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A Navy rescue team on Thursday pulled out a miner's body&nbsp;from a 370-feet deep&nbsp;flooded coal mine in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-navy-divers-return-without-any-trace-of-trapped-miners-187408">Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills</a> district where 14 miners still remain trapped since December 13.

Rescuers have recovered a body from the site of a "rat-hole" mining accident.

The miners were trapped on December 13 when their illegal mine was flooded. The state banned unregulated mining in 2014 but it still goes on in some places.

"We have recovered the body and it is heavily decomposed," said Santosh Kumar Singh, an official from the National Disaster Response Force.

Thousands of workers, including children, have been killed in so-called rat-hole mines, which involve miners crawling into narrow shafts on bamboo ladders to dig for low-quality coal, in Meghalaya.

Rescue officials located the body last week, but it took time to bring it to the surface from inside a crevice. The officials sought guidance from forensic experts.

Families and relatives of the trapped miners have given up hope that any of them will be found alive.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A Navy rescue team on Thursday pulled out a miner's body from a 370-feet deep flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district where 14 miners still remain trapped since December 13.

A Navy rescue team on Thursday pulled out a miner's body from a 370-feet deep flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district where 14 miners still remain trapped since December 13. Rescuers have recovered a body from the site of a "rat-hole" mining accident. The miners were trapped on December 13 when their illegal mine was flooded. The state banned unregulated mining in 2014 but it still goes on in some places. "We have recovered the body and it is heavily decomposed," said Santosh Kumar Singh, an official from the National Disaster Response Force. Thousands of workers, including children, have been killed in so-called rat-hole mines, which involve miners crawling into narrow shafts on bamboo ladders to dig for low-quality coal, in Meghalaya. Rescue officials located the body last week, but it took time to bring it to the surface from inside a crevice. The officials sought guidance from forensic experts. Families and relatives of the trapped miners have given up hope that any of them will be found alive. (With inputs from Reuters)

Meghalaya miner’s body pulled out after 42 days, 15 workers were trapped

This year Padma awards went to many foreigners, from President of Djibouti to a lady who devoted her life to looking after sick cows and an ageless yogini.

President who helped save stranded Indians

President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh was conferred Padma Vibhushan for extending his country's support to India's operation 'Rahat' for rescuing Indians and foreigners from war-hit Yemen in 2015.&nbsp;

Over 5,000 people were saved which included more than 4,500 Indians and many foreigners. The evacuation operation was started by the Indian Air Force and Air India on April 3, 2015, and was commanded by Minister of State (External Affairs) General VK Singh.

Djibouti became the centre of the rescue operation. President Guelleh had visited New Delhi in October 2015 during the 3rd India-Africa Summit. Djibouti is hosting Indian embassy to Yemen till normalcy returns in Yemen.&nbsp;

German who devoted life to cows

Germany's Friederike Irina was conferred Padma Shri. Irina, popularly known as Sudevi Mataji, has been taking care of sick and abandoned cows in Mathura for over two decades. She currently takes care of homeless, abandoned, sick, blind cows in her gaushala. She started her cowshed known as "Surbhai Gauseva Niketan" and manages to meet the monthly expense of Rs 22 lakh for running the cowshed through rent from her property in Berlin.

Ageless yogini

India conferred Padma Shri to 100-year-old American Yoga teacher Tao Porchon-Lynch. She is the world's oldest yoga teacher and holds a Guinness World Record. Lynch has been teaching in the US and France for over 40 years. She has certified around 1,500 yoga teachers and is the founder of Yoga Teachers Association (USA) and Westchester Institute of Yoga.&nbsp;

India also honoured John Chambers, former CEO, CISCO System, and South Africa's anti-Apartheid leader and current minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet Pravin Gordhan. Both Chambers and Gordhan were conferred Padma Bhushan.

All in all, 11 people, under the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, have been conferred <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padma-shree-award-winners-full-list-192818">Padma awards</a>.

This year Padma awards went to many foreigners, from President of Djibouti to a lady who devoted her life to looking after sick cows and an ageless yogini. President who helped save stranded Indians President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh was conferred Padma Vibhushan for extending his country's support to India's operation 'Rahat' for rescuing Indians and foreigners from war-hit Yemen in 2015.

