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In a major decision, the Jammu and Kashmir administration Friday created a separate division for Ladakh, which was part of the Kashmir division till now.

Ladakh will now have a separate divisional commissioner and an inspector general of Police (IG) with a full administrative and revenue division at par with Kashmir and Jammu divisions, an order issued by the administration said.

"Ladakh created as a separate administrative and revenue division. Jammu and Kashmir will have three divisions -- Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir," it said.

The administration has sanctioned creation of a separate administrative and revenue division comprising Leh and Kargil districts, with its headquarters at Leh, the order said.

It has also ordered constitution of a committee under the chairmanship of principal secretary, planning, development and monitoring department to identify the posts of divisional level heads of departments that may be required for the new division, particularly their staffing pattern, responsibilities and proposed location of these offices.

The order said this decision goes a long way in fulfilling the governance and development aspirations of the people of Ladakh region.

"The issue has been discussed at various fora and there has been a persistent demand for the creation of division for Ladakh from many organisations, including the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) Leh and Kargil," it added.

Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir and is the highest plateau in the state, with most of it being over 9,800 feet above sea level. The region is geographically isolated with an inhospitable terrain.&nbsp;

Consequently, the region is riddled with insurmountable problems with respect to delivery of developmental schemes, redressal of public grievances, conduct of administrative affairs and governance, it said.

The people of Ladakh have for a long time been demanding effective local institutional arrangements which can help accelerate the pace of development and equitable all-round growth and development, it said.

"At present the powers of local governance have already been decentralised by formation of Hill Development Councils for the Leh and Kargil Districts.

This was given effect by enacting the Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997," the order said.

Under the said act, the Hill Development Councils were established both for Leh and Kargil districts.

In order to strengthen the councils, the LAHDC Act, 1997 was amended further in 2018 to give them more power.

Officials said the entire Ladakh region remains cut-off from rest of the country for almost six months. Air travel via Leh is the only mode of transport available to this region, which makes it impossible for people to visit other parts of the country.

The remoteness and inaccessibility of the area makes the area eligible for establishing a separate division for the said region, they said.

Taking all this into consideration, the administration has decided to create a separate administrative and revenue division for Ladakh, they said.&nbsp;

In a major decision, the Jammu and Kashmir administration Friday created a separate division for Ladakh, which was part of the Kashmir division till now. Ladakh will now have a separate divisional commissioner and an inspector general of Police (IG) with a full administrative and revenue division at par with Kashmir and Jammu divisions, an order issued by the administration said.

In a major decision, the Jammu and Kashmir administration Friday created a separate division for Ladakh, which was part of the Kashmir division till now. Ladakh will now have a separate divisional commissioner and an inspector general of Police (IG) with a full administrative and revenue division at par with Kashmir and Jammu divisions, an order issued by the administration said. "Ladakh created as a separate administrative and revenue division. Jammu and Kashmir will have three divisions -- Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir," it said. The administration has sanctioned creation of a separate administrative and revenue division comprising Leh and Kargil districts, with its headquarters at Leh, the order said. It has also ordered constitution of a committee under the chairmanship of principal secretary, planning, development and monitoring department to identify the posts of divisional level heads of departments that may be required for the new division, particularly their staffing pattern, responsibilities and proposed location of these offices. The order said this decision goes a long way in fulfilling the governance and development aspirations of the people of Ladakh region. "The issue has been discussed at various fora and there has been a persistent demand for the creation of division for Ladakh from many organisations, including the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) Leh and Kargil," it added. Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir and is the highest plateau in the state, with most of it being over 9,800 feet above sea level. The region is geographically isolated with an inhospitable terrain. Consequently, the region is riddled with insurmountable problems with respect to delivery of developmental schemes, redressal of public grievances, conduct of administrative affairs and governance, it said. The people of Ladakh have for a long time been demanding effective local institutional arrangements which can help accelerate the pace of development and equitable all-round growth and development, it said. "At present the powers of local governance have already been decentralised by formation of Hill Development Councils for the Leh and Kargil Districts. This was given effect by enacting the Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997," the order said. Under the said act, the Hill Development Councils were established both for Leh and Kargil districts. In order to strengthen the councils, the LAHDC Act, 1997 was amended further in 2018 to give them more power. Officials said the entire Ladakh region remains cut-off from rest of the country for almost six months. Air travel via Leh is the only mode of transport available to this region, which makes it impossible for people to visit other parts of the country. The remoteness and inaccessibility of the area makes the area eligible for establishing a separate division for the said region, they said. Taking all this into consideration, the administration has decided to create a separate administrative and revenue division for Ladakh, they said.

Jammu and Kashmir administration creates separate division for Ladakh

India has assured Bangladesh of its continued support with respect to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Both the countries have called for safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's&nbsp;foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is in Delhi on a 4-day visit and took part in the fifth meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission. The meeting was co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday.&nbsp;

The joint press release noted, "External Affairs Minister expressed appreciation for the humanitarian gesture of Bangladesh in supporting a large number of displaced persons from the Rakhine region of Myanmar" and "assured the Foreign Minister of India’s continued support for safe, speedy and sustainable return of the displaced persons to Myanmar".

Bangladesh's foreign minister conveyed his country's gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by India in four tranches since September 2017 to help meet the requirements of the displaced persons from Myanmar.

This is the first high-level visit from PM Hasina's government after her electoral victory in December 2018.

The release added, the two ministers agreed on the need to "expedite, safe and sustainable repatriation" of the displaced people from the Rakhine state of Myanmar.

India has been calling on Myanmar to implement the Rohingya repatriation accord that it signed with Bangladesh. The agreement involves the return of the refugees to Myanmar.

India started 'Operation Insaniyat' to help Rohingya refugees in September 2017. In December 2018, India began the 4th tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar.&nbsp;

Bangladeshi foreign minister Momen had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Rohingya issue was also raised. PM Modi assured India's support to the neighbouring country.

 
&nbsp;

India has assured Bangladesh of its continued support with respect to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Both the countries have called for safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees.

