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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal".

"What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said.

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal <a href="https://t.co/QOwmBbqqbh">pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh</a>
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"In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-may-be-constitutional-breakdown-in-west-bengal-home-minister-rajnath-singh-195016">constitutional breakdown in West Bengal</a> in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.

Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us <a href="https://t.co/xZYA2o68NF">pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF</a>
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"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-satyagraha-will-continue-till-india-is-saved-says-mamata-continuing-her-sit-in-194947">Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right</a> in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal". "What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added. Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. (With inputs from PTI)

West Bengal CM is following Kejriwal's footsteps by staging dharna: Ravi Shankar Prasad  

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">Amit Shah</a> on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state.

"As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally.

"I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added.

The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us."

Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years."

14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added.

Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state.

"Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated.

Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?"

He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

 
&nbsp;

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again. Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state. "As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally. "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added. The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014. Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us." Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years." 14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added. Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state. "Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated. Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?" He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

Chandrababu Naidu is 'U-turn CM', NDA's doors shut to him forever: Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us".

He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister.

Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor.

"70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said.

He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. &nbsp;

"Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said.

He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption.

"Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said.

While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength. Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us". He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister. Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor. "70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said. He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. "Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said. He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption. "Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said. While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

Their alliance proves our strength: Amit Shah on SP-BSP coming together

The centre has made Aadhaar number of small and marginal farmers optional for availing the first instalment of Rs 2,000 under the recently launched Rs 75,000 crore PM-Kisan scheme, according to official document.

However to get the subsequent instalments, it has been made compulsory for farmers to show Aadhaar number for verifying their identity.

In <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/experts-view-how-budget-2019-impacts-farmers-and-middle-class-194374">the interim budget</a>, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to 2 hectare.

The central government's fully funded scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), will be implemented from this year and the first instalment will be transferred by March.

"For transfer of first installment of benefit for the period December 2018-March 2019, Aadhaar number shall be collected wherever available..," the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a letter to the state governments.

If Aadhaar number is not there, then other alternate documents namely driving licence, voters' ID card, NREGA job card, or any other identification issued by central/state governments or their authorities will have to provided for availing the first instalment, it said.

"However for transfer of subsequent instalments, Aadhaar number shall have to be compulsorily captured," the Ministry said directing the state governments to ensure that there is no duplication of the eligible farmers.

The state governments have been asked to prepare a database of beneficiary of small and marginal landholder farmer families in the villages capturing details such as name, gender, whether belonging to SC/ST, Aadhaar, bank account number and mobile number of beneficiaries.

For the purpose of the calculation of the benefit, the Centre has defined a small and marginal landholder family as the one comprising of husband, wife and minor children up to 18 years of age, who collectively own cultivable land up to two hectare as per the land records of the concerned states.

To identify the land ownership, the Centre said it will use the existing land-ownership system prevailing in the states and union territories.

The cut-off date for determination of ownership of land as per the land records under the scheme will be February 1, 2019 and changes thereafter in land records will not be considered for eligibility of the benefit to the new land holder for next five years.

However, the scheme benefit will be allowed on transfer of ownership of cultivable land on account of succession, the letter added.

If a landholder farmer family (LFF) has land parcels spread across different villages/revenue records, then land will be pooled for determining the benefit.

Since the land ownership rights are community-based in north eastern states, an alternate implementation mechanism will be developed and approved by a committee.

The state governments have been asked to notify district level grievances redressal committees for redressing all grievances related to implementation of the scheme.

That apart, a project monitoring unit at the central level will be set up, while the states will designate a nodal department for implementation of the scheme.&nbsp;

The centre has made Aadhaar number of small and marginal farmers optional for availing the first instalment of Rs 2,000 under the recently launched Rs 75,000 crore PM-Kisan scheme, according to official document.

The centre has made Aadhaar number of small and marginal farmers optional for availing the first instalment of Rs 2,000 under the recently launched Rs 75,000 crore PM-Kisan scheme, according to official document. However to get the subsequent instalments, it has been made compulsory for farmers to show Aadhaar number for verifying their identity. In the interim budget, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to 2 hectare. The central government's fully funded scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), will be implemented from this year and the first instalment will be transferred by March. "For transfer of first installment of benefit for the period December 2018-March 2019, Aadhaar number shall be collected wherever available..," the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a letter to the state governments. If Aadhaar number is not there, then other alternate documents namely driving licence, voters' ID card, NREGA job card, or any other identification issued by central/state governments or their authorities will have to provided for availing the first instalment, it said. "However for transfer of subsequent instalments, Aadhaar number shall have to be compulsorily captured," the Ministry said directing the state governments to ensure that there is no duplication of the eligible farmers. The state governments have been asked to prepare a database of beneficiary of small and marginal landholder farmer families in the villages capturing details such as name, gender, whether belonging to SC/ST, Aadhaar, bank account number and mobile number of beneficiaries. For the purpose of the calculation of the benefit, the Centre has defined a small and marginal landholder family as the one comprising of husband, wife and minor children up to 18 years of age, who collectively own cultivable land up to two hectare as per the land records of the concerned states. To identify the land ownership, the Centre said it will use the existing land-ownership system prevailing in the states and union territories. The cut-off date for determination of ownership of land as per the land records under the scheme will be February 1, 2019 and changes thereafter in land records will not be considered for eligibility of the benefit to the new land holder for next five years. However, the scheme benefit will be allowed on transfer of ownership of cultivable land on account of succession, the letter added. If a landholder farmer family (LFF) has land parcels spread across different villages/revenue records, then land will be pooled for determining the benefit. Since the land ownership rights are community-based in north eastern states, an alternate implementation mechanism will be developed and approved by a committee. The state governments have been asked to notify district level grievances redressal committees for redressing all grievances related to implementation of the scheme. That apart, a project monitoring unit at the central level will be set up, while the states will designate a nodal department for implementation of the scheme.

Payments to farmers: Government says Aadhaar not compulsory for 1st installment

The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a PIL seeking continuation of the efforts to rescue miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district for the past almost two months.

A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri on Monday said that “it seems to be certain that nobody is alive”.On January 28, the court had asked the Centre and the Meghalaya government to continue their efforts to rescue the miners.

On January 27, Navy divers recovered a second body from the flooded rat-hole coal mine in the state where the miners have been trapped since December 13 last year.

According to the Navy officials, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-second-body-detected-by-navy-divers-192930">second body was detected 280 feet inside the mine in East Jaintia Hills</a> by its diving team. The first body was found on January 26.

15 miners were trapped in the illegal mine in Lumthari village when water from the nearby Lytein river flooded the mine. Since then, a multi-agency rescue operation has been underway to evacuate the miners.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a PIL seeking continuation of the efforts to rescue miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district for the past almost two months.