This year Padma awards went to many foreigners, from President of Djibouti to a lady who devoted her life to looking after sick cows and an ageless yogini. President who helped save stranded Indians President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh was conferred Padma Vibhushan for extending his country's support to India's operation 'Rahat' for rescuing Indians and foreigners from war-hit Yemen in 2015. Over 5,000 people were saved which included more than 4,500 Indians and many foreigners. The evacuation operation was started by the Indian Air Force and Air India on April 3, 2015, and was commanded by Minister of State (External Affairs) General VK Singh. Djibouti became the centre of the rescue operation. President Guelleh had visited New Delhi in October 2015 during the 3rd India-Africa Summit. Djibouti is hosting Indian embassy to Yemen till normalcy returns in Yemen. German who devoted life to cows Germany's Friederike Irina was conferred Padma Shri. Irina, popularly known as Sudevi Mataji, has been taking care of sick and abandoned cows in Mathura for over two decades. She currently takes care of homeless, abandoned, sick, blind cows in her gaushala. She started her cowshed known as "Surbhai Gauseva Niketan" and manages to meet the monthly expense of Rs 22 lakh for running the cowshed through rent from her property in Berlin. Ageless yogini India conferred Padma Shri to 100-year-old American Yoga teacher Tao Porchon-Lynch. She is the world's oldest yoga teacher and holds a Guinness World Record. Lynch has been teaching in the US and France for over 40 years. She has certified around 1,500 yoga teachers and is the founder of Yoga Teachers Association (USA) and Westchester Institute of Yoga. India also honoured John Chambers, former CEO, CISCO System, and South Africa's anti-Apartheid leader and current minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet Pravin Gordhan. Both Chambers and Gordhan were conferred Padma Bhushan. All in all, 11 people, under the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, have been conferred Padma awards.

100-year-old yoga teacher, President of Djibouti among foreigners who received Padma awards

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it will consider and do the needful.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said that a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on Thursday passed an order, saying it will be appropriate to hear the Centre's review and writ petitions against the SC/ST Act 2018 together.

The apex court had on Thursday refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused.

Parliament on August 9 last year had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.

The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it will consider and do the needful. Attorney General K K Venugopal said that a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on Thursday passed an order, saying it will be appropriate to hear the Centre's review and writ petitions against the SC/ST Act 2018 together. The apex court had on Thursday refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused. Parliament on August 9 last year had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law. The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

Supreme Court to consider listing of Centre's review, petitions challenging SC/ST Act amendments together

The United States government is concerned about India’s revised e-commerce regulations and has told officials in New Delhi the policy will hinder the Indian investment plans of Amazon.com and Walmart, three sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.

The tussle marks the latest in a number of US protests over Indian government policies which impact American companies and comes at a time when the two countries are trying to iron out other trade irritants. In 2017, the US lodged a written protest against India’s decision to cap medical device prices, which upset American companies.

India’s e-commerce investment rules, which kick in from February 1, ban companies from selling products via firms in which they have an equity interest and also bar them from making deals with sellers to sell exclusively on their platforms.

The policy has dealt a blow to Walmart, which just last year invested $16 billion in buying 77 per cent of India’s Flipkart, and Amazon, as it would force them to change their business structures in the country and raise their operational costs.

“There is a very strong undercurrent as to how this should be made a bilateral issue,” said a Washington-based industry source aware of the companies’ thinking.

“This has gone way beyond being a local (India) tussle.”

A US government official earlier this month told Indian officials to protect Walmart and Flipkart’s investments in the country, an Indian trade ministry official told Reuters.

The US government cited “good relations” between the two countries and stressed that American companies should be given concessions in the larger interest of bilateral trade, but India gave a “non-committal” response, the source added.

But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to delay the revised rules or amend them in any meaningful way as he is seeking the support of the tens of millions of small retailers and traders in India ahead of a general election that must be held by May. The small firms see Walmart and Amazon as a threat to their businesses.

An Indian industry source said Walmart, Amazon and lobbying groups were coordinating efforts with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the local embassy to express their discontent about the policy.

The USTR did not respond to a request for comment. The US Embassy in New Delhi, and Indian trade ministry spokeswoman Monideepa Mukherjee, declined to comment.