India has assured Bangladesh of its continued support with respect to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Both the countries have called for safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees. Bangladesh's foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is in Delhi on a 4-day visit and took part in the fifth meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission. The meeting was co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday. The joint press release noted, "External Affairs Minister expressed appreciation for the humanitarian gesture of Bangladesh in supporting a large number of displaced persons from the Rakhine region of Myanmar" and "assured the Foreign Minister of India’s continued support for safe, speedy and sustainable return of the displaced persons to Myanmar". Bangladesh's foreign minister conveyed his country's gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by India in four tranches since September 2017 to help meet the requirements of the displaced persons from Myanmar. This is the first high-level visit from PM Hasina's government after her electoral victory in December 2018. The release added, the two ministers agreed on the need to "expedite, safe and sustainable repatriation" of the displaced people from the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India has been calling on Myanmar to implement the Rohingya repatriation accord that it signed with Bangladesh. The agreement involves the return of the refugees to Myanmar. India started 'Operation Insaniyat' to help Rohingya refugees in September 2017. In December 2018, India began the 4th tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar. Bangladeshi foreign minister Momen had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Rohingya issue was also raised. PM Modi assured India's support to the neighbouring country.

India, Bangladesh call for safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees

Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-flogging-a-dead-horse-says-sitharaman-after-uproar-in-parliament-over-rafale-196013">Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday</a> 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; 
&nbsp; 
Sitharaman brought to notice the comments made by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the MoD dissent note. She alleged that the publication "conveniently" decided not to report Parrikar's comments.&nbsp;

In a copy of the Ministry of Defence' dissent note on Rafale negotiations accessed by news agency ANI, Parrikar noted, "It appears PMO and French President office are monitoring the progress of the issue which was an outcome of the summit meeting. Para 5 appears to be an over-reaction".

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ANI accesses the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s reply to MoD dissent note on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> negotiations. "Defence Secretary (G Mohan) may resolve the matter in consultation with Principal Secretary to PM" <a href="https://t.co/yXGQJNiDvB">pic.twitter.com/yXGQJNiDvB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093768778448556032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a written remark on the note Parrikar further added, "remain calm, nothing to worry, everything is going alright".

Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar, who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue.

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“It was incumbent on the newspaper, the Hindu to put the reply of then Raksha Mantri Shri Parrikar on record too in its story but they omitted it.” 
 
Watch full statement by Raksha Mantri Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> in Lok Sabha today on a malicious news report published on the Rafale deal. <a href="https://t.co/MwecghzTY7">pic.twitter.com/MwecghzTY7</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1093780089525817344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who headed Rafale negotiations from the Indian side, expressed dissatisfaction over the media report and claimed that "the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there".

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Air Marshal SBP Sinha: Note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note? <a href="https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK">https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093805121794949120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It was very surprising for me to know that in the article printed today a note within MoD has been used to malign this procurement by concealing facts, the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there," Sinha told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"The note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note?" Sinha added.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused PM Modi of robbing the Indian Air Force of more than four billion dollars.

Gandhi cited a newspaper report that alleged that the Prime Minister's Office held parallel negotiations with France, which the defence ministry had objected to.

The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company.

Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force.

India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue.&nbsp;

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.

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. Sitharaman brought to notice the comments made by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the MoD dissent note. She alleged that the publication "conveniently" decided not to report Parrikar's comments. In a copy of the Ministry of Defence' dissent note on Rafale negotiations accessed by news agency ANI, Parrikar noted, "It appears PMO and French President office are monitoring the progress of the issue which was an outcome of the summit meeting. Para 5 appears to be an over-reaction". ANI accesses the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s reply to MoD dissent note on #Rafale negotiations. "Defence Secretary (G Mohan) may resolve the matter in consultation with Principal Secretary to PM" pic.twitter.com/yXGQJNiDvB — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × In a written remark on the note Parrikar further added, "remain calm, nothing to worry, everything is going alright". Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar, who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue. “It was incumbent on the newspaper, the Hindu to put the reply of then Raksha Mantri Shri Parrikar on record too in its story but they omitted it.” Watch full statement by Raksha Mantri Smt. @nsitharaman in Lok Sabha today on a malicious news report published on the Rafale deal. pic.twitter.com/MwecghzTY7 — BJP (@BJP4India) February 8, 2019 × "It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said. Meanwhile, Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who headed Rafale negotiations from the Indian side, expressed dissatisfaction over the media report and claimed that "the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there". Air Marshal SBP Sinha: Note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note? https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × "It was very surprising for me to know that in the article printed today a note within MoD has been used to malign this procurement by concealing facts, the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there," Sinha told news agency ANI. "The note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note?" Sinha added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused PM Modi of robbing the Indian Air Force of more than four billion dollars. Gandhi cited a newspaper report that alleged that the Prime Minister's Office held parallel negotiations with France, which the defence ministry had objected to. The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company. Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force. India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue.

'Over reaction... nothing to worry,' said Manohar Parrikar on defence ministry's dissent note on Rafale deal

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.

The seven were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-seven-held-guilty-for-killing-two-youths-that-led-to-2013-muzaffarnagar-riots-195644">held guilty on Wednesday</a> of killing two youths in Kawal village in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/muzaffarnagar-riots-know-how-the-case-progressed-since-it-begun-9611">Muzaffarnagar riots</a>&nbsp;that led to killings of over 60 people.

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2013 Muzaffarnagar riots: All the 7 convicts have been awarded life imprisonment by a local court. <a href="https://t.co/j0BwFzb49u">pic.twitter.com/j0BwFzb49u</a>
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The court convicted the accused after examining 10 prosecution witnesses and six in their defence.&nbsp;

Additional District and Sessions Judge Himanshu Bhatnagar convicted Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal for killing Gaurav and Sachin on August 27, 2013 and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-governments-attempt-at-rehabilitation-of-muzaffarnagar-riot-victims-woefully-inadequate-amnesty-164467">rioting</a>.