The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a PIL seeking continuation of the efforts to rescue miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district for the past almost two months. A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri on Monday said that “it seems to be certain that nobody is alive”.On January 28, the court had asked the Centre and the Meghalaya government to continue their efforts to rescue the miners. On January 27, Navy divers recovered a second body from the flooded rat-hole coal mine in the state where the miners have been trapped since December 13 last year. According to the Navy officials, the second body was detected 280 feet inside the mine in East Jaintia Hills by its diving team. The first body was found on January 26. 15 miners were trapped in the illegal mine in Lumthari village when water from the nearby Lytein river flooded the mine. Since then, a multi-agency rescue operation has been underway to evacuate the miners.

Supreme Court to hear PIL on rescue efforts for trapped miners in Meghalaya on Tuesday

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight.

While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight.

The HSFC is situated at the ISRO Headquarter campus in Bengaluru.

During the inauguration on January 30, 2019, a full-scale crew model of Gaganyaan, crewed orbital vehicle, was also unveiled.

As ISRO notes on its website, the HSFC shall be responsible for implementation of Gaganyaan project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection and training.&nbsp;

The centre will also pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions.

Gaganyaan is being designed to carry three people into the orbit.&nbsp;

It is scheduled to fly in December 2020 in unpiloted form.

&nbsp;A crewed mission is likely to be scheduled a year later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight. While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight. While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight. The HSFC is situated at the ISRO Headquarter campus in Bengaluru. During the inauguration on January 30, 2019, a full-scale crew model of Gaganyaan, crewed orbital vehicle, was also unveiled. As ISRO notes on its website, the HSFC shall be responsible for implementation of Gaganyaan project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection and training. The centre will also pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions. Gaganyaan is being designed to carry three people into the orbit. It is scheduled to fly in December 2020 in unpiloted form. A crewed mission is likely to be scheduled a year later.

In Bengaluru, ISRO opens its first Human Space Flight Centre

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Monday challenging the constitutional validity of 1993 Central law on land acquisition in Ayodhya near the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site.&nbsp;

The plea contended that Parliament has no legislative competence to acquire land belonging to the state.&nbsp;

The plea, filed by seven individuals including two Lucknow-based lawyers claiming to be devotees of Ram Lalla, submitted that state legislature has the exclusive power to make provisions relating to the management of affairs of religious institutions inside its territory.&nbsp;

The petitioners submitted that the Acquisition of Certain Areas of Ayodhya Act, 1993 Act infringes right to religion of Hindus guaranteed and protected by Article 25 of the Constitution of India.

They have sought the court's direction restraining the Centre and the UP government from interfering in "Puja, Darshan and performance of rituals at the places of worship situated within the land admeasuring 67.703 acres acquired under the Act particularly at the land belonging to Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas, Manas Bhavan, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Ram Janmasthan Temple, Janki Mahal and Katha Mandap".

In the petition, it has been contended that in view of the clear provision contained in Article 294 of the Constitution, the land and properties situated within the Uttar Pradesh vested in the state government from the date of the enforcement of the Constitution.&nbsp;

"As such the land and property situated at Ayodhya continued to the property of the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Union cannot take over any part of the land of the State of Uttar Pradesh including the land and property situated at Ayodhya," the petition said.

The petition has been filed within a week of the Centre, on January 29, moving an application in the apex court seeking its nod to return the 67-acre acquired land around the disputed site to original owners.

The Centre had said it had acquired 67 acres of land around the 2.77 acres disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site.

The Centre's plea has said that the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas (a trust to promote construction of Ram Temple) had sought the return of excess land acquired in 1991 to original owners.

The Centre has claimed that only 0.313 acres of land was disputed on which the structure stood before it was demolished by 'kar sevaks' on December 6, 1992.

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Monday challenging the constitutional validity of 1993 Central law on land acquisition in Ayodhya near the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site.

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Monday challenging the constitutional validity of 1993 Central law on land acquisition in Ayodhya near the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site. The plea contended that Parliament has no legislative competence to acquire land belonging to the state. The plea, filed by seven individuals including two Lucknow-based lawyers claiming to be devotees of Ram Lalla, submitted that state legislature has the exclusive power to make provisions relating to the management of affairs of religious institutions inside its territory. The petitioners submitted that the Acquisition of Certain Areas of Ayodhya Act, 1993 Act infringes right to religion of Hindus guaranteed and protected by Article 25 of the Constitution of India. They have sought the court's direction restraining the Centre and the UP government from interfering in "Puja, Darshan and performance of rituals at the places of worship situated within the land admeasuring 67.703 acres acquired under the Act particularly at the land belonging to Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas, Manas Bhavan, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Ram Janmasthan Temple, Janki Mahal and Katha Mandap". In the petition, it has been contended that in view of the clear provision contained in Article 294 of the Constitution, the land and properties situated within the Uttar Pradesh vested in the state government from the date of the enforcement of the Constitution. "As such the land and property situated at Ayodhya continued to the property of the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Union cannot take over any part of the land of the State of Uttar Pradesh including the land and property situated at Ayodhya," the petition said. The petition has been filed within a week of the Centre, on January 29, moving an application in the apex court seeking its nod to return the 67-acre acquired land around the disputed site to original owners. The Centre had said it had acquired 67 acres of land around the 2.77 acres disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site. The Centre's plea has said that the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas (a trust to promote construction of Ram Temple) had sought the return of excess land acquired in 1991 to original owners. The Centre has claimed that only 0.313 acres of land was disputed on which the structure stood before it was demolished by 'kar sevaks' on December 6, 1992.

Petition filed in Supreme Court challenging central law on land acquisition near disputed site in Ayodhya

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-rose-valley-ponzi-schemes-cbi-team-shows-up-at-kolkata-police-commissioners-home-194871">a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar</a> in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

The contents of the report was, however, not immediately known.

"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.

The report was prepared by combining the report of the Special Investigation Branch and the reports submitted to the governor by the state chief secretary and the home secretary late Sunday night, the sources said.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-sits-on-dharna-after-cbi-kolkata-police-face-off-194890">Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults"</a> she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. <a href="https://t.co/s8bUhp6BcC">pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC</a>
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Tripathi had last night summoned the state chief secretary and state director general of police and asked them to take immediate action to resolve the situation.

Rajnath Singh had called up the governor to know the facts of the "unfortunate and unprecedented situation of CBI officers being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed", the officials said.

The home ministry on Sunday evening received information that CBI officers in Kolkata had experienced "intimidation and threat to personal safety in course of investigation into the Saradha scam being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court", they said.

The ministry has deployed central forces at the CBI office and residential premises of the probe agency officials in the state and it is now "closely monitoring the situation", they said.

According to the CBI, IPS officer Rajeev Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal Police probing the ponzi scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness.&nbsp;

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report was, however, not immediately known. "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI. The report was prepared by combining the report of the Special Investigation Branch and the reports submitted to the governor by the state chief secretary and the home secretary late Sunday night, the sources said. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi government's atrocities. pic.twitter.com/s8bUhp6BcC — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × West Bengal: TMC workers protest against PM Narendra Modi and Central govt over CBI issue in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/gg7w2MLusR — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × Tripathi had last night summoned the state chief secretary and state director general of police and asked them to take immediate action to resolve the situation. Rajnath Singh had called up the governor to know the facts of the "unfortunate and unprecedented situation of CBI officers being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed", the officials said. The home ministry on Sunday evening received information that CBI officers in Kolkata had experienced "intimidation and threat to personal safety in course of investigation into the Saradha scam being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court", they said. The ministry has deployed central forces at the CBI office and residential premises of the probe agency officials in the state and it is now "closely monitoring the situation", they said. According to the CBI, IPS officer Rajeev Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal Police probing the ponzi scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency. Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness.