Asked about the Indian policy’s implications, Walmart spokesman Greg Hitt said: “We certainly, as you would expect, have engaged the (United States) administration on this issue.” He declined to share further details.

Amazon India said it was committed to complying with local laws but it needed “adequate time to understand” the policy.

GLOBAL VS LOCAL

Amazon and Walmart have both made bold bets to tap India’s booming e-commerce market, which Morgan Stanley had estimated, before the latest government move would grow 30 percent a year to $200 billion in the 10 years up to 2027.

The companies have targeted a growing population of tech-savvy shoppers in India, luring them with deep discounts on everything from dishwashers to smartphones.

India’s small traders and shopkeepers had for years complained that e-commerce companies were engaging in predatory pricing and hurting the businesses of brick-and-mortar retailers.

They alleged that the online retailers used their control over inventory from their affiliates to create an unfair marketplace that allowed them to sell some products at lower prices. Such arrangements would be barred under the new policy.

“We are disappointed more than surprised. It makes it harder to plan things,” a US-based Walmart source told Reuters.

“It is a serious issue. We are doing our best to work with Indian authorities and trying to explain why this is bad for business.”

The Confederation of All India Traders, which has supported tougher scrutiny of large e-commerce players, said the companies were acting “desperate” by pressurising the Indian government.

“Any deferment or change (in the policy) will adversely affect millions of small businesses,” said the group’s secretary general, Praveen Khandelwal.

POLITICS, DEADLINE RISK

Both Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon have requested the government to delay implementation of the policy, but India is unlikely to relent.

Indian officials have told Reuters no relief was likely as the policy was seen helping the small trader community, who form a critical voter base for Modi.

“The idea is just to win over the trading community ahead of elections and on that point the government will not budge from the deadline,” a second Indian trade ministry official said.

At stake are big ticket investments. When Walmart bought Flipkart last year, it said the decision underscored its “long-term commitment to India”.

Amazon has committed to investing $5.5 billion in the country and Modi has in recent years met its founder Jeff Bezos multiple times. In 2017, Bezos said he was “excited to keep investing and growing” in the country.

That investment climate has turned sour with sudden policy changes. Prasanto Roy, a New Delhi-based consultant who closely tracks India’s technology policy landscape, said the government should provide stable policies to attract investment.

“You can’t change policies overnight without consultation and tell companies who have invested billions to go fly a kite,” Roy said.

The United States government is concerned about India’s revised e-commerce regulations and has told officials in New Delhi the policy will hinder the Indian investment plans of Amazon.