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2013 Muzaffarnagar riots: The 7 convicts - Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Jahangir, Afzal and Iqbal - are accused of killing 2 people - Gaurav and Sachin - and rioting in Kawal village. <a href="https://t.co/b9BXLTioAG">https://t.co/b9BXLTioAG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093814607653888000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

A local court in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded life imprisonment to seven convicts who were held responsible for triggering the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The seven were held guilty on Wednesday of killing two youths in Kawal village in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots that led to killings of over 60 people.

A local court in Uttar Pradesh on Friday awarded life imprisonment to seven convicts who were held responsible for triggering the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The seven were held guilty on Wednesday of killing two youths in Kawal village in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots that led to killings of over 60 people. 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots: All the 7 convicts have been awarded life imprisonment by a local court. pic.twitter.com/j0BwFzb49u — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × The court convicted the accused after examining 10 prosecution witnesses and six in their defence. Additional District and Sessions Judge Himanshu Bhatnagar convicted Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal for killing Gaurav and Sachin on August 27, 2013 and rioting. 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots: The 7 convicts - Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Jahangir, Afzal and Iqbal - are accused of killing 2 people - Gaurav and Sachin - and rioting in Kawal village. https://t.co/b9BXLTioAG — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case: All seven convicts awarded life imprisonment

A Delhi court Friday extended by four days the ED custody of Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought his further custody before the court, saying the probe is at a crucial stage.

The court had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-saxena-co-accused-in-agustawestland-sent-to-4-days-of-ed-remand-194108">earlier extended the custody</a> by as many days after ED had said that he was required for confronting him with Gautam Khaitan, a Delhi-based lawyer and a co-accused who was arrested in the case and is in the agency's custody.

ED alleged that in connivance with Khaitan, Saxena provided a global corporate structure for laundering illegal proceeds of the crime for payment to various political persons, bureaucrats and Air Force officials to influence the contract to supply 12 VVIP helicopters in favour of AgustaWestland.

Saxena is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by the ED. Christian Michel, former AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica directors Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, Tyagi and Saxena's wife Shivani have also been named by the agency.

A Delhi court Friday extended by four days the ED custody of Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought his further custody before the court, saying the probe is at a crucial stage.

A Delhi court Friday extended by four days the ED custody of Rajeev Saxena, arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought his further custody before the court, saying the probe is at a crucial stage. The court had earlier extended the custody by as many days after ED had said that he was required for confronting him with Gautam Khaitan, a Delhi-based lawyer and a co-accused who was arrested in the case and is in the agency's custody. ED alleged that in connivance with Khaitan, Saxena provided a global corporate structure for laundering illegal proceeds of the crime for payment to various political persons, bureaucrats and Air Force officials to influence the contract to supply 12 VVIP helicopters in favour of AgustaWestland. Saxena is one of the accused named in the charge sheet filed by the ED. Christian Michel, former AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica directors Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, Tyagi and Saxena's wife Shivani have also been named by the agency.

VVIP Chopper case: Court extends Rajeev Saxena's ED custody by 4 days

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Among those rescued, one person&nbsp;has been identified as SPO Gulzar Ahmad, according to police.&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;

Forces are taking help of men and machinery to reach the spot, police said.

Ten people including six policemen, two fire service personnel and two prisoners went missing after the avalanche struck.

The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side.

There were 18 people inside the police post, 8 of them managed to escape.&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)

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. Among those rescued, one person has been identified as SPO Gulzar Ahmad, according to police. 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. Forces are taking help of men and machinery to reach the spot, police said. Ten people including six policemen, two fire service personnel and two prisoners went missing after the avalanche struck. The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side. There were 18 people inside the police post, 8 of them managed to escape. 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)

Three cops rescued, seven missing after avalanche strikes Kulgam district

Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar sought the agencies' reply by February 12, when the court will hear the matter.

The bail application said that the probe is complete.

"Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition.

Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year.

On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days.

Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Friday seeking bail in cases by the CBI and the ED, saying the charge sheet against him was not filed within the stipulated time frame of 60 days. Special Judge Arvind Kumar sought the agencies' reply by February 12, when the court will hear the matter. The bail application said that the probe is complete. "Since, the charge sheet was not filed against him within the stipulated 60-day period under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The probe is complete. I'm in custody since December 22, 2018," Michel said in the petition. Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22 last year. On January 5, Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

VVIP Chopper case: Christian Michel moves Delhi court seeking bail

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation.

In his maiden public rally after BJP lost power in the state last year, Modi said top Congress leaders were embroiled in legal tangles. 
"Most members of the (Gandhi) family are either out on bail or have obtained anticipatory bail," the Prime Minister said, during the rally at Kodatarai in Raigarh district.

Congress has betrayed and cheated Chhattisgarh farmers over the loan waiver in the state, he said. For electoral gains, Congress comes up with the promise of loan waiver in every ten years, he added.

Loans of only those farmers who availed them from cooperative and rural banks were waived, he said.

"What about loans of those who had borrowed from nationalised banks? Are they not entitled to the loan waiver," he said.

"Why did the Congress not inform people about the criteria for the loan waiver? This is cheating," he said. "What about farmers who borrowed from 'sahukar' (private moneylender) and relatives. Who will waive their loans? In the name of the loan waiver, Congress has benefited 'bichauliye' (middlemen)," he said.

Modi said the Congress government has decided to obstruct the CBI in the state. "If someone has not done anything (wrong), will he be afraid of an investigation," he asked.

"Can any agency enquire without any reason?" he said. "People have no problem in this (CBI probe) but the Congress has," Modi said.

By opting out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh has deprived poor of healthcare, Modi said.

"I have come amidst you to get a new mandate for a new India," Modi said. 
India's poverty has started to decline due to efforts of the BJP-led government, Modi said.&nbsp;

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation.