Kolkata Police-CBI face-off: West Bengal governor submits report to home ministry

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission against the use of EVMs in order to "save constitution and federal structure."

"We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission," the TMC leader told the&nbsp;media.

Earlier on Friday, opposition parties had announced that they would approach the ECI over the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party’s Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien, CPI’s D Raja were among those who attended the meeting.&nbsp;

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday.

For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission against the use of EVMs in order to "save constitution and federal structure." "We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission," the TMC leader told the media. Earlier on Friday, opposition parties had announced that they would approach the ECI over the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party’s Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK’s Kanimozhi, Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien, CPI’s D Raja were among those who attended the meeting.

EVM tampering issue: TMC, 21 other opposition parties to move Election Commission

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley.&nbsp;

This winter season, the state witnessed more snowfall than usual. Also, early snowfall in the month of November caused damage to apple farms in particular.&nbsp;

“A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is expected from today up to 8th (Feb) morning. The system will move forward from North West to South East of J&amp;K. Again, Pir Panjal range from Bhaderwah to Baramulla will receive heavy rain, snow between 6th to 7th February,” said a Metrological Department official.&nbsp;

16 lives have already been lost due to avalanches in different parts of the state, besides the reports of damage to various properties.&nbsp;

The district administration has issued avalanche warnings for nine avalanche-prone districts.&nbsp;

Due to bad weather, the highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world has remained shut for days, causing inconvenience to commuters. The airfares to the state have already skyrocketed due to the closure of the highway.&nbsp;

On Sunday, J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik made an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to look into the issue of high airfare.

“In winter, airlines charge as much as 28,000 rupees for a ticket, similar to that of a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to look into the issue,” Malik told Modi.

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley.

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley. This winter season, the state witnessed more snowfall than usual. Also, early snowfall in the month of November caused damage to apple farms in particular. “A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is expected from today up to 8th (Feb) morning. The system will move forward from North West to South East of J&K. Again, Pir Panjal range from Bhaderwah to Baramulla will receive heavy rain, snow between 6th to 7th February,” said a Metrological Department official. 16 lives have already been lost due to avalanches in different parts of the state, besides the reports of damage to various properties. The district administration has issued avalanche warnings for nine avalanche-prone districts. Due to bad weather, the highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world has remained shut for days, causing inconvenience to commuters. The airfares to the state have already skyrocketed due to the closure of the highway. On Sunday, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik made an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to look into the issue of high airfare. “In winter, airlines charge as much as 28,000 rupees for a ticket, similar to that of a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to look into the issue,” Malik told Modi.

Weather department predicts fresh snowfall in J&K, airfares to state skyrocket 

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will go on trial on February 21 for the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar.&nbsp;The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram is being tried for abetment to suicide.&nbsp;

Delhi's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Monday sent the case against Tharoor to a sessions court.&nbsp;

The court dismissed Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking to assist the court in the case and has directed Delhi Police to preserve a vigilance report in the matter.

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On January 14, Delhi's Patiala House Court had adjourned the case till January 21.

Previously the hearing had been deferred under Section 207 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as some of the digital documents supplied to Tharoor were not accessible, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Section 207 of the CrPC says that the police complaint, statements of all witnesses and all other relevant documents relating to the case should be furnished to the accused.

In December last year, the court had directed the Delhi Police to hand over certain documents to Tharoor in connection with the case in which he is named as an accused.

Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014. Pushkar and her husband Shashi Tharoor were staying in the hotel as Tharoor's official bungalow was being renovated at that time.&nbsp;

Former Union minister Tharoor has been charged under sections 498-A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He has not been arrested in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will go on trial on February 21 for the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram is being tried for abetment to suicide.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will go on trial on February 21 for the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram is being tried for abetment to suicide. Delhi's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Monday sent the case against Tharoor to a sessions court. The court dismissed Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking to assist the court in the case and has directed Delhi Police to preserve a vigilance report in the matter. Sunanda Pushkar death case: Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court commits the case to Sessions Court. Court also dismisses Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking to assist the court in the case. Next date of hearing is 21st February. — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × On January 14, Delhi's Patiala House Court had adjourned the case till January 21. Previously the hearing had been deferred under Section 207 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as some of the digital documents supplied to Tharoor were not accessible, news agency ANI reported. Section 207 of the CrPC says that the police complaint, statements of all witnesses and all other relevant documents relating to the case should be furnished to the accused. In December last year, the court had directed the Delhi Police to hand over certain documents to Tharoor in connection with the case in which he is named as an accused. Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014. Pushkar and her husband Shashi Tharoor were staying in the hotel as Tharoor's official bungalow was being renovated at that time. Former Union minister Tharoor has been charged under sections 498-A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) and 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He has not been arrested in the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunanda Pushkar death: Trial against Shashi Tharoor to begin on February 21

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget.

A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday.

The budget will be presented by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Assembly on February 6.

The use of social media for seeking people's participation and inputs in the budget is also one of the first of its kind experiment in the country and has been very effective so far, the spokesman said.

In 11 days, the department has reached out to more than 1.6 lakh people by posting 200 feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 11 days, he said.

The use of this dynamic medium, in addition to other traditional means, has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and also in keeping with the commitment to adhere to the principles of participatory governance, he said.

One of the key objectives of the social media campaign outreach strategy has been to create a bonding with the vibrant pool of youngsters and many other tech-savvy people of Assam, the spokesman said.

The state government's budget app, called Assam Budget, is also a unique initiative towards a 'Digital India'.&nbsp;

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget. A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday.

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget. A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday. The budget will be presented by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Assembly on February 6. The use of social media for seeking people's participation and inputs in the budget is also one of the first of its kind experiment in the country and has been very effective so far, the spokesman said. In 11 days, the department has reached out to more than 1.6 lakh people by posting 200 feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 11 days, he said. The use of this dynamic medium, in addition to other traditional means, has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and also in keeping with the commitment to adhere to the principles of participatory governance, he said. One of the key objectives of the social media campaign outreach strategy has been to create a bonding with the vibrant pool of youngsters and many other tech-savvy people of Assam, the spokesman said. The state government's budget app, called Assam Budget, is also a unique initiative towards a 'Digital India'.

In first, Assam finance department to use social media for state budget

AIADMK is likely to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, according to reports.

