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Cold wave conditions returned to Kashmir as the minimum temperatures on Friday night plunged several degrees below freezing point, which resulted in the formation of black ice on the roads in the valley, hampering the movement of traffic, officials said Saturday.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.7 degrees Celsius on Friday night, registering a drop of nearly five degrees compared to the previous night, an official at the MeT Department said.

Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the valley as the mercury plunged to minus 14.4 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 12.7 degrees Celsius, he said.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 9.0 degrees Celsius while Kupwara and Kokernag registered minimum temperatures of minus 7.4 and minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The sudden dip in the night temperature was due to clear skies overnight, which led to the formation of black ice on the roads in the city and elsewhere in the valley.

The motorists faced difficulty in driving over the frozen roads but bright sunshine eased the situation by melting the thin layer of ice.

Cold wave conditions returned to Kashmir as the minimum temperatures on Friday night plunged several degrees below freezing point, which resulted in the formation of black ice on the roads in the valley, hampering the movement of traffic, officials said Saturday.

Cold wave conditions returned to Kashmir as the minimum temperatures on Friday night plunged several degrees below freezing point, which resulted in the formation of black ice on the roads in the valley, hampering the movement of traffic, officials said Saturday. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.7 degrees Celsius on Friday night, registering a drop of nearly five degrees compared to the previous night, an official at the MeT Department said. Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the valley as the mercury plunged to minus 14.4 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 12.7 degrees Celsius, he said. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 9.0 degrees Celsius while Kupwara and Kokernag registered minimum temperatures of minus 7.4 and minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. The sudden dip in the night temperature was due to clear skies overnight, which led to the formation of black ice on the roads in the city and elsewhere in the valley. The motorists faced difficulty in driving over the frozen roads but bright sunshine eased the situation by melting the thin layer of ice.

Cold wave conditions return to Kashmir Valley; temperature drops to -5.7 degrees Celsius

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a &nbsp;committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Modi was addressing a public rally in Changsari, Assam.&nbsp;

Allaying people's fear on the&nbsp;Citizenship bill, Modi said it would not harm Assam and northeast, and added,&nbsp;only after necessary investigation and recommendation of the state government can the decision of giving someone citizenship be taken.&nbsp;

''My government is fully committed to the interests of Assam,'' he added.&nbsp;

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PM in Assam: Bharat Ratna used to be reserved for some ppl the moment they were born, it used to take decades to honour ppl who spent their lives to bring honour to nation. I feel proud that during BJP govt we got chance to give Bharat Ratna to Gopinath Bordoloi &amp; Bhupen Hazarika <a href="https://t.co/BJFCOrD7c5">pic.twitter.com/BJFCOrD7c5</a>
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''To rid Assam and the country of infiltrators we've always strengthened the voice of people. That is why we did chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border. We implemented NRC under the supervision of the Supreme Court that earlier governments were hesitating to do,'' Modi said.

Assam to become oil and gas hub of the country with projects worth Rs 14,000 crore completed in the last four years, he added.&nbsp;

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was addressing a public rally in Changsari, Assam. Allaying people's fear on the Citizenship bill, Modi said it would not harm Assam and northeast, and added, only after necessary investigation and recommendation of the state government can the decision of giving someone citizenship be taken. ''My government is fully committed to the interests of Assam,'' he added. PM in Assam: Bharat Ratna used to be reserved for some ppl the moment they were born, it used to take decades to honour ppl who spent their lives to bring honour to nation. I feel proud that during BJP govt we got chance to give Bharat Ratna to Gopinath Bordoloi & Bhupen Hazarika pic.twitter.com/BJFCOrD7c5 — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2019 × ''To rid Assam and the country of infiltrators we've always strengthened the voice of people. That is why we did chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border. We implemented NRC under the supervision of the Supreme Court that earlier governments were hesitating to do,'' Modi said. Assam to become oil and gas hub of the country with projects worth Rs 14,000 crore completed in the last four years, he added.

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord: PM Modi

The Supreme Court Friday said it was of the tentative view that BSP chief Mayawati has to deposit public money used for erecting statues of herself and elephants, the party's symbol, at parks in Lucknow and Noida to the state exchequer.

The remarks were made by a bench hearing a petition filed by an advocate who had contended that public money cannot be utilised for creating own statues and for propagating the political party.

"We are of the tentative view that Mayawati has to deposit the public money spent on her statues and party symbol to the state exchequer," a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said.

The bench, also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, posted the matter for final hearing on April 2.

The bench made it clear the tentative view was expressed by it as the matter would take some time for hearing.

"We will have it for final disposal on April 2," the bench said.&nbsp;

The petition on the issue was filed by advocate Ravi Kant in 2009 and on Friday the matter came after quite a long time.

Earlier, the apex court had passed various interim orders and directions in which the issue of environmental concern was also raised.

Further, there was also a direction to the Election Commission that during the election the elephants built in the park have to be covered.

The petitioner has alleged that crores of rupees was used from the state budget for 2008-09 to glorify Mayawati who was then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Friday said it was of the tentative view that BSP chief Mayawati has to deposit public money used for erecting statues of herself and elephants, the party's symbol, at parks in Lucknow and Noida to the state exchequer.

The Supreme Court Friday said it was of the tentative view that BSP chief Mayawati has to deposit public money used for erecting statues of herself and elephants, the party's symbol, at parks in Lucknow and Noida to the state exchequer. The remarks were made by a bench hearing a petition filed by an advocate who had contended that public money cannot be utilised for creating own statues and for propagating the political party. "We are of the tentative view that Mayawati has to deposit the public money spent on her statues and party symbol to the state exchequer," a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said. The bench, also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, posted the matter for final hearing on April 2. The bench made it clear the tentative view was expressed by it as the matter would take some time for hearing. "We will have it for final disposal on April 2," the bench said. The petition on the issue was filed by advocate Ravi Kant in 2009 and on Friday the matter came after quite a long time. Earlier, the apex court had passed various interim orders and directions in which the issue of environmental concern was also raised. Further, there was also a direction to the Election Commission that during the election the elephants built in the park have to be covered. The petitioner has alleged that crores of rupees was used from the state budget for 2008-09 to glorify Mayawati who was then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Supreme Court tells Mayawati to deposit money used for erecting her statues

Delhi turns into winter wonderland with heavy rains, hailstorms

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side, a police official said.

While 10 policemen posted at the post near the tunnel were reported safe,10 others are believed to be trapped, he said.

"Police rescue teams and other concerned agencies have been rushed to the site," he added.

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side, a police official said. While 10 policemen posted at the post near the tunnel were reported safe,10 others are believed to be trapped, he said. "Police rescue teams and other concerned agencies have been rushed to the site," he added. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.

10 policemen trapped as avalanche strikes J&K's Kulgam district

Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav challenging the Bihar government's order asking him to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister.&nbsp;

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him.

