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

Amitabh Bachchan celebrates birthday with fans at Jalsa during Sunday darshan | Watch

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

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

‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies

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

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

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

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

US troop deaths in Iran war on rise? Pentagon reveals latest toll

Anthropic AI safety test uncovers website exploits, unpaid database access and fake police tip

Is sending robots to Mars easier than sending humans?

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

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

‘Please tell Putin...’: Zelensky says Ukraine will hold elections if Russia agrees to 60-day ceasefire

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

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

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

Nepal flash floods swallow homes and bridges a month after devastating disaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump claims ‘energy ceasefire’ between Russia and Ukraine; Zelensky says ‘news for me’

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

Delhi Protest: Congress calls for march to Supreme court 

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

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

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

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

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

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey.

The Microsoft survey, covering 22 countries and coming a few months ahead of the general elections, shows that as many as 64 per cent of the Indians surveyed has encountered fake news as against the global average of 57 per cent.

The country is ahead of the global average on Internet hoaxes with 54 per cent of those surveyed reporting so and also instances of phishing or spoofing at 42 per cent, Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday.

Interestingly, the survey finds that there have been a sharp 9 percentage points increase in family and friends spreading online risks to 29 per cent.

"Social circles became riskier in India," the survey said, adding the jump to 29 per cent has taken the country a little over the global average.

Indians are also higher than the global average when it comes to reporting of severe pain from online risks, with 52 per cent saying so as against the global average of 28 per cent.

In what only complicates the matter, the country saw increased consequences from risks and little positive action taken following an online risk exposure, the survey said.

"Indians match the worldwide trend for consequences and were more likely to say that they were stressed and lost sleep in the latest year versus the previous year's study," the survey said.

India also showed a drop in positive actions taken following online risk exposure and are less likely to pause before replying to someone whom they disagreed with online.

Millennials and teenagers are the hardest hit by online risks and also sought help online, it said.

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey.

Internet users in the country are more likely to encounter fake news online than the global average and social circles are increasingly spreading risks, says a global survey. The Microsoft survey, covering 22 countries and coming a few months ahead of the general elections, shows that as many as 64 per cent of the Indians surveyed has encountered fake news as against the global average of 57 per cent. The country is ahead of the global average on Internet hoaxes with 54 per cent of those surveyed reporting so and also instances of phishing or spoofing at 42 per cent, Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday. Interestingly, the survey finds that there have been a sharp 9 percentage points increase in family and friends spreading online risks to 29 per cent. "Social circles became riskier in India," the survey said, adding the jump to 29 per cent has taken the country a little over the global average. Indians are also higher than the global average when it comes to reporting of severe pain from online risks, with 52 per cent saying so as against the global average of 28 per cent. In what only complicates the matter, the country saw increased consequences from risks and little positive action taken following an online risk exposure, the survey said. "Indians match the worldwide trend for consequences and were more likely to say that they were stressed and lost sleep in the latest year versus the previous year's study," the survey said. India also showed a drop in positive actions taken following online risk exposure and are less likely to pause before replying to someone whom they disagreed with online. Millennials and teenagers are the hardest hit by online risks and also sought help online, it said.

India topping fake news menace globally, may increase ahead of general elections: Microsoft survey

The junior works manager of Guns Carriage Factory (GCF) was found dead in a drain on Tuesday, the police said. SC Kathua, 45, was missing since January 17 after being summoned by the CBI in connection with the alleged supply of Chinese-spare parts for production of indigenised Bofors guns used by the Army.&nbsp;

A blood-stained blade was also found near the body of Mr Kathua. The body, which was found in the factory area behind Section 2 region of GCF, was severely decomposed.

The police have sent the body for post-mortem. The family of Mr Kathua suspect murder, however, the police believe that he committed suicide.

His wife Mausami Khatua had filed a missing report with Ghamapur police station in Jabalpur on January 18.

Earlier in July 2017, the CBI had filed a case against Delhi-based firm the Gun Carriage Factory, for selling fake Chinese spare parts to the ordnance factory, which come under the production department of the Defence Ministry.

The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) of cheating and forgery against unknown officials of the factory, accusing them of conspiring with the Delhi-based firm, which was chosen to supply parts for the manufacture of the artillery guns.

The junior works manager of Guns Carriage Factory (GCF) was found dead in a drain on Tuesday, the police said. SC Kathua, 45, was missing since January 17 after being summoned by the CBI in connection with the alleged supply of Chinese-spare parts for production of indigenised Bofors guns used by the Army.

The junior works manager of Guns Carriage Factory (GCF) was found dead in a drain on Tuesday, the police said. SC Kathua, 45, was missing since January 17 after being summoned by the CBI in connection with the alleged supply of Chinese-spare parts for production of indigenised Bofors guns used by the Army. A blood-stained blade was also found near the body of Mr Kathua. The body, which was found in the factory area behind Section 2 region of GCF, was severely decomposed. The police have sent the body for post-mortem. The family of Mr Kathua suspect murder, however, the police believe that he committed suicide. His wife Mausami Khatua had filed a missing report with Ghamapur police station in Jabalpur on January 18. Earlier in July 2017, the CBI had filed a case against Delhi-based firm the Gun Carriage Factory, for selling fake Chinese spare parts to the ordnance factory, which come under the production department of the Defence Ministry. The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) of cheating and forgery against unknown officials of the factory, accusing them of conspiring with the Delhi-based firm, which was chosen to supply parts for the manufacture of the artillery guns.

Bofors scandal: Officer summoned by CBI found dead in Madhya Pradesh

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state.

He also made a scathing attack at the TMC government for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-government-denies-permission-for-yogi-adityanath-rally-in-west-bengal-194729">denying permission</a> to several BJP leaders to land helicopters in the state, resulting in the cancellation of a number of public meetings.

Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal had earlier refused&nbsp;to allow the landing of the chopper of BJP leaders&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-denies-permission-for-bjp-president-amit-shahs-rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-181993">Amit Shah</a>&nbsp;and Yogi Adityanath.

Chouhan who was scheduled to address two meetings in the state on Wednesday had to cancel one in the state's Bahrampur in Murshidabad after his helicopter was denied permission to land.

The former chief minister addressed only one "Ganatantra bachao rally" at Kharagpur travelling by road after alighting at the Kolkata airport.&nbsp;

"The more you (Mamata) try and stop us, more often shall we come to Bengal, "he said.

He also asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been instrumental in bringing together opposition parties onto one platform, to name the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-far-will-the-united-opposition-go-without-prime-ministerial-face-194989">PM candidate of the alliance</a>.

Mocking the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) that was called off by Mamata Banerjee on January 19 he called the meeting "Bina dhulhe ki barat" (marriage party without a groom).

Further targetting the Mamata government over the recent tussle between Kolkata police and the CBI, Chouhan said, "Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SS Chouhan,BJP: Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna? <a href="https://t.co/9plqcqvqFM">pic.twitter.com/9plqcqvqFM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093126781111070720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
SS Chouhan, BJP: These days Mamata ji is doing everything else except running her govt... Amit Shah ka helicopter na utar jaaye, Pradhanmantri ji ki sabha na ho jaaye, Yogi ji ki sabha nA ho jaaye, Shivraj ka helicopter na utar jaaye iss chinta mein Mamata Didi dubli ho rahi hain <a href="https://t.co/7z0DKGscf7">pic.twitter.com/7z0DKGscf7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093124055144808449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state.