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation. In his maiden public rally after BJP lost power in the state last year, Modi said top Congress leaders were embroiled in legal tangles. "Most members of the (Gandhi) family are either out on bail or have obtained anticipatory bail," the Prime Minister said, during the rally at Kodatarai in Raigarh district. Congress has betrayed and cheated Chhattisgarh farmers over the loan waiver in the state, he said. For electoral gains, Congress comes up with the promise of loan waiver in every ten years, he added. Loans of only those farmers who availed them from cooperative and rural banks were waived, he said. "What about loans of those who had borrowed from nationalised banks? Are they not entitled to the loan waiver," he said. "Why did the Congress not inform people about the criteria for the loan waiver? This is cheating," he said. "What about farmers who borrowed from 'sahukar' (private moneylender) and relatives. Who will waive their loans? In the name of the loan waiver, Congress has benefited 'bichauliye' (middlemen)," he said. Modi said the Congress government has decided to obstruct the CBI in the state. "If someone has not done anything (wrong), will he be afraid of an investigation," he asked. "Can any agency enquire without any reason?" he said. "People have no problem in this (CBI probe) but the Congress has," Modi said. By opting out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh has deprived poor of healthcare, Modi said. "I have come amidst you to get a new mandate for a new India," Modi said. India's poverty has started to decline due to efforts of the BJP-led government, Modi said.

People should be wary of 'adulteration': Modi on opposition alliance

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/feel-let-down-that-you-have-used-this-visit-for-your-petty-political-gains-manohar-parrikar-responds-to-rahul-gandhis-accusations-193906">Lok Sabha today that the Opposition</a> was "flogging a dead horse" over the Rafale deal after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) was directly involved in conducting negotiations with the French side on the Rafale deal.

Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told newswire ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue.

"It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said.

Sitharaman in a statement in the Lok Sabha said: "They are flogging a dead horse. Periodical enquiries by the PMO cannot be construed as interference."

The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company.

Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force.

Sitharaman said ex-defence minister Manohar Parrikar had replied to the letter asking the official to remain "calm" as everything was "alright".

India's defence minister alleged that the then chairperson of the National Advisory Council Sonia Gandhi used to run the PMO regularly during the UPA regime.

"Was that not interference?," she asked.

India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised the issue but chairman M Venkaiah Naidu disallowed the Congress leader asserting that&nbsp;he had reserved the&nbsp;final judgement on the notice by Congress members under Rule 267 on the issue.

Rule 267 provides for setting aside the business of the day to discuss the issue being raised.

Vice-president Naidu adjourned the proceedings till Monday after continued Opposition protests. 
&nbsp;

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha today that the Opposition was "flogging a dead horse" over the Rafale deal after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) was directly involved in conducting negotiations with the French side on the Rafale deal.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha today that the Opposition was "flogging a dead horse" over the Rafale deal after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) was directly involved in conducting negotiations with the French side on the Rafale deal. Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told newswire ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue. "It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said. Sitharaman in a statement in the Lok Sabha said: "They are flogging a dead horse. Periodical enquiries by the PMO cannot be construed as interference." The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company. Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force. Sitharaman said ex-defence minister Manohar Parrikar had replied to the letter asking the official to remain "calm" as everything was "alright". India's defence minister alleged that the then chairperson of the National Advisory Council Sonia Gandhi used to run the PMO regularly during the UPA regime. "Was that not interference?," she asked. India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue. Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised the issue but chairman M Venkaiah Naidu disallowed the Congress leader asserting that he had reserved the final judgement on the notice by Congress members under Rule 267 on the issue. Rule 267 provides for setting aside the business of the day to discuss the issue being raised. Vice-president Naidu adjourned the proceedings till Monday after continued Opposition protests.

Opposition flogging a dead horse, says Sitharaman after uproar in Parliament over Rafale

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case.

Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.05 a.m on Thursday.

Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said.&nbsp;

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The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius, reported PTI.

It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue.&nbsp;

Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case. Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case. Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.05 a.m on Thursday. Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said. Delhi: Karti Chidambaram arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with INX Media case pic.twitter.com/ihQSOVZL7Y — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius, reported PTI. It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue. Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

INX media case: Karti Chidambaram appears before ED for questioning

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK.

It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days.

His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday.

That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule.

Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office. Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday. Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK. It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said. He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing. A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days. His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that. "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday. That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings. On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others. The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari. It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule. Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Money-laundering case: ED questions Vadra for 9 hours on Day 2

Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, was questioned for about six hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe against him in the INX Media case.

Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was grilled a number of times in the case in the past.

Karti arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11 am and left shortly before 6 pm. He took about an hour-long break for lunch.

It is understood that Karti was confronted with certain statements of the other accused and witnesses in the case. Officials said he might be called again for questioning.

The ED had attached Karti's assets worth an estimated Rs 54 crore, located in India and abroad, in the case last year.

The central probe agency had registered the PMLA case on the basis of a CBI FIR and had alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, when P Chidambaram was the finance minister.

It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent to a police FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint, including Karti, INX Media and its directors -- Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Karti was arrested on February 28 last year by the CBI, the other central agency investigating the case, for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007. He was granted bail subsequently.

The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investments from Mauritius.

Officials said P Chidambaram was also expected to be questioned in a money-laundering case at the same ED office on Friday.

Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, was questioned for about six hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe against him in the INX Media case.

Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, was questioned for about six hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe against him in the INX Media case. Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was grilled a number of times in the case in the past. Karti arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11 am and left shortly before 6 pm. He took about an hour-long break for lunch. It is understood that Karti was confronted with certain statements of the other accused and witnesses in the case. Officials said he might be called again for questioning. The ED had attached Karti's assets worth an estimated Rs 54 crore, located in India and abroad, in the case last year. The central probe agency had registered the PMLA case on the basis of a CBI FIR and had alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, when P Chidambaram was the finance minister. It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent to a police FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint, including Karti, INX Media and its directors -- Peter and Indrani Mukerjea. Karti was arrested on February 28 last year by the CBI, the other central agency investigating the case, for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007. He was granted bail subsequently. The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investments from Mauritius. Officials said P Chidambaram was also expected to be questioned in a money-laundering case at the same ED office on Friday.