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Supreme Court dismisses a plea of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav challenging the Bihar government's order asking him to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister. CJI Ranjan Gogoi also imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on Tejashwi Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/vKVZ1i3xNe">pic.twitter.com/vKVZ1i3xNe</a>
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Yadav earlier filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Patna High Court judgement which had turned down his petition challenging the Bihar government order to vacate his bungalow to make way for Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

The premises was allotted to Yadav in 2015 upon his appointment as the deputy chief minister of the then 'Grand Alliance' government headed by Nitish Kumar.

He continues to occupy the sprawling bungalow, situated adjacent to the chief minister's residence, even after the lapse of more than a year since RJD lost power in the state and Kumar now heads an NDA government.

Yadav is currently the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.&nbsp;

Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav challenging the Bihar government's order asking him to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister.

Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav challenging the Bihar government's order asking him to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him. Supreme Court dismisses a plea of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav challenging the Bihar government's order asking him to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister. CJI Ranjan Gogoi also imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on Tejashwi Yadav. pic.twitter.com/vKVZ1i3xNe — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × Yadav earlier filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Patna High Court judgement which had turned down his petition challenging the Bihar government order to vacate his bungalow to make way for Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The premises was allotted to Yadav in 2015 upon his appointment as the deputy chief minister of the then 'Grand Alliance' government headed by Nitish Kumar. He continues to occupy the sprawling bungalow, situated adjacent to the chief minister's residence, even after the lapse of more than a year since RJD lost power in the state and Kumar now heads an NDA government. Yadav is currently the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.

SC dismisses Tejashwi Yadav's plea challenging decision asking him to vacate govt bungalow 

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing.&nbsp;

India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy.

In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China.

In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China.

Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China.&nbsp;

The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion.

China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">The first informal summit took place in Wuhan</a> in April 2018.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year. India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing. India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy. In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China. In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China. Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China. The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion. China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. The first informal summit took place in Wuhan in April 2018.

India in talks with China for early announcement of Chinese import quotas

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-gain-access-to-120-miilion-facebook-users-private-messages-report-175285">political advertisements</a> in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday.

Users will see political advertisements with "published by" and "paid by" disclaimers, the Menlo Park, California-headquartered company said in a statement.

The move comes weeks after Facebook told it would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-accused-of-allowing-anti-brexit-fake-news-on-its-platform-191338">European Union</a> before significant votes in these places in the next few months.

Users will be able to access a library that allows them to search and find out more about political advertisements such as how much is spent on them and the demographics of advertising views, Facebook said.

People will soon also be able to see country locations of users who manage Facebook pages that carry political ads.

"By increasing transparency around ads and pages on Facebook, we hope to increase accountability for advertisers, help people assess the content they're seeing and prevent future abuse in elections," Facebook said.

The new features and policy become effective February&nbsp;21.

The moves are part of Facebook's attempts to reshape its public image which took a beating last year after a privacy scandal involving British data consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

The company has also faced intense pressure from India, one of the world's biggest Internet markets, to curb the spread of misinformation through its WhatsApp messenger that has lead to a spate of killings.

Facebook said it is also making it tougher to run a page using a fake account by introducing two-factor authentication and by asking for page administrators' primary country location.

In the&nbsp;past few years, Facebook has effectively been used globally by politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda.

Ads on Facebook can widen the reach of such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company's policies. Under intense global public scrutiny, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads.

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing political advertisements in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday.

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing political advertisements in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday. Users will see political advertisements with "published by" and "paid by" disclaimers, the Menlo Park, California-headquartered company said in a statement. The move comes weeks after Facebook told it would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the European Union before significant votes in these places in the next few months. Users will be able to access a library that allows them to search and find out more about political advertisements such as how much is spent on them and the demographics of advertising views, Facebook said. People will soon also be able to see country locations of users who manage Facebook pages that carry political ads. "By increasing transparency around ads and pages on Facebook, we hope to increase accountability for advertisers, help people assess the content they're seeing and prevent future abuse in elections," Facebook said. The new features and policy become effective February 21. The moves are part of Facebook's attempts to reshape its public image which took a beating last year after a privacy scandal involving British data consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The company has also faced intense pressure from India, one of the world's biggest Internet markets, to curb the spread of misinformation through its WhatsApp messenger that has lead to a spate of killings. Facebook said it is also making it tougher to run a page using a fake account by introducing two-factor authentication and by asking for page administrators' primary country location. In the past few years, Facebook has effectively been used globally by politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda. Ads on Facebook can widen the reach of such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company's policies. Under intense global public scrutiny, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads.

Now, Facebook toughens political ad policies in India ahead of general election

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-cop-rescued-nine-stuck-after-avalanche-strikes-kulgam-district-196014">avalanche struck Kulgam district</a> near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley.&nbsp;

A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals.&nbsp;

Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now <a href="https://t.co/yZBf4IGITA">pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA</a>
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"In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said.&nbsp;

NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions.&nbsp;

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley. A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals. Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety. #JammuAndKashmir : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × "In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said. NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district. (With inputs from PTI)

Five cops among seven dead in Kashmir avalanche

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">Rafale fighter deal </a>and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”.

In an exclusive interview to ANI in Delhi, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-flogging-a-dead-horse-says-sitharaman-after-uproar-in-parliament-over-rafale-196013">Sitharaman slammed Congress</a> President Rahul Gandhi for constantly raising questions over the Rafale deal, equating him to a “parrot” and asked what “moral authority” he has to do so when he, along with his mother Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law Robert Vadra are on bail.

She asserted that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to monitor progress in any deal or project and if the PMO checks on these, it cannot be termed as “interference”.

Referring to the news item which appeared in a newspaper on Friday, Sitharaman alleged that it was “half truth, with the intention ... to create doubt in the minds of the reader.”

The minister questioned whether it was not the “responsibility” of the journalist to try to get complete details or get response from the ministry before publishing the item. Even if there was no response, an attempt could have been made, she added.

She said that while publishing the file notings of an officer of the Defence Ministry, the journalist should have looked for the response of the Defence Minister “But what they have done in publishing the item is not a complete job,” Sitharaman said.

She said it was her “suspicion and I have reason to suspect” that publication of the news item was “an attempt by some people, either by doing themselves, or whether because of corporate warfare that is going on.”

Rejecting the contention about “interference” by the PMO, the Defence Minister said any PMO, not just under NarendraModi, would “naturally monitor” the progress of any deal or even programmes like AyushmanBharat.

“The Prime Minister is the first among equals (in a Cabinet) and if PMO checks on a ministry, it is not interference.... If the PMO is asking what is the status (of a project), it is not interference,” Sitharaman underlined.

She then went on to attack the Congress, questioning the role of National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister.

“If this (PMO asking about progress of a project) is seen as interference, I ask the Congress, what was the NAC under Sonia Gandhi.... What was its role? They were not under PMO or Cabinet Secretariat?.. &nbsp;Did it have any statutory status.... It was remote-controlling the PM. Was it not interference?” 
To a question, he equated Gandhi to a “parrot” which keeps repeating something and said “You can wake up someone who is sleeping but not someone who pretends to sleep.”