Speaking to WION, sources in the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party and the BJP have stated that an alliance between the two parties ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections could be announced on February 10 in Tiruppur in Southern Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address a public rally.&nbsp;

The BJP source has hinted that most of the parties from Tamil Nadu, who were part of the NDA in 2014 could be retained in the alliance that is to be formed ahead of this year’s Lok Sabha Poll.&nbsp;

The source also added that “chances of the announcement being made soon was very bright”.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when the AIADMK is issuing applications (from February 4 - 10) to aspiring Lok Sabha candidates at a cost of Rs. 25000.&nbsp;

In the last few weeks, certain AIADMK leaders were critical of the BJP and expressed reservations about an alliance. They also said that the party cadre was against an alliance, as they claimed that the public mood was against the BJP in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

However, some leaders also issued clarifications saying that only the executive can decide.&nbsp;

At the unveiling of the Karunanidhi statue in Chennai, DMK president M K Stalin had proposed Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial Candidate. With the DMK backing the Congress, the only major prospective ally in Tamil Nadu for the BJP is the AIADMK.

Speaking on the likely announcement of the alliance, senior journalist Kalyan Arun said, “this comes as no surprise. The only option for the AIADMK and BJP would be to ally with each other, as the Left parties in Tamil Nadu could also join hands with the Congress-DMK combine.”&nbsp;

Regarding the scenario, at the polls, he said, “it would be interesting to see how much of the AIADMK votes would be cut by the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK. The BJP has not been very successful in the Southern States, and especially so in Tamil Nadu.”&nbsp;

In the run-up to the Prime Minister’s February 10 rally in Tiruppur, more details could emerge about the likely alliance and the smaller parties that could join hands with the AIADMK-BJP combine.

AIADMK is likely to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, according to reports. Speaking to WION, sources in the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party and the BJP have stated that an alliance between the two parties ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections could be announced on February 10 in Tiruppur in Southern Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address a public rally.

AIADMK is likely to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, according to reports. Speaking to WION, sources in the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party and the BJP have stated that an alliance between the two parties ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections could be announced on February 10 in Tiruppur in Southern Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address a public rally. The BJP source has hinted that most of the parties from Tamil Nadu, who were part of the NDA in 2014 could be retained in the alliance that is to be formed ahead of this year’s Lok Sabha Poll. The source also added that “chances of the announcement being made soon was very bright”. This comes at a time when the AIADMK is issuing applications (from February 4 - 10) to aspiring Lok Sabha candidates at a cost of Rs. 25000. In the last few weeks, certain AIADMK leaders were critical of the BJP and expressed reservations about an alliance. They also said that the party cadre was against an alliance, as they claimed that the public mood was against the BJP in Tamil Nadu. However, some leaders also issued clarifications saying that only the executive can decide. At the unveiling of the Karunanidhi statue in Chennai, DMK president M K Stalin had proposed Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial Candidate. With the DMK backing the Congress, the only major prospective ally in Tamil Nadu for the BJP is the AIADMK. Speaking on the likely announcement of the alliance, senior journalist Kalyan Arun said, “this comes as no surprise. The only option for the AIADMK and BJP would be to ally with each other, as the Left parties in Tamil Nadu could also join hands with the Congress-DMK combine.” Regarding the scenario, at the polls, he said, “it would be interesting to see how much of the AIADMK votes would be cut by the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK. The BJP has not been very successful in the Southern States, and especially so in Tamil Nadu.” In the run-up to the Prime Minister’s February 10 rally in Tiruppur, more details could emerge about the likely alliance and the smaller parties that could join hands with the AIADMK-BJP combine.

BJP-AIADMK alliance likely to be announced on February 10: Sources

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.

Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.

An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams.

Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team, which went to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal political system of the country.

"There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said.

Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms.

Members from Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, NCP and Samajwadi Party spoke against the CBI move to question the Kolkata police chief. 
A CPI-M member said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault.

As soon as the House took up Zero Hour, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed members to raise the issue.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team, which went to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal political system of the country. "There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said. Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms. Members from Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, NCP and Samajwadi Party spoke against the CBI move to question the Kolkata police chief. A CPI-M member said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault. As soon as the House took up Zero Hour, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed members to raise the issue.

There may be constitutional breakdown in West Bengal: Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes.

At the same time, Madhav said that the central government will respect the judicial process and is committed to building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"The saints are not angry but are insisting there should be some forward movement on Ram temple issue. We are equally committed and we are with the saints on the question of building Ram temple there. We are fully committed to building a magnificent (Ram) temple in Ayodhya," he told ANI.

Madhav expressed hope that the ruling on the Ram temple issue would come soon."But as government, we have to respect the judicial process, as the matter is before the Supreme Court. We are hoping that the judgment on this matter comes soon. Once the judgment comes, the government will do whatever is possible within its powers to facilitate construction of the temple there," he added.

The Centre on Tuesday sought direction to release 67 acres acquired land out of which 0.313 acres is disputed. The top court on Monday had cancelled the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit, which was slated for January 29 by a five-judge bench due to the unavailability of one of the judges, Justice SA Bobde. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday underlined that the Centre would take steps within its powers once the Supreme Court`s judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi case comes. At the same time, Madhav said that the central government will respect the judicial process and is committed to building the Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The saints are not angry but are insisting there should be some forward movement on Ram temple issue. We are equally committed and we are with the saints on the question of building Ram temple there. We are fully committed to building a magnificent (Ram) temple in Ayodhya," he told ANI. Madhav expressed hope that the ruling on the Ram temple issue would come soon."But as government, we have to respect the judicial process, as the matter is before the Supreme Court. We are hoping that the judgment on this matter comes soon. Once the judgment comes, the government will do whatever is possible within its powers to facilitate construction of the temple there," he added. The Centre on Tuesday sought direction to release 67 acres acquired land out of which 0.313 acres is disputed. The top court on Monday had cancelled the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit, which was slated for January 29 by a five-judge bench due to the unavailability of one of the judges, Justice SA Bobde. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Ram temple issue: Government to take steps within its powers once Supreme Court ruling comes, says Ram Madhav

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House.

These reports were submitted to the government more than four years ago. 
&nbsp; 
The UPA government had commissioned in 2011 the studies by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) in Faridabad.

Replying to an RTI query, it said the study reports of the NIPFP, NCAER, and NIFM were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively.

"The reports and government's response to it have been forwarded to Lok Sabha secretariat for placing them before the Standing Committee on Finance," the ministry said.

 
The Lok Sabha secretariat has informed that the same has been placed before the committee which will examine it, it said in a reply to an RTI application filed by this PTI correspondent.

It denied to share the copies of these reports, saying the disclosure would cause the breach of privilege of Parliament and, therefore, the information sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (c) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The section bars information, "the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament". The reports were submitted to the panel on July 21, 2017.

There is, at present, no official assessment of the quantum of black money in India and abroad.

According to a study by US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), an estimated US$ 770 billion in black money entered India during 2005-2014.

Nearly US$ 165 billion in illicit money exited the country during the same period, the latest report by the global financial watchdog said.

"The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country," the Finance Ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011.

These estimates were based on various unverifiable assumptions and approximations, it had said.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included the assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth, and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country.

The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors of the economy in which unaccounted money was generated and examine the causes and conditions that resulted in the generation.&nbsp;

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House.