The United States government is concerned about India’s revised e-commerce regulations and has told officials in New Delhi the policy will hinder the Indian investment plans of Amazon.com and Walmart, three sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. The tussle marks the latest in a number of US protests over Indian government policies which impact American companies and comes at a time when the two countries are trying to iron out other trade irritants. In 2017, the US lodged a written protest against India’s decision to cap medical device prices, which upset American companies. India’s e-commerce investment rules, which kick in from February 1, ban companies from selling products via firms in which they have an equity interest and also bar them from making deals with sellers to sell exclusively on their platforms. The policy has dealt a blow to Walmart, which just last year invested $16 billion in buying 77 per cent of India’s Flipkart, and Amazon, as it would force them to change their business structures in the country and raise their operational costs. “There is a very strong undercurrent as to how this should be made a bilateral issue,” said a Washington-based industry source aware of the companies’ thinking. “This has gone way beyond being a local (India) tussle.” A US government official earlier this month told Indian officials to protect Walmart and Flipkart’s investments in the country, an Indian trade ministry official told Reuters. The US government cited “good relations” between the two countries and stressed that American companies should be given concessions in the larger interest of bilateral trade, but India gave a “non-committal” response, the source added. But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to delay the revised rules or amend them in any meaningful way as he is seeking the support of the tens of millions of small retailers and traders in India ahead of a general election that must be held by May. The small firms see Walmart and Amazon as a threat to their businesses. An Indian industry source said Walmart, Amazon and lobbying groups were coordinating efforts with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the local embassy to express their discontent about the policy. The USTR did not respond to a request for comment. The US Embassy in New Delhi, and Indian trade ministry spokeswoman Monideepa Mukherjee, declined to comment. Asked about the Indian policy’s implications, Walmart spokesman Greg Hitt said: “We certainly, as you would expect, have engaged the (United States) administration on this issue.” He declined to share further details. Amazon India said it was committed to complying with local laws but it needed “adequate time to understand” the policy. GLOBAL VS LOCAL Amazon and Walmart have both made bold bets to tap India’s booming e-commerce market, which Morgan Stanley had estimated, before the latest government move would grow 30 percent a year to $200 billion in the 10 years up to 2027. The companies have targeted a growing population of tech-savvy shoppers in India, luring them with deep discounts on everything from dishwashers to smartphones. India’s small traders and shopkeepers had for years complained that e-commerce companies were engaging in predatory pricing and hurting the businesses of brick-and-mortar retailers. They alleged that the online retailers used their control over inventory from their affiliates to create an unfair marketplace that allowed them to sell some products at lower prices. Such arrangements would be barred under the new policy. “We are disappointed more than surprised. It makes it harder to plan things,” a US-based Walmart source told Reuters. “It is a serious issue. We are doing our best to work with Indian authorities and trying to explain why this is bad for business.” The Confederation of All India Traders, which has supported tougher scrutiny of large e-commerce players, said the companies were acting “desperate” by pressurising the Indian government. “Any deferment or change (in the policy) will adversely affect millions of small businesses,” said the group’s secretary general, Praveen Khandelwal. POLITICS, DEADLINE RISK Both Walmart-owned Flipkart and Amazon have requested the government to delay implementation of the policy, but India is unlikely to relent. Indian officials have told Reuters no relief was likely as the policy was seen helping the small trader community, who form a critical voter base for Modi. “The idea is just to win over the trading community ahead of elections and on that point the government will not budge from the deadline,” a second Indian trade ministry official said. At stake are big ticket investments. When Walmart bought Flipkart last year, it said the decision underscored its “long-term commitment to India”. Amazon has committed to investing $5.5 billion in the country and Modi has in recent years met its founder Jeff Bezos multiple times. In 2017, Bezos said he was “excited to keep investing and growing” in the country. That investment climate has turned sour with sudden policy changes. Prasanto Roy, a New Delhi-based consultant who closely tracks India’s technology policy landscape, said the government should provide stable policies to attract investment. “You can’t change policies overnight without consultation and tell companies who have invested billions to go fly a kite,” Roy said.

US voices concern as India's e-commerce restrictions hit Amazon, Walmart: Sources

The CBI Friday registered a new case against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others over alleged irregularities in land allocation and carried out searches at 30 locations in Delhi-NCR, officials said.

A team of officials from the agency arrived early morning at Hooda's residence in Rohtak, Haryana, they said.

According to the officials, 30 locations in the Delhi-NCR region are part of the probe, the officials said.

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A team of CBI officials is present at the residence of former Haryana Chief Minister BS Hooda in Rohtak, Haryana. <a href="https://t.co/HwPB5TtvVz">pic.twitter.com/HwPB5TtvVz</a>
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The agency is tight-lipped about the details of the case as the search operation is underway.

The case is understood to be related to alleged irregularities in land allotment, sources said.&nbsp;

The CBI Friday registered a new case against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others over alleged irregularities in land allocation and carried out searches at 30 locations in Delhi-NCR, officials said.

The CBI Friday registered a new case against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others over alleged irregularities in land allocation and carried out searches at 30 locations in Delhi-NCR, officials said. A team of officials from the agency arrived early morning at Hooda's residence in Rohtak, Haryana, they said. According to the officials, 30 locations in the Delhi-NCR region are part of the probe, the officials said. A team of CBI officials is present at the residence of former Haryana Chief Minister BS Hooda in Rohtak, Haryana. pic.twitter.com/HwPB5TtvVz — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × The agency is tight-lipped about the details of the case as the search operation is underway. The case is understood to be related to alleged irregularities in land allotment, sources said.

CBI registers new case against ex-Haryana CM Hooda in land scam; carries out searches at 30 locations

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky.

At a White House event on the Reciprocal Trade Act on Thursday, Trump flashed out a green colour board that had examples of non-reciprocal tariffs from various countries.

"Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal," the president said.

