"A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, the district magistrate has been asked to probe the incident. All the hotels in the area will undergo safety checks," said Delhi minister Satyendra Jain.

Delhi Hotel Association Vice President Balan Mani, meanwhile, said, "All norms were followed here; license is issued only after inspection. Mishappening can occur in a house as well, " he added.

A video of the incident showed two people jumping from the fourth floor of the building. According to eyewitnesses, most deaths were caused due to suffocation.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 people died in a massive fire that broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning. A call about the fire was received at 4.

At least 17 people died in a massive fire that broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning. A call about the fire was received at 4.35am and 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, a senior officer from the Delhi Fire Service said. It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire, said the officer. Also read: PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Delhi fire "Fire has been doused and bodies are being taken out now. Rescue operation is underway," said Sunil Choudhary, Deputy Chief Fire Officer. "We have started the investigation and will be able to tell more about the incident when it is complete. Seventeen people have been killed so far and 4-5 others have been injured," said M S Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi. More than 25 people have been rescued so far, but the authorities believe several others are still trapped inside the hotel. The injured have been rushed to three hospitals including the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML). "A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, the district magistrate has been asked to probe the incident. All the hotels in the area will undergo safety checks," said Delhi minister Satyendra Jain. Delhi Hotel Association Vice President Balan Mani, meanwhile, said, "All norms were followed here; license is issued only after inspection. Mishappening can occur in a house as well, " he added. A video of the incident showed two people jumping from the fourth floor of the building. According to eyewitnesses, most deaths were caused due to suffocation. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi: 17 dead as fire breaks out in Karol Bagh hotel

Laurence Tubiana, former French ambassador to COP 21 negotiations or the Paris climate negotiations spoke exclusively to WION diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal on climate change, India's solar agenda and the&nbsp;relationship between health and pollution policy.&nbsp;

Wion: What has changed since the Paris Climate accord?

Laurence Tubiana: I think what has changed in Paris is that in every country, government, city mayors they consider climate change as a major risk. We see the impact already and all countries thinking about how they can contribute to fighting against climate change. That is an achievement from Paris.

Of course, at the same time, we see some government, in particular, the US govt that has decided to withdraw from Paris agreement. That is a concern and it is really important that all countries stick together.

Even if Washington agreement has said no to Paris, you see, an enormous evolution within the US society, at state, business, the investor just want to go in another direction. Climate change is not a problem of government, or diplomacy but of every citizen. We live in a totally different world for the last three years.

Wion: How was it being a woman at the Paris Climate negotiations?

Laurence Tubiana: It was not always easy, but in a way, I learnt and they learnt to listen to me seriously. I could contribute that I wasn't partisan of a top-down approach. I was partisan of a where countries are, where the governments were. Finally, they respected me and now I have many friends all over the world to support that agreement.

Wion: How do you see India's policy on climate change?&nbsp;

Laurence Tubiana: India can do a lot. India can bet on good technology and need to provide clean air to everyone. And in a way, India is looking at future and future is low carbon economy. I'm comforted by the fact that climate is now part of many policies in India.

I was with Niti Aayog and climate is embedded in the sustainable development mission of India. India can do much more, like India's role in the deployment of renewable energy especially rural areas can play a massive role. India has enormous potential. India is showing how to leapfrog.

PM Modi sent a strong political message when he spoke on electric cars. India can be an example for the world.

Wion: How do you see India's International Solar Alliance(ISA) project?

Laurence Tubiana: This programme, ISA is interesting, it shows every country thinks together in this big problem. How we really deploy massively on solar energy. India is trying to find a financial solution to climate change. The solar alliance is having a productive effect since it has raised the profile of solar energy.&nbsp;

Wion: But are you disappointed that the world is not speaking in one voice on climate change?

Laurence Tubiana: I think, it's too slow, we are lagging behind on what we need to do. The IPCC report, an Indian scientist view is to accelerate all over the world. It is not about global threats but actual damage to everyone's life.

Climate policy can go hand in hand with health policy. Delhi is a polluted city, Paris is a polluted city. We have to take into citizens well being. We have to change the mindset. India can show the lead.

Laurence Tubiana, former French ambassador to COP 21 negotiations or the Paris climate negotiations spoke exclusively to WION diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal on climate change, India's solar agenda and the relationship between health and pollution policy.

Laurence Tubiana, former French ambassador to COP 21 negotiations or the Paris climate negotiations spoke exclusively to WION diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal on climate change, India's solar agenda and the relationship between health and pollution policy. Wion: What has changed since the Paris Climate accord? Laurence Tubiana: I think what has changed in Paris is that in every country, government, city mayors they consider climate change as a major risk. We see the impact already and all countries thinking about how they can contribute to fighting against climate change. That is an achievement from Paris. Of course, at the same time, we see some government, in particular, the US govt that has decided to withdraw from Paris agreement. That is a concern and it is really important that all countries stick together. Even if Washington agreement has said no to Paris, you see, an enormous evolution within the US society, at state, business, the investor just want to go in another direction. Climate change is not a problem of government, or diplomacy but of every citizen. We live in a totally different world for the last three years. Wion: How was it being a woman at the Paris Climate negotiations? Laurence Tubiana: It was not always easy, but in a way, I learnt and they learnt to listen to me seriously. I could contribute that I wasn't partisan of a top-down approach. I was partisan of a where countries are, where the governments were. Finally, they respected me and now I have many friends all over the world to support that agreement. Wion: How do you see India's policy on climate change? Laurence Tubiana: India can do a lot. India can bet on good technology and need to provide clean air to everyone. And in a way, India is looking at future and future is low carbon economy. I'm comforted by the fact that climate is now part of many policies in India. I was with Niti Aayog and climate is embedded in the sustainable development mission of India. India can do much more, like India's role in the deployment of renewable energy especially rural areas can play a massive role. India has enormous potential. India is showing how to leapfrog. PM Modi sent a strong political message when he spoke on electric cars. India can be an example for the world. Wion: How do you see India's International Solar Alliance(ISA) project? Laurence Tubiana: This programme, ISA is interesting, it shows every country thinks together in this big problem. How we really deploy massively on solar energy. India is trying to find a financial solution to climate change. The solar alliance is having a productive effect since it has raised the profile of solar energy. Wion: But are you disappointed that the world is not speaking in one voice on climate change? Laurence Tubiana: I think, it's too slow, we are lagging behind on what we need to do. The IPCC report, an Indian scientist view is to accelerate all over the world. It is not about global threats but actual damage to everyone's life. Climate policy can go hand in hand with health policy. Delhi is a polluted city, Paris is a polluted city. We have to take into citizens well being. We have to change the mindset. India can show the lead.

India can show the lead, says French diplomat Tubiana who led Paris climate change negotiations

The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800">fire accident in Karol Bagh</a>, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least&nbsp;17 people on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia ordered the cancellation of the&nbsp;event.

"The deputy chief minister has ordered cancellation of today's event owing to the Karol Bagh hotel fire incident," a senior government official said.&nbsp;

Bollywood singer-composer Vishal Dadlani was to perform during the event to be held at Talkatora Stadium.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;massive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-condoles-loss-of-lives-in-delhi-fire-196886">fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace</a> in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning.

It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the fire accident in Karol Bagh, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least 17 people on Tuesday.

The Delhi government has cancelled the event which was scheduled to mark the four years of AAP governance in the national capital following the fire accident in Karol Bagh, Central Delhi which claimed the lives of at least 17 people on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia ordered the cancellation of the event. "The deputy chief minister has ordered cancellation of today's event owing to the Karol Bagh hotel fire incident," a senior government official said. Bollywood singer-composer Vishal Dadlani was to perform during the event to be held at Talkatora Stadium. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. A massive fire broke out at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, in central Delhi, early on Tuesday morning. It took the fire tenders more than four hours to douse the fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Karol Bagh fire: Delhi government cancels fourth anniversary celebrations, announces 5 lakh compensation

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sundarbans-world-heritage-forest-declared-pirate-free-by-bangladesh-19469">Bengal tiger</a> in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday.

The littoral habitat of the predator, the world's biggest cat, could be completely destroyed over the next five decades, the study by the Australian university found.

"Fewer than 4,000 Bengal tigers are alive today," said JCU's Professor Bill Laurance, a co-author of the study.

The scientist said that the animal was now "mainly confined to small areas of India and Bangladesh" and warned that the Tigers were getting a "double whammy - greater human encroachment on the one hand and a worsening climate and associated sea-level rises on the other."

"Beyond climate change, the Sundarbans are under growing pressure from industrial developments, new roads, and greater poaching," Laurance added in a statement by the university.

The study's lead author, Sharif Mukul, of the Independent University Bangladesh, said that the Sundarbans region, which spans over 10,000 square kilometres (3,861 square miles), is the biggest mangrove forest on the planet and is "the most critical area for Bengal tiger survival."

"What is most terrifying is that our analyses suggest tiger habitats in the Sundarbans will vanish entirely by 2070," he added in the statement.