Targeting Gandhi, she asked, “Why is he on bail? Why is his mother on bail? Why is his brother-in-law on bail? How has he moral authority to question the PM?”

Referring to the Congress President’s press conference held this morning, Sitharaman said, “See how he is provoking the armed forces.... What was his language at the press conference. Nobody asked him what kind of language are you using? ... Are you provoking the armed forces?”

She said Modi monitors projects even at district level, earlier as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister.

“Otherwise, you think progress could have been made at this speed, without corruption, without middlemen? ...He monitors and ensures implementation of decisions,” Sitharaman said.

Asked whether she, as Defence Minister, was worried as letters about Rafale deal were getting leaked.In response, she said, “I am not worried about Rafale or any other decision we have taken, because we have gone on merit... But through selective leaking, distorted versions, false impression is created.”

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the Rafale fighter deal and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”.

A combative Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday termed as “incomplete” and “distorted” the news item published by a newspaper about “parallel negotiations” by the PMO in the Rafale fighter deal and wondered whether “doubts” were being deliberated created in the minds of people because of some “corporate warfare”. In an exclusive interview to ANI in Delhi, Sitharaman slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for constantly raising questions over the Rafale deal, equating him to a “parrot” and asked what “moral authority” he has to do so when he, along with his mother Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law Robert Vadra are on bail. She asserted that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to monitor progress in any deal or project and if the PMO checks on these, it cannot be termed as “interference”. Referring to the news item which appeared in a newspaper on Friday, Sitharaman alleged that it was “half truth, with the intention ... to create doubt in the minds of the reader.” The minister questioned whether it was not the “responsibility” of the journalist to try to get complete details or get response from the ministry before publishing the item. Even if there was no response, an attempt could have been made, she added. She said that while publishing the file notings of an officer of the Defence Ministry, the journalist should have looked for the response of the Defence Minister “But what they have done in publishing the item is not a complete job,” Sitharaman said. She said it was her “suspicion and I have reason to suspect” that publication of the news item was “an attempt by some people, either by doing themselves, or whether because of corporate warfare that is going on.” Rejecting the contention about “interference” by the PMO, the Defence Minister said any PMO, not just under NarendraModi, would “naturally monitor” the progress of any deal or even programmes like AyushmanBharat. “The Prime Minister is the first among equals (in a Cabinet) and if PMO checks on a ministry, it is not interference.... If the PMO is asking what is the status (of a project), it is not interference,” Sitharaman underlined. She then went on to attack the Congress, questioning the role of National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. “If this (PMO asking about progress of a project) is seen as interference, I ask the Congress, what was the NAC under Sonia Gandhi.... What was its role? They were not under PMO or Cabinet Secretariat?.. Did it have any statutory status.... It was remote-controlling the PM. Was it not interference?” To a question, he equated Gandhi to a “parrot” which keeps repeating something and said “You can wake up someone who is sleeping but not someone who pretends to sleep.” Targeting Gandhi, she asked, “Why is he on bail? Why is his mother on bail? Why is his brother-in-law on bail? How has he moral authority to question the PM?” Referring to the Congress President’s press conference held this morning, Sitharaman said, “See how he is provoking the armed forces.... What was his language at the press conference. Nobody asked him what kind of language are you using? ... Are you provoking the armed forces?” She said Modi monitors projects even at district level, earlier as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister. “Otherwise, you think progress could have been made at this speed, without corruption, without middlemen? ...He monitors and ensures implementation of decisions,” Sitharaman said. Asked whether she, as Defence Minister, was worried as letters about Rafale deal were getting leaked.In response, she said, “I am not worried about Rafale or any other decision we have taken, because we have gone on merit... But through selective leaking, distorted versions, false impression is created.”

He has no moral authority to question PM while being on bail himself: Sitharaman slams Rahul Gandhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/go-to-shillong-it-is-a-cool-place-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-cbi-kolkata-police-commissioner-195460">Kolkata Police </a>on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata.

The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. -- one in the city and the other in adjoining Salt Lake -- as part of the city police's probe into an old complaint lodged at the Bowbazar Police Station, a senior officer said.

A team of around 30 police officers raided the two offices, allegedly linked to Rao's wife Mannem Sandhya, he said.

Additional CBI director M Nageshwar Rao denies link with company raided by Kolkata police.

Rao, in&nbsp;a press statement, ruled out any link to M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;

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Former interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao issues a press statement, refuting any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today. <a href="https://t.co/g9RfW3Yl4c">pic.twitter.com/g9RfW3Yl4c</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093882864322600960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao to ANI on raids taking place in Kolkata today: All that is happening, appears to be propaganda. 
In a statement dated, 30 Oct 2018, Rao had also refuted any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today <a href="https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ">https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093890277763440643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes&nbsp;days after an&nbsp;unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre erupted following the CBI's attempt&nbsp;to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials on Sunday.

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.

Following this Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move.&nbsp;

The CBI will question&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-question-kolkata-police-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-on-february-9-in-shillong-195887">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar&nbsp;</a>on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata Police on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata. The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt.

Kolkata Police on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata. The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. -- one in the city and the other in adjoining Salt Lake -- as part of the city police's probe into an old complaint lodged at the Bowbazar Police Station, a senior officer said. A team of around 30 police officers raided the two offices, allegedly linked to Rao's wife Mannem Sandhya, he said. Additional CBI director M Nageshwar Rao denies link with company raided by Kolkata police. Rao, in a press statement, ruled out any link to M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd. Former interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao issues a press statement, refuting any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today. pic.twitter.com/g9RfW3Yl4c — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × Former Interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao to ANI on raids taking place in Kolkata today: All that is happening, appears to be propaganda. In a statement dated, 30 Oct 2018, Rao had also refuted any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × The development comes days after an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre erupted following the CBI's attempt to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials on Sunday. 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. Following this Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata Police raid firms linked to ex-Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made it clear that there shall be no stay on the decision to grant quota to general category poor candidates.

The apex court, which had earlier issued notice to the Centre on similar petitions, Friday ordered tagging of the fresh plea of Tehseen Poonawalla with pending ones.&nbsp;

Petitions have been filed by parties, including 'Janhit Abhiyan' and NGO 'Youth For Equality', challenging the Centre's decision.

The petition, filed by Youth For Equality through its president Kaushal Kant Mishra, has sought the quashing of the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019, saying that the economic criterion cannot be the sole basis for reservation and that the bill violates basic feature of the Constitution as reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general category and the overall 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached.

In the present form, the upper limit of quota goes up to 60 per cent which violated the decisions of the apex court.

Referring to the nine-judge bench decision of the apex court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney case, the petition said the latest amendment completely violated the Constitutional norm that economic criterion cannot be the only basis of reservation.

It also said that the amendments fail to consider that Articles 14 and 16 form the basic feature of equality, and that they have been violated with the doing away of the restraints that were imposed on the reservation policy, i.E. The 50 per cent ceiling limit and the exclusion of economic status as a sole criterion.