Trump pointed out to the high tariff by India on import of wines. "India has a very high tariff. They charge a lot of tariffs. You look at whisky... India gets 150 per cent, we get nothing."

India had last February slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US.

In his interaction with lawmakers at the White House, Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would give the US workers a fair and level-playing field against other countries.

The US, he alleged, had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world. "They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products.

"Whether they think we're very nice or not so smart, they've been doing it for many, many years and we want to end it. Many of these are friends, many of these are allies... But, sometimes, allies take advantage of us even more so than our non-allies," he said.

Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would help to solve the problem once and for all. "Whatever the tariff for a foreign country is, we place the same tariff on us."

"What's going to happen, I think, from a practical standpoint, is they won't be charging us tariffs anymore. We'll see. Or we'll charge them a lot.

Tremendous amount of money," he said.

The Reciprocal Trade Act will be an incredible tool to bring foreign countries to the negotiating table and to get them to lower tariffs on US products and also to get rid of their trade barriers, the president asserted.

America cannot lose almost US $800 billion on trade like has been done for many years, he said.

Congressman Sean Duffy, who introduced the Reciprocal Trade Act, has granite from India among his global list of non-reciprocal tariffs.

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky.

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky. At a White House event on the Reciprocal Trade Act on Thursday, Trump flashed out a green colour board that had examples of non-reciprocal tariffs from various countries. "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal," the president said. Trump pointed out to the high tariff by India on import of wines. "India has a very high tariff. They charge a lot of tariffs. You look at whisky... India gets 150 per cent, we get nothing." India had last February slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US. In his interaction with lawmakers at the White House, Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would give the US workers a fair and level-playing field against other countries. The US, he alleged, had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world. "They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products. "Whether they think we're very nice or not so smart, they've been doing it for many, many years and we want to end it. Many of these are friends, many of these are allies... But, sometimes, allies take advantage of us even more so than our non-allies," he said. Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would help to solve the problem once and for all. "Whatever the tariff for a foreign country is, we place the same tariff on us." "What's going to happen, I think, from a practical standpoint, is they won't be charging us tariffs anymore. We'll see. Or we'll charge them a lot. Tremendous amount of money," he said. The Reciprocal Trade Act will be an incredible tool to bring foreign countries to the negotiating table and to get them to lower tariffs on US products and also to get rid of their trade barriers, the president asserted. America cannot lose almost US $800 billion on trade like has been done for many years, he said. Congressman Sean Duffy, who introduced the Reciprocal Trade Act, has granite from India among his global list of non-reciprocal tariffs.

In just 2 minutes, I got motorcycle tariffs in India down to 50%: Trump

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said it will examine the validity of the 10 per cent quota for the economically weak section of the general category.

The apex court has issued a notice to the Central government on pleas challenging the constitutional amendment that gives 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker section of the general category.&nbsp;

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The top court refused to stay implementation of 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker section of general category and stated that it will examine the issue, news agency ANI reported. The Court will hear the matter in four weeks.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/quota-for-general-category-poor-will-boost-confidence-of-new-india-pm-modi-189891">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, earlier this month, said the bill to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the general category poor will boost the "self-confidence of new India", asserting that existing quota policy for SCs, STs and OBCs is as strong as it was and will remain so.

"This will further boost the confidence of new India," he said, adding that it will give a new dimension to the aspirations of the general category poor who were not getting equal opportunity.

"The general category poor cannot be neglected," he said.

The number of seats in educational institutions will also be increased by 10 per cent, he said. It is done to ensure that the increased quota does not eat into the share of those from the unreserved category, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Parliament passed the constitution amendment bill in the Winter Session, with the Modi government meeting a key demand of upper castes.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said it will examine the validity of the 10 per cent quota for the economically weak section of the general category. The apex court has issued a notice to the Central government on pleas challenging the constitutional amendment that gives 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker section of the general category.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said it will examine the validity of the 10 per cent quota for the economically weak section of the general category. The apex court has issued a notice to the Central government on pleas challenging the constitutional amendment that gives 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker section of the general category. Supreme Court also refuses to stay implementation of 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker section of general category. A bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi says “we will examine the issue.” https://t.co/nLEnpg2CyG — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × The top court refused to stay implementation of 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker section of general category and stated that it will examine the issue, news agency ANI reported. The Court will hear the matter in four weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier this month, said the bill to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the general category poor will boost the "self-confidence of new India", asserting that existing quota policy for SCs, STs and OBCs is as strong as it was and will remain so. "This will further boost the confidence of new India," he said, adding that it will give a new dimension to the aspirations of the general category poor who were not getting equal opportunity. "The general category poor cannot be neglected," he said. The number of seats in educational institutions will also be increased by 10 per cent, he said. It is done to ensure that the increased quota does not eat into the share of those from the unreserved category, news agency PTI reported. Parliament passed the constitution amendment bill in the Winter Session, with the Modi government meeting a key demand of upper castes.