Addressing a rally in West Bengals' Kharagpur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday targeted the Trinamool Congress calling it corrupt and said his party would not stop till the Trinamool regime was ousted from the state. He also made a scathing attack at the TMC government for denying permission to several BJP leaders to land helicopters in the state, resulting in the cancellation of a number of public meetings. Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal had earlier refused to allow the landing of the chopper of BJP leaders Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath. Chouhan who was scheduled to address two meetings in the state on Wednesday had to cancel one in the state's Bahrampur in Murshidabad after his helicopter was denied permission to land. The former chief minister addressed only one "Ganatantra bachao rally" at Kharagpur travelling by road after alighting at the Kolkata airport. "The more you (Mamata) try and stop us, more often shall we come to Bengal, "he said. He also asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been instrumental in bringing together opposition parties onto one platform, to name the PM candidate of the alliance. Mocking the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) that was called off by Mamata Banerjee on January 19 he called the meeting "Bina dhulhe ki barat" (marriage party without a groom). Further targetting the Mamata government over the recent tussle between Kolkata police and the CBI, Chouhan said, "Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna?" SS Chouhan,BJP: Mamata ji, not only Bengal but entire nation wants to know why do you want to protect Rajeev Kumar. Who would've landed in trouble had he been interrogated? She sits on dharna worrying, she loses her sleep. We want answers. Has an IPS officer ever sat on a dharna? pic.twitter.com/9plqcqvqFM — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × SS Chouhan, BJP: These days Mamata ji is doing everything else except running her govt... Amit Shah ka helicopter na utar jaaye, Pradhanmantri ji ki sabha na ho jaaye, Yogi ji ki sabha nA ho jaaye, Shivraj ka helicopter na utar jaaye iss chinta mein Mamata Didi dubli ho rahi hain pic.twitter.com/7z0DKGscf7 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee government now does not allow Shivraj Singh Chouhan's helicopter to land

Uttrakhand on Wednesday became the eighth state in the country to approve the 10 per cent quota reservation&nbsp;in education and employment opportunities for economically weaker sections in the general category.

Before Uttrakhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam and Maharashtra also approved the bill to implement the reservation.

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Constitution Bill, 2019 in Parliament to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category across religions.

The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, with 165 votes in favour and seven against.

(With inputs from ANI)

Uttrakhand on Wednesday became the eighth state in the country to approve the 10 per cent quota reservation in education and employment opportunities for economically weaker sections in the general category.

Uttrakhand on Wednesday became the eighth state in the country to approve the 10 per cent quota reservation in education and employment opportunities for economically weaker sections in the general category. Before Uttrakhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam and Maharashtra also approved the bill to implement the reservation. The Lok Sabha recently passed the Constitution Bill, 2019 in Parliament to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category across religions. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, with 165 votes in favour and seven against. (With inputs from ANI)

Uttrakhand approves 10% reservation for economically weaker sections in general category

Flooded with phone calls from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/detention-of-indian-students-mea-sends-demarche-to-us-embassy-194574">panic-stricken students</a>, an eminent Indian American attorney on Tuesday alleged that Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the "fake university" to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country.

A day after the State Department blamed Indian students for the mass detention and possible deportation from the US for enrolling themselves in a fake university set up by the Department of Homeland Security, California-based immigration attorney Anu Peshawaria said that the undercover operation has devastating consequences for hundreds of Indian students.

"We are not saying that our students are not at fault. They should have done their due diligence before signing up. If they are perpetrating crime knowingly, they should be punished but if they are trapped or encouraged to commit the crime then we need to help them,&nbsp;Peshawaria said.

As per last week's figures provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as many as 130 of the 600 students from the fake University of Farmington were detained last week. Of these <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-opens-hotline-after129-indian-students-arrested-in-us-pay-and-stay-visa-scam-194502">129 were Indians</a>.

Many of them since then have been released or put under restricted movement. Several of them have left the country.

Peshawaria said that some students are worried that they will have the arrest on their record forever and have lost years of education to no avail. 
"They could be possible blackmail for the rest of their lives.

What is surprising is that the university was registered with the education board that authorizes the issuance of I-20s to students, which in turn is approved by the Department of Homeland Security," she said.

"Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the 'fake university' to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country,&nbsp;she said noting that her office has been receiving numerous calls from panic-stricken friends and families of a large number of Indian students which could result in mass deportation.

Worse, these students, based on their approved i-20s even got driver licenses from the US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This only added another stamp of authenticity to the credentials of the university, she asserted.

Many students travelled to meet the Dean of the University, which has now been closed, many of them asked for classes curriculum, she said.

"Given that authorities knew this was a set-up, they should have stopped the students there and then. If they wanted to catch the perpetrators what right do, they have to defraud innocent lives," Peshawaria said.

"In fact, during this time the government also enjoyed taxes that these consultants paid. Now, they cannot suddenly wake up and decide to put all these people behind bars," Peshawaria added.&nbsp;

Many students have huge loans to pay, she said based on her interaction with these students. They were saving up to send to their families in a small village in India, she said adding that they are devastated.

"It is all easy to say that students knew what they were doing, did we all know all the laws when we moved to the United States that they should get such harsh punishment,&nbsp;she asked.&nbsp;

"We are all fighting to release the students immediately. The students are calling me that US govt is forcing them to self deport but they want back their degrees and lost time and compensation for pain and anguish," Peshawaria asserted.

Flooded with phone calls from panic-stricken students, an eminent Indian American attorney on Tuesday alleged that Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the "fake university" to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country.

Flooded with phone calls from panic-stricken students, an eminent Indian American attorney on Tuesday alleged that Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the "fake university" to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country. A day after the State Department blamed Indian students for the mass detention and possible deportation from the US for enrolling themselves in a fake university set up by the Department of Homeland Security, California-based immigration attorney Anu Peshawaria said that the undercover operation has devastating consequences for hundreds of Indian students. "We are not saying that our students are not at fault. They should have done their due diligence before signing up. If they are perpetrating crime knowingly, they should be punished but if they are trapped or encouraged to commit the crime then we need to help them, Peshawaria said. As per last week's figures provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as many as 130 of the 600 students from the fake University of Farmington were detained last week. Of these 129 were Indians. Many of them since then have been released or put under restricted movement. Several of them have left the country. Peshawaria said that some students are worried that they will have the arrest on their record forever and have lost years of education to no avail. "They could be possible blackmail for the rest of their lives. What is surprising is that the university was registered with the education board that authorizes the issuance of I-20s to students, which in turn is approved by the Department of Homeland Security," she said. "Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the 'fake university' to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country, she said noting that her office has been receiving numerous calls from panic-stricken friends and families of a large number of Indian students which could result in mass deportation. Worse, these students, based on their approved i-20s even got driver licenses from the US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This only added another stamp of authenticity to the credentials of the university, she asserted. Many students travelled to meet the Dean of the University, which has now been closed, many of them asked for classes curriculum, she said. "Given that authorities knew this was a set-up, they should have stopped the students there and then. If they wanted to catch the perpetrators what right do, they have to defraud innocent lives," Peshawaria said. "In fact, during this time the government also enjoyed taxes that these consultants paid. Now, they cannot suddenly wake up and decide to put all these people behind bars," Peshawaria added. Many students have huge loans to pay, she said based on her interaction with these students. They were saving up to send to their families in a small village in India, she said adding that they are devastated. "It is all easy to say that students knew what they were doing, did we all know all the laws when we moved to the United States that they should get such harsh punishment, she asked. "We are all fighting to release the students immediately. The students are calling me that US govt is forcing them to self deport but they want back their degrees and lost time and compensation for pain and anguish," Peshawaria asserted.

US govt misled Indian students by setting up fake university: Indian American attorney

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest.

Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.&nbsp;

"Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh.

"The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said.

Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power.

Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)."

Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry.

Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come."

The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Amit Shah,BJP President in Aligarh: BJP's stand is clear that Ram Temple will be built in that very place in Ayodhya. SP, BSP and Congress should clear their agenda, whether they want the construction of Ram Mandir or not. <a href="https://t.co/DZSV3mPGLG">pic.twitter.com/DZSV3mPGLG</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1093084789974827009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state. "Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh. "The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said. Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power. Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)." Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry. Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come." The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said. Amit Shah,BJP President in Aligarh: BJP's stand is clear that Ram Temple will be built in that very place in Ayodhya. SP, BSP and Congress should clear their agenda, whether they want the construction of Ram Mandir or not. pic.twitter.com/DZSV3mPGLG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 6, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha polls will be Modi vs the rest: BJP chief Shah in Aligarh

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to abolish institutions of Ombudsman for income tax and indirect tax.

The approval comes against the backdrop of people preferring online grievance redressal mechanism.

The institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman was set up in 2003 to deal with grievances of public related to settlement of complaints relating to income tax.

However, the institution failed to achieve it objectives as the number of new complaints have fallen to single digits, said an official release.

"The approval comes in the wake of alternative complaint redressal mechanisms chosen by public and the institution of Ombudsman could not prove to be more effective than regular existing parallel channels of grievance redressal, both the institutions of Income-Tax Ombudsman as well as Indirect Tax Ombudsman have been abolished," it said.