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House. These reports were submitted to the government more than four years ago. The UPA government had commissioned in 2011 the studies by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) in Faridabad. Replying to an RTI query, it said the study reports of the NIPFP, NCAER, and NIFM were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively. "The reports and government's response to it have been forwarded to Lok Sabha secretariat for placing them before the Standing Committee on Finance," the ministry said. The Lok Sabha secretariat has informed that the same has been placed before the committee which will examine it, it said in a reply to an RTI application filed by this PTI correspondent. It denied to share the copies of these reports, saying the disclosure would cause the breach of privilege of Parliament and, therefore, the information sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (c) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The section bars information, "the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament". The reports were submitted to the panel on July 21, 2017. There is, at present, no official assessment of the quantum of black money in India and abroad. According to a study by US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), an estimated US$ 770 billion in black money entered India during 2005-2014. Nearly US$ 165 billion in illicit money exited the country during the same period, the latest report by the global financial watchdog said. "The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country," the Finance Ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011. These estimates were based on various unverifiable assumptions and approximations, it had said. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included the assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth, and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country. The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors of the economy in which unaccounted money was generated and examine the causes and conditions that resulted in the generation.

Can't disclose black money reports as Par Panel examining them: Finance Ministry

With the rapidly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-hosted-by-russia-will-not-help-in-the-peace-process-afghanistan-194573">developing situation in Afghanistan</a>, India had made it clear to US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who was on his maiden Delhi visit last month that it doesnt favor any interim arrangements&nbsp;and reminded him about its deep economic and security interest in the south Asian country.&nbsp;

In the recent Taliban-US talks, there have been calls of an<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-afghanistan-talks-proceeding-well-194171"> interim administration and many </a>expect if a peace pact is agreed, Kabul might see an interim government.

India while understanding Washington's keenness to withdraw from Afghanistan, called for safeguarding the existing political and constitutional structure.

Zalmay after his New Delhi visit, later visited Afghanistan, China and Pakistan.

New Delhi, which is constructing number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, informed Zalmay that continuation of its projects depends on how the situation evolves in Afghanistan.

With a development assistance of $3 billion, India is Afghanistan's largest doner. It is also connecting Afghanistan via Chabahar port and the India-Afghanistan air corridor which was launched in 2017. It had built the Afghan parliament and India-Afghan friendship dam in Herat and is currently constructing 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram, 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala.&nbsp;

Top sources have told Wion, that India might not be visible but is acting in its security interest and doesnt see any reason for acting in haste.&nbsp;

India continues to work behind the scenes and is in touch with Moscow, Tehran, Bejing and all the central Asian countries regarding the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Recently India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited&nbsp;Samarkand in Uzbekistan and took part in the first India-Central Asia dialogues in which the situation in Afghanistan was discussed.

Inside Afghanistan also India is in touch with Pashtun leaders and other Afghan leaders. Sources in Afghanistan have confirmed, that barring Taliban, New Delhi is engaged with everyone.

Afghan Nation Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai were in Delhi recently.&nbsp;

In 2018, at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, India participated "non-officially" and sent two former envoys - former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and ex-Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet.

Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing had said, "We will participate in all formats of talks which could bring peace and security in that region."

Asked if "participation in all formats" means even if Taliban is present, MEA spokesperson said, "It is speculative. It depends from meeting to meeting. Let us see for which meetings we are being invited and then we will take a decision as to what level and what capacity we participate".

With the rapidly developing situation in Afghanistan, India had made it clear to US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who was on his maiden Delhi visit last month that it doesnt favor any interim arrangements and reminded him about its deep economic and security interest in the south Asian country.

With the rapidly developing situation in Afghanistan, India had made it clear to US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who was on his maiden Delhi visit last month that it doesnt favor any interim arrangements and reminded him about its deep economic and security interest in the south Asian country. In the recent Taliban-US talks, there have been calls of an interim administration and many expect if a peace pact is agreed, Kabul might see an interim government. India while understanding Washington's keenness to withdraw from Afghanistan, called for safeguarding the existing political and constitutional structure. Zalmay after his New Delhi visit, later visited Afghanistan, China and Pakistan. New Delhi, which is constructing number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, informed Zalmay that continuation of its projects depends on how the situation evolves in Afghanistan. With a development assistance of $3 billion, India is Afghanistan's largest doner. It is also connecting Afghanistan via Chabahar port and the India-Afghanistan air corridor which was launched in 2017. It had built the Afghan parliament and India-Afghan friendship dam in Herat and is currently constructing 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram, 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala. Top sources have told Wion, that India might not be visible but is acting in its security interest and doesnt see any reason for acting in haste. India continues to work behind the scenes and is in touch with Moscow, Tehran, Bejing and all the central Asian countries regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Recently India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Samarkand in Uzbekistan and took part in the first India-Central Asia dialogues in which the situation in Afghanistan was discussed. Inside Afghanistan also India is in touch with Pashtun leaders and other Afghan leaders. Sources in Afghanistan have confirmed, that barring Taliban, New Delhi is engaged with everyone. Afghan Nation Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai were in Delhi recently. In 2018, at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, India participated "non-officially" and sent two former envoys - former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and ex-Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet. Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing had said, "We will participate in all formats of talks which could bring peace and security in that region." Asked if "participation in all formats" means even if Taliban is present, MEA spokesperson said, "It is speculative. It depends from meeting to meeting. Let us see for which meetings we are being invited and then we will take a decision as to what level and what capacity we participate".

During US special envoy Khalilzad's visit, India dismissed idea of interim government in Afghanistan

&nbsp;A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. 
LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here. Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case. Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case. Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016. "David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI. Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application. "The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said. "Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6. Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said. Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence. Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same. He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India. Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai. He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India. According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack. "It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores. The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

26/11 Mumbai terror attack case: Court issues NBW against two Pakistan Army officials

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew over Rs 5,300 crore from the Indian capital markets in January, indicating their 'wait and watch' approach ahead of the general elections.

Prior to this, they had infused a net sum of over Rs 17,000 crore in the capital markets — equity and debt — during November and December 2018. In October, they had pulled out a massive Rs 38,900 crore.

According to data available with the depositories, FPIs pulled out a net amount of Rs 5,264 crore from equities and Rs 97 crore from the debt markets last month, taking the total outflow to Rs 5,361 crore.

"Investors are taking a cautious approach given their focus on global headwinds and upcoming general election," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.

It has not been a good start of the year with regards to FPI flows and clearly, they are continuing with their cautious or 'wait and watch' stance towards India, which they have been maintaining for a long time, said Himanshu Srivastava, Senior Analyst Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Adviser India.

He further said the focus would continue to be on economic growth and the general elections.

Other factors such as movement in crude prices and currency, which would have a bearing on the country's macro-environment, and worries over global trade war will continue to guide the direction of FPI flows, Srivastava added.

Echoing the views, Alok Agarwala, Senior VP and Head Investment Analytics at Bajaj Capital, said FPI flows would continue to be volatile in the coming months.

"The outflows could continue further with escalating trade disputes. The domestic macroeconomic concerns viz, weakness in currency, movement of crude oil prices, trade deficit would also weigh on inflows," he said.