The study is based on computer simulations to assess the future suitability of the low-lying Sundarban region for tigers and their prey species and uses mainstream estimates of climatic trends from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The researchers' analyses also included factors such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise. In spite&nbsp;of the&nbsp;bleak forecast, the researchers are still hopeful of the Bengal tiger's survival.

"The more of the Sundarbans that can be conserved-via new protected areas and reducing illegal poaching-the more resilient it will be to future climatic extremes and rising sea levels," Laurance said.

"There is no other place like the Sundarbans left on Earth,' said Professor Laurance. 'We have to look after this iconic ecosystem if we want amazing animals like the Bengal tiger to have a chance of survival," he concluded.

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the Bengal tiger in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday.

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the Bengal tiger in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday. The littoral habitat of the predator, the world's biggest cat, could be completely destroyed over the next five decades, the study by the Australian university found. "Fewer than 4,000 Bengal tigers are alive today," said JCU's Professor Bill Laurance, a co-author of the study. The scientist said that the animal was now "mainly confined to small areas of India and Bangladesh" and warned that the Tigers were getting a "double whammy - greater human encroachment on the one hand and a worsening climate and associated sea-level rises on the other." "Beyond climate change, the Sundarbans are under growing pressure from industrial developments, new roads, and greater poaching," Laurance added in a statement by the university. The study's lead author, Sharif Mukul, of the Independent University Bangladesh, said that the Sundarbans region, which spans over 10,000 square kilometres (3,861 square miles), is the biggest mangrove forest on the planet and is "the most critical area for Bengal tiger survival." "What is most terrifying is that our analyses suggest tiger habitats in the Sundarbans will vanish entirely by 2070," he added in the statement. The study is based on computer simulations to assess the future suitability of the low-lying Sundarban region for tigers and their prey species and uses mainstream estimates of climatic trends from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The researchers' analyses also included factors such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise. In spite of the bleak forecast, the researchers are still hopeful of the Bengal tiger's survival. "The more of the Sundarbans that can be conserved-via new protected areas and reducing illegal poaching-the more resilient it will be to future climatic extremes and rising sea levels," Laurance said. "There is no other place like the Sundarbans left on Earth,' said Professor Laurance. 'We have to look after this iconic ecosystem if we want amazing animals like the Bengal tiger to have a chance of survival," he concluded.

Climate change threatens Sundarbans, coastal home of endangered Royal Bengal tiger: Study

At a time when the Narendra Modi government is under attack over the Rafale deal, it is emerging that the policy for signing inter-governmental agreements without "classically" following the Standard Operating Procedure or Standard Contract Document was laid down by the previous Congress-led UPA government in 2013.

The Indian negotiating team, which firmed up the deal for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from French company Dassault through an inter-governmental agreement, followed that policy of the UPA government, top official sources said in Delhi on Monday.

In 2013, the UPA government came up with a new policy which allows the Defence Ministry to not follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides.

"There may be occasions when procurements would have to be done from friendly foreign countries which may be necessitated due to geo-strategic advantages that are likely to accrue to our country. Such procurements would not classically follow the Standard Procurement Procedure and the Standard Contract Document but would be based on mutually agreed provisions by the Governments of both the countries. Such procurements will be done based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement after clearance from CFA (Competent Financial Authority)," the para 71 of the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2013 clarifies.

The sources said the Indian Negotiation Team in the Rafale deal had relied on these provisions of the DPP-2013 while finalising the contract for the combat aircraft.

The DPP-2013 came into force in 2013 when the UPA government was in power and AK Antony was the Defence Minister.

Media reports have targeted the NDA government for deviating from the standard clauses in the defence procurement procedure while signing the Rafale deal including the anti-corruption clauses that are applied to private contractors.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At a time when the Narendra Modi government is under attack over the Rafale deal, it is emerging that the policy for signing inter-governmental agreements without "classically" following the Standard Operating Procedure or Standard Contract Document was laid down by the previous Congress-led UPA government in 2013.

At a time when the Narendra Modi government is under attack over the Rafale deal, it is emerging that the policy for signing inter-governmental agreements without "classically" following the Standard Operating Procedure or Standard Contract Document was laid down by the previous Congress-led UPA government in 2013. The Indian negotiating team, which firmed up the deal for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from French company Dassault through an inter-governmental agreement, followed that policy of the UPA government, top official sources said in Delhi on Monday. In 2013, the UPA government came up with a new policy which allows the Defence Ministry to not follow the laid down rules and sign inter-governmental agreements with friendly foreign countries as per mutually agreed provisions between both sides. "There may be occasions when procurements would have to be done from friendly foreign countries which may be necessitated due to geo-strategic advantages that are likely to accrue to our country. Such procurements would not classically follow the Standard Procurement Procedure and the Standard Contract Document but would be based on mutually agreed provisions by the Governments of both the countries. Such procurements will be done based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement after clearance from CFA (Competent Financial Authority)," the para 71 of the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2013 clarifies. The sources said the Indian Negotiation Team in the Rafale deal had relied on these provisions of the DPP-2013 while finalising the contract for the combat aircraft. The DPP-2013 came into force in 2013 when the UPA government was in power and AK Antony was the Defence Minister. Media reports have targeted the NDA government for deviating from the standard clauses in the defence procurement procedure while signing the Rafale deal including the anti-corruption clauses that are applied to private contractors.

Modi government followed UPA's policy on inter-governmental agreements: Official sources on Rafale deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre.

Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040.

Adding that India recently became the sixth largest economy in the world he cited a report and said that the country will become the second largest world economy by 2030.

He also cited the&nbsp;IMF and World Bank and said that India was the fastest growing large economy in the world and the same trend would continue in the coming years.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM at Petrotech 2019: India recently became the 6th largest economy in the world. According to a recent report, by 2030 India would be the 2nd largest world economy. We are also the 3rd largest energy consumer in the world with the demand growing at more than 5% annually. <a href="https://t.co/GZo75xoshc">pic.twitter.com/GZo75xoshc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094834289458495488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hailing the contributions of his government he added, "Electricity has reached all our rural areas. LPG connections have been given to over 64 million households in just under three years under the Ujjwala Scheme. A ‘Blue Flame Revolution’ is under-way. LPG coverage has reached more than 90% per cent, from 55% five years ago".

"Energy justice is also a key objective for me and a top priority for India. Towards this end, we have developed and implemented many policies. The results of these efforts are now evident, "PM Modi said.

"We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas. Only then can we serve the energy needs of humanity in an optimal manner, he added.

"For too long, the world has seen crude prices on a roller-coaster. We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and&nbsp;

"There are signs of convergence between cheaper renewable energy, technologies and digital applications. This may expedite the achievement of sustainable development goals. Nations are coming together to tackle climate change".

"Energy supply, energy sources and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps, this could be a historic transition. There is a shift in energy consumption from West to East, " he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre. Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre. Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040. Adding that India recently became the sixth largest economy in the world he cited a report and said that the country will become the second largest world economy by 2030. He also cited the IMF and World Bank and said that India was the fastest growing large economy in the world and the same trend would continue in the coming years. PM at Petrotech 2019: India recently became the 6th largest economy in the world. According to a recent report, by 2030 India would be the 2nd largest world economy. We are also the 3rd largest energy consumer in the world with the demand growing at more than 5% annually. pic.twitter.com/GZo75xoshc — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × Hailing the contributions of his government he added, "Electricity has reached all our rural areas. LPG connections have been given to over 64 million households in just under three years under the Ujjwala Scheme. A ‘Blue Flame Revolution’ is under-way. LPG coverage has reached more than 90% per cent, from 55% five years ago". "Energy justice is also a key objective for me and a top priority for India. Towards this end, we have developed and implemented many policies. The results of these efforts are now evident, "PM Modi said. "We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas. Only then can we serve the energy needs of humanity in an optimal manner, he added. "For too long, the world has seen crude prices on a roller-coaster. We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and "There are signs of convergence between cheaper renewable energy, technologies and digital applications. This may expedite the achievement of sustainable development goals. Nations are coming together to tackle climate change". "Energy supply, energy sources and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps, this could be a historic transition. There is a shift in energy consumption from West to East, " he added.

India will become the second largest world economy by 2030: PM Modi

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring&nbsp;in the ongoing investigation in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mamata-vs-cbi-saradha-scam-probe-shouldnt-be-politicised-195512">Saradha chit fund case</a>.

The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case.

No monitoring is required in the Saradha scam, the apex court said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea filed by the investors seeking Court monitored probe into Saradha chit-fund scam. <a href="https://t.co/ntg8jfOtA2">pic.twitter.com/ntg8jfOtA2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094837695115902976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice fo India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors that despite the apex court's 2013 order directing the CBI to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation has not attained finality.