INX Media PMLA case: ED grills Karti Chidambaram for six hours

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Delhi high court has ordered two scam case accused Shahid Balwa and four others to plant three thousand trees each as they failed to reply to Enforcement Directorate and CBI's appeal against their acquittal. &nbsp;

Justice Najmi Waziri was hearing ED and CBI's appeal against the acquittal of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-the-fuss-over-2g-scam-there-was-zero-loss-after-all-27344">2G scam</a> accused in December 2017.

The Delhi High Court specifies that the indigenous plants need to be three and half years of nursery age and six feet in height. They will also have to carry out plantation drives before March 26, which is the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

However, the respondents will have to meet the&nbsp;Deputy Conservator of Forests on February 15 so that the land can be allotted to them for planting those trees. The accused have not only been directed to maintain the plants till monsoon but also ensure the order's compliance by submitting photographs to court to prove that the plants are in good health.&nbsp;

Justice Waziri emphasised on the need to plant more trees in order to revive 48,000 acres of ridge area in the national capital.

He stated that since morning he passed similar orders to ensure plantation of almost 39,000 trees. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta praised the judge and said, "This is the best way to impose costs."

In the last hearing, the Delhi High Court had granted the persons the last opportunity to file their responses on the agencies plea, warning that no more delays will be allowed.

Last year the Enforcement Directorate had approached Delhi High Court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused in the money laundering case arising out of the 2G scam. A day later, the CBI too challenged the acquittal of the accused in the case.&nbsp;

Delhi high court has ordered two scam case accused Shahid Balwa and four others to plant three thousand trees each as they failed to reply to Enforcement Directorate and CBI's appeal against their acquittal.

Delhi high court has ordered two scam case accused Shahid Balwa and four others to plant three thousand trees each as they failed to reply to Enforcement Directorate and CBI's appeal against their acquittal. Justice Najmi Waziri was hearing ED and CBI's appeal against the acquittal of the 2G scam accused in December 2017. The Delhi High Court specifies that the indigenous plants need to be three and half years of nursery age and six feet in height. They will also have to carry out plantation drives before March 26, which is the next date of hearing. However, the respondents will have to meet the Deputy Conservator of Forests on February 15 so that the land can be allotted to them for planting those trees. The accused have not only been directed to maintain the plants till monsoon but also ensure the order's compliance by submitting photographs to court to prove that the plants are in good health. Justice Waziri emphasised on the need to plant more trees in order to revive 48,000 acres of ridge area in the national capital. He stated that since morning he passed similar orders to ensure plantation of almost 39,000 trees. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta praised the judge and said, "This is the best way to impose costs." In the last hearing, the Delhi High Court had granted the persons the last opportunity to file their responses on the agencies plea, warning that no more delays will be allowed. Last year the Enforcement Directorate had approached Delhi High Court challenging the special court's order acquitting all the accused in the money laundering case arising out of the 2G scam. A day later, the CBI too challenged the acquittal of the accused in the case.

Delhi High Court directs 2G case accused to plant 3,000 trees

Our government has worked towards the good health of people: PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lists his government's achievements

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata.

Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said.

"I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI.

Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials.

The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested.

The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said.

Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.&nbsp;

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government. The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10. The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said. The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata. Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir. "State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity. The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said. "I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI. Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials. The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested. The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya. The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said. Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20. A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

CBI to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong

Prime Minister Narendra <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-rahul-gandhi-announces-loan-waiver-for-all-farmers-across-country-pm-modi-attacks-congress-for-gimmick-194848">Modi attacked the Congress again and again</a>&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government.&nbsp;

Anything he said seemed to be juxtaposed against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-accuses-congress-of-protecting-1984-riot-culprits-takes-jibe-at-kamal-nath-188104">the previous Congress regime</a>.&nbsp;

"Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other is AD —'After Dynasty' — where everything happened," Modi said.&nbsp;

"You want to know what is my crime for them?" he asked. "That a person born in a poor family is challenging their 'sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%."&nbsp;

"In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation," he added. "That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light."

He brought up the charge against him that he is guilty of destroying institutions, again saying that it was the Congress and not him that was guilty.&nbsp;

"Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?" he said. &nbsp;

"In 1959, Congress Central Govt dismissed the Communist Govt in Kerala, 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?"

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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: People have seen the work a Government with an absolute majority can do. They have seen our work. They do not want a 'Mahamilavat' Government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/OfdVaCOSLm">pic.twitter.com/OfdVaCOSLm</a>
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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Aap keh rahe hain Modi sansthaon ko khatam kar raha hai, ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante. Aapatkal lagaya Congress ne, Sena ka apmaan kiya Congress ne, aur kehte hain Modi barbaad kar raha hai <a href="https://t.co/lvzjATFm54">pic.twitter.com/lvzjATFm54</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Kharge ji ek decent vyakti hai, lekin pata nahi kya majboori hai, kis museebat mein phanse hain ki decent vyakti, har baar dissent, har baar dissent. <a href="https://t.co/u2cK4tj8mt">pic.twitter.com/u2cK4tj8mt</a>
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He spoke of the economy, again comparing the current size of India's economy to its breadth under the Congress. "In last 4 1/2 years India became 6th largest economy from the 10-11th largest. When we reached 11th position then people, who cannot even be seen in opposition now, praised themselves.They felt proud on reaching 11th, why are they saddened when we have reached 6th?"

He mentioned the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but again using it to accuse the Congress of corruption. "In 2010 Commonwealth games, on one hand, our athletes were working hard to win medals for the country, while these people(Congress) were accumulating wealth for themselves."