"As a base case scenario, we could expect overall net flows to turn marginally positive in case external conditions improve in the next few months as one of the factors, that is oil prices, corrected sharply in last few months," he added. 
&nbsp;

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew over Rs 5,300 crore from the Indian capital markets in January, indicating their 'wait and watch' approach ahead of the general elections.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew over Rs 5,300 crore from the Indian capital markets in January, indicating their 'wait and watch' approach ahead of the general elections. Prior to this, they had infused a net sum of over Rs 17,000 crore in the capital markets — equity and debt — during November and December 2018. In October, they had pulled out a massive Rs 38,900 crore. According to data available with the depositories, FPIs pulled out a net amount of Rs 5,264 crore from equities and Rs 97 crore from the debt markets last month, taking the total outflow to Rs 5,361 crore. "Investors are taking a cautious approach given their focus on global headwinds and upcoming general election," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd. It has not been a good start of the year with regards to FPI flows and clearly, they are continuing with their cautious or 'wait and watch' stance towards India, which they have been maintaining for a long time, said Himanshu Srivastava, Senior Analyst Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Adviser India. He further said the focus would continue to be on economic growth and the general elections. Other factors such as movement in crude prices and currency, which would have a bearing on the country's macro-environment, and worries over global trade war will continue to guide the direction of FPI flows, Srivastava added. Echoing the views, Alok Agarwala, Senior VP and Head Investment Analytics at Bajaj Capital, said FPI flows would continue to be volatile in the coming months. "The outflows could continue further with escalating trade disputes. The domestic macroeconomic concerns viz, weakness in currency, movement of crude oil prices, trade deficit would also weigh on inflows," he said. "As a base case scenario, we could expect overall net flows to turn marginally positive in case external conditions improve in the next few months as one of the factors, that is oil prices, corrected sharply in last few months," he added.

Foreign Portfolio Investors pull out Rs 5,300-cr from capital markets in January

Five of the 10 most valued Indian companies together added Rs 65,426.16 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) topping the list.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), HUL, ITC and Infosys were the other gainers, while HDFC Bank, HDFC, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank suffered losses in their valuation for the week ended Friday.

The market capitalisation (m-cap) of TCS soared by Rs 41,914.13 crore to reach Rs 7,62,015.52 crore.

The valuation of Infosys jumped Rs 11,511.39 crore to Rs 3,30,510.06 crore and that of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) surged Rs 9,362.11 crore to Rs 3,88,825.07 crore.

ITC added Rs 1,969.9 crore to its m-cap to stand at Rs 3,43,965.03 crore while RIL's valuation rose by Rs 668.63 crore to Rs 7,90,621.81 crore.

On the other hand, the m-cap of HDFC plunged by Rs 2,854.33 crore to Rs 3,37,188.31 crore and that of ICICI Bank slumped Rs 1,657.93 crore to reach Rs 2,28,361.75 crore.

Kotak Mahindra Bank suffered an erosion of Rs 1,344.92 crore to Rs 2,40,006.82 crore and State Bank of India (SBI) lost Rs 847.84 crore to Rs 2,53,726.02 crore.

The m-cap of HDFC Bank slipped Rs 625.71 crore to Rs 5,69,029.07 crore. 
In the ranking of top-10 firms, RIL stood at the number one spot, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, HUL, ITC, HDFC, Infosys, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank.

Over the last week, the Sensex jumped 443.89 points, or 1.23 per cent to close at 36,469.43 on Friday.

Five of the 10 most valued Indian companies together added Rs 65,426.16 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) topping the list.

Five of the 10 most valued Indian companies together added Rs 65,426.16 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) topping the list. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), HUL, ITC and Infosys were the other gainers, while HDFC Bank, HDFC, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank suffered losses in their valuation for the week ended Friday. The market capitalisation (m-cap) of TCS soared by Rs 41,914.13 crore to reach Rs 7,62,015.52 crore. The valuation of Infosys jumped Rs 11,511.39 crore to Rs 3,30,510.06 crore and that of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) surged Rs 9,362.11 crore to Rs 3,88,825.07 crore. ITC added Rs 1,969.9 crore to its m-cap to stand at Rs 3,43,965.03 crore while RIL's valuation rose by Rs 668.63 crore to Rs 7,90,621.81 crore. On the other hand, the m-cap of HDFC plunged by Rs 2,854.33 crore to Rs 3,37,188.31 crore and that of ICICI Bank slumped Rs 1,657.93 crore to reach Rs 2,28,361.75 crore. Kotak Mahindra Bank suffered an erosion of Rs 1,344.92 crore to Rs 2,40,006.82 crore and State Bank of India (SBI) lost Rs 847.84 crore to Rs 2,53,726.02 crore. The m-cap of HDFC Bank slipped Rs 625.71 crore to Rs 5,69,029.07 crore. In the ranking of top-10 firms, RIL stood at the number one spot, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, HUL, ITC, HDFC, Infosys, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank. Over the last week, the Sensex jumped 443.89 points, or 1.23 per cent to close at 36,469.43 on Friday.

Five of top-10 companies add Rs 65,426 cr in m-cap; TCS shines

Seven people have lost their lives after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar, PTI reported quoting railway officials.

The accident took place at 3:58 am in Sahadai Buzurg, they added.

One general coach, one AC coach B3, three sleeper coaches -S8, S9, S10 and four more coaches have derailed, said East Central Railway spokesperson Rajesh Kumar.

A report quoting officials said six people have died in the train accident.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seemanchal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seemanchal</a> Express derailment: Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers at Patna-06122202290, 06122202291, 06122202292, 06122213234. <a href="https://t.co/3RVYLW6VsS">pic.twitter.com/3RVYLW6VsS</a>
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The 12487 Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal Express was running at full speed when the accident took place, the officials said.

In a statement, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal office said that rescue and relief operations were on for derailment of nine coaches of Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal express at Sahadai Buzurg. &nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed grief over the accident and directed the administration to provide all kind of assistance.

Smita Vats Sharma, Additional Director General PR (Rail) said they were focusing on rescue and relief operations. Railway Accident Medical Van along with a team of doctors are at the site, she said and added, two teams of NDRF have also reached the spot.

The Railways has also issued help line numbers: Sonpur 06158221645, Hajipur 06224272230 and Barauni 06279232222.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Seven people have lost their lives after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar, PTI reported quoting railway officials.

Seven people have lost their lives after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar, PTI reported quoting railway officials. The accident took place at 3:58 am in Sahadai Buzurg, they added. One general coach, one AC coach B3, three sleeper coaches -S8, S9, S10 and four more coaches have derailed, said East Central Railway spokesperson Rajesh Kumar. A report quoting officials said six people have died in the train accident. #Seemanchal Express derailment: Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers at Patna-06122202290, 06122202291, 06122202292, 06122213234. pic.twitter.com/3RVYLW6VsS — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The 12487 Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal Express was running at full speed when the accident took place, the officials said. In a statement, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal office said that rescue and relief operations were on for derailment of nine coaches of Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal express at Sahadai Buzurg. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed grief over the accident and directed the administration to provide all kind of assistance. Smita Vats Sharma, Additional Director General PR (Rail) said they were focusing on rescue and relief operations. Railway Accident Medical Van along with a team of doctors are at the site, she said and added, two teams of NDRF have also reached the spot. The Railways has also issued help line numbers: Sonpur 06158221645, Hajipur 06224272230 and Barauni 06279232222. (With inputs from PTI)

7 die as 9 coaches of Seemanchal Express derail in Bihar

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/internet-services-snapped-in-srinagar-ahead-of-pm-narendra-modis-visit-194707">Narendra Modi </a>on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh.