"We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the chit fund scam probe," the bench said.&nbsp;

The development has come at a time when the CBI has been investigating the Kolkata police chief<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-begins-questioning-kolkata-police-chief-rajeev-kumar-again-sources-say-interview-not-being-videotaped-196350"> Rajeev Kumar</a> and former TMC leader Kunal Ghosh in connection with the case.&nbsp;

The Court had earlier directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The apex court's order also asked Kumar to appear before the investigating agency at a "neutral place" in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made clear that he would not be arrested.

The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-raid-firms-linked-to-ex-interim-cbi-chief-196108">Kolkata police</a> when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3.&nbsp;

An&nbsp;unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre had erupted following the CBI's attempt&nbsp;to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials.

The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring in the ongoing investigation in the Saradha chit fund case. The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case.

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking its monitoring in the ongoing investigation in the Saradha chit fund case. The court's decision came in response to the Saradha investors who had asked the Supreme Court to monitor the case. No monitoring is required in the Saradha scam, the apex court said. Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea filed by the investors seeking Court monitored probe into Saradha chit-fund scam. pic.twitter.com/ntg8jfOtA2 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice fo India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors that despite the apex court's 2013 order directing the CBI to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation has not attained finality. "We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the chit fund scam probe," the bench said. The development has come at a time when the CBI has been investigating the Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar and former TMC leader Kunal Ghosh in connection with the case. The Court had earlier directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The apex court's order also asked Kumar to appear before the investigating agency at a "neutral place" in Shillong "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made clear that he would not be arrested. The CBI had moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by Kolkata police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3. An unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre had erupted following the CBI's attempt to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials. The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court not to monitor Saradha probe; rejects plea

After questioning for three consecutive days, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-chief-rajeev-kumar-insists-on-video-recording-of-session-with-cbi-officials-196292">the CBI Monday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to report to them again on Tuesday</a> for further quizzing in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund case.

However, the questioning of former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh is over for the time being, the agency said.

Monday was the third consecutive day of grilling for Kumar and the second for Ghosh in the ponzi scam case worth around Rs 2,000 crore.

Kumar has been asked to report for questioning tomorrow again, an official told PTI, requesting anonymity.

Ghosh arrived at the CBI office here shortly after 10 am while Kumar reached an hour later, an official told PTI.

Kumar left the CBI premises shortly after 7 pm this evening.

Ghosh, who left the CBI premises 30 minutes after Kumar, told mediapersons, "I have been asked by CBI to attend this office related to the case. I have cooperated with the investigation and now I am going back to Kolkata".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh after being questioned by CBI in Shillong: I was asked by CBI to come here&amp;I cooperated in the probe. I've participated in the investigation in confrontation with Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.I'm leaving for Kolkata tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaradhaChitFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaradhaChitFund</a> <a href="https://t.co/reAyG0F8eO">pic.twitter.com/reAyG0F8eO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094964825736781825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to a well-placed source in the central probe agency, Kumar remained "cool" during Monday's grilling session.

Kumar claimed he had played no active role in the Special Investigating Team (SIT) formed to probe the Saradha chit fund scam as most of the probe was conducted "at the police station-level".

Kumar in course of questioning claimed that most of the probe was supervised by Arnab Ghosh, the then deputy commissioner of police of the detective department (DD) of the Bidhannagar City Police when the SIT started conducting the investigations into the scam, he said.

Kumar had led the SIT formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to probe the Saradha scam before the case was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

"Just like yesterday both (Kunal) Ghosh and Rajeev Kumar were grilled together. There were some confrontations between them during face to face encounter but both remained cool", the CBI sleuth said.

At one point, Kumar asked to stop the recordings of the joint statement and conduct a narco test on Ghosh, the CBI sleuth added.

Ghosh, the CBI officer said, was ready for the test but demanded the same to be done on Kumar also.

The source claimed that Kumar said if he had got a bit more time, the investigation into the case could have been completed.

On Sunday, the probe agency questioned Kumar separately and also along with Ghosh. The marathon questioning of the two lasted over eight hours.

Ghosh was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha ponzi scam and has been out on bail since 2016. 
The CBI is questioning the two in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court.

The Kolkata Police chief was quizzed for nearly nine hours on Saturday by three senior CBI officers about his alleged role in tampering of crucial evidence in the Saradha case, they said.

He was also examined in the Rose Valley case on Sunday.

Officials in Delhi said the CBI has not acceded to Kumar's demand to have his questioning session videographed.

It is done only in cases of custodial interrogations, they said. 
Ghosh earlier implicated BJP leader Mukul Roy, who was once the right hand man of Banerjee, and 12 others in the Saradha scam.

The Supreme Court directed Kumar on Tuesday to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested.

The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3.

Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the&nbsp; 
CBI move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".&nbsp;

After questioning for three consecutive days, the CBI Monday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to report to them again on Tuesday for further quizzing in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund case.

After questioning for three consecutive days, the CBI Monday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to report to them again on Tuesday for further quizzing in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund case. However, the questioning of former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh is over for the time being, the agency said. Monday was the third consecutive day of grilling for Kumar and the second for Ghosh in the ponzi scam case worth around Rs 2,000 crore. Kumar has been asked to report for questioning tomorrow again, an official told PTI, requesting anonymity. Ghosh arrived at the CBI office here shortly after 10 am while Kumar reached an hour later, an official told PTI. Kumar left the CBI premises shortly after 7 pm this evening. Ghosh, who left the CBI premises 30 minutes after Kumar, told mediapersons, "I have been asked by CBI to attend this office related to the case. I have cooperated with the investigation and now I am going back to Kolkata". Former TMC MP Kunal Ghosh after being questioned by CBI in Shillong: I was asked by CBI to come here&I cooperated in the probe. I've participated in the investigation in confrontation with Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.I'm leaving for Kolkata tomorrow.#SaradhaChitFund pic.twitter.com/reAyG0F8eO — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × According to a well-placed source in the central probe agency, Kumar remained "cool" during Monday's grilling session. Kumar claimed he had played no active role in the Special Investigating Team (SIT) formed to probe the Saradha chit fund scam as most of the probe was conducted "at the police station-level". Kumar in course of questioning claimed that most of the probe was supervised by Arnab Ghosh, the then deputy commissioner of police of the detective department (DD) of the Bidhannagar City Police when the SIT started conducting the investigations into the scam, he said. Kumar had led the SIT formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to probe the Saradha scam before the case was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court. "Just like yesterday both (Kunal) Ghosh and Rajeev Kumar were grilled together. There were some confrontations between them during face to face encounter but both remained cool", the CBI sleuth said. At one point, Kumar asked to stop the recordings of the joint statement and conduct a narco test on Ghosh, the CBI sleuth added. Ghosh, the CBI officer said, was ready for the test but demanded the same to be done on Kumar also. The source claimed that Kumar said if he had got a bit more time, the investigation into the case could have been completed. On Sunday, the probe agency questioned Kumar separately and also along with Ghosh. The marathon questioning of the two lasted over eight hours. Ghosh was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha ponzi scam and has been out on bail since 2016. The CBI is questioning the two in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court. The Kolkata Police chief was quizzed for nearly nine hours on Saturday by three senior CBI officers about his alleged role in tampering of crucial evidence in the Saradha case, they said. He was also examined in the Rose Valley case on Sunday. Officials in Delhi said the CBI has not acceded to Kumar's demand to have his questioning session videographed. It is done only in cases of custodial interrogations, they said. Ghosh earlier implicated BJP leader Mukul Roy, who was once the right hand man of Banerjee, and 12 others in the Saradha scam. The Supreme Court directed Kumar on Tuesday to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested. The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence in Kolkata to question him on February 3. Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".

Being grilled by CBI, Kolkata Police chief & ex-TMC MP ask for narco tests on each other: Source

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy.

The name of the poem is "Key".

Her 18 lines poem stresses on the need to uphold democracy in today's perspective.&nbsp;

She questions how present regime as locked everyone's lips and how this system is embarrassing democracy.&nbsp;

She also stresses that this attitude of axing democracy will get blow one day.

Mamata the firebrand opposition leader and Chief Minister of Bengal has written more than 80 books. She also writes a song.&nbsp;

Party insiders state that ' Didis writing inspires us to move ahead.'

Interestingly this poem of Mamata is penned down just before Mamata starts for Delhi for opposition s dharna.

This is the first time when uploaded her handwritten poem on Twitter and her poem in social media is a big hit.&nbsp;

Her target is Modi everywhere from Poems to slogan Mamata wants to hit out Modi from every aspect.

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy. The name of the poem is "Key".

Mamata takes her pen this time to fight for democracy that's what her admirers are saying as today she penned down a poem whose essence is Key to democracy. The name of the poem is "Key". Her 18 lines poem stresses on the need to uphold democracy in today's perspective. She questions how present regime as locked everyone's lips and how this system is embarrassing democracy. She also stresses that this attitude of axing democracy will get blow one day. Mamata the firebrand opposition leader and Chief Minister of Bengal has written more than 80 books. She also writes a song. Party insiders state that ' Didis writing inspires us to move ahead.' Interestingly this poem of Mamata is penned down just before Mamata starts for Delhi for opposition s dharna. This is the first time when uploaded her handwritten poem on Twitter and her poem in social media is a big hit. Her target is Modi everywhere from Poems to slogan Mamata wants to hit out Modi from every aspect.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes poem 'Key' to democracy

Over 180 passengers, mostly the GATE aspirants, were Sunday airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Jammu to Srinagar, a defence spokesman said.