Tax payers are now preferring alternate methods of grievance redressal, like Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, and Aaykar Seva Kendras.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to abolish institutions of Ombudsman for income tax and indirect tax. The approval comes against the backdrop of people preferring online grievance redressal mechanism.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to abolish institutions of Ombudsman for income tax and indirect tax. The approval comes against the backdrop of people preferring online grievance redressal mechanism. The institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman was set up in 2003 to deal with grievances of public related to settlement of complaints relating to income tax. However, the institution failed to achieve it objectives as the number of new complaints have fallen to single digits, said an official release. "The approval comes in the wake of alternative complaint redressal mechanisms chosen by public and the institution of Ombudsman could not prove to be more effective than regular existing parallel channels of grievance redressal, both the institutions of Income-Tax Ombudsman as well as Indirect Tax Ombudsman have been abolished," it said. Tax payers are now preferring alternate methods of grievance redressal, like Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, and Aaykar Seva Kendras.

Cabinet approves abolition of Ombudsman for direct, indirect taxes

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief</a> Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/FtSidnpGJ8">pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093180772683517953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobertVadra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RobertVadra</a>'s lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. <a href="https://t.co/OHKBr86IYZ">pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093183127864967168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WI8qlLtF0X">pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093096180874203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office &amp; left soon after. <a href="https://t.co/2RDbaHG5JV">pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093105990340354048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day.

Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning.

Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done.

On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her.

"Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post.

It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning.

Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive".

The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference.

The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

"The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'".&nbsp;

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 had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra.

A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case.

The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had 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.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency. Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #RobertVadra's lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23. #WATCH Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #WATCH: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office & left soon after. pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day. Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning. Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done. On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her. "Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post. It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning. Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London. The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive". The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference. The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said. "The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'". 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 had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra. A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case. The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had 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. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court. Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra questioned by ED for over 5 hours; wife Priyanka says 'I support my family'

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls.

"Bilkul, hum 2019 mein chunav ladenge (I will definitely contest the 2019 elections)," Patel told reporters in Lucknow when asked if would take a plunge into electoral politics.

On joining the Congress, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader said he would take a decision about it later.

Congress sources said negotiations were on with Patel about his joining the party to fight the elections. He might contest the elections from Mehsana or Amreli seat, which have a strong presence of the Patel community, party leaders said.

But Patel has been barred from entering Mehsana by a court in a case of violence during the 2015 Patidar agitation, party sources said. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order.

"If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him," they said.

Congress leaders, however, did not rule out the possibility of the PAAS leader contesting the election as an Independent candidate with the party's outside support.

Patel's entry into electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

"After the Centre granted 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS), it was our wish that Hardik should contest the Lok Sabha polls and take ahead the cause of our community," PAAS leader Dharmik Malaviya said.

Since Hardik has crossed the age of 25, he is eligible to contest elections now, he added.

Patel came into limelight for leading strident protests in the state over his community's demand to get reservation in education and jobs. Clashes had broken out during the quota agitation led by Patel on August 25, 2015, leading to the death of 14 people and large-scale destruction of public property.

The Patidar leader was slapped with sedition and other charges. He was in jail for nine months, before being released on bail in July 2016. 
Before the state Assembly election in December 2017, Patel had declared support to the Congress.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls.

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls. "Bilkul, hum 2019 mein chunav ladenge (I will definitely contest the 2019 elections)," Patel told reporters in Lucknow when asked if would take a plunge into electoral politics. On joining the Congress, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader said he would take a decision about it later. Congress sources said negotiations were on with Patel about his joining the party to fight the elections. He might contest the elections from Mehsana or Amreli seat, which have a strong presence of the Patel community, party leaders said. But Patel has been barred from entering Mehsana by a court in a case of violence during the 2015 Patidar agitation, party sources said. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order. "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him," they said. Congress leaders, however, did not rule out the possibility of the PAAS leader contesting the election as an Independent candidate with the party's outside support. Patel's entry into electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state. "After the Centre granted 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS), it was our wish that Hardik should contest the Lok Sabha polls and take ahead the cause of our community," PAAS leader Dharmik Malaviya said. Since Hardik has crossed the age of 25, he is eligible to contest elections now, he added. Patel came into limelight for leading strident protests in the state over his community's demand to get reservation in education and jobs. Clashes had broken out during the quota agitation led by Patel on August 25, 2015, leading to the death of 14 people and large-scale destruction of public property. The Patidar leader was slapped with sedition and other charges. He was in jail for nine months, before being released on bail in July 2016. Before the state Assembly election in December 2017, Patel had declared support to the Congress.

Hardik Patel to fight Lok Sabha polls, Congress says may join party

The Pakistani Supreme Court cited, among other texts, the Indian constitution and Indian cases in its judgement Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">slammed the Pakistani Army and the notorious spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence</a> (ISI) for the Islamabad-Rawalpindi protests of 2017.

The 2017 sit-in had seen anti-blasphemy protests by the little-known group Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan which were later resolved by the powerful Pakistani Army but led to the resignation of the country's law minister.

The court, in its judgement, while elaborating on the "right to assemble peacefully", stated that "the rights to free movement, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech and expression (respectively Articles 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution) are provided in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution" but in "India too such rights are not absolute".&nbsp;

It also cited two Indian cases in its judgement.

It used the Indian Supreme Court's judgement in "Bimal Gurung v Union of India" which said, "Demonstrations whether political, religious or social or other demonstrations which create public disturbances or operate as nuisances, or create or manifestly threaten some tangible public or private mischief, are not covered by protection under Article 19(1)."

The other case Pakistan's Supreme Court cited was "Re Ramlila Maidan Incident" in which the Indian Supreme Court observed, "To maintain and preserve public peace, and public order is unequivocal duty of the State and its organs… There can be no social order or proper State governance without the State performing this function and duty in all its spheres."

The Pakistani SC also used history to elaborate on "the right to protest", saying the Muslim League and the Congress protested peacefully and "as a consequence of which two independent countries, Pakistan and India, emerged".

The Pakistani Supreme Court in its judgement Wednesday asked intelligence agencies not to exceed their mandate and told the Pakistani Army not to engage in political activity since the Pakistani "Constitution emphatically prohibits" that.

The Pakistani Supreme Court cited, among other texts, the Indian constitution and Indian cases in its judgement Wednesday that slammed the Pakistani Army and the notorious spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for the Islamabad-Rawalpindi protests of 2017.

The Pakistani Supreme Court cited, among other texts, the Indian constitution and Indian cases in its judgement Wednesday that slammed the Pakistani Army and the notorious spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for the Islamabad-Rawalpindi protests of 2017. The 2017 sit-in had seen anti-blasphemy protests by the little-known group Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan which were later resolved by the powerful Pakistani Army but led to the resignation of the country's law minister. The court, in its judgement, while elaborating on the "right to assemble peacefully", stated that "the rights to free movement, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech and expression (respectively Articles 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution) are provided in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution" but in "India too such rights are not absolute". It also cited two Indian cases in its judgement. It used the Indian Supreme Court's judgement in "Bimal Gurung v Union of India" which said, "Demonstrations whether political, religious or social or other demonstrations which create public disturbances or operate as nuisances, or create or manifestly threaten some tangible public or private mischief, are not covered by protection under Article 19(1)." The other case Pakistan's Supreme Court cited was "Re Ramlila Maidan Incident" in which the Indian Supreme Court observed, "To maintain and preserve public peace, and public order is unequivocal duty of the State and its organs… There can be no social order or proper State governance without the State performing this function and duty in all its spheres." The Pakistani SC also used history to elaborate on "the right to protest", saying the Muslim League and the Congress protested peacefully and "as a consequence of which two independent countries, Pakistan and India, emerged". The Pakistani Supreme Court in its judgement Wednesday asked intelligence agencies not to exceed their mandate and told the Pakistani Army not to engage in political activity since the Pakistani "Constitution emphatically prohibits" that.

Pakistan Supreme Court cites Indian cases, constitution in judgement that slams Pak Army, ISI

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday took charge as AICC general secretary and will helm the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East.