He talked of gas connections, and yet again compared their number now to their number under the Congress. "Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years."&nbsp;

"See your(Congress) manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within three years, every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this," he added.&nbsp;

And on and on it went. He accused the Congress of not wanting a strong Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

"In our neighbourhood, everyone is building war capabilities, why didn't we do it in all these years? This is criminal negligence. Congress doesn't want a strong Indian Air Force," he said.&nbsp;

"Congress doesn't want our air force to be strong. I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?" he added.&nbsp;

He said that Ambedkar had said it would be suicidal to join the Congress, and that Gandhi had recommended the dissolution of the Congress. So when he was calling for a "Congress-mukt Bharat", he was only trying to fulfil Gandhi's wish.&nbsp;

Inflation and Congress, Modi said, have a strong bond.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Lok Sabha: Two songs became very popular, 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'mehengai dayen khaaye jaat hai' both these songs were in who's tenure? First during Indira ji, and second during remote control Govt. Inflation and Congress have a strong bond <a href="https://t.co/Wpkd2hX7KJ">pic.twitter.com/Wpkd2hX7KJ</a>
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Modi also broached the topic of rising unemployment in the country.&nbsp;

"In the last four years, 6.35 lakh new professionals have come up. You think if a doctor opens a clinic or a nursing home then he will employ only one person? Or does a CA only employ one person?" he asked. "No," he answered.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress again and again in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress again and again in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government. Anything he said seemed to be juxtaposed against the previous Congress regime. "Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other is AD —'After Dynasty' — where everything happened," Modi said. "You want to know what is my crime for them?" he asked. "That a person born in a poor family is challenging their 'sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%." "In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation," he added. "That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light." He brought up the charge against him that he is guilty of destroying institutions, again saying that it was the Congress and not him that was guilty. "Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?" he said. "In 1959, Congress Central Govt dismissed the Communist Govt in Kerala, 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?" PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: People have seen the work a Government with an absolute majority can do. They have seen our work. They do not want a 'Mahamilavat' Government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/OfdVaCOSLm — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Aap keh rahe hain Modi sansthaon ko khatam kar raha hai, ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante. Aapatkal lagaya Congress ne, Sena ka apmaan kiya Congress ne, aur kehte hain Modi barbaad kar raha hai pic.twitter.com/lvzjATFm54 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Kharge ji ek decent vyakti hai, lekin pata nahi kya majboori hai, kis museebat mein phanse hain ki decent vyakti, har baar dissent, har baar dissent. pic.twitter.com/u2cK4tj8mt — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × He spoke of the economy, again comparing the current size of India's economy to its breadth under the Congress. "In last 4 1/2 years India became 6th largest economy from the 10-11th largest. When we reached 11th position then people, who cannot even be seen in opposition now, praised themselves.They felt proud on reaching 11th, why are they saddened when we have reached 6th?" He mentioned the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but again using it to accuse the Congress of corruption. "In 2010 Commonwealth games, on one hand, our athletes were working hard to win medals for the country, while these people(Congress) were accumulating wealth for themselves." He talked of gas connections, and yet again compared their number now to their number under the Congress. "Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years." "See your(Congress) manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within three years, every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this," he added. And on and on it went. He accused the Congress of not wanting a strong Indian Air Force. "In our neighbourhood, everyone is building war capabilities, why didn't we do it in all these years? This is criminal negligence. Congress doesn't want a strong Indian Air Force," he said. "Congress doesn't want our air force to be strong. I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?" he added. He said that Ambedkar had said it would be suicidal to join the Congress, and that Gandhi had recommended the dissolution of the Congress. So when he was calling for a "Congress-mukt Bharat", he was only trying to fulfil Gandhi's wish. Inflation and Congress, Modi said, have a strong bond. PM Modi in Lok Sabha: Two songs became very popular, 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'mehengai dayen khaaye jaat hai' both these songs were in who's tenure? First during Indira ji, and second during remote control Govt. Inflation and Congress have a strong bond pic.twitter.com/Wpkd2hX7KJ — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × Modi also broached the topic of rising unemployment in the country. "In the last four years, 6.35 lakh new professionals have come up. You think if a doctor opens a clinic or a nursing home then he will employ only one person? Or does a CA only employ one person?" he asked. "No," he answered.

In hating me, the opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects and lay a foundation of many vital schemes in Arunachal Pradesh during his visit to the north-eastern state on Saturday, officials said Thursday.

Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a green field Airport at Hollongi near here, they said.

The ambitious airport project in the state has been pending for several years due to controversies over site selection. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the country without a full-fledged airport.

Initially, Karsingsa was selected as the site for the airport but owing to technicalities, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had asked the state government to find some other site.

On the request of the state government, a central joint inspection committee visited Itanagar to study the feasibility of the site during 2017 and recommended Hollongi.

The prime minister will also inaugurate a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district besides a 110 MW hydroelectric project, Arun Prabha channel of Doordarshan and 50 health and wellness centres in the state.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a Film and Television Institute at Jote, near here and seven electric substations under Comprehensive Scheme, the officials said.

He would lay the foundation stone of Sella Tunnel and its approach road in Tawang district besides the declaration of a cent per cent household electrification in the state under Saubhagya Scheme.

All the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony would be held from Indira Gandhi Park here, they said.

From Itanagar, Modi is scheduled to visit Assam and Tripura.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the PMs visit to the state capital. Large contingents of central paramilitary forces besides state police have spread a dragnet across the state capital since Wednesday and thorough checking of visitors at all checking points is going on to prevent entry of unwanted elements, DGP S B K Singh said.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday took stock of the arrangements at IG Park, the officials added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects and lay a foundation of many vital schemes in Arunachal Pradesh during his visit to the north-eastern state on Saturday, officials said Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects and lay a foundation of many vital schemes in Arunachal Pradesh during his visit to the north-eastern state on Saturday, officials said Thursday. Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a green field Airport at Hollongi near here, they said. The ambitious airport project in the state has been pending for several years due to controversies over site selection. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the country without a full-fledged airport. Initially, Karsingsa was selected as the site for the airport but owing to technicalities, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had asked the state government to find some other site. On the request of the state government, a central joint inspection committee visited Itanagar to study the feasibility of the site during 2017 and recommended Hollongi. The prime minister will also inaugurate a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district besides a 110 MW hydroelectric project, Arun Prabha channel of Doordarshan and 50 health and wellness centres in the state. Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a Film and Television Institute at Jote, near here and seven electric substations under Comprehensive Scheme, the officials said. He would lay the foundation stone of Sella Tunnel and its approach road in Tawang district besides the declaration of a cent per cent household electrification in the state under Saubhagya Scheme. All the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony would be held from Indira Gandhi Park here, they said. From Itanagar, Modi is scheduled to visit Assam and Tripura. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the PMs visit to the state capital. Large contingents of central paramilitary forces besides state police have spread a dragnet across the state capital since Wednesday and thorough checking of visitors at all checking points is going on to prevent entry of unwanted elements, DGP S B K Singh said. Chief Minister Pema Khandu accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday took stock of the arrangements at IG Park, the officials added.