Later in a press release, the organisation said in principle it's a welcome step and that deprivation and not caste has been made the basis of protective discrimination.

"However, the limit of total reservation is increased to 60 per cent. This will open a pandora's box. Now more and more political parties/caste groups will claim for increased percentage of reservations, both at the Centre and state level," it said.

The fresh filed by businessman Poonawalla has sought quashing of the bill, saying that backwardness for the purpose of reservation cannot be defined by "economic status alone".&nbsp;

The top court had earlier refused to stay the Modi government's decision to grant the reservation but agreed to examine the validity of the constitutional amendment which paved the way for this quota.

In poll year, the Modi government has come out with the constitutional amendment bill giving quota benefits to the poor among general category candidates.

The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill on January 8 and 9 respectively, and has been signed by President Ram Nath Kovind.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates.

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made it clear that there shall be no stay on the decision to grant quota to general category poor candidates. The apex court, which had earlier issued notice to the Centre on similar petitions, Friday ordered tagging of the fresh plea of Tehseen Poonawalla with pending ones. Petitions have been filed by parties, including 'Janhit Abhiyan' and NGO 'Youth For Equality', challenging the Centre's decision. The petition, filed by Youth For Equality through its president Kaushal Kant Mishra, has sought the quashing of the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019, saying that the economic criterion cannot be the sole basis for reservation and that the bill violates basic feature of the Constitution as reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general category and the overall 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached. In the present form, the upper limit of quota goes up to 60 per cent which violated the decisions of the apex court. Referring to the nine-judge bench decision of the apex court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney case, the petition said the latest amendment completely violated the Constitutional norm that economic criterion cannot be the only basis of reservation. It also said that the amendments fail to consider that Articles 14 and 16 form the basic feature of equality, and that they have been violated with the doing away of the restraints that were imposed on the reservation policy, i.E. The 50 per cent ceiling limit and the exclusion of economic status as a sole criterion. Later in a press release, the organisation said in principle it's a welcome step and that deprivation and not caste has been made the basis of protective discrimination. "However, the limit of total reservation is increased to 60 per cent. This will open a pandora's box. Now more and more political parties/caste groups will claim for increased percentage of reservations, both at the Centre and state level," it said. The fresh filed by businessman Poonawalla has sought quashing of the bill, saying that backwardness for the purpose of reservation cannot be defined by "economic status alone". The top court had earlier refused to stay the Modi government's decision to grant the reservation but agreed to examine the validity of the constitutional amendment which paved the way for this quota. In poll year, the Modi government has come out with the constitutional amendment bill giving quota benefits to the poor among general category candidates. The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill on January 8 and 9 respectively, and has been signed by President Ram Nath Kovind.

SC declines stay on Centre's 10% quota to general category, seeks response on plea against it

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering.&nbsp;

Samuel told WION that the thought first came to his mind when he was five.&nbsp;

"The thought came to my mind when I was five. I asked them why did you have me and they had no answer. Then I got the usual answer, "for you to experience life and how beautiful it is," and I didn't believe all of that and then I realised that parents do it only for their pleasure, they do not think of the child. They are getting certain pleasure form the child growing up," Samuel said. &nbsp;

He noted that he thinks that parents are selfish for bringing another life into a world full of suffering just for their pleasure, in a way, they use the child. He added that he has been warned by top court judges for wasting their time, therefore he will need to be very cautious and "perfect" with his legalities.&nbsp;

"It is going to take a while. I have to be very careful as Supreme Court lawyers have warned me that they could fine me for wasting the Court's time, so I have to be very perfect with my legalities. I have started a legal team for this," he said. &nbsp;

Samuel admitted to having a cordial relationship with his parents but is not living with them.&nbsp;

"I'm not living with them currently but we regularly meet for lunch, dinner. Yes, I am very cordial, it is just that I have a simple objection, I did not consent to be here, I didn't want to be here, why did you get me here?" Samuel shared. &nbsp;

"The Right to Life is imposed on me, why should it be imposed on me and even if they have not taken my consent, which they can't, at 18, do I have right to consent? And if I don't consent, what are the options? That's what I want to pursue legally," he concluded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a statement, Samuel's mother Kavita Karnad Samuel, who is a lawyer herself, explained her response to the ongoing frenzy after her son made his wish public.

"I must admire my son's temerity to want to take his parents to court knowing both of us are lawyers. And if Raphael could come up with a rational explanation as to how we could have sought his consent to be born, I will accept my fault," she said.

Top legal expert Amit Karkhanis believes that Samuel's plea holds little ground.

"I don’t think any court will accept such a plea. An infant gets rights according to the law of the land only after birth, taking such permission before birth is not possible. No one has any legal rights before birth, so such petition is baseless," he noted.&nbsp;

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering.

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering. Samuel told WION that the thought first came to his mind when he was five. "The thought came to my mind when I was five. I asked them why did you have me and they had no answer. Then I got the usual answer, "for you to experience life and how beautiful it is," and I didn't believe all of that and then I realised that parents do it only for their pleasure, they do not think of the child. They are getting certain pleasure form the child growing up," Samuel said. He noted that he thinks that parents are selfish for bringing another life into a world full of suffering just for their pleasure, in a way, they use the child. He added that he has been warned by top court judges for wasting their time, therefore he will need to be very cautious and "perfect" with his legalities. "It is going to take a while. I have to be very careful as Supreme Court lawyers have warned me that they could fine me for wasting the Court's time, so I have to be very perfect with my legalities. I have started a legal team for this," he said. Samuel admitted to having a cordial relationship with his parents but is not living with them. "I'm not living with them currently but we regularly meet for lunch, dinner. Yes, I am very cordial, it is just that I have a simple objection, I did not consent to be here, I didn't want to be here, why did you get me here?" Samuel shared. "The Right to Life is imposed on me, why should it be imposed on me and even if they have not taken my consent, which they can't, at 18, do I have right to consent? And if I don't consent, what are the options? That's what I want to pursue legally," he concluded. Meanwhile, in a statement, Samuel's mother Kavita Karnad Samuel, who is a lawyer herself, explained her response to the ongoing frenzy after her son made his wish public. "I must admire my son's temerity to want to take his parents to court knowing both of us are lawyers. And if Raphael could come up with a rational explanation as to how we could have sought his consent to be born, I will accept my fault," she said. Top legal expert Amit Karkhanis believes that Samuel's plea holds little ground. "I don’t think any court will accept such a plea. An infant gets rights according to the law of the land only after birth, taking such permission before birth is not possible. No one has any legal rights before birth, so such petition is baseless," he noted.

'I don't wish to be here,' says Mumbai boy who plans to sue parents for giving him birth 

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Thursday rejected claims of BJP leaders that a "grand alliance government" will create chaos, and said the multi-party dispensation led by him had proved it can work.

Speaking in Lok Sabha during a debate on motion of thanks to President's address, the 85-year-old JD(S) leader, who was visibly emotional, said he spent 57 years in public life in state and national politics and this was his last speech.