She assumed charge after dropping her husband Robert Vadra at the ED office. She then met party workers.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office &amp; left soon after. <a href="https://t.co/2RDbaHG5JV">pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093105990340354048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Priyanka was appointed as general secretary and in-charge of Uttar Pradesh east on January 23 by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Her office is adjacent to the room of her brother at the party headquarters at Akbar Road here.

She will attend her first official meeting on Thursday. Rahul has convened the meeting of all general secretaries and in-charges of various states to plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections. 
&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday took charge as AICC general secretary and will helm the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East. She assumed charge after dropping her husband Robert Vadra at the ED office.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday took charge as AICC general secretary and will helm the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East. She assumed charge after dropping her husband Robert Vadra at the ED office. She then met party workers. #WATCH: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office & left soon after. pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × Priyanka was appointed as general secretary and in-charge of Uttar Pradesh east on January 23 by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Her office is adjacent to the room of her brother at the party headquarters at Akbar Road here. She will attend her first official meeting on Thursday. Rahul has convened the meeting of all general secretaries and in-charges of various states to plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka Gandhi assumes charge as AICC general secretary

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday.

Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness.

The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously.&nbsp;

The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers.

The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages.

Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology.

He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen. &nbsp;

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader. The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday. Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously. The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers. The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages. Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology. He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen.

Vajpayee’s portrait to be installed in Parliament on February 12, six months after his demise

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday.

During his visit,&nbsp;Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively.

On Friday, Momen will take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting, considered an important part of his visit.

This will be the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December's Parliamentary elections.

Speaking to local state news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ahead of the visit, Momen said, "We want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of Rohingya crisis as it may affect regional stability. I am visiting India in my maiden foreign tour to honour our great neighbour, the world's greatest democracy."

Last year in December India began the fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar as a part of Operation Insaniyat. India's Operation Insaniyat started in September 2017 to help the refugees who had fled Myanmar and are currently taking shelter in Bangladesh.

During the visit, five memoranda of understandings (MoUs) are expected to be signed. These are MoU between the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh and CBI, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Prasar Bharati, Directorate General of Health Services of Bangladesh and National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush in the field of Medicinal plants and Hiranandani group and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for developing Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Other than this, a MoU between National Centre for Good Governance, Departement of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, India and Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh will be signed on training and capacity building programme for Bangladesh Civil servants.

Modi was the first leader to congratulate PM Hasina after the victory in December elections and reiterated the priority "India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour".

Modi met Hasina three times in 2018. First was in London during the Commonwealth summit, second in Nepal during the BIMSTEC summit and third was during her visit to India. She had visited India in 2018 for the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University in West Bengal along with Modi.

During the visit, Hasina was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday. During his visit, Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday. During his visit, Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively. On Friday, Momen will take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting, considered an important part of his visit. This will be the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December's Parliamentary elections. Speaking to local state news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ahead of the visit, Momen said, "We want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of Rohingya crisis as it may affect regional stability. I am visiting India in my maiden foreign tour to honour our great neighbour, the world's greatest democracy." Last year in December India began the fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar as a part of Operation Insaniyat. India's Operation Insaniyat started in September 2017 to help the refugees who had fled Myanmar and are currently taking shelter in Bangladesh. During the visit, five memoranda of understandings (MoUs) are expected to be signed. These are MoU between the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh and CBI, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Prasar Bharati, Directorate General of Health Services of Bangladesh and National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush in the field of Medicinal plants and Hiranandani group and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for developing Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh. Other than this, a MoU between National Centre for Good Governance, Departement of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, India and Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh will be signed on training and capacity building programme for Bangladesh Civil servants. Modi was the first leader to congratulate PM Hasina after the victory in December elections and reiterated the priority "India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour". Modi met Hasina three times in 2018. First was in London during the Commonwealth summit, second in Nepal during the BIMSTEC summit and third was during her visit to India. She had visited India in 2018 for the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University in West Bengal along with Modi. During the visit, Hasina was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Bangladesh foreign minister's maiden India visit to focus on Rohingya crisis; five MoUs expected to be signed

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-proper-wall-never-got-built-i-will-get-it-built-says-trump-during-state-of-the-union-address-195465">The proper wall never got built, I will get it built, says Trump during State of the Union address</a>

US President Trump during his State of the Union address said he had called up another 3,750 troops to stop "organised caravans marching towards America".

"I have ordered another 3,750 troops for our southern border because organised caravans are marching towards America."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-communication-satellite-onboard-european-launch-vehicle-195457">Watch: India launches communication satellite GSAT-31 onboard European launch vehicle</a>

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider- Arianespace rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-should-cease-undermining-regional-stability-us-commander-votel-to-lawmakers-195458">Pakistan should cease undermining regional stability: US commander Votel to lawmakers</a>

Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon commander said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priests-bishops-sexually-abused-nuns-pope-francis-admits-publicly-195459">Priests, bishops sexually abused nuns, Pope Francis admits publicly</a>

"There are some priests and also bishops who have done it," the pontiff said in response to a journalist's question on the abuse of nuns, speaking on the return flight from his trip to the United Arab Emirates.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/go-to-shillong-it-is-a-cool-place-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-cbi-kolkata-police-commissioner-195460">Go to Shillong, it is a cool place: CJI Ranjan Gogoi tells CBI, Kolkata Police Commissioner</a>

Amid the massive drama between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Supreme Court observed in a lighter note that both parties must go to the "cool place" that Shillong is.&nbsp;

The proper wall never got built, I will get it built, says Trump during State of the Union address US President Trump during his State of the Union address said he had called up another 3,750 troops to stop "organised caravans marching towards America".

The proper wall never got built, I will get it built, says Trump during State of the Union address US President Trump during his State of the Union address said he had called up another 3,750 troops to stop "organised caravans marching towards America". "I have ordered another 3,750 troops for our southern border because organised caravans are marching towards America." Watch: India launches communication satellite GSAT-31 onboard European launch vehicle India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider- Arianespace rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday. Pakistan should cease undermining regional stability: US commander Votel to lawmakers Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon commander said on Tuesday. Priests, bishops sexually abused nuns, Pope Francis admits publicly "There are some priests and also bishops who have done it," the pontiff said in response to a journalist's question on the abuse of nuns, speaking on the return flight from his trip to the United Arab Emirates. Go to Shillong, it is a cool place: CJI Ranjan Gogoi tells CBI, Kolkata Police Commissioner Amid the massive drama between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Supreme Court observed in a lighter note that both parties must go to the "cool place" that Shillong is.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A local court Wednesday held seven men guilty of killing two youths in Kawal village in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/muzaffarnagar-riots-know-how-the-case-progressed-since-it-begun-9611">Muzaffarnagar riots</a> that led to killings of over 60 people.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Himashu Bhatnagar convicted Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal for killing Gaurav and Sachin on August 27, 2013 and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-governments-attempt-at-rehabilitation-of-muzaffarnagar-riot-victims-woefully-inadequate-amnesty-164467">rioting</a>, said district prosecution counsel Rajiv Sharma.

The court will pronounce the quantum of their sentences Friday.&nbsp;

According to the First Information Report, the two youths of Kawal village under Jansath police station area were battered to death by the five of thee men.

The two other accused, Afzal and Iqbal, however, were summoned by the court later under provisions of section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code when the evidence of their complicity in the killings emerged during the trial.

The court convicted the seven after examining 10 prosecution witnesses and six in their defence.&nbsp;

As per official figures, given by prosecution counsel Sharma, over 6,000 cases were lodged following the 2013 riots and 1,480 accused were arrested for their alleged roles in the riots.

A special investigation team, which probed the cases, had filed chargesheets in 175 cases.

Fifty-six of them involving 430 accused resulted in acquittal.

The state government has withdrawn some cases.

A local court Wednesday held seven men guilty 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 Wednesday held seven men guilty 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. Additional District and Sessions Judge Himashu Bhatnagar convicted Muzammil, Mujassim, Furkan, Nadeem, Janangir, Afzal and Ikbal for killing Gaurav and Sachin on August 27, 2013 and rioting, said district prosecution counsel Rajiv Sharma. The court will pronounce the quantum of their sentences Friday. According to the First Information Report, the two youths of Kawal village under Jansath police station area were battered to death by the five of thee men. The two other accused, Afzal and Iqbal, however, were summoned by the court later under provisions of section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code when the evidence of their complicity in the killings emerged during the trial. The court convicted the seven after examining 10 prosecution witnesses and six in their defence. As per official figures, given by prosecution counsel Sharma, over 6,000 cases were lodged following the 2013 riots and 1,480 accused were arrested for their alleged roles in the riots. A special investigation team, which probed the cases, had filed chargesheets in 175 cases. Fifty-six of them involving 430 accused resulted in acquittal. The state government has withdrawn some cases.