Don't hold 10% quota for economically weak, will examine validity: Supreme Court

At least 11 Delhi-bound trains were running late on Friday as visibility in parts of northern India plummeted below 100 meters due to dense fog, which is predicted to engulf the national capital for the next three days, according to the MeT department.

Dense to very dense fog is predicted for Delhi during the wee morning hours on Saturday, which is expected to further lower visibility in the region and bring down the temperatures, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Friday.

"Dense to very dense fog observed at isolated places of Punjab and East Madhya Pradesh, while moderate fog at a few places over north Rajasthan and at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility in major cities are Punjab Amritsar lowered down to 25 meters; Madhya Pradesh`s Satna to 50 meters," IMD in its daily weather forecast.

The delayed trains are Sitamarhi-Anand Vihar Lichhavi Express, Malda-Delhi Farakka Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Gaya-New Delhi Mahabodhi Express, Dibrugarh-Delhi Brahmaputra Mail, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Vikramshila Express, Islampur-New Delhi Magadh Express, Haldia-Anand Vihar Express, and Rewa-Anand Vihar Rew Express.

&nbsp;After a short spell of "moderate" condition, overall air quality in Delhi again turned "very poor" with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 319. "AQI is expected to remain in very poor range for the next three days with a slight increase in magnitude," System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said.

However, continuous wind and rain in the last few days contributed to bringing down the major pollutant particulate matter 10 (PM 10) concentration from "moderate" to "poor".

On Friday, PM 10 and particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) in the nation capital was detected at 158 and 93 respectively.

Meanwhile, thick fog engulfs the city of Bihar`s Gaya lowering down the visibility to 100 meters.

Meteorological Centre, in its advisory, said that rain and thunderstorms accompanied with hail is very likely to occur at some places over Prayagraj, Hathras, Agra, Etah, Sant Ravidas Nagar districts and adjoining areas in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

At least 11 Delhi-bound trains were running late on Friday as visibility in parts of northern India plummeted below 100 meters due to dense fog, which is predicted to engulf the national capital for the next three days, according to the MeT department.

At least 11 Delhi-bound trains were running late on Friday as visibility in parts of northern India plummeted below 100 meters due to dense fog, which is predicted to engulf the national capital for the next three days, according to the MeT department. Dense to very dense fog is predicted for Delhi during the wee morning hours on Saturday, which is expected to further lower visibility in the region and bring down the temperatures, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Friday. "Dense to very dense fog observed at isolated places of Punjab and East Madhya Pradesh, while moderate fog at a few places over north Rajasthan and at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility in major cities are Punjab Amritsar lowered down to 25 meters; Madhya Pradesh`s Satna to 50 meters," IMD in its daily weather forecast. The delayed trains are Sitamarhi-Anand Vihar Lichhavi Express, Malda-Delhi Farakka Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Gaya-New Delhi Mahabodhi Express, Dibrugarh-Delhi Brahmaputra Mail, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Vikramshila Express, Islampur-New Delhi Magadh Express, Haldia-Anand Vihar Express, and Rewa-Anand Vihar Rew Express. After a short spell of "moderate" condition, overall air quality in Delhi again turned "very poor" with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 319. "AQI is expected to remain in very poor range for the next three days with a slight increase in magnitude," System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said. However, continuous wind and rain in the last few days contributed to bringing down the major pollutant particulate matter 10 (PM 10) concentration from "moderate" to "poor". On Friday, PM 10 and particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) in the nation capital was detected at 158 and 93 respectively. Meanwhile, thick fog engulfs the city of Bihar`s Gaya lowering down the visibility to 100 meters. Meteorological Centre, in its advisory, said that rain and thunderstorms accompanied with hail is very likely to occur at some places over Prayagraj, Hathras, Agra, Etah, Sant Ravidas Nagar districts and adjoining areas in Uttar Pradesh.