The IAF launched special sorties of C17 Globemaster over the past two days, airlifting a total of 538 persons, including 319 Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) aspirants, between the twin capitals on Friday and Saturday, he said.

"The IAF again came into assistance of 186 passengers including 170 students who were again airlifted from Jammu to Srinagar after appearing in the GATE examination," the spokesman said.

He said the students quoted it as a "lifetime memorable exam" for them and will be remembered forever.

"The students were very relieved as they could appear only because of timely and humanitarian assistance from the armed forces. All of them were very appreciative and thankful for this humanitarian concern of the armed forces along with guarding the frontiers at all times," the spokesman said.

Among others who were airlifted included children, he said.

Meanwhile, 28 stranded people, including three critically-ill women, were airlifted from snow-bound areas of Kishtwar in various sorties by Pawan Hans helicopter, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana personally monitored the operations, they said, adding the district administration had sought the chopper services to airlift critically-ill patients from far-flung snowbound areas including Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan.

On Saturday, the district administration had airlifted three patients from Kishtwar to Jammu.

Over 180 passengers, mostly the GATE aspirants, were Sunday airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Jammu to Srinagar, a defence spokesman said. The IAF launched special sorties of C17 Globemaster over the past two days, airlifting a total of 538 persons, including 319 Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) aspirants, between the twin capitals on Friday and Saturday, he said.

Over 180 passengers, mostly the GATE aspirants, were Sunday airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Jammu to Srinagar, a defence spokesman said. The IAF launched special sorties of C17 Globemaster over the past two days, airlifting a total of 538 persons, including 319 Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) aspirants, between the twin capitals on Friday and Saturday, he said. "The IAF again came into assistance of 186 passengers including 170 students who were again airlifted from Jammu to Srinagar after appearing in the GATE examination," the spokesman said. He said the students quoted it as a "lifetime memorable exam" for them and will be remembered forever. "The students were very relieved as they could appear only because of timely and humanitarian assistance from the armed forces. All of them were very appreciative and thankful for this humanitarian concern of the armed forces along with guarding the frontiers at all times," the spokesman said. Among others who were airlifted included children, he said. Meanwhile, 28 stranded people, including three critically-ill women, were airlifted from snow-bound areas of Kishtwar in various sorties by Pawan Hans helicopter, officials said. Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana personally monitored the operations, they said, adding the district administration had sought the chopper services to airlift critically-ill patients from far-flung snowbound areas including Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan. On Saturday, the district administration had airlifted three patients from Kishtwar to Jammu.

Indian Air Force airlifts 186 stranded passengers from Jammu to Srinagar

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut also made a surprise appearance at Naidu's 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (day-long protest for justice) that began at 8 am. Raut said he came to attend the event as a representative of the Shiv Sena, amid strains with senior ally BJP.

Naidu ended his fast at 8.20 pm, accepting a glass of juice from JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TMC leader Derek O' Brien were among other opposition leaders who visited Andhra Bhavan to express their solidarity with Naidu, the supremo of Telugu Desam(TDP).

The leaders in their brief speeches mounted a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues, notably the Rafale deal, with Kejriwal going to the extent of accusing him of behaving like "PM of Pakistan" and not of India in the way he treats state governments led by opposition parties.

Reacting to Kejriwal's barb, BJP's national secretary and co-in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Sunil Deodhar said the leaders of the 'grand-alliance' are competing with each other on who can be more abusive towards Modi.

Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties, has over the last three months, held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP pulled out of the NDA government in March last year over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Demanding that the Centre fulfil promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014, the TDP president alleged that Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.

"(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 post-Godhra riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said.

He alleged that the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity".

"On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act."

On January 19, 22 opposition parties came together at a rally convened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Naidu's fast also came ahead of the mega rally of non-BJP leaders under the aegis of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) against the Modi government on February 13 in the national capital.

Against the backdrop of Naidu's dharna, BJP president Amit Shah wrote an open letter to people of Andhra Pradesh, saying the TDP chief knows that his political fortunes are declining rapidly and is back to theatrics in his desperation for grabbing headlines.

Shah accused Naidu of breaking the trust of the people and said he is going too far by "personally" attacking the prime minister.

Naidu's "delusional politics" is about to end, he said.

The TDP leader Sunday dragged Modi's wife while attacking the prime minister. Naidu claimed he had done so as Modi had referred to his son in targeting him at a rally.

Those who met Naidu also included National Conference chairperson Farooq Abdullah, NCP's Majeed Memon, DMK's Tiruchi Siva and Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav. No Left leader was present at the protest venue.

"The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi alleged in an apparent reference to the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the deal.

"Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has got absolutely no credibility left," Gandhi alleged.

In just a couple of months, opposition parties will show Modi exactly what the sentiment in the country is, he said.

"I want to let you know that we are all standing together. We are going to defeat the BJP...," he added.

O'Brien recalled Modi's speech in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday and said he didn't talk about development or special category status but "started a personal attack".

Modi, who was on his first visit to the state after the TDP walked out of the NDA government, came down heavily on Naidu, whom he repeatedly referred to as "father of N Lokesh."

Lashing out at the prime minister, Abdullah said, Modi has stooped so low. He's making personal attacks against Naidu, who is doing great service for the country.

Memon alleged that the Central government was meting out step-motherly treatment to Andhra and the BJP was attacking Naidu because he has taken the lead in uniting rival parties against it.

Mulayam Singh Yadav said he was not well but had come to endorse Naidu's stand.

"Naidu is fighting the battle for the poor, the farmers and all those who are oppressed," he added.

Stating that Naidu was fighting for a just cause, DMK leader Siva predicted that the Modi government would be ousted in three months.

Sharad Yadav blamed the Modi government for unemployment, joblessness which he said were a result of demonetization.

Kejriwal hit out at the prime minister over the alleged mistreatment meted out to states being run by governments of opposition parties.

The way PM Modi treats governments of opposition parties in states, he behaves like he is not the PM of India but PM of Pakistan, he said.

Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh were also at the venue to express their support.

Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and at Ambedkar Statue at the Andhra Bhavan before he began the hunger strike.

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut also made a surprise appearance at Naidu's 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (day-long protest for justice) that began at 8 am. Raut said he came to attend the event as a representative of the Shiv Sena, amid strains with senior ally BJP. Naidu ended his fast at 8.20 pm, accepting a glass of juice from JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TMC leader Derek O' Brien were among other opposition leaders who visited Andhra Bhavan to express their solidarity with Naidu, the supremo of Telugu Desam(TDP). The leaders in their brief speeches mounted a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues, notably the Rafale deal, with Kejriwal going to the extent of accusing him of behaving like "PM of Pakistan" and not of India in the way he treats state governments led by opposition parties. Reacting to Kejriwal's barb, BJP's national secretary and co-in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Sunil Deodhar said the leaders of the 'grand-alliance' are competing with each other on who can be more abusive towards Modi. Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties, has over the last three months, held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP pulled out of the NDA government in March last year over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. Demanding that the Centre fulfil promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014, the TDP president alleged that Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. "(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 post-Godhra riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said. He alleged that the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity". "On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act." On January 19, 22 opposition parties came together at a rally convened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. Naidu's fast also came ahead of the mega rally of non-BJP leaders under the aegis of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) against the Modi government on February 13 in the national capital. Against the backdrop of Naidu's dharna, BJP president Amit Shah wrote an open letter to people of Andhra Pradesh, saying the TDP chief knows that his political fortunes are declining rapidly and is back to theatrics in his desperation for grabbing headlines. Shah accused Naidu of breaking the trust of the people and said he is going too far by "personally" attacking the prime minister. Naidu's "delusional politics" is about to end, he said. The TDP leader Sunday dragged Modi's wife while attacking the prime minister. Naidu claimed he had done so as Modi had referred to his son in targeting him at a rally. Those who met Naidu also included National Conference chairperson Farooq Abdullah, NCP's Majeed Memon, DMK's Tiruchi Siva and Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav. No Left leader was present at the protest venue. "The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi alleged in an apparent reference to the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal with France. The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the deal. "Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has got absolutely no credibility left," Gandhi alleged. In just a couple of months, opposition parties will show Modi exactly what the sentiment in the country is, he said. "I want to let you know that we are all standing together. We are going to defeat the BJP...," he added. O'Brien recalled Modi's speech in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday and said he didn't talk about development or special category status but "started a personal attack". Modi, who was on his first visit to the state after the TDP walked out of the NDA government, came down heavily on Naidu, whom he repeatedly referred to as "father of N Lokesh." Lashing out at the prime minister, Abdullah said, Modi has stooped so low. He's making personal attacks against Naidu, who is doing great service for the country. Memon alleged that the Central government was meting out step-motherly treatment to Andhra and the BJP was attacking Naidu because he has taken the lead in uniting rival parties against it. Mulayam Singh Yadav said he was not well but had come to endorse Naidu's stand. "Naidu is fighting the battle for the poor, the farmers and all those who are oppressed," he added. Stating that Naidu was fighting for a just cause, DMK leader Siva predicted that the Modi government would be ousted in three months. Sharad Yadav blamed the Modi government for unemployment, joblessness which he said were a result of demonetization. Kejriwal hit out at the prime minister over the alleged mistreatment meted out to states being run by governments of opposition parties. The way PM Modi treats governments of opposition parties in states, he behaves like he is not the PM of India but PM of Pakistan, he said. Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh were also at the venue to express their support. Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and at Ambedkar Statue at the Andhra Bhavan before he began the hunger strike.