Recalling his days as the prime minister, Gowda, who led a coalition government for 10 months between 1996-97, said he was not keen to occupy the chair since the issues involved in running a multi-party dispensation.

He said his name came only after then prime minister V P Singh and CPI(M) leader and then West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu declined to accept the position.

Listing out measures undertaken by his government in several areas, Gowda said after the World Bank declined to extend monetary assistance, he had decided to use the black money in the country to fund government programmes.

Gowda said he had proposed a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme which was rejected by then finance minister P Chidambaram.

"Don't unnecessarily talk against grand alliance. Vajpayee started with the coalition. Coalition governments can work if there is an understanding. No one should air their differences outside," he said.

Gowda added he initiated work and sanctioned money for the Bogibeel Bridge, India's longest railroad bridge, connecting the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra, falling in the eastern part of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He also sanctioned Rs 6,100 crore for the northeast region during his tenure, Gowda said.&nbsp;

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Thursday rejected claims of BJP leaders that a "grand alliance government" will create chaos, and said the multi-party dispensation led by him had proved it can work.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Thursday rejected claims of BJP leaders that a "grand alliance government" will create chaos, and said the multi-party dispensation led by him had proved it can work. Speaking in Lok Sabha during a debate on motion of thanks to President's address, the 85-year-old JD(S) leader, who was visibly emotional, said he spent 57 years in public life in state and national politics and this was his last speech. Recalling his days as the prime minister, Gowda, who led a coalition government for 10 months between 1996-97, said he was not keen to occupy the chair since the issues involved in running a multi-party dispensation. He said his name came only after then prime minister V P Singh and CPI(M) leader and then West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu declined to accept the position. Listing out measures undertaken by his government in several areas, Gowda said after the World Bank declined to extend monetary assistance, he had decided to use the black money in the country to fund government programmes. Gowda said he had proposed a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme which was rejected by then finance minister P Chidambaram. "Don't unnecessarily talk against grand alliance. Vajpayee started with the coalition. Coalition governments can work if there is an understanding. No one should air their differences outside," he said. Gowda added he initiated work and sanctioned money for the Bogibeel Bridge, India's longest railroad bridge, connecting the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra, falling in the eastern part of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He also sanctioned Rs 6,100 crore for the northeast region during his tenure, Gowda said.

A grand alliance government can work, contends Gowda citing his experience

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place.

Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day.

In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India."

Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner".

Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?"

JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed.

Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements.

In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization.&nbsp;

JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader.&nbsp;

JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed.&nbsp;

In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place. Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day. In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India." Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner". Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?" JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed. Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements. In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization. JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader. JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed. In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India takes note of Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore, raises matter with Pakistan

Indrani Mukerjea, former media baron booked in her daughter's murder case, has moved an application before a Delhi court to turn approver in the INX Media corruption case in which former Union minister P Chidambaram is an accused.

Mukerjea, who appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case, told Special CBI Judge Sunil Rana that she needed to be pardoned, and as an accused had not engaged an advocate to represent her before it in the case.

Taking note of her application, the court directed Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to appoint a legal aid counsel for Mukerjea, the former INX Media Director, and put up the matter for hearing on February 14.

Besides Mukerjea and Chidambaram, the name of his son Karti has also cropped up in the case involving Rs 305 crore, which relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2007 for receipt of funds by INX Media.

The CBI had registered an FIR in the case on May 15, 2017 alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister.

Thereafter, the ED has also lodged the money laundering case against the company's founders Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and his wife Indrani, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Mukerjeas are facing trial in Mumbai for allegedly conspiring to kill Sheena Bora, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, in April 2012.&nbsp;

Indrani Mukerjea, former media baron booked in her daughter's murder case, has moved an application before a Delhi court to turn approver in the INX Media corruption case in which former Union minister P Chidambaram is an accused.

Indrani Mukerjea, former media baron booked in her daughter's murder case, has moved an application before a Delhi court to turn approver in the INX Media corruption case in which former Union minister P Chidambaram is an accused. Mukerjea, who appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case, told Special CBI Judge Sunil Rana that she needed to be pardoned, and as an accused had not engaged an advocate to represent her before it in the case. Taking note of her application, the court directed Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to appoint a legal aid counsel for Mukerjea, the former INX Media Director, and put up the matter for hearing on February 14. Besides Mukerjea and Chidambaram, the name of his son Karti has also cropped up in the case involving Rs 305 crore, which relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2007 for receipt of funds by INX Media. The CBI had registered an FIR in the case on May 15, 2017 alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Thereafter, the ED has also lodged the money laundering case against the company's founders Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and his wife Indrani, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Mukerjeas are facing trial in Mumbai for allegedly conspiring to kill Sheena Bora, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, in April 2012.

INX Media case: Indrani Mukerjea to turn approver, seeks lawyer

Kashmir covered in blanket of snow, flights suspended, main highway shut

Heavy rains and hailstrom accompanied by strong winds lashed the national capital region on Thursday, bringing the mercury down by four to five notches.&nbsp;

The minimum temperature in the city settled at 15 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average and the maximum temperature was recorded at 19.1 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season's average.

The Safdarjung observatory, whose reading is considered the official figure for the city, recorded 4.8mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm. Rains continued even after that but figures for the same were not available.

Palam recorded 3.2mm rainfall, Lodhi Road 3.8mm, Ridge 3.4mm, Ayanagar 4mm, Gurgaon 3mm, Jafarpur 9mm, Najafgarh 3mm and Sports Complex recorded 2mm of rain between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm.

The humidity level oscillated between 100 and 89 per cent.

Hailstorms hit several parts of Delhi and its adjacent areas. Excited people took to social media to share pictures of roads covered with hail.

The weatherman has forecast shallow to moderate fog for Friday morning and mainly clear skies during the day.

The maximum and minimum temperatures is expected to hover around 19 and 10 degrees Celsius respectively.

The minimum temperature on Wednesday was 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum settled at 24 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Flights diverted&nbsp;

Operations at the Delhi airport saw massive disruption as 38 flights had to be diverted between 6 pm and 8.45 pm, and several others faced delays of over two hours due to unfavourable weather conditions.&nbsp;

Operations of smaller aircraft such as the Bombardier and the ATR were suspended for a while due to strong winds but resumed later, airport officials said.

Heavy rains and hailstrom accompanied by strong winds lashed the national capital region on Thursday, bringing the mercury down by four to five notches. The minimum temperature in the city settled at 15 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average and the maximum temperature was recorded at 19.