PM to inaugurate several projects in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday

The whole world is trying to figure out what is happening in the United States, and the shrinking role that President Trump wants the US to play in a technologically-integrating world.

Relationship between India, US on very positive track: Former US defence secretary William Cohen to WION

Over 100 fresh cases of swine flu were recorded in Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people affected by the disease in the city this year to 1,196, according to a senior official.

According to a report of the Directorate General of Health Services, the death toll due to swine flu in Delhi this year stands at six and till Wednesday, 1,093 had been affected by the disease in the city this season.

"Delhi is in grip of swine flu. Today, 103 fresh cases were recorded," the official said.

The DGHS report had also mentioned deaths of five more persons from co-morbidity.

As per the report, of the six persons who have died of swine flu this year, one belonged to Delhi, while the rest were residents of other cities.

Amid the mounting cases of the H1N1 infections in the city, the Delhi government Wednesday issued a health advisory, prescribing the do's and don'ts. 
Delhi on Tuesday had recorded one death due to swine flu and 1,019 positive cases.

Till Monday, the Delhi government had not reported any death due to the flu, but it recorded one death of a Delhi resident on Tuesday, the report said,&nbsp; 
However, two Centre-run hospitals here have reported 13 deaths due to swine flu this year. According to senior officials at Safdarjung Hospital, three deaths due to swine flu have been recorded this season, while RML Hospital has reported 10 fatalities.

Nine of the 10 people who died at RML Hospital were from Delhi, and the other one was from outside the city, officials said.

Seasonal Influenza (H1N1) is a self-limiting viral, air-borne disease spread from person-to-person, through large droplets generated through coughing and sneezing, indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface (fomite transmission like telephone, cell phones, computers, door handles, door bells, pens, toys etc) and close contact (including handshaking, hugging, kissing), the advisory said.

The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms may include body ache, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting and blood-stained sputum.&nbsp;

There are three categories of H1N1 influenza -- A, B and C.

"No Oseltamivir (medicine) and testing is required for category A patients. They should confine themselves at home and avoid mixing up with public and high risk members in the family," the advisory said.

In addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under category A, if a patient has high-grade fever and severe sore throat, he or she may require home isolation and Oseltamivir.

In addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under category A, individuals having one or more of the high-risk conditions shall be treated with Oseltamivir, it added.

High-risk group includes, children with mild illness but with predisposing risk factors, pregnant women, persons aged 65 years or older, patients with lung diseases, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS, or those on long-term cortisone therapy, the advisory said.

In addition to the signs and symptoms of categories A and B, if the patient has one or more danger signs, like breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, fall in blood pressure, sputum mixed with blood, bluish discolouration of nails, then these patients (under category C) require testing, immediate hospitalisation and treatment, it added.

After holding a state-level review meeting on Infuenza A (H1N1), the Delhi government recently said that all government hospitals in the city are equipped with necessary logistics required for the management of the disease and drug Oseltamivir along with personal protective equipment (PPE kits) and N95 masks are also available.

The advisory also asked people to avoid crowded places in the swine flu season and stay more than an arm's length distance away from persons sick with flu.&nbsp;

Over 100 fresh cases of swine flu were recorded in Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people affected by the disease in the city this year to 1,196, according to a senior official.

Over 100 fresh cases of swine flu were recorded in Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of people affected by the disease in the city this year to 1,196, according to a senior official. According to a report of the Directorate General of Health Services, the death toll due to swine flu in Delhi this year stands at six and till Wednesday, 1,093 had been affected by the disease in the city this season. "Delhi is in grip of swine flu. Today, 103 fresh cases were recorded," the official said. The DGHS report had also mentioned deaths of five more persons from co-morbidity. As per the report, of the six persons who have died of swine flu this year, one belonged to Delhi, while the rest were residents of other cities. Amid the mounting cases of the H1N1 infections in the city, the Delhi government Wednesday issued a health advisory, prescribing the do's and don'ts. Delhi on Tuesday had recorded one death due to swine flu and 1,019 positive cases. Till Monday, the Delhi government had not reported any death due to the flu, but it recorded one death of a Delhi resident on Tuesday, the report said, However, two Centre-run hospitals here have reported 13 deaths due to swine flu this year. According to senior officials at Safdarjung Hospital, three deaths due to swine flu have been recorded this season, while RML Hospital has reported 10 fatalities. Nine of the 10 people who died at RML Hospital were from Delhi, and the other one was from outside the city, officials said. Seasonal Influenza (H1N1) is a self-limiting viral, air-borne disease spread from person-to-person, through large droplets generated through coughing and sneezing, indirect contact by touching a contaminated object or surface (fomite transmission like telephone, cell phones, computers, door handles, door bells, pens, toys etc) and close contact (including handshaking, hugging, kissing), the advisory said. The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms may include body ache, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhoea and vomiting and blood-stained sputum. There are three categories of H1N1 influenza -- A, B and C. "No Oseltamivir (medicine) and testing is required for category A patients. They should confine themselves at home and avoid mixing up with public and high risk members in the family," the advisory said. In addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under category A, if a patient has high-grade fever and severe sore throat, he or she may require home isolation and Oseltamivir. In addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under category A, individuals having one or more of the high-risk conditions shall be treated with Oseltamivir, it added. High-risk group includes, children with mild illness but with predisposing risk factors, pregnant women, persons aged 65 years or older, patients with lung diseases, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS, or those on long-term cortisone therapy, the advisory said. In addition to the signs and symptoms of categories A and B, if the patient has one or more danger signs, like breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, fall in blood pressure, sputum mixed with blood, bluish discolouration of nails, then these patients (under category C) require testing, immediate hospitalisation and treatment, it added. After holding a state-level review meeting on Infuenza A (H1N1), the Delhi government recently said that all government hospitals in the city are equipped with necessary logistics required for the management of the disease and drug Oseltamivir along with personal protective equipment (PPE kits) and N95 masks are also available. The advisory also asked people to avoid crowded places in the swine flu season and stay more than an arm's length distance away from persons sick with flu.