Chandrababu Naidu's day-long fast turns into show of Opposition unity

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday.

Syed's health suddenly deteriorated Saturday evening, following which he was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he died one and half hours after admission, Jail Superintendent Rani Bhosle told PTI Sunday night.

"The exact cause of his death will be known after post-mortem which will be conducted Monday in the presence of his relatives who have arrived in the city Sunday," she said, adding that Syed's body will be handed over to his relatives after autopsy.

As per preliminary information and symptoms, he could have died of a cardiac arrest, Bhosle said.

Syed, his wife Fehmida and third conspirator Ashrat Ansari were convicted by a POTA (Prevention of Terrorist Activity) court in 2009 of planting powerful bombs in two taxis which exploded at the iconic Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar on August 25, 2003, leaving 52 people dead and 244 injured.

Syed was shifted to the Nagpur Central Jail from Yerwada jail in 2012, after the Bombay high court upheld his death sentence.

The Lashkar-e-Toiba's role in the twin blasts was revealed by an accused-turned-approver.

It was for the first time that the LeT had used a family to carry out bomb blasts in the country.&nbsp;

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday.

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday. Syed's health suddenly deteriorated Saturday evening, following which he was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he died one and half hours after admission, Jail Superintendent Rani Bhosle told PTI Sunday night. "The exact cause of his death will be known after post-mortem which will be conducted Monday in the presence of his relatives who have arrived in the city Sunday," she said, adding that Syed's body will be handed over to his relatives after autopsy. As per preliminary information and symptoms, he could have died of a cardiac arrest, Bhosle said. Syed, his wife Fehmida and third conspirator Ashrat Ansari were convicted by a POTA (Prevention of Terrorist Activity) court in 2009 of planting powerful bombs in two taxis which exploded at the iconic Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar on August 25, 2003, leaving 52 people dead and 244 injured. Syed was shifted to the Nagpur Central Jail from Yerwada jail in 2012, after the Bombay high court upheld his death sentence. The Lashkar-e-Toiba's role in the twin blasts was revealed by an accused-turned-approver. It was for the first time that the LeT had used a family to carry out bomb blasts in the country.

Hanif Syed, sentenced to death in 2003 Mumbai blasts, dies at hospital

M Nageswara Rao Monday admitted that as interim chief of the CBI he committed "mistake" in transferring former joint director A K Sharma and apologised to the Supreme Court saying he had no intention to circumvent its orders. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Rao, who filed an affidavit in response to a contempt notice issued to him on February 7, said he was praying for an unconditional and unqualified apology by the apex court. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"I sincerely realise my mistake and while tendering my unqualified and unconditional apology, I especially state I have not willfully violated the order of this court as I cannot even dream of violating or circumventing order of this court," he wrote in the apology. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Supreme Court on February 7 came down heavily on the CBI for transferring Sharma, who was probing Bihar's shelter home cases, out of the agency in violation of the court's order and had directed Rao to personally appear before it on February 12. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi took serious note of violation of two earlier orders of the apex court and issued contempt notice to Rao for transferring Sharma to the CRPF on January 17 without taking prior permission from the court.

M Nageswara Rao Monday admitted that as interim chief of the CBI he committed "mistake" in transferring former joint director A K Sharma and apologised to the Supreme Court saying he had no intention to circumvent its orders.

M Nageswara Rao Monday admitted that as interim chief of the CBI he committed "mistake" in transferring former joint director A K Sharma and apologised to the Supreme Court saying he had no intention to circumvent its orders. Rao, who filed an affidavit in response to a contempt notice issued to him on February 7, said he was praying for an unconditional and unqualified apology by the apex court. "I sincerely realise my mistake and while tendering my unqualified and unconditional apology, I especially state I have not willfully violated the order of this court as I cannot even dream of violating or circumventing order of this court," he wrote in the apology. The Supreme Court on February 7 came down heavily on the CBI for transferring Sharma, who was probing Bihar's shelter home cases, out of the agency in violation of the court's order and had directed Rao to personally appear before it on February 12. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi took serious note of violation of two earlier orders of the apex court and issued contempt notice to Rao for transferring Sharma to the CRPF on January 17 without taking prior permission from the court.

Nageswara Rao offers unconditional apology to Supreme Court for transferring CBI officer against its order

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.&nbsp;

Naidu, who began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chandrababu-naidu-to-sit-on-hunger-strike-demanding-special-status-for-andhra-pradesh-196485">day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi</a> demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state.&nbsp;

"(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said.&nbsp;

He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity".&nbsp;

"On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said.&nbsp;

"I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it".&nbsp;

The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here".&nbsp;

A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast.&nbsp;

Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan.&nbsp;

A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said.&nbsp;

Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front.&nbsp;

The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. Naidu, who began a day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state. "(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said. He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity". "On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said. "I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it". The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here". A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast. Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said. Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Modi did not follow raj dharma in Andhra Pradesh's case: Chandrababu Naidu

The&nbsp;security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night.

The army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation jointly by the police.&nbsp;

Two people&nbsp;were examined in connection with the case, reports said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
J&amp;K: Last night the security personnel of Army Artillery unit at Rajarwani, Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned off and is being searched jointly by Police &amp; Army. Two people are being examined. <a href="https://t.co/yL2e4l3h5Y">pic.twitter.com/yL2e4l3h5Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094795592746889216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
J&amp;K: Visuals from Rajarwani, Uri where suspicious movement was detected around camp of Army Artillery unit last night following which a security personnel opened fire. Area cordoned off&amp;is being searched by Police&amp;Army. 2 ppl being examined.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/S9oEgVnawZ">pic.twitter.com/S9oEgVnawZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094812539421147136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is developing story. More details awaited.

The security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night.

The security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night. The army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation jointly by the police. Two people were examined in connection with the case, reports said. J&K: Last night the security personnel of Army Artillery unit at Rajarwani, Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned off and is being searched jointly by Police & Army. Two people are being examined. pic.twitter.com/yL2e4l3h5Y — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × J&K: Visuals from Rajarwani, Uri where suspicious movement was detected around camp of Army Artillery unit last night following which a security personnel opened fire. Area cordoned off&is being searched by Police&Army. 2 ppl being examined.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/S9oEgVnawZ — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × This is developing story. More details awaited.

J&K: Security personnel open fire after detecting suspicious activity near Uri army camp

Delhi woke up to thick fog and chilly winds with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering at 22 Degree Celsius and 7 Degree Celsius, respectively.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Railways, as many as 17 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed by at least two hours owing to poor visibility.&nbsp;

Jaynagar- New Delhi S. Sainani Express, Indore New Delhi Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 3 hours, 4 hours and 1 hour, respectively.In addition to the biting cold, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of commoners in Delhi.

Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at in the morning with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5.&nbsp;

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 242 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 304.

Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 204, 313 and 316, respectively.

The 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'.

People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

"Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean – don’t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," read an advisory issued by the Centre.&nbsp;

Delhi woke up to thick fog and chilly winds with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering at 22 Degree Celsius and 7 Degree Celsius, respectively. According to the Indian Railways, as many as 17 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed by at least two hours owing to poor visibility.

Delhi woke up to thick fog and chilly winds with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering at 22 Degree Celsius and 7 Degree Celsius, respectively. According to the Indian Railways, as many as 17 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed by at least two hours owing to poor visibility. Jaynagar- New Delhi S. Sainani Express, Indore New Delhi Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 3 hours, 4 hours and 1 hour, respectively.In addition to the biting cold, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of commoners in Delhi. Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at in the morning with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 242 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 304. Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 204, 313 and 316, respectively. The 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'. People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. "Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean – don’t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," read an advisory issued by the Centre.

Cold wave grips Delhi, air quality plummets to 'poor'

District Magistrate of Karauli issued a notice to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla for <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/rail-services-disrupted-in-rajasthan-due-to-gujjar-stir-196341">not following the High Court’s guidelines</a>.The District Magistrate got the notice pasted outside Bainsla’s residence.