Uttar Pradesh: Seven held guilty for killing two youths that led to 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots

Amid the massive drama between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-mamata-standoff-supreme-court-asks-kolkata-police-commissioner-to-join-probe-says-he-cant-be-arrested-195215">Supreme Court </a>observed in a lighter note that both parties must go to the "cool place" that Shillong is.&nbsp;

The remark was made by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi after passing the order in which a bench headed by him said that Rajeev Kumar has to make himself available before the CBI for investigation.

"Go to Shillong. It is a cool place. Both sides will remain cool there," he said while accepting the request of the CBI that Mr Kumar is directed to join investigation in connection with Saradha scam at a neutral place.

"To avoid all unnecessary controversy, we direct the Commissioner of Police to appear before the investigating agency in Shillong, Meghalaya, on such date(s) as may be fixed," the bench said in its order.

During the hearing, the CBI alleged total breakdown of constitutional machinery in West Bengal by citing the incident of Sunday when the West Bengal Police had taken into its custody around 25 personnel of the agency.

They had gone to Mr Kumar's residence to probe him in the Saradha scam.

The CBI alleged that Mr Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over the document to the agency some of which were "doctored".

The CBI also alleged that its Joint Director Pankaj Shrivastava's house was kept under siege by the state police.

Amid the massive drama between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Supreme Court observed in a lighter note that both parties must go to the "cool place" that Shillong is.

Amid the massive drama between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Supreme Court observed in a lighter note that both parties must go to the "cool place" that Shillong is. The remark was made by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi after passing the order in which a bench headed by him said that Rajeev Kumar has to make himself available before the CBI for investigation. "Go to Shillong. It is a cool place. Both sides will remain cool there," he said while accepting the request of the CBI that Mr Kumar is directed to join investigation in connection with Saradha scam at a neutral place. "To avoid all unnecessary controversy, we direct the Commissioner of Police to appear before the investigating agency in Shillong, Meghalaya, on such date(s) as may be fixed," the bench said in its order. During the hearing, the CBI alleged total breakdown of constitutional machinery in West Bengal by citing the incident of Sunday when the West Bengal Police had taken into its custody around 25 personnel of the agency. They had gone to Mr Kumar's residence to probe him in the Saradha scam. The CBI alleged that Mr Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over the document to the agency some of which were "doctored". The CBI also alleged that its Joint Director Pankaj Shrivastava's house was kept under siege by the state police.

Go to Shillong, it is a cool place: CJI Ranjan Gogoi tells CBI, Kolkata Police Commissioner

A terrorist was killed Wednesday in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The terrorist has been identified as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Chakoora in Pulwama.

Police said Sheikh was a district commander of the Lashkar e Taiba.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police: One terrorist got killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Pulwama today.The terrorist has been identified as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Chakoora, Pulwama. He was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba &amp; was known as district Commander of LeT. <a href="https://t.co/bBAqgESS82">pic.twitter.com/bBAqgESS82</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093139816370233345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A member of the security forces was also injured in Kulgam district after terrorists&nbsp;threw a grenade at a CRPF camp.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Terrorists fired a grenade at a CRPF camp in Kulgam which blasted in open ground, today. One security personnel sustained splinter injuries and was immediately evacuated to Govt Hospital, Kulgam. His condition is stable.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093115847994998784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The injured man was immediately rushed to Government Hospital, Kulgam. His condition is believed to be stable.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

A terrorist was killed Wednesday in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The terrorist has been identified as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Chakoora in Pulwama.

A terrorist was killed Wednesday in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The terrorist has been identified as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Chakoora in Pulwama. Police said Sheikh was a district commander of the Lashkar e Taiba. Jammu & Kashmir Police: One terrorist got killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Pulwama today.The terrorist has been identified as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Chakoora, Pulwama. He was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba & was known as district Commander of LeT. pic.twitter.com/bBAqgESS82 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × A member of the security forces was also injured in Kulgam district after terrorists threw a grenade at a CRPF camp. Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists fired a grenade at a CRPF camp in Kulgam which blasted in open ground, today. One security personnel sustained splinter injuries and was immediately evacuated to Govt Hospital, Kulgam. His condition is stable. — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × The injured man was immediately rushed to Government Hospital, Kulgam. His condition is believed to be stable. (With inputs from ANI)

Terrorist killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">money-laundering case</a>. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Vadra was dropped at the ED office by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who left soon after. Priyanka was recently appointed Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Vadra entered the ED office at about 3:47 pm — a team of his lawyers arrived a few minutes before him.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Vadra was being questioned by a team of seven ED&nbsp;officers. ANI reported the ED team was led by a joint director and included the deputy director and five others.&nbsp;

Vadra had been directed to appear before the ED by a Delhi court after he petitioned it for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-grants-interim-bail-to-robert-vadra-in-money-laundering-case-194565">anticipatory bail</a>.

The money-laundering case relates to the purchase, allegedly by Vadra, of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds.&nbsp;

This is the first time that Vadra — Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law — is appearing before a probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WI8qlLtF0X">pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093096180874203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A Delhi court had earlier granted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">Vadra</a>&nbsp;interim bail till February 16. Vadra had moved the Supreme Court on February 1, again seeking anticipatory bail.

The ED had carried out raids in connection with the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money-laundering case being probed by the agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Vadra was dropped at the ED office by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who left soon after. Priyanka was recently appointed Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh. Vadra entered the ED office at about 3:47 pm — a team of his lawyers arrived a few minutes before him. ANI reported that Vadra was being questioned by a team of seven ED officers. ANI reported the ED team was led by a joint director and included the deputy director and five others. Vadra had been directed to appear before the ED by a Delhi court after he petitioned it for anticipatory bail. The money-laundering case relates to the purchase, allegedly by Vadra, of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds. This is the first time that Vadra — Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law — is appearing before a probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. #WATCH Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × A Delhi court had earlier granted Vadra interim bail till February 16. Vadra had moved the Supreme Court on February 1, again seeking anticipatory bail. The ED had carried out raids in connection with the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money-laundering case being probed by the agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by 7-man team

A five-judge bench of India’s Supreme Court, headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, began hearing Wednesday review petitions filed against its September 28 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-support-supreme-court-verdict-will-lift-ban-on-entry-of-women-says-temple-board-195559">verdict last year that had allowed menstruating women to enter Sabarimala temple</a> in the state of Kerala.&nbsp;

There were 56 review petitions, four new writ petitions, and two special leave petitions listed before the court.&nbsp;

The petitioners argued that their appeal was not against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala judgement but that the case involved fundamental rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen under article 25 of the Indian constitution (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion).&nbsp;

The petitioners told the court that there was an apparent error in its Sabarimala judgment — that Article 15(2) prohibited discrimination in access to public institutions of a secular category and not of a religious category.&nbsp;

Lawyer K Parasaran submitted to the constitution bench that: “The judgement highlights the meaning given to untouchability under article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability: It is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law). This will result in applying to only Hindu religious practices and institutions.”