The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh," said PM Modi in a public meeting in Leh.

"I’m happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, &amp; the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development," he added.

PM Modi also launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever in the state's region.&nbsp;

It will be the first-ever university in the Ladakh region of the state.

It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi.

Modi had earlier visited Jammu, Srinagar and Leh on May 19, 2018, to lay the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh. The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. "Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh," said PM Modi in a public meeting in Leh. "I’m happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, & the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development," he added. PM Modi also launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever in the state's region. It will be the first-ever university in the Ladakh region of the state. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. Modi had earlier visited Jammu, Srinagar and Leh on May 19, 2018, to lay the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

PM inaugurates development projects, addresses public meeting in Leh

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday ordered to provide a solatium of Rs. four lakh each to the kin of the six deceased after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-die-as-9-coaches-of-seemanchal-express-derail-in-bihar-194666">Seemanchal Express</a> derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar.&nbsp;

The CM also announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the injured.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives due to the derailment of coaches of the Seemanchal Express.

''Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the derailment of coaches of the Seemanchal Express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. Railways, NDRF, and local authorities are providing all possible assistance in the wake of the accident,'' tweeted on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

The accident took place at 3:58 am at Sahadai Buzurg.&nbsp;

One general coach, one AC coach B3, three sleeper coaches and four more coaches derailed, said East Central Railway spokesperson Rajesh Kumar.

At least seven&nbsp;people lost their lives. Bodies of the six victims have been identified while one is yet to be identified.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday ordered to provide a solatium of Rs. four lakh each to the kin of the six deceased after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday ordered to provide a solatium of Rs. four lakh each to the kin of the six deceased after nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar. The CM also announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the injured. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives due to the derailment of coaches of the Seemanchal Express. ''Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the derailment of coaches of the Seemanchal Express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. Railways, NDRF, and local authorities are providing all possible assistance in the wake of the accident,'' tweeted on Sunday morning. The accident took place at 3:58 am at Sahadai Buzurg. One general coach, one AC coach B3, three sleeper coaches and four more coaches derailed, said East Central Railway spokesperson Rajesh Kumar. At least seven people lost their lives. Bodies of the six victims have been identified while one is yet to be identified.

Bihar train accident: Nitish Kumar announces Rs 4 lakh to kin of deceased  

A CBI team showed up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI team was there to question Rajiv Kumar about the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;

News reports Saturday had quoted sources in the CBI as saying Kumar was hindering the investigations into the cases, and that his arrest was "imminent".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/yogi-adityanath-addresses-rally-in-west-bengal-via-audio-link-after-his-chopper-was-denied-permission-194825">West Bengal government 'anti-democratic', says Yogi Adityanath</a>

The reports quoted the sources as adding that Kumar was not attending Election Commission meetings, and that he was absconding. Senior Kolkata Police officials however said that that was not the case.&nbsp;

The CBI team was on Sunday stopped by Kolkata Police and taken to a police station.&nbsp;

Five members of the team were detained, but released later.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also reached Kumar's home Sunday evening, as did the West Bengal director general of police, and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim.&nbsp;

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Kolkata: West Bengal Director General of Police arrives at the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also present there, a meeting is currently underway. <a href="https://t.co/oLtLWf3ZnZ">pic.twitter.com/oLtLWf3ZnZ</a>
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Kolkata Police meanwhile stationed themselves outside the CBI's regional office at the CGO complex in Kolkata.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/qfm5VFgZSy">pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy</a>
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The face-off continues to blow up into a constitutional crisis, with BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya saying "democracy has ended in West Bengal".

He added that "CBI was investigating on orders of Supreme Court but they didn't allow them. CBI officers were detained, this is the first time something like this has happened since independence; we condemn this."

Mamata Banerjee meanwhile came down heavily on the side of Kumar.&nbsp;

"I still say Rajeev Kumar (Kolkata Police Commissioner) is the best in the world," she said.&nbsp;

"I will stand with my force. I respect them. I felt very sad today. This is the destruction of the federal structure," she added.&nbsp;

Banerjee added that the CBI had shown up at Kumar's home without notice. That the Kolkata Police could have arrested them, but that they did not do so.&nbsp;

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am proud to say that my responsibility is to give protection to the force. Without notice, you are coming to Kolkata Police Commissioner's house. We could have arrested CBI but we left. <a href="https://t.co/P7DrJjd0Yc">pic.twitter.com/P7DrJjd0Yc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092072368384528391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: BJP is torturing Bengal. They are forcibly trying to destroy Bengal just because I did brigade rally. Yesterday you saw the language of PM where he threatened. <a href="https://t.co/cK57JFH56j">pic.twitter.com/cK57JFH56j</a>
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She added that the "BJP is torturing Bengal".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A CBI team showed up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI team was there to question Rajiv Kumar about the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.

A CBI team showed up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI team was there to question Rajiv Kumar about the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. News reports Saturday had quoted sources in the CBI as saying Kumar was hindering the investigations into the cases, and that his arrest was "imminent". Also read: West Bengal government 'anti-democratic', says Yogi Adityanath The reports quoted the sources as adding that Kumar was not attending Election Commission meetings, and that he was absconding. Senior Kolkata Police officials however said that that was not the case. The CBI team was on Sunday stopped by Kolkata Police and taken to a police station. Five members of the team were detained, but released later. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also reached Kumar's home Sunday evening, as did the West Bengal director general of police, and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim. Kolkata: West Bengal Director General of Police arrives at the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also present there, a meeting is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/oLtLWf3ZnZ — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Kolkata Police meanwhile stationed themselves outside the CBI's regional office at the CGO complex in Kolkata. West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The face-off continues to blow up into a constitutional crisis, with BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya saying "democracy has ended in West Bengal". He added that "CBI was investigating on orders of Supreme Court but they didn't allow them. CBI officers were detained, this is the first time something like this has happened since independence; we condemn this." Mamata Banerjee meanwhile came down heavily on the side of Kumar. "I still say Rajeev Kumar (Kolkata Police Commissioner) is the best in the world," she said. "I will stand with my force. I respect them. I felt very sad today. This is the destruction of the federal structure," she added. Banerjee added that the CBI had shown up at Kumar's home without notice. That the Kolkata Police could have arrested them, but that they did not do so. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am proud to say that my responsibility is to give protection to the force. Without notice, you are coming to Kolkata Police Commissioner's house. We could have arrested CBI but we left. pic.twitter.com/P7DrJjd0Yc — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: BJP is torturing Bengal. They are forcibly trying to destroy Bengal just because I did brigade rally. Yesterday you saw the language of PM where he threatened. pic.twitter.com/cK57JFH56j — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × She added that the "BJP is torturing Bengal".