Heavy rains and hailstrom accompanied by strong winds lashed the national capital region on Thursday, bringing the mercury down by four to five notches. The minimum temperature in the city settled at 15 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average and the maximum temperature was recorded at 19.1 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season's average. The Safdarjung observatory, whose reading is considered the official figure for the city, recorded 4.8mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm. Rains continued even after that but figures for the same were not available. Palam recorded 3.2mm rainfall, Lodhi Road 3.8mm, Ridge 3.4mm, Ayanagar 4mm, Gurgaon 3mm, Jafarpur 9mm, Najafgarh 3mm and Sports Complex recorded 2mm of rain between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm. The humidity level oscillated between 100 and 89 per cent. Hailstorms hit several parts of Delhi and its adjacent areas. Excited people took to social media to share pictures of roads covered with hail. The weatherman has forecast shallow to moderate fog for Friday morning and mainly clear skies during the day. The maximum and minimum temperatures is expected to hover around 19 and 10 degrees Celsius respectively. The minimum temperature on Wednesday was 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum settled at 24 degrees Celsius. Flights diverted Operations at the Delhi airport saw massive disruption as 38 flights had to be diverted between 6 pm and 8.45 pm, and several others faced delays of over two hours due to unfavourable weather conditions. Operations of smaller aircraft such as the Bombardier and the ATR were suspended for a while due to strong winds but resumed later, airport officials said.

Hailstorm, heavy rainfall lash Delhi-NCR, bring mercury down

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-could-lose-vital-us-trade-concession-as-trump-considers-withdrawal-of-zero-tariffs-196067">India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs</a>

India could lose a vital US&nbsp;trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">'</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">Over reaction</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-reaction-nothing-to-worry-said-manohar-parrikar-on-defence-ministrys-dissent-note-on-rafale-deal-196056">... nothing to worry,' said Manohar Parrikar on defence ministry's dissent note on Rafale deal</a>

Defence Minister&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday&nbsp;described a media report on Rafale deal as "slanderous". The report published by a leading Indian daily stated that the defence ministry objected to the "parallel negotiations" by the Prime Minister's Office into the deal.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-to-build-deeper-relationship-us-and-india-in-talks-over-missile-defence-collaboration-pentagon-196050">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-to-build-deeper-relationship-us-and-india-in-talks-over-missile-defence-collaboration-pentagon-196050">bid</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-to-build-deeper-relationship-us-and-india-in-talks-over-missile-defence-collaboration-pentagon-196050"> to build 'deeper relationship', US and India in talks over missile defence collaboration: Pentagon</a>

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-seven-convicts-awarded-life-imprisonment-in-2013-muzaffarnagar-riots-196054">2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case: All seven convicts awarded life imprisonment</a>

A local court in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded life imprisonment to seven convicts who were held responsible for triggering the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fire-in-brazil-kills-at-least-10-in-flamengo-youth-football-facility-196065">Fire in Brazil kills at least 10 in Flamengo youth football facility</a>

Fire swept through a training facility for Brazil's most popular football club Flamengo Friday, killing at least 10 people, authorities said. The pre-dawn blaze in Rio de Janeiro hit a building that housed youth-category players aged 14 to 17, firefighters said.&nbsp;

India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.

India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said. 'Over reaction... nothing to worry,' said Manohar Parrikar on defence ministry's dissent note on Rafale deal Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday described a media report on Rafale deal as "slanderous". The report published by a leading Indian daily stated that the defence ministry objected to the "parallel negotiations" by the Prime Minister's Office into the deal. In bid to build 'deeper relationship', US and India in talks over missile defence collaboration: Pentagon The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country. 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case: All seven convicts awarded life imprisonment A local court in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded life imprisonment to seven convicts who were held responsible for triggering the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Fire in Brazil kills at least 10 in Flamengo youth football facility Fire swept through a training facility for Brazil's most popular football club Flamengo Friday, killing at least 10 people, authorities said. The pre-dawn blaze in Rio de Janeiro hit a building that housed youth-category players aged 14 to 17, firefighters said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth."

Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city.

Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

"It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said.

He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office.

"Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said.

He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker.

"I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government. Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth." Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city. Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru. "It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said. He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office. "Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said. He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker. "I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

'Concocted story': Yeddyurappa on CM Kumaraswamy's audio clips alleging he lured Karnataka MLA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state.

"Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government.

Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people.

"This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless. Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state. "Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government. Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people. "This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.

Mamata government defamed Bengal, left people helpless: PM Modi

Nila Vikhe-Patil was recently appointed the political advisor to the Prime Minister's Office of Sweden and will handle taxes, budgets, financial markets and housing.

She is the daughter of leading educationist Ashok Vikhe Patil and granddaughter of late Union minister Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil who served under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpaye. Patil would be working with Stefan Lofven, the Social Democrat leader who was last month elected as Swedish prime minister, leading a Social Democrat-Green Party coalition.

Patil, 32, was born in Sweden and educated in Europe. Her father Ashok Vikhe-Patil runs Vikhe Patil Foundation which runs 102 educational institutions across Maharashtra. She speaks to WION's Kartikeya Sharma:

WION: How do you remember India?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: I go to India every year. I have many memories and new memories are added every year. It is a happy place for me as I visit India frequently on vacations. Whenever I'm in India, it is always about lot of people and lot of food with nice gathering with family and friends. I always make new friends whenever I come back to India.

WION: You have a political career in Sweden. Did you ever think of a career in India? You come from a prominent Indian political family.

Nila Vikhe-Patil: Indian politics is very different and being a woman, the scope of making an impact for me was larger in Sweden as I understand the culture and nuances of the place. In India, the culture is slightly different. For example, after the news of my appointment became public I got a lot of friend requests on LinkedIn and Facebook and they weren't professional. That is a different part of being a woman in Indian politics. I do not encounter this frequently in Sweden.

WION: India had a woman Prime Minister...

Nila Vikhe-Patil: Yes, India had a woman Prime Minister and Sweden never had one. India also has great respect for women but it is so big, diverse and complex so it is difficult to make generalisation.

WION: What is your take on Indian political scenario from outside?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: From an outside perspective, it is not very different from Swedish experience. We also had Social Democratic Party in power for 50 years and then a radical shift took place. Now we have a new Nationalist Conservative Party growing very quickly. I think it is the same in India as people want change. I'm with the Green Party. We have had difficulty in communicating the urgency of climate change and what we need to do about it. People want to have politics close to home and easy to understand which simplifies a lot of problems. Politics is getting easier and problems are getting more and more complex.

WION: How do you reconcile the imperative of economic development with sustainability, especially in context of countries which have experienced colonialism and want to make up for the lost time?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: India now has the capacity to utilise new technology and India does not need to do step-by-step industrialisation. There are no steam engines in use today. We have solar power today. Ecological concerns can be reconciled.

WION: Did you ever feel like an outsider in Sweden?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: Yes, but more in Stockholm than in my hometown. It is a small city compared to many Indian cities, but it is a big city in Sweden. People tend to simplify and categorise people more. That is a problem as most people are individuals. India is better in this department knowing that people might be different and can be put in different social and religious categories and understand that.

WION: How do you evaluate India-Sweden relationship? It seems Bofors dominate the image...

Nila Vikhe-Patil: There is Volvo and Ericsson too. Skype was a Swedish company. 160 Swedish companies are established in India right now and I hope it continues.