Justice Rohinton Nariman interrupted him, saying he had referred to article 15(2) in his judgement. “Please don’t be under the notion that it was struck down only on the basis of untouchability,” he told the senior lawyer.&nbsp;

However, the counsel for the head priest of Sabarimala temple told the court that devotees had a fundamental right to worship inside temples in a manner which is in sync with the character of the deity. “Exclusion of women of menstrual age was not based on immorality, but on the essential religious practice that Sabarimala deity is a permanent celibate,” he said.&nbsp;

Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the former chairman of the Travancore Dewaswom Board, added that In Hinduism gods are worshipped in various forms and manifestations. “In Sabarimala, the deity is worshipped in this particular manner. Exclusion of menstruating women is not based on caste but the nature of the deity. Only Justice Indu Malhotra’s dissent judgment took into consideration the Bhramachari character of the deity being worshipped. The Court assumed that unless there is universality, a practise will not become an essential religious practise. In a diverse religion like Hinduism, one cannot look for universality. This test applied in the judgment is not correct,” he said.&nbsp;

Senior lawyer Shekhar Naphre emphasised that the community did not accept the court's judgement. “The community can decide whether centuries-old belief should be changed or not. Few activists cannot decide that aspect,” he said.&nbsp;

The Kerala government meanwhile told the court that the judgment does not require a review. “Non-consideration of arguments is not a ground for review at all. There is no error apparent in the judgement. The petitioners are confused between essential practice of Sabarimala temple and essential practice of Hindu religion. The exclusion of women is not essential to the Hindu religion as women are allowed in other Ayyappa temples,” the counsel for the state of Kerala said.&nbsp;

He added that the state's social peace has been destroyed. “It is bandied about that courts cannot touch religion. Religious practices can be overruled when they overawe fundamental rights. Custom is subject to fundamental rights. Touchstone of our Constitution is that you will not discriminate or exclude.”&nbsp;

However, the hearing took an interesting turn when the Travancore Dewasom Board, which manages the temple's affairs, told the court that it respects the judgement of the Supreme Court and that it does not seek to file a review petition. It was then that Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone dissenting judge in the Sabarimala verdict, quizzed the board since it had earlier opposed the entry of women into the shrine.&nbsp;

A five-judge bench of India’s Supreme Court, headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, began hearing Wednesday review petitions filed against its September 28 verdict last year that had allowed menstruating women to enter Sabarimala temple in the state of Kerala.

A five-judge bench of India’s Supreme Court, headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, began hearing Wednesday review petitions filed against its September 28 verdict last year that had allowed menstruating women to enter Sabarimala temple in the state of Kerala. There were 56 review petitions, four new writ petitions, and two special leave petitions listed before the court. The petitioners argued that their appeal was not against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala judgement but that the case involved fundamental rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen under article 25 of the Indian constitution (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion). The petitioners told the court that there was an apparent error in its Sabarimala judgment — that Article 15(2) prohibited discrimination in access to public institutions of a secular category and not of a religious category. Lawyer K Parasaran submitted to the constitution bench that: “The judgement highlights the meaning given to untouchability under article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability: It is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law). This will result in applying to only Hindu religious practices and institutions.” Justice Rohinton Nariman interrupted him, saying he had referred to article 15(2) in his judgement. “Please don’t be under the notion that it was struck down only on the basis of untouchability,” he told the senior lawyer. However, the counsel for the head priest of Sabarimala temple told the court that devotees had a fundamental right to worship inside temples in a manner which is in sync with the character of the deity. “Exclusion of women of menstrual age was not based on immorality, but on the essential religious practice that Sabarimala deity is a permanent celibate,” he said. Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the former chairman of the Travancore Dewaswom Board, added that In Hinduism gods are worshipped in various forms and manifestations. “In Sabarimala, the deity is worshipped in this particular manner. Exclusion of menstruating women is not based on caste but the nature of the deity. Only Justice Indu Malhotra’s dissent judgment took into consideration the Bhramachari character of the deity being worshipped. The Court assumed that unless there is universality, a practise will not become an essential religious practise. In a diverse religion like Hinduism, one cannot look for universality. This test applied in the judgment is not correct,” he said. Senior lawyer Shekhar Naphre emphasised that the community did not accept the court's judgement. “The community can decide whether centuries-old belief should be changed or not. Few activists cannot decide that aspect,” he said. The Kerala government meanwhile told the court that the judgment does not require a review. “Non-consideration of arguments is not a ground for review at all. There is no error apparent in the judgement. The petitioners are confused between essential practice of Sabarimala temple and essential practice of Hindu religion. The exclusion of women is not essential to the Hindu religion as women are allowed in other Ayyappa temples,” the counsel for the state of Kerala said. He added that the state's social peace has been destroyed. “It is bandied about that courts cannot touch religion. Religious practices can be overruled when they overawe fundamental rights. Custom is subject to fundamental rights. Touchstone of our Constitution is that you will not discriminate or exclude.” However, the hearing took an interesting turn when the Travancore Dewasom Board, which manages the temple's affairs, told the court that it respects the judgement of the Supreme Court and that it does not seek to file a review petition. It was then that Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone dissenting judge in the Sabarimala verdict, quizzed the board since it had earlier opposed the entry of women into the shrine.

Sabarimala review petitions: Petitioners say appeal not against judgement but case involves fundamental rights

India's latest communication<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-pslv-c44-rocket-carrying-kalamsat-microsatr-192577"> satellite</a> GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider- Arianespace rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-isros-five-successful-satellite-missions-in-2018-184234">In pics: A busy year for ISRO with several rocket launches</a>

Blasting off from Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located in the northeastern coast of South America at 02:31 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle-injected GSAT-31 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 42 minutes.

"It gives me great pleasure on the successful launch of GSAT-31 spacecraft onboard Ariane-5, this is the third mission for ISRO in 2019," Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Director S Pandian said at Kourou soon after the launch.

"Congratulation to Arianespace on the successful launch and precise injection of a satellite into the orbit," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 🇮🇳 
 
Here's a lift-off video from <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT31?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT31</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ariane5</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA247?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VA247</a>) <a href="https://t.co/mHvltAXC1Y">pic.twitter.com/mHvltAXC1Y</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1092947417551392769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel tweeted: "2019 is off to a roaring start for #Arianespace! Flight #VA247, carrying Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 and GSAT-31, is a confirmed success that underscores our leadership position in the geostationary launch market. @KACST #HellasSat @ISRO @LockheedMartin."

Weighing about 2,535 kg, the GSAT-31 will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.&nbsp;

The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series, the space agency said, adding that it provides Indian mainland and island coverage.

GSAT-31 is the country's 40th communication satellite which is configured on ISRO's enhanced 'I-2K Bus', utilising the maximum "bus capabilities" of this type.

This satellite will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit, ISRO said.&nbsp;

With a mission life of around 15 years, GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications.&nbsp;

It also provides wide beam coverage to facilitate communication over the large oceanic region, comprising large parts of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, using a wideband transponder.&nbsp;

According to ISRO, two Ku-band beacon downlink signals are transmitted for ground tracking purpose.&nbsp;

The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA247) also carried Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 along with GSAT-31.&nbsp;

Riding in Ariane 5's upper position, HS-4/SGS-1 was released first in the flight sequence, with its separation occurring about 27 minutes after liftoff.&nbsp;

Comprising two payloads, Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4, also called HS- 4/SGS-1 is a geostationary condosat for KACST (King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Saudi Arabia) and Hellas Sat (Greece Cyprus).&nbsp;

HS- 4/SGS-1 will provide telecommunication capabilities, including television, Internet, telephone and secure communications in the Middle East, South Africa and Europe, Arianespace said on its website.&nbsp;

GSAT-30 is another geostationary satellite to be lofted soon by Arianespace. Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 23 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the Indian space agency, the European launch services provider said.

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider- Arianespace rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday.

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider- Arianespace rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday. In pics: A busy year for ISRO with several rocket launches Blasting off from Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located in the northeastern coast of South America at 02:31 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle-injected GSAT-31 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 42 minutes. "It gives me great pleasure on the successful launch of GSAT-31 spacecraft onboard Ariane-5, this is the third mission for ISRO in 2019," Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Director S Pandian said at Kourou soon after the launch. "Congratulation to Arianespace on the successful launch and precise injection of a satellite into the orbit," he added. 🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳 Here's a lift-off video from @Arianespace.#GSAT31#Ariane5 (#VA247) pic.twitter.com/mHvltAXC1Y — ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019 × Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel tweeted: "2019 is off to a roaring start for #Arianespace! Flight #VA247, carrying Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 and GSAT-31, is a confirmed success that underscores our leadership position in the geostationary launch market. @KACST #HellasSat @ISRO @LockheedMartin." Weighing about 2,535 kg, the GSAT-31 will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series, the space agency said, adding that it provides Indian mainland and island coverage. GSAT-31 is the country's 40th communication satellite which is configured on ISRO's enhanced 'I-2K Bus', utilising the maximum "bus capabilities" of this type. This satellite will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit, ISRO said. With a mission life of around 15 years, GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications. It also provides wide beam coverage to facilitate communication over the large oceanic region, comprising large parts of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, using a wideband transponder. According to ISRO, two Ku-band beacon downlink signals are transmitted for ground tracking purpose. The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA247) also carried Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 along with GSAT-31. Riding in Ariane 5's upper position, HS-4/SGS-1 was released first in the flight sequence, with its separation occurring about 27 minutes after liftoff. Comprising two payloads, Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4, also called HS- 4/SGS-1 is a geostationary condosat for KACST (King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Saudi Arabia) and Hellas Sat (Greece Cyprus). HS- 4/SGS-1 will provide telecommunication capabilities, including television, Internet, telephone and secure communications in the Middle East, South Africa and Europe, Arianespace said on its website. GSAT-30 is another geostationary satellite to be lofted soon by Arianespace. Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 23 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the Indian space agency, the European launch services provider said.