Delhi in grip of swine flu; 103 fresh cases on Thursday: Official

One of the seven persons found guilty of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-seven-held-guilty-for-killing-two-youths-that-led-to-2013-muzaffarnagar-riots-195644"> killing two youths</a> in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots appeared before a court here through video conferencing.

Over 60 people were killed in the riots that followed the killing of the youths in Kawal village. The court on Wednesday held the seven men guilty of killing Gaurav and Sachin.&nbsp;

Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal were convicted for killing the youths on August 27, 2013 and rioting by an additional district and sessions judge, District Prosecution Counsel Rajiv Sharma had said on Wednesday.

Muzammil appeared before the court from the Bulandshahr district jail through video conferencing, according to government lawyer Anjum Khan. 
He said Muzammil could not be brought to the court as he did not get security.

The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday.&nbsp;

One of the seven persons found guilty of killing two youths in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots appeared before a court here through video conferencing.

One of the seven persons found guilty of killing two youths in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots appeared before a court here through video conferencing. Over 60 people were killed in the riots that followed the killing of the youths in Kawal village. The court on Wednesday held the seven men guilty of killing Gaurav and Sachin. Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal were convicted for killing the youths on August 27, 2013 and rioting by an additional district and sessions judge, District Prosecution Counsel Rajiv Sharma had said on Wednesday. Muzammil appeared before the court from the Bulandshahr district jail through video conferencing, according to government lawyer Anjum Khan. He said Muzammil could not be brought to the court as he did not get security. The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday.

One of seven found guilty of killing two youths that led to 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots

A Pakistani team will visit India on March 13 to discuss <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-land-acquisition-underway-india-to-send-draft-plan-to-pakistan-in-1-month-195400">the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor</a>, which will then be followed by the visit of an Indian team to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has proposed two new dates — in responsed to an Indian proposal — March 13 for the visit of the Pakistani delegation, followed by a return visit of the Indian delegation on March 28 to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor.

The Indian proposal on January 22 had proposed the dates of February 26 and March 7 for the Indian and Pakistani officials to meet on.&nbsp;

In a tweet on Thursday evening, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We welcome the visit of Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required."

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We welcome the visit of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpur</a> Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required. 1/2
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India has also proposed technical-level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for the discussion on the modalities.&nbsp;

"We hope Pakistan would positively respond &amp; confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," Kumar tweeted Thursday.&nbsp;

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For expeditious realisation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kartarpurcorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kartarpurcorridor</a>, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> would positively respond &amp; confirm coordinates of crossing point as well. 2/2
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India has already shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the corridor's zero or crossing point along the International Border.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, speaking to the Pakistani media, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria called the Kartarpur corridor a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries. "I am certain this vision will drive the relationship between India and Pakistan," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the second inter-agency meet on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the home ministry. The meet was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by the Punjab chief secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and BSF Director General RK Misra.

India will be sending Pakistan a draft proposal on the corridor very soon, even as the process of land acquisition for the corridor gathers pace.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh said, "We are hopeful that we will send the draft proposal to Pakistan and complete legal modalities within a month."

India and Pakistan approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor last year so that Indian pilgrims could easily visit the Kartarpur gurudwara in Pakistan to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak this year. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, lived for 18 years at Kartarpur gurudwara.&nbsp;

India's Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018 while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Pakistan side on November 28.&nbsp;

A Pakistani team will visit India on March 13 to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, which will then be followed by the visit of an Indian team to Pakistan.

A Pakistani team will visit India on March 13 to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, which will then be followed by the visit of an Indian team to Pakistan. Pakistan has proposed two new dates — in responsed to an Indian proposal — March 13 for the visit of the Pakistani delegation, followed by a return visit of the Indian delegation on March 28 to finalise the draft agreement for the Kartarpur corridor. The Indian proposal on January 22 had proposed the dates of February 26 and March 7 for the Indian and Pakistani officials to meet on. In a tweet on Thursday evening, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We welcome the visit of Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required." We welcome the visit of #Pakistan team to discuss and finalise modalities for facilitating visit of pilgrims through #Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 13 March 2019 to India. Follow up meeting can be held in Pakistan, as required. 1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2019 × India has also proposed technical-level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for the discussion on the modalities. "We hope Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," Kumar tweeted Thursday. For expeditious realisation of #kartarpurcorridor, India has also proposed technical level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities. We hope #Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well. 2/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2019 × India has already shared with Pakistan the coordinates of the corridor's zero or crossing point along the International Border. Meanwhile, speaking to the Pakistani media, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria called the Kartarpur corridor a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries. "I am certain this vision will drive the relationship between India and Pakistan," he said. Earlier this week, the second inter-agency meet on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the home ministry. The meet was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by the Punjab chief secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and BSF Director General RK Misra. India will be sending Pakistan a draft proposal on the corridor very soon, even as the process of land acquisition for the corridor gathers pace. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh said, "We are hopeful that we will send the draft proposal to Pakistan and complete legal modalities within a month." India and Pakistan approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor last year so that Indian pilgrims could easily visit the Kartarpur gurudwara in Pakistan to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak this year. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, lived for 18 years at Kartarpur gurudwara. India's Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018 while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Pakistan side on November 28.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistani team to visit India on March 13, discuss modalities

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