WION: Your father is an Indian. Today immigrant issue dominates European political narrative. What is your take on this?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: I find my Indian experience helpful as India is a complex place with many useful perspectives. Europe is like India, but India is one country and Europe is many countries. I think Europe can learn a lot from India - which is that people will settle wherever they can and will keep their culture and traditions. But everybody can still live together and respect together.

WION: Is immigration an issue in Swedish politics?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: We have a high immigration but we have a lot of space as we are scarcely populated. My comparison is that if the option is to sleep on the street and getting bombed, or be in Sweden then we should do what we can. My family has traditionally been involved in charity work. My grandfather was involved in charity work in India. My father is still involved in the charity work.

WION: The news that Sweden is preparing for war - is it media's imagination or is there some element of reality to it?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: Sweden is a very stable place. There is nothing like that. In fact, the whole Nordic region is stable.

WION: Do you have memories of Indian food?

Nila Vikhe-Patil: I do have. My father cooks very well. He cooks for me when he is in Sweden. He cooks, aaloo gobhi, dal rice, vegetable dishes and a lot of chicken curry and traditional Maharashtrian food like Bhakri. I like simple vegetarian dishes a lot.

Nila Vikhe-Patil was recently appointed the political advisor to the Prime Minister's Office of Sweden and will handle taxes, budgets, financial markets and housing.

Nila Vikhe-Patil was recently appointed the political advisor to the Prime Minister's Office of Sweden and will handle taxes, budgets, financial markets and housing. She is the daughter of leading educationist Ashok Vikhe Patil and granddaughter of late Union minister Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil who served under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpaye. Patil would be working with Stefan Lofven, the Social Democrat leader who was last month elected as Swedish prime minister, leading a Social Democrat-Green Party coalition. Patil, 32, was born in Sweden and educated in Europe. Her father Ashok Vikhe-Patil runs Vikhe Patil Foundation which runs 102 educational institutions across Maharashtra. She speaks to WION's Kartikeya Sharma: WION: How do you remember India? Nila Vikhe-Patil: I go to India every year. I have many memories and new memories are added every year. It is a happy place for me as I visit India frequently on vacations. Whenever I'm in India, it is always about lot of people and lot of food with nice gathering with family and friends. I always make new friends whenever I come back to India. WION: You have a political career in Sweden. Did you ever think of a career in India? You come from a prominent Indian political family. Nila Vikhe-Patil: Indian politics is very different and being a woman, the scope of making an impact for me was larger in Sweden as I understand the culture and nuances of the place. In India, the culture is slightly different. For example, after the news of my appointment became public I got a lot of friend requests on LinkedIn and Facebook and they weren't professional. That is a different part of being a woman in Indian politics. I do not encounter this frequently in Sweden. WION: India had a woman Prime Minister... Nila Vikhe-Patil: Yes, India had a woman Prime Minister and Sweden never had one. India also has great respect for women but it is so big, diverse and complex so it is difficult to make generalisation. WION: What is your take on Indian political scenario from outside? Nila Vikhe-Patil: From an outside perspective, it is not very different from Swedish experience. We also had Social Democratic Party in power for 50 years and then a radical shift took place. Now we have a new Nationalist Conservative Party growing very quickly. I think it is the same in India as people want change. I'm with the Green Party. We have had difficulty in communicating the urgency of climate change and what we need to do about it. People want to have politics close to home and easy to understand which simplifies a lot of problems. Politics is getting easier and problems are getting more and more complex. WION: How do you reconcile the imperative of economic development with sustainability, especially in context of countries which have experienced colonialism and want to make up for the lost time? Nila Vikhe-Patil: India now has the capacity to utilise new technology and India does not need to do step-by-step industrialisation. There are no steam engines in use today. We have solar power today. Ecological concerns can be reconciled. WION: Did you ever feel like an outsider in Sweden? Nila Vikhe-Patil: Yes, but more in Stockholm than in my hometown. It is a small city compared to many Indian cities, but it is a big city in Sweden. People tend to simplify and categorise people more. That is a problem as most people are individuals. India is better in this department knowing that people might be different and can be put in different social and religious categories and understand that. WION: How do you evaluate India-Sweden relationship? It seems Bofors dominate the image... Nila Vikhe-Patil: There is Volvo and Ericsson too. Skype was a Swedish company. 160 Swedish companies are established in India right now and I hope it continues. WION: Your father is an Indian. Today immigrant issue dominates European political narrative. What is your take on this? Nila Vikhe-Patil: I find my Indian experience helpful as India is a complex place with many useful perspectives. Europe is like India, but India is one country and Europe is many countries. I think Europe can learn a lot from India - which is that people will settle wherever they can and will keep their culture and traditions. But everybody can still live together and respect together. WION: Is immigration an issue in Swedish politics? Nila Vikhe-Patil: We have a high immigration but we have a lot of space as we are scarcely populated. My comparison is that if the option is to sleep on the street and getting bombed, or be in Sweden then we should do what we can. My family has traditionally been involved in charity work. My grandfather was involved in charity work in India. My father is still involved in the charity work. WION: The news that Sweden is preparing for war - is it media's imagination or is there some element of reality to it? Nila Vikhe-Patil: Sweden is a very stable place. There is nothing like that. In fact, the whole Nordic region is stable. WION: Do you have memories of Indian food? Nila Vikhe-Patil: I do have. My father cooks very well. He cooks for me when he is in Sweden. He cooks, aaloo gobhi, dal rice, vegetable dishes and a lot of chicken curry and traditional Maharashtrian food like Bhakri. I like simple vegetarian dishes a lot.

Europe has a lot to learn from India when it comes to immigration: Nila Vikhe-Patil to WION

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-modi-vs-the-rest-bjp-chief-shah-in-aligarh-195675">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power".

Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue.

He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

"Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country,"&nbsp;Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh.

He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started".

"If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

"These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important."

The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-should-explain-his-stand-on-ayodhya-issue-amit-shah-194670">party's stand on the Ram temple</a>.

"I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said.

He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections.

He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?"

"I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it,"&nbsp;he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress.

"If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said.

Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners.

He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power.

"Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said.

"Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute. He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power". Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue. He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. "Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country," Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh. He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started". "If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said. "These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important." The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the party's stand on the Ram temple. "I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said. He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections. He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?" "I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it," he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress. "If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said. Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners. He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power. "Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said. "Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

Illegal migrants are SP, BSP vote bank: Amit Shah

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country.

Under secretary of defence for policy John Rood, however, said that it is early to determine how far India, which already has substantial domestic missile defence capabilities, will go regarding the defence collaboration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813"> approves </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813">sale</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813"> of two missile defence systems for Air India One</a>

“We have talked to the Indians about missile defence as potentially an area as well to collaborate on. It’s early days to determine how far that will go,” Rood said speaking at a think-tank here on Thursday.

“The Indians have substantial capabilities domestically of their own and they’ve done some development of missile defences. So the degree to which they’re interested in acquiring or working collaboratively with us in the US remains to be seen,” Rood said when asked about reports that India is interested in purchasing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system popular as THAAD from the US.

The previous Obama administration was not very forthcoming in sharing its advance missile defense system with India, following which New Delhi went ahead to procure it from Russia.