Watch: India launches communication satellite GSAT-31 onboard European launch vehicle

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">Pakistan Supreme Court tells </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566"> to stay out of politics, media</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">team</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573"> of 7</a>

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wont-re-open-brexit-deal-hope-may-will-have-new-proposals-donald-tusk-195619">Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union</a>

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/with-eight-batsmen-we-should-be-able-to-chase-big-totals-rohit-sharma-195597">India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand</a>

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-support-supreme-court-verdict-will-lift-ban-on-entry-of-women-says-temple-board-195559">Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple</a>

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence. Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by team of 7 Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal. India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match. Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">the court's September 28, 2018&nbsp;verdict allowing all women into the shrine</a>.

The board, which also has state government nominees on it, told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that it is high time a particular class not be discriminated on the ground of "biological attributes".&nbsp;

"Article 25 (1) equally entitles all persons to practice religion," senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the board, told the court.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court was on Wednesday hearing review&nbsp;petitions against its September 28 verdict.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Travancore Dewasom Board had earlier vehemently opposed the Supreme Court's verdict, saying that the celibate character of Sabarimala's presiding deity Lord Aiyappa, was a unique religious feature protected under the constitution.&nbsp;

Religious mythology says Aiyappa will only look at a woman when he is ready to marry her — which is why women of menstruating age were not allowed to enter the temple.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
TDB President A Padmakumar: Court had asked for Devaswom Board's opinion based on the verdict. Based on the verdict (September 28) we have decided not to file review petition. Devaswom Board accepts the SC verdict, we are of the opinion that there shouldn't be any discrimination. <a href="https://t.co/38gzm6tB0O">pic.twitter.com/38gzm6tB0O</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093106790642806784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Supreme Court's verdict had led to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/supreme-court-verdicts-on-sabarimala-and-rafale-are-blessings-for-bjp-189362">massive political mobilisation in the state by both the BJP and the Congress</a>, with Aiyappa devotees preventing the entry of women. Kerala's Left Front government led by Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan had said the Supreme Court verdict had to be enforced.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Dwivedi told the court that "women cannot be excluded from any walk of life on biological attributes... Equality is the dominant theme of the Constitution".

Dwivedi added that people should gracefully accept the Supreme Court verdict.

"The board respects the judgement of the court. Article 25 (1) of the Constitution equally entitles all citizens to practice religion," said senior lawyer Rakesh Dvivedi appearing for the Board.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then CJI Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the shrine, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the review petitions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine. The board, which also has state government nominees on it, told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that it is high time a particular class not be discriminated on the ground of "biological attributes". "Article 25 (1) equally entitles all persons to practice religion," senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the board, told the court. The Supreme Court was on Wednesday hearing review petitions against its September 28 verdict. The Travancore Dewasom Board had earlier vehemently opposed the Supreme Court's verdict, saying that the celibate character of Sabarimala's presiding deity Lord Aiyappa, was a unique religious feature protected under the constitution. Religious mythology says Aiyappa will only look at a woman when he is ready to marry her — which is why women of menstruating age were not allowed to enter the temple. TDB President A Padmakumar: Court had asked for Devaswom Board's opinion based on the verdict. Based on the verdict (September 28) we have decided not to file review petition. Devaswom Board accepts the SC verdict, we are of the opinion that there shouldn't be any discrimination. pic.twitter.com/38gzm6tB0O — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × The Supreme Court's verdict had led to massive political mobilisation in the state by both the BJP and the Congress, with Aiyappa devotees preventing the entry of women. Kerala's Left Front government led by Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan had said the Supreme Court verdict had to be enforced. On Wednesday, Dwivedi told the court that "women cannot be excluded from any walk of life on biological attributes... Equality is the dominant theme of the Constitution". Dwivedi added that people should gracefully accept the Supreme Court verdict. "The board respects the judgement of the court. Article 25 (1) of the Constitution equally entitles all citizens to practice religion," said senior lawyer Rakesh Dvivedi appearing for the Board. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then CJI Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the shrine, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. The court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the review petitions. (With inputs from PTI)

Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in the country as compared to 17 in 2014, the Law Ministry said on Wednesday.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, minister of state for Law P P Chaudhary said, based on the population as per Census 2011 and sanctioned strength of judges in Supreme Court, the 24 high courts, and lower judiciary in 2018, the judge-population ratio in the country works out to be 19.78 judges per million population.

He said the ratio was 17.48 judges per million population in 2014.

The sanctioned strength of judges of high courts has increased from 906 judges in June 2014 to 1079 judges in December, 2018 and the sanctioned strength of Judges of district/subordinate courts has increased from 20,214 in 2014 to 22,833 in 2018.&nbsp;

However, the working strength of judges in high courts is 673 while for the Supreme Court it is 28 against the sanctioned strength of 31.

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in the country as compared to 17 in 2014, the Law Ministry said on Wednesday. In a written reply in Lok Sabha, minister of state for Law P P Chaudhary said, based on the population as per Census 2011 and sanctioned strength of judges in Supreme Court, the 24 high courts, and lower judiciary in 2018, the judge-population ratio in the country works out to be 19.

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in the country as compared to 17 in 2014, the Law Ministry said on Wednesday. In a written reply in Lok Sabha, minister of state for Law P P Chaudhary said, based on the population as per Census 2011 and sanctioned strength of judges in Supreme Court, the 24 high courts, and lower judiciary in 2018, the judge-population ratio in the country works out to be 19.78 judges per million population. He said the ratio was 17.48 judges per million population in 2014. The sanctioned strength of judges of high courts has increased from 906 judges in June 2014 to 1079 judges in December, 2018 and the sanctioned strength of Judges of district/subordinate courts has increased from 20,214 in 2014 to 22,833 in 2018. However, the working strength of judges in high courts is 673 while for the Supreme Court it is 28 against the sanctioned strength of 31.

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in India: Government

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides.

The budget also proposed to provide financial assistance to students, including girls from the minority community.

With an opening balance of minus Rs 1,799.84 crore, the budget proposed to have transactions of Rs 606.80 crore during 2019-20, Sarma told the House.

Sarma said that for special category states like Assam, companies with turnover of Rs 10 lakh are required to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

However, to give succour to small businesses and considering the small base, the government has raised the GST threhold limit to Rs 20 lakh following approval of the GST Council effective February 1, 2019.

Sarma further proposed to raise the threshold limit for registration under GST for suppliers of goods to Rs 40 lakh. However, the limit stays at Rs 20 lakh for supplier of services.

He said that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Centre provides rice at Rs 3 per kg to 57 lakh households in Assam covering a total population of 2.46 crore.

"To further strengthen food security for our people, we will provide rice at a further subsidized rate of Re 1 per kg instead of the present Rs 3 per kg and the move will benefit 53 Lakh households," Sarma said.

The government has also proposed to give 1 tola of gold (11.66 grams) to brides' parents of belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society.