Centre vs Bengal: CBI team shows up at Kolkata Police chief's home, accuses him of obstructing justice

West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-rose-valley-ponzi-schemes-cbi-team-shows-up-at-kolkata-police-commissioners-home-194871">Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna</a>&nbsp;at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier.&nbsp;

A CBI team had shown up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI has accused Kumar of hindering investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;

The TMC's Derek O'Brien said 40 officials of the CBI had shown up, and that they did not "even have a search warrant".&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response. <a href="https://t.co/CyS83Z1aKC">pic.twitter.com/CyS83Z1aKC</a>
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Mamata said the CBI's turning up announced amounted to the "destruction of the federal structure".&nbsp;

"I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," she said.&nbsp;

Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar sat with Mamata on her protest.&nbsp;

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha. <a href="https://t.co/vL6My4UA6G">pic.twitter.com/vL6My4UA6G</a>
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present. <a href="https://t.co/nB6ASQIYFp">pic.twitter.com/nB6ASQIYFp</a>
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"... constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm," O'Brien said.&nbsp;

He added that the "TMC has spoken to all like-minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties."&nbsp;

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Derek O'Brien, TMC: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - '2019-BJP Finish' <a href="https://t.co/WZYYRUaEsc">pic.twitter.com/WZYYRUaEsc</a>
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The BJP meanwhile said Mamata was behaving "like a dictator... to protect the corrupt in her state".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao. "Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this."

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GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this. <a href="https://t.co/ayoxDVAsUb">pic.twitter.com/ayoxDVAsUb</a>
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Rao added that "CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional and undemocratic... We hope SC gives a direction to WB government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country."&nbsp;

The events of Sunday evening&nbsp;could very quickly snowball into a constitutional crisis.&nbsp;

Five men of the CBI team were detained, but later released.&nbsp;

And even as the CBI team arrived on Kumar's doorstep, personnel of the Kolkata Police stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office.&nbsp;

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Chit fund case: Visuals from outside the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. A CBI team is present at the spot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/2nvzbStFa0">pic.twitter.com/2nvzbStFa0</a>
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&nbsp;

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West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/qfm5VFgZSy">pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy</a>
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The Centre then sent CRPF units to the CBI office.&nbsp;

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West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. <a href="https://t.co/ii8sCFY4O0">pic.twitter.com/ii8sCFY4O0</a>
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Interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao meanwhile told ANI on Sunday evening that "we are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. An SIT has been constituted by the WB government&nbsp;prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner."&nbsp;

He added that "they have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.&nbsp;There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice."&nbsp;

By about 10.30 pm Sunday night, reports began to filter in of TMC workers staging protests in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. <a href="https://t.co/DiYkBzaK2g">pic.twitter.com/DiYkBzaK2g</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092106377395429386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The CBI has sought an appointment with West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the issue.&nbsp;

And Nageshwar Rao said the CBI would approach the Supreme Court on Monday, since the West Bengal Police "is not cooperating".

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CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating. <a href="https://t.co/up2NjMuoPI">pic.twitter.com/up2NjMuoPI</a>
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A number of opposition leaders meanwhile, including Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal, spoke to Mamata Banerjee over the&nbsp;phone and expressed their solidarity. 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a "Save the Constitution" dharna at Kolkata's Metro Channel on Sunday night after the CBI and Kolkata Police had faced off earlier. A CBI team had shown up at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's home on Sunday evening. The CBI has accused Kumar of hindering investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. The TMC's Derek O'Brien said 40 officials of the CBI had shown up, and that they did not "even have a search warrant". Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response. pic.twitter.com/CyS83Z1aKC — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Mamata said the CBI's turning up announced amounted to the "destruction of the federal structure". "I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," she said. Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar sat with Mamata on her protest. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha. pic.twitter.com/vL6My4UA6G — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present. pic.twitter.com/nB6ASQIYFp — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × "... constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm," O'Brien said. He added that the "TMC has spoken to all like-minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties." Derek O'Brien, TMC: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - '2019-BJP Finish' pic.twitter.com/WZYYRUaEsc — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The BJP meanwhile said Mamata was behaving "like a dictator... to protect the corrupt in her state". "Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao. "Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this." GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this. pic.twitter.com/ayoxDVAsUb — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Rao added that "CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional and undemocratic... We hope SC gives a direction to WB government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country." The events of Sunday evening could very quickly snowball into a constitutional crisis. Five men of the CBI team were detained, but later released. And even as the CBI team arrived on Kumar's doorstep, personnel of the Kolkata Police stationed themselves outside the regional CBI office. Chit fund case: Visuals from outside the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. A CBI team is present at the spot. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/2nvzbStFa0 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × West Bengal: Police force of Bidhannagar police is present outside the CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/qfm5VFgZSy — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The Centre then sent CRPF units to the CBI office. West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/ii8sCFY4O0 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × Interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao meanwhile told ANI on Sunday evening that "we are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. An SIT has been constituted by the WB government prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner." He added that "they have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear. There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice." By about 10.30 pm Sunday night, reports began to filter in of TMC workers staging protests in the state. West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. pic.twitter.com/DiYkBzaK2g — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × The CBI has sought an appointment with West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the issue. And Nageshwar Rao said the CBI would approach the Supreme Court on Monday, since the West Bengal Police "is not cooperating". CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating. pic.twitter.com/up2NjMuoPI — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019 × A number of opposition leaders meanwhile, including Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal, spoke to Mamata Banerjee over the phone and expressed their solidarity.

Mamata Banerjee begins 'Save the Constitution' dharna after CBI-Kolkata Police face off

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state.

The permission for Yogi Adityanath's rally was denied without any prior notice, his office said.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Trinamool Congress-led state government denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land.&nbsp;

"This is because of Yogi Adityanath's popularity that Mamata Banerjee has denied permission to his chopper for landing in West Bengal," Mritunjay Kumar, Information Advisor to Uttar Pradesh chief minister, told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

In January, The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had denied permission to Amit Shah's chopper to land in Malda district.

BJP president Amit Shah had skipped his Jhargram rally a couple of days ago after the state administration denied permission for landing his chopper.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rally in West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Sunday has been denied permission by the Trinamool government in the state. The permission for Yogi Adityanath's rally was denied without any prior notice, his office said. According to reports, the Trinamool Congress-led state government denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land. "This is because of Yogi Adityanath's popularity that Mamata Banerjee has denied permission to his chopper for landing in West Bengal," Mritunjay Kumar, Information Advisor to Uttar Pradesh chief minister, told news agency ANI. In January, The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had denied permission to Amit Shah's chopper to land in Malda district. BJP president Amit Shah had skipped his Jhargram rally a couple of days ago after the state administration denied permission for landing his chopper.

Mamata government denies permission for Yogi Adityanath rally in West Bengal

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