Deputy district collector Suresh Bunkar said, “We have put this notice by the District Magistrate at his (Bainsla) residence for not following the directions of the High Court.

”Bainsla of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (GASS) had staged a 'rasta-roko'&nbsp;dharna on Friday at the railway tracks in Rajasthan's Swai Madhopur district, demanding implementation of the 5 per cent reservation that was promised to them by the state government.

Urging the Rajasthan government to act upon its promise Bainsla on Friday had said, “We want 5 per cent reservation. The state government hasn't responded to our request. So, we have decided to do an agitation to seek the government`s attention."

Last month on January 27, Bainsala asserted that if they were not given 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and academic institutions in next 11 days, they would be constrained to adopt the course of agitation.

As the "ultimatum" given by Bainsla ended on Friday, the Gujjar leader started the dharna with his supporters after holding a 'Maha Panchayat'&nbsp;at Malarna Dungar in Sawai Madhopur district.

Rajasthan government on October 26, 2018, passed a bill which increased Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota from 21 per cent to 26 per cent.

In December 2018, the Rajasthan government also approved one per cent reservation for Gujjars and four other backward castes (OBCs). At present, these communities are getting one per cent separate reservation under the legal limit of 50 per cent reservation meant for the most-backwards category in addition to OBC reservation.

The Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Bill will provide reservation to the five "most backward" OBC communities, including Gujjars and four other communities- Banjara,Baldiya, Labana; Gadiya Lohar, Gadoliya; Raika, Rebari, Debasi and Gadariya, Gadri, Gayari, which were earlier grouped as the special backward classes (SBC).

The government had tabled the Bill in assembly's monsoon session last year to provide reservation in educational institutions and state jobs for the category of more backward classes within the backward classes.

The Bill was tabled in the wake of widespread agitation by the Gujjar community demanding reservation under the backward classes category. However, with this quota of five per cent to OBCs, the total percentage of various quotas crossed 50 per cent. Now, the total quota in Rajasthan stands at 54 per cent- 26 per cent for OBCs, 16 per cent for SCs, and 12 per cent for STs.

This is in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines, which say the total quota in government jobs and educational institutes for different reserved categories in the state cannot go beyond 50 per cent.

Last year, the Rajasthan High Court had struck down government`s attempt to grant 5 per cent quota to Gujjars as it would have shot the overall reservation to 54 per cent.&nbsp;

District Magistrate of Karauli issued a notice to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla for not following the High Court’s guidelines.The District Magistrate got the notice pasted outside Bainsla’s residence.

District Magistrate of Karauli issued a notice to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla for not following the High Court’s guidelines.The District Magistrate got the notice pasted outside Bainsla’s residence. Deputy district collector Suresh Bunkar said, “We have put this notice by the District Magistrate at his (Bainsla) residence for not following the directions of the High Court. ”Bainsla of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (GASS) had staged a 'rasta-roko' dharna on Friday at the railway tracks in Rajasthan's Swai Madhopur district, demanding implementation of the 5 per cent reservation that was promised to them by the state government. Urging the Rajasthan government to act upon its promise Bainsla on Friday had said, “We want 5 per cent reservation. The state government hasn't responded to our request. So, we have decided to do an agitation to seek the government`s attention." Last month on January 27, Bainsala asserted that if they were not given 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and academic institutions in next 11 days, they would be constrained to adopt the course of agitation. As the "ultimatum" given by Bainsla ended on Friday, the Gujjar leader started the dharna with his supporters after holding a 'Maha Panchayat' at Malarna Dungar in Sawai Madhopur district. Rajasthan government on October 26, 2018, passed a bill which increased Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota from 21 per cent to 26 per cent. In December 2018, the Rajasthan government also approved one per cent reservation for Gujjars and four other backward castes (OBCs). At present, these communities are getting one per cent separate reservation under the legal limit of 50 per cent reservation meant for the most-backwards category in addition to OBC reservation. The Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Bill will provide reservation to the five "most backward" OBC communities, including Gujjars and four other communities- Banjara,Baldiya, Labana; Gadiya Lohar, Gadoliya; Raika, Rebari, Debasi and Gadariya, Gadri, Gayari, which were earlier grouped as the special backward classes (SBC). The government had tabled the Bill in assembly's monsoon session last year to provide reservation in educational institutions and state jobs for the category of more backward classes within the backward classes. The Bill was tabled in the wake of widespread agitation by the Gujjar community demanding reservation under the backward classes category. However, with this quota of five per cent to OBCs, the total percentage of various quotas crossed 50 per cent. Now, the total quota in Rajasthan stands at 54 per cent- 26 per cent for OBCs, 16 per cent for SCs, and 12 per cent for STs. This is in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines, which say the total quota in government jobs and educational institutes for different reserved categories in the state cannot go beyond 50 per cent. Last year, the Rajasthan High Court had struck down government`s attempt to grant 5 per cent quota to Gujjars as it would have shot the overall reservation to 54 per cent.

Rajasthan: DM issues notice to Gujjar leader for not following High Court guidelines

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/grammys-2019-ariana-grande-wins-best-pop-vocal-album-gives-the-ceremony-a-miss-196500">Grammys 2019: Ariana Grande wins Best Pop Vocal Album; gives the ceremony a miss</a>

Reigning pop princess Ariana Grande took home the first Grammy of her career for Best Pop Vocal Album on Sunday for her fourth studio album 'Sweetener,' topping a tough field including perennial favourite Taylor Swift.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bafta-2019-the-complete-list-of-winners-196479">BAFTA 2019: 'The Favourite', 'Roma' take home big awards of the night</a>

It was a big night for Oscar favourites ‘Roma’ and ‘The Favourite’ that picked up big awards at BAFTA. The British Academy Film and Television Awards took place in London.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/german-migrant-rescue-ship-renamed-after-tragic-toddler-alan-kurdi-196483">German migrant rescue ship renamed after tragic toddler Alan Kurdi</a>

A German migrant rescue ship which operates in the Mediterranean was renamed Sunday after Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian refugee boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach at the height of the migrant crisis, sparking global outrage

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawyer-denies-tabloid-blackmailed-amazon-chief-jeff-bezos-196477">Lawyer denies tabloid blackmailed Amazon chief Jeff </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawyer-denies-tabloid-blackmailed-amazon-chief-jeff-bezos-196477">Bezos</a>

A lawyer denied Sunday allegations by Jeff Bezos that the National Enquirer tabloid had tried to extort and blackmail him, insisting that embarrassing photographs were obtained from a "reliable" source.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-representative-zalmay-khalilzad-to-be-back-to-focus-on-intra-afghan-dialogue-196488">US representative Zalmay Khalilzad to be back to focus on intra-Afghan dialogue</a>

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will be back in the region during which he will be visiting six countries - Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Grammys 2019: Ariana Grande wins Best Pop Vocal Album; gives the ceremony a miss Reigning pop princess Ariana Grande took home the first Grammy of her career for Best Pop Vocal Album on Sunday for her fourth studio album 'Sweetener,' topping a tough field including perennial favourite Taylor Swift.

Grammys 2019: Ariana Grande wins Best Pop Vocal Album; gives the ceremony a miss Reigning pop princess Ariana Grande took home the first Grammy of her career for Best Pop Vocal Album on Sunday for her fourth studio album 'Sweetener,' topping a tough field including perennial favourite Taylor Swift. BAFTA 2019: 'The Favourite', 'Roma' take home big awards of the night It was a big night for Oscar favourites ‘Roma’ and ‘The Favourite’ that picked up big awards at BAFTA. The British Academy Film and Television Awards took place in London. German migrant rescue ship renamed after tragic toddler Alan Kurdi A German migrant rescue ship which operates in the Mediterranean was renamed Sunday after Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian refugee boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach at the height of the migrant crisis, sparking global outrage Lawyer denies tabloid blackmailed Amazon chief Jeff Bezos A lawyer denied Sunday allegations by Jeff Bezos that the National Enquirer tabloid had tried to extort and blackmail him, insisting that embarrassing photographs were obtained from a "reliable" source. US representative Zalmay Khalilzad to be back to focus on intra-Afghan dialogue United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will be back in the region during which he will be visiting six countries - Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses.&nbsp;

The objective of the Bill is to create more accountability and offer more protection against the exploitation of Indian women by their NRI spouses. &nbsp;

As per the bill, an erring NRI spouse could be declared a proclaimed offender or may have to face impounding of passport&nbsp;or the attachment of property. The Ministry has been receiving petitions from Indian women deserted or harassed by their NRI spouses.&nbsp;

The legislation will help in "better enforcement of rights of the deserted spouses under various family laws".

The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Under the legislation, a court can issue summons, warrants through the specially designated website of the Ministry of External Affairs in case of any violation.

If the person in question fails to appear before the court at the time and place mentioned in the warrant, a court may declare him a proclaimed offender. The court may also attach the properties belonging to the NRI.&nbsp;

Section 5 (5) says the court may "order the attachment of any property, movable or immovable, or both belonging to the proclaimed offender". If it is a joint property then the attachment will have effect only with regard to the interest of the proclaimed offender.