"We shall give one tola gold costing around Rs 38,000 as on today to brides belonging to all such communities of our state where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding" under the Arundhati scheme.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides. The budget also proposed to provide financial assistance to students, including girls from the minority community. With an opening balance of minus Rs 1,799.84 crore, the budget proposed to have transactions of Rs 606.80 crore during 2019-20, Sarma told the House. Sarma said that for special category states like Assam, companies with turnover of Rs 10 lakh are required to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, to give succour to small businesses and considering the small base, the government has raised the GST threhold limit to Rs 20 lakh following approval of the GST Council effective February 1, 2019. Sarma further proposed to raise the threshold limit for registration under GST for suppliers of goods to Rs 40 lakh. However, the limit stays at Rs 20 lakh for supplier of services. He said that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Centre provides rice at Rs 3 per kg to 57 lakh households in Assam covering a total population of 2.46 crore. "To further strengthen food security for our people, we will provide rice at a further subsidized rate of Re 1 per kg instead of the present Rs 3 per kg and the move will benefit 53 Lakh households," Sarma said. The government has also proposed to give 1 tola of gold (11.66 grams) to brides' parents of belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society. "We shall give one tola gold costing around Rs 38,000 as on today to brides belonging to all such communities of our state where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding" under the Arundhati scheme.

Assam budget proposes 1 tola gold for brides, rice at Re 1 a kg

Posters outside the AICC office featuring Congress President Rahul Gandhi along with newly inducted party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra were on Wednesday taken down by the NDMC.

Vadra’s photograph was featured along with the two Gandhi siblings in the posters which had “Kattar soch nahi yuva josh” (No extremist thinking but youthful thinking) written on top and along with the tag line of “Jan Jan ki hai Pukar, Rahul Ji Priyank Ji abki baar” (The public wants Rahul and Priyanka this time).

The posters that came up outside the Congress Party’s headquarters office at Akbar Road in Delhi late on Tuesday were removed by workers of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Wedesday morning. &nbsp;

BJP leader Sambit Patra said the posters that had come up were of criminals.&nbsp;

“Posters of two criminals have been put in front of Congress office. Both of them are out on bail; Criminal no.1 Rahul Gandhi in connection with National Herald case and criminal number two Robert Vadra who has to appear before ED today in connection with money laundering case.”

Robert Vadra is to appear before the Enforcement Directorate pertaining to a 2009 petroleum deal case.

A Delhi court had given Vadra interim bail till February 16 in connection with a &nbsp;money laundering case.

Jagdish Sharma, who had helped in putting up the posters said, “I put up the posters at 4 am in the morning. Later on, I got the information that NDMC removed all the posters,” Sharma said. &nbsp;

The posters come a day after Priyanka Gandhi returned to the national capital after her trip abroad, Soon after her arrival Priyanka conducted meeting with Rahul and other prominent members of the party to review ongoing preparations for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Posters outside the AICC office featuring Congress President Rahul Gandhi along with newly inducted party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra were on Wednesday taken down by the NDMC.

Posters outside the AICC office featuring Congress President Rahul Gandhi along with newly inducted party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra were on Wednesday taken down by the NDMC. Vadra’s photograph was featured along with the two Gandhi siblings in the posters which had “Kattar soch nahi yuva josh” (No extremist thinking but youthful thinking) written on top and along with the tag line of “Jan Jan ki hai Pukar, Rahul Ji Priyank Ji abki baar” (The public wants Rahul and Priyanka this time). The posters that came up outside the Congress Party’s headquarters office at Akbar Road in Delhi late on Tuesday were removed by workers of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Wedesday morning. BJP leader Sambit Patra said the posters that had come up were of criminals. “Posters of two criminals have been put in front of Congress office. Both of them are out on bail; Criminal no.1 Rahul Gandhi in connection with National Herald case and criminal number two Robert Vadra who has to appear before ED today in connection with money laundering case.” Robert Vadra is to appear before the Enforcement Directorate pertaining to a 2009 petroleum deal case. A Delhi court had given Vadra interim bail till February 16 in connection with a money laundering case. Jagdish Sharma, who had helped in putting up the posters said, “I put up the posters at 4 am in the morning. Later on, I got the information that NDMC removed all the posters,” Sharma said. The posters come a day after Priyanka Gandhi returned to the national capital after her trip abroad, Soon after her arrival Priyanka conducted meeting with Rahul and other prominent members of the party to review ongoing preparations for the Lok Sabha polls.

NDMC removes posters featuring Rahul-Priyanka-Robert outside AICC headquarters

The number of Indians who have completed their jail term but still languish in foreign jails stands at 434, minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh informed Parliament today.&nbsp;

According to the ministry of external affairs, a substantial number belongs to Pakistan totalling 434. General VK Singh informed Parliament that 396 Indians languish in Pakistani jails despite finishing their jail terms.

General VK Singh said Indian "Missions and Posts abroad provide all possible consular support and humanitarian and legal assistance on a case-to-case basis" and are "completing formalities by coordinating with local immigration authorities for early deportation of the Indians who have completed their jail terms."

The other number comes from the United Arab Emirates where 16 Indians still languish in jail despite completing the term, followed by Nepal at 7, Oman at 4, Bangladesh at 3, and Fiji at 2. China, France, Iran, Portugal, Russia, Uzbekistan have one Indian each in the jails who despite completing the term still remain in jail.

At least 4,705 Indian nationals are in prisons in Gulf countries. This number also includes Indian origin labourers imprisoned in the jails there.

At 2224, Saudi Arabia has the maximum number of Indians imprisoned, followed by 1,606 in UAE, 483 in Kuwait, 212 in Qatar, 121 in Bahrain and 59 in Muscat.

The number of Indians who have completed their jail term but still languish in foreign jails stands at 434, minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh informed Parliament today.

The number of Indians who have completed their jail term but still languish in foreign jails stands at 434, minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh informed Parliament today. According to the ministry of external affairs, a substantial number belongs to Pakistan totalling 434. General VK Singh informed Parliament that 396 Indians languish in Pakistani jails despite finishing their jail terms. General VK Singh said Indian "Missions and Posts abroad provide all possible consular support and humanitarian and legal assistance on a case-to-case basis" and are "completing formalities by coordinating with local immigration authorities for early deportation of the Indians who have completed their jail terms." The other number comes from the United Arab Emirates where 16 Indians still languish in jail despite completing the term, followed by Nepal at 7, Oman at 4, Bangladesh at 3, and Fiji at 2. China, France, Iran, Portugal, Russia, Uzbekistan have one Indian each in the jails who despite completing the term still remain in jail. At least 4,705 Indian nationals are in prisons in Gulf countries. This number also includes Indian origin labourers imprisoned in the jails there. At 2224, Saudi Arabia has the maximum number of Indians imprisoned, followed by 1,606 in UAE, 483 in Kuwait, 212 in Qatar, 121 in Bahrain and 59 in Muscat.

396 Indians languish in Pak jails despite finishing jail term: MEA

india-news

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

india news

India topping fake news menace globally, may increase ahead of general elections: Microsoft survey

Bofors scandal: Officer summoned by CBI found dead in Madhya Pradesh

Mamata Banerjee government now does not allow Shivraj Singh Chouhan's helicopter to land

Uttrakhand approves 10% reservation for economically weaker sections in general category

US govt misled Indian students by setting up fake university: Indian American attorney

Lok Sabha polls will be Modi vs the rest: BJP chief Shah in Aligarh

Cabinet approves abolition of Ombudsman for direct, indirect taxes

Robert Vadra questioned by ED for over 5 hours; wife Priyanka says 'I support my family'

Hardik Patel to fight Lok Sabha polls, Congress says may join party

Pakistan Supreme Court cites Indian cases, constitution in judgement that slams Pak Army, ISI

Priyanka Gandhi assumes charge as AICC general secretary

Vajpayee’s portrait to be installed in Parliament on February 12, six months after his demise

Bangladesh foreign minister's maiden India visit to focus on Rohingya crisis; five MoUs expected to be signed

News brief: Big stories of the day

Uttar Pradesh: Seven held guilty for killing two youths that led to 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots

Go to Shillong, it is a cool place: CJI Ranjan Gogoi tells CBI, Kolkata Police Commissioner

Terrorist killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by 7-man team

Sabarimala review petitions: Petitioners say appeal not against judgement but case involves fundamental rights

Watch: India launches communication satellite GSAT-31 onboard European launch vehicle

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in India: Government

Assam budget proposes 1 tola gold for brides, rice at Re 1 a kg

NDMC removes posters featuring Rahul-Priyanka-Robert outside AICC headquarters

396 Indians languish in Pak jails despite finishing jail term: MEA