As part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, the Trump administration now seems to be more than inclined to let India procure its missile defense system with talks between the two countries having already started making an appearance before the prestigious Hudson Institute think-tank, Rood said the US is certainly open to this kind of collaboration with India.

“And if that isn’t one of the areas they choose to go in, there’s quite a bit of other meaty areas that we can pursue. Maybe I should have chosen a term rather than meaty, quite a few Indians are vegetarian as you know,” Rood said jokingly.

The US has had a very positive relationship with the Indian government, he said. “And we’re building a, what we hope is a much deeper and broader relationship with them, all the way from the presidential level with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on down,” he said.

“We have had excellent meetings and we’re expanding our agenda. There’s more meat to it, if you will. So I’m really feeling very good about the overall trajectory of that relationship,” said Rood who has been personally involved through successive administrations in building India-US relationship - in both the Bush administration, the Obama administration, and now in the present Trump administration.

The US has also agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of $190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister.

The Pentagon on Wednesday said the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.

The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a “major defence partner”, a status which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

In 2018, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-inclusion-in-sta-1-category-by-us-sends-strong-political-message-to-china--156932">US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status</a>. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India’s defence procurement from the US.

Last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high end technology.

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country.

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country. Under secretary of defence for policy John Rood, however, said that it is early to determine how far India, which already has substantial domestic missile defence capabilities, will go regarding the defence collaboration. Also read: US approves sale of two missile defence systems for Air India One “We have talked to the Indians about missile defence as potentially an area as well to collaborate on. It’s early days to determine how far that will go,” Rood said speaking at a think-tank here on Thursday. “The Indians have substantial capabilities domestically of their own and they’ve done some development of missile defences. So the degree to which they’re interested in acquiring or working collaboratively with us in the US remains to be seen,” Rood said when asked about reports that India is interested in purchasing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system popular as THAAD from the US. The previous Obama administration was not very forthcoming in sharing its advance missile defense system with India, following which New Delhi went ahead to procure it from Russia. As part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, the Trump administration now seems to be more than inclined to let India procure its missile defense system with talks between the two countries having already started making an appearance before the prestigious Hudson Institute think-tank, Rood said the US is certainly open to this kind of collaboration with India. “And if that isn’t one of the areas they choose to go in, there’s quite a bit of other meaty areas that we can pursue. Maybe I should have chosen a term rather than meaty, quite a few Indians are vegetarian as you know,” Rood said jokingly. The US has had a very positive relationship with the Indian government, he said. “And we’re building a, what we hope is a much deeper and broader relationship with them, all the way from the presidential level with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on down,” he said. “We have had excellent meetings and we’re expanding our agenda. There’s more meat to it, if you will. So I’m really feeling very good about the overall trajectory of that relationship,” said Rood who has been personally involved through successive administrations in building India-US relationship - in both the Bush administration, the Obama administration, and now in the present Trump administration. The US has also agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of $190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister. The Pentagon on Wednesday said the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship. The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a “major defence partner”, a status which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India. In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India’s defence procurement from the US. Last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high end technology.

In bid to build 'deeper relationship', US and India in talks over missile defence collaboration: Pentagon

India could lose a vital US&nbsp;trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US&nbsp;deficit with large economies.

Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce.

Trump, for his part, has pushed for US&nbsp;manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign.

The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters.&nbsp;

The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The US&nbsp;Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said.

“(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.”

India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said.

Various new policies

New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest.

The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US&nbsp;government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier.

The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players.

They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months.

The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms.

But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes.

“These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said.

India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US&nbsp;lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country.

Possible India setback

If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn.

There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US&nbsp;Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States.

But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring.

Talks on US&nbsp;demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said.

“The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said.

India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US&nbsp;goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said. A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US deficit with large economies. Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce. Trump, for his part, has pushed for US manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign. The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters. The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The US Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said. “(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.” India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said. Various new policies New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest. The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier. The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players. They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months. The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms. But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes. “These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said. India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country. Possible India setback If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn. There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States. But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring. Talks on US demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said. “The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said. India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs

Criticising Congress for promising to withdraw Triple Talaq Bill, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said that Bareilly nikah-halala type incidents, which shook conscience of people, ought to be made unconstitutional.

According to reports, a woman, who was divorced twice by her husband in Bareilly, was forced to undergo nikah-halala as per the Islamic law - on first occasion with her father-in-law and on the subsequent occasion with her brother-in-law.

Under nikah-halala, a man cannot remarry his former wife unless she marries another man, consummates the marriage, gets a divorce and observes a period of separation period called 'iddat'.

Unfortunately, when human conscience should have been repelled while reading this news in the morning newspapers; the AICC President Rahul Gandhi and his coterie, while addressing a minority convention, promised to withdraw the bill pending in Parliament, penalising Triple Talaq, Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled Does the Bareilly Nikah-Halala not shock your conscience?'

The late Rajiv Gandhi committed a monumental mistake in legislatively overturning the Shah Bano judgment of the Supreme Court, which guaranteed maintenance to all Muslim women, the minister said.

This allowed deserted women to be driven to poverty and destitution." 
32 years later, Jaitley added, his son has taken another retrograde step to drive them not merely into destitution, but also to live a life which is an antithesis of human existence. The Muslim woman in Bareilly has been forced into animal existence.

Votes are important, so is fairness. Political opportunists only look at the next day's headlines. Nation-builders look at the next century.

Criticising Congress for promising to withdraw Triple Talaq Bill, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said that Bareilly nikah-halala type incidents, which shook conscience of people, ought to be made unconstitutional.

Criticising Congress for promising to withdraw Triple Talaq Bill, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said that Bareilly nikah-halala type incidents, which shook conscience of people, ought to be made unconstitutional. According to reports, a woman, who was divorced twice by her husband in Bareilly, was forced to undergo nikah-halala as per the Islamic law - on first occasion with her father-in-law and on the subsequent occasion with her brother-in-law. Under nikah-halala, a man cannot remarry his former wife unless she marries another man, consummates the marriage, gets a divorce and observes a period of separation period called 'iddat'. Unfortunately, when human conscience should have been repelled while reading this news in the morning newspapers; the AICC President Rahul Gandhi and his coterie, while addressing a minority convention, promised to withdraw the bill pending in Parliament, penalising Triple Talaq, Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled Does the Bareilly Nikah-Halala not shock your conscience?' The late Rajiv Gandhi committed a monumental mistake in legislatively overturning the Shah Bano judgment of the Supreme Court, which guaranteed maintenance to all Muslim women, the minister said. This allowed deserted women to be driven to poverty and destitution." 32 years later, Jaitley added, his son has taken another retrograde step to drive them not merely into destitution, but also to live a life which is an antithesis of human existence. The Muslim woman in Bareilly has been forced into animal existence. Votes are important, so is fairness. Political opportunists only look at the next day's headlines. Nation-builders look at the next century.

Jaitley criticises Congress for promising to withdraw Triple Talaq Bill

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