As per the bill, every NRI who married an Indian citizen needs to register it within a period of 30 days from the date of marriage. If the person doesn't register the marriage, the passport authority can impound the passport. For this, the bill amends the Passport Act, 1967.

Even before this provision was introduced, India impounded many passports to act in favour of distressed Indian women. The MEA revoked/impounded as many as 24 passports and suspended 21 passports of erring spouses based on the complaints received and the issuance of the Look Out Circulars by the Integrated Nodal Agency, Police and Courts.

The bill regards a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) as a citizen of India who resides outside&nbsp;India's territory. The MEA addressed 5,379 complaints of distressed Indian women deserted by their NRI spouses between January 2014 to December 2018. The amount of legal and financial assistance to the distressed Indian women has also been increased to $4,000 per case.&nbsp;

The MEA in a press release said, "the introduction of the Bill was necessitated by the Ministry of External Affairs due to numerous complaints received from Indian nationals mostly women deserted or harassed by their Non-Resident Indian Spouses."

Further elaborating, the MEA said the "Bill proposes to offer greater protection to Indian women married to NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This would provide much-needed relief to all Indian women married to NRIs worldwide."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses. The objective of the Bill is to create more accountability and offer more protection against the exploitation of Indian women by their NRI spouses. As per the bill, an erring NRI spouse could be declared a proclaimed offender or may have to face impounding of passport or the attachment of property. The Ministry has been receiving petitions from Indian women deserted or harassed by their NRI spouses. The legislation will help in "better enforcement of rights of the deserted spouses under various family laws". The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Under the legislation, a court can issue summons, warrants through the specially designated website of the Ministry of External Affairs in case of any violation. If the person in question fails to appear before the court at the time and place mentioned in the warrant, a court may declare him a proclaimed offender. The court may also attach the properties belonging to the NRI. Section 5 (5) says the court may "order the attachment of any property, movable or immovable, or both belonging to the proclaimed offender". If it is a joint property then the attachment will have effect only with regard to the interest of the proclaimed offender. As per the bill, every NRI who married an Indian citizen needs to register it within a period of 30 days from the date of marriage. If the person doesn't register the marriage, the passport authority can impound the passport. For this, the bill amends the Passport Act, 1967. Even before this provision was introduced, India impounded many passports to act in favour of distressed Indian women. The MEA revoked/impounded as many as 24 passports and suspended 21 passports of erring spouses based on the complaints received and the issuance of the Look Out Circulars by the Integrated Nodal Agency, Police and Courts. The bill regards a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) as a citizen of India who resides outside India's territory. The MEA addressed 5,379 complaints of distressed Indian women deserted by their NRI spouses between January 2014 to December 2018. The amount of legal and financial assistance to the distressed Indian women has also been increased to $4,000 per case. The MEA in a press release said, "the introduction of the Bill was necessitated by the Ministry of External Affairs due to numerous complaints received from Indian nationals mostly women deserted or harassed by their Non-Resident Indian Spouses." Further elaborating, the MEA said the "Bill proposes to offer greater protection to Indian women married to NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This would provide much-needed relief to all Indian women married to NRIs worldwide."

Sushma Swaraj introduces bill that acts tough on erring NRI spouses 

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took Lucknow by storm Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-enters-active-politics-congress-plays-its-last-trump-card-192277">The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh</a>, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday.&nbsp;

UP is the country's most important state politically — sending 80 members to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

On Monday, Priyanka and the other Congress leaders rode out of the Lucknow airport on an open-top bus.&nbsp;

"It's like Indira Gandhi has come back," Reuters reported Fuzail Ahmed Khan, 45, a Congress supporter as saying. "The state's farmers want Rahul Gandhi to be prime minister, Priyanka to be chief minister."

As Priyanka's cavalcade rolled through the streets of Lucknow, Congress workers showered rose petals and threw marigold garlands at her.&nbsp;

Some posters showed Priyanka Gandhi as Goddess Durga on a lion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Congress' roadshow in Lucknow. General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia and party President Rahul Gandhi are crossing Transport Nagar <a href="https://t.co/MbKZc4fNnF">pic.twitter.com/MbKZc4fNnF</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1094882545831985152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia sit down to avoid overhanging electrical wires during their roadshow in Lucknow. <a href="https://t.co/1lVmDMOyrV">pic.twitter.com/1lVmDMOyrV</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1094900337088086017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from the roadshow of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/J7aZUJc5Dw">pic.twitter.com/J7aZUJc5Dw</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1094911889564258305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Maa Durga ka roop behen Priyankaji (Sister Priyanka is Maa Durga's incarnation)," read a poster. Another highlighted her resemblance with her grandmother Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

"I hope that we can together start a new kind of politics," Priyanka said in an audio message shared by Congress.

Priyanka has helped manage elections for her brother Rahul and her mother, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, but has never held an official party post up until now.&nbsp;

"We'll play on front foot. Scindia ji, Priyanka ji and I won't rest until a government of Congress' ideology is formed here," Rahul said addressing the crowd.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lucknow: Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra &amp; Congress President Rahul Gandhi pay floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel <a href="https://t.co/limlEr4kMF">pic.twitter.com/limlEr4kMF</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1094921158695182337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra interacts with a child during the roadshow in Lucknow. The girl says, "I gave her a garland &amp; she gave me a chocolate. Later, she returned the garland to me &amp; said, 'Stay happy'. <a href="https://t.co/0h9PPYCiCm">pic.twitter.com/0h9PPYCiCm</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1094934696352309248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The siblings later paid tribute to former Congressman and independent India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Priyanka did not speak.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took Lucknow by storm Monday afternoon. The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took Lucknow by storm Monday afternoon. The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday. UP is the country's most important state politically — sending 80 members to the Lok Sabha. On Monday, Priyanka and the other Congress leaders rode out of the Lucknow airport on an open-top bus. "It's like Indira Gandhi has come back," Reuters reported Fuzail Ahmed Khan, 45, a Congress supporter as saying. "The state's farmers want Rahul Gandhi to be prime minister, Priyanka to be chief minister." As Priyanka's cavalcade rolled through the streets of Lucknow, Congress workers showered rose petals and threw marigold garlands at her. Some posters showed Priyanka Gandhi as Goddess Durga on a lion. #Visuals from Congress' roadshow in Lucknow. General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia and party President Rahul Gandhi are crossing Transport Nagar pic.twitter.com/MbKZc4fNnF — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2019 × #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia sit down to avoid overhanging electrical wires during their roadshow in Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/1lVmDMOyrV — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2019 × #Visuals from the roadshow of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/J7aZUJc5Dw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2019 × "Maa Durga ka roop behen Priyankaji (Sister Priyanka is Maa Durga's incarnation)," read a poster. Another highlighted her resemblance with her grandmother Indira Gandhi. "I hope that we can together start a new kind of politics," Priyanka said in an audio message shared by Congress. Priyanka has helped manage elections for her brother Rahul and her mother, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, but has never held an official party post up until now. "We'll play on front foot. Scindia ji, Priyanka ji and I won't rest until a government of Congress' ideology is formed here," Rahul said addressing the crowd. Lucknow: Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra & Congress President Rahul Gandhi pay floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pic.twitter.com/limlEr4kMF — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2019 × #Visuals: Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra interacts with a child during the roadshow in Lucknow. The girl says, "I gave her a garland & she gave me a chocolate. Later, she returned the garland to me & said, 'Stay happy'. pic.twitter.com/0h9PPYCiCm — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2019 × The siblings later paid tribute to former Congressman and independent India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Priyanka did not speak. (With inputs from agencies)

'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow

The Income Tax Department on Monday claimed to have busted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kapil-mishra-alleges-aap-received-money-through-hawala-network-15786?amp">nexus of hawala</a> operators who were running a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-assembly-elections-2018-rs-500-crore-hawala-cash-documents-recovered-before-polls-177234">money laundering racket</a> in the national capital estimated to be worth Rs 20,000 crore.

Official sources in the department said a "series of" raids and surveys were conducted by sleuths of the Delhi investigation unit of the I-T Department over the last few weeks in different business areas of old Delhi.

These operations led to the unearthing of illegal financial activities by three groups of operators, a senior official said.

A survey was conducted on one such group in the Naya Bazar area, that led to the detection of bogus billing of about Rs 18,000 crore. This group had floated a dozen bogus entities for providing fake bills, the official said.

The identities of the accused were not disclosed by the department.

In the second case, a "highly organised" money laundering racket has been unearthed where current transactions in well-known shares were fraudulently camouflaged as being sales of old shares held for years, the official said.

He said this way, the beneficiaries have been found claiming "bogus long-term capital gains."

The taxman suspects the magnitude of this purported scam to be over Rs 1,000 crore.

"This figure appears to be the tip of the iceberg. This modus operandi has been found to be going on for many years," the official said.

The department similarly conducted searches against a group and found "undisclosed foreign bank accounts and a well-established racket of claiming bogus duty drawback/GST through over-invoicing of exports."

"Preliminary estimates of such bogus exports is more than Rs 1,500 crore," the official said.

The search teams have seized signed, un-signed papers, MoUs, agreements, cash loans and interest earned thereupon, documents of the settlement of financial disputes in cash, receipt of cash in settlement of disputed immovable properties among others of around Rs 100 crore, he said.

"Evidence of arranging foreign trips and foreign currency overseas to persons on undertaking these trips have also been noticed vis-a-vis probe in the third case," the official said.

The total amount of tax evasion detected is expected to be around Rs 20,000 crore, he said.

The Income Tax Department on Monday claimed to have busted a nexus of hawala operators who were running a money laundering racket in the national capital estimated to be worth Rs 20,000 crore.

The Income Tax Department on Monday claimed to have busted a nexus of hawala operators who were running a money laundering racket in the national capital estimated to be worth Rs 20,000 crore. Official sources in the department said a "series of" raids and surveys were conducted by sleuths of the Delhi investigation unit of the I-T Department over the last few weeks in different business areas of old Delhi. These operations led to the unearthing of illegal financial activities by three groups of operators, a senior official said. A survey was conducted on one such group in the Naya Bazar area, that led to the detection of bogus billing of about Rs 18,000 crore. This group had floated a dozen bogus entities for providing fake bills, the official said. The identities of the accused were not disclosed by the department. In the second case, a "highly organised" money laundering racket has been unearthed where current transactions in well-known shares were fraudulently camouflaged as being sales of old shares held for years, the official said. He said this way, the beneficiaries have been found claiming "bogus long-term capital gains." The taxman suspects the magnitude of this purported scam to be over Rs 1,000 crore. "This figure appears to be the tip of the iceberg. This modus operandi has been found to be going on for many years," the official said. The department similarly conducted searches against a group and found "undisclosed foreign bank accounts and a well-established racket of claiming bogus duty drawback/GST through over-invoicing of exports." "Preliminary estimates of such bogus exports is more than Rs 1,500 crore," the official said. The search teams have seized signed, un-signed papers, MoUs, agreements, cash loans and interest earned thereupon, documents of the settlement of financial disputes in cash, receipt of cash in settlement of disputed immovable properties among others of around Rs 100 crore, he said. "Evidence of arranging foreign trips and foreign currency overseas to persons on undertaking these trips have also been noticed vis-a-vis probe in the third case," the official said. The total amount of tax evasion detected is expected to be around Rs 20,000 crore, he said.

Income Tax department unearths Rs 20,000 cr hawala, money laundering racket in Delhi

Indian Army officer Major Nisheet Dogra passed away after being trapped under nearly six feet of snow in north Sikkim.

As per the Army, there was unprecedented snowfall and high winds resulting in blizzard-like conditions in north Sikkim on Saturday.

It was discovered that Major Dogra was missing, following which a search was launched to locate the officer.

"After an intense search, at about 10 pm, the search party located Maj Nisheet Dogra who was trapped under five to six feet of snow. The officer was given immediate medical aid. However, around midnight, the brave heart lost the battle of life and attained martyrdom in the line of duty," read an official statement on Sunday.

The mortal remains of the officer are being flown to Bengdubi from where they will be taken to his native place under arrangements of the Army.&nbsp;

Indian Army officer Major Nisheet Dogra passed away after being trapped under nearly six feet of snow in north Sikkim. As per the Army, there was unprecedented snowfall and high winds resulting in blizzard-like conditions in north Sikkim on Saturday.

Indian Army officer Major Nisheet Dogra passed away after being trapped under nearly six feet of snow in north Sikkim. As per the Army, there was unprecedented snowfall and high winds resulting in blizzard-like conditions in north Sikkim on Saturday. It was discovered that Major Dogra was missing, following which a search was launched to locate the officer. "After an intense search, at about 10 pm, the search party located Maj Nisheet Dogra who was trapped under five to six feet of snow. The officer was given immediate medical aid. However, around midnight, the brave heart lost the battle of life and attained martyrdom in the line of duty," read an official statement on Sunday. The mortal remains of the officer are being flown to Bengdubi from where they will be taken to his native place under arrangements of the Army.

Army officer dies after getting trapped in snow in north Sikkim

Preparations are underway in the Congress office in Lucknow to welcome their newly-appointed General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday.

&nbsp;Congress President Rahul Gandhi is slated to accompany Priyanka and Scindia.

Ahead of her first visit after being appointed as General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka said, "I am coming to Lucknow tomorrow and I wish that together we will begin a new politics and you be a part of it. Youth, women and marginalised, everyone's voices will be heard. Let's establish a new future and politics."

UP Congress Committee (UPCC) president Raj Babbar said, "From February 18 onwards, Priyanka and Scindia will start public interactions in their respective areas."

Priyanka and Scindia would stay till February 14, while Rahul is expected to return on the same day.

Since the announcement of SP-BSP alliance for the coming Lok Sabha polls in the state where two parties will contest on 38 seats each, the Congress leadership has been leaving nothing unturned to retain the party’s lost ground in the state, where they won only two seats—Rae Bareli and Amethi—in the last Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Preparations are underway in the Congress office in Lucknow to welcome their newly-appointed General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday.

Preparations are underway in the Congress office in Lucknow to welcome their newly-appointed General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi is slated to accompany Priyanka and Scindia. Ahead of her first visit after being appointed as General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka said, "I am coming to Lucknow tomorrow and I wish that together we will begin a new politics and you be a part of it. Youth, women and marginalised, everyone's voices will be heard. Let's establish a new future and politics." UP Congress Committee (UPCC) president Raj Babbar said, "From February 18 onwards, Priyanka and Scindia will start public interactions in their respective areas." Priyanka and Scindia would stay till February 14, while Rahul is expected to return on the same day. Since the announcement of SP-BSP alliance for the coming Lok Sabha polls in the state where two parties will contest on 38 seats each, the Congress leadership has been leaving nothing unturned to retain the party’s lost ground in the state, where they won only two seats—Rae Bareli and Amethi—in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Lucknow: Stage set to welcome Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jyotiraditya Scindia

Facebook Inc is expanding its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-restrict-facebooks-data-gathering-activities-195917">fact-checking network</a> in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday.

"We are committed to fighting the spread of false news on Facebook, especially ahead of the 2019 General Election campaign season," Manish Khanduri, Facebook India's news partnership head, said in the statement.

The coming election is expected to be a close fought battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress Party and its regional allies.

Last week, Facebook said it was introducing stricter rules for political advertisements in India.

The latest move to strengthen the fact-checking programme is aimed at verifying the accuracy of stories and preventing the spread of hoaxes.

Five new partners have been added to Facebook's fact-checker network, taking the total number to seven, the statement said.

And the programme has been broadened to cover services in more Indian languages so that it will now cover English and five local languages, the statement added.

India is Facebook's largest market by users, and its WhatsApp messaging service has more than 200 million users in the country thanks to the advent of cheap mobile data and increasing penetration of smartphones.

Aside from concerns over misuse of social media for political purposes, there has also been criticism over the spread of false, incendiary messages that have fanned communal tensions and sparked mob violence.

Last year, after a series of lynchings, were incited by messages sent on its service, WhatsApp reduced the number of people or groups that a message could be forwarded to at one time, cutting it to five from 20 previously. WhatsApp has since moved to make that its norm worldwide.

Facebook's main rival in India, Alphabet Inc's Google, has also conducted scores of workshops across the country to train journalists to verify the news.

Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday.

Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday. "We are committed to fighting the spread of false news on Facebook, especially ahead of the 2019 General Election campaign season," Manish Khanduri, Facebook India's news partnership head, said in the statement. The coming election is expected to be a close fought battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress Party and its regional allies. Last week, Facebook said it was introducing stricter rules for political advertisements in India. The latest move to strengthen the fact-checking programme is aimed at verifying the accuracy of stories and preventing the spread of hoaxes. Five new partners have been added to Facebook's fact-checker network, taking the total number to seven, the statement said. And the programme has been broadened to cover services in more Indian languages so that it will now cover English and five local languages, the statement added. India is Facebook's largest market by users, and its WhatsApp messaging service has more than 200 million users in the country thanks to the advent of cheap mobile data and increasing penetration of smartphones. Aside from concerns over misuse of social media for political purposes, there has also been criticism over the spread of false, incendiary messages that have fanned communal tensions and sparked mob violence. Last year, after a series of lynchings, were incited by messages sent on its service, WhatsApp reduced the number of people or groups that a message could be forwarded to at one time, cutting it to five from 20 previously. WhatsApp has since moved to make that its norm worldwide. Facebook's main rival in India, Alphabet Inc's Google, has also conducted scores of workshops across the country to train journalists to verify the news.

With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network

india-news

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

india news