11 Delhi-bound trains delayed as fog engulfs capital city

ISRO on Thursday successfully launched its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-pslv-c44-rocket-carrying-kalamsat-microsatr-192577">46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle</a> (PSLV-C44) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The launch which took place at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as the world's lightest satellite, made by Indian students, was successfully lifted into the orbit, ISRO said last night.&nbsp;

PSLV-C44 fourth stage was re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat&nbsp;and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP).&nbsp;

"C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. It's the lowest altitude the PSLV has flown till now", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said.

"The ISRO is open to all students of India. Bring to us your satellites and we will launch it for you. Let's make India into a science-fairing nation," ISRO chief K Sivan told media.&nbsp;

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Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. 
 
This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-isro-scientists-for-successful-launch-of-pslv-c44-mission-192603">congratulated scientists</a> of ISRO for the launch of PSLV. Here are the top facts related to the unique launch:

1. The launch carried the&nbsp;world's lightest satellite Kalamsat along with India's military satellite Microsat-R.

2. The communication satellite is also the first one to be designed and built by an Indian private entity and launched by ISRO.

3. Kalamsat-V2 &nbsp;is designed and built by students of a Chennai-based private firm called "Space Kidz India".

4. According to reports, Kalamsat-V2 weighs less than 2 kilograms and was ready in under a week.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;The Space Kidz India group took over 5 years to perfect the technology employed into creating Kalamsat-V2.

6. It is the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform.&nbsp;

7. The Indian Space and Research Organisation did not bear a single rupee in the designing of the satellite.

8. PSLV-C44 also carried 740-kg &nbsp;Microsat-R, an imaging satellite will be used to take high-resolution photos of the Earth for defence research.

9. The launch makes India&nbsp;the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments.

10.&nbsp;PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV.

Founder and CEO of Space Kids India said the opportunity provided to the budding scientists was phenomenal.&nbsp;

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S Kesan, Founder &amp; CEO, Space Kids India whose satellite Kalamsat was launched by ISRO's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLVC44?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLVC44</a> mission: ISRO spent so much money to build a rocket &amp; gave a segment of it for student research,the opportunity was phenomenal. It's a victory for entire student aerospace community. <a href="https://t.co/EkarAbQDPL">pic.twitter.com/EkarAbQDPL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088584601432252416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"ISRO spent so much money to build a rocket &amp; gave a segment of it for student research,the opportunity was phenomenal. It's a victory for entire student aerospace community," S Kesan told ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

ISRO on Thursday successfully launched its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch which took place at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as the world's lightest satellite, made by Indian students, was successfully lifted into the orbit, ISRO said last night.

ISRO on Thursday successfully launched its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch which took place at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as the world's lightest satellite, made by Indian students, was successfully lifted into the orbit, ISRO said last night. PSLV-C44 fourth stage was re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP). "C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. It's the lowest altitude the PSLV has flown till now", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said. "The ISRO is open to all students of India. Bring to us your satellites and we will launch it for you. Let's make India into a science-fairing nation," ISRO chief K Sivan told media. Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated scientists of ISRO for the launch of PSLV. Here are the top facts related to the unique launch: 1. The launch carried the world's lightest satellite Kalamsat along with India's military satellite Microsat-R. 2. The communication satellite is also the first one to be designed and built by an Indian private entity and launched by ISRO. 3. Kalamsat-V2 is designed and built by students of a Chennai-based private firm called "Space Kidz India". 4. According to reports, Kalamsat-V2 weighs less than 2 kilograms and was ready in under a week. 5. The Space Kidz India group took over 5 years to perfect the technology employed into creating Kalamsat-V2. 6. It is the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform. 7. The Indian Space and Research Organisation did not bear a single rupee in the designing of the satellite. 8. PSLV-C44 also carried 740-kg Microsat-R, an imaging satellite will be used to take high-resolution photos of the Earth for defence research. 9. The launch makes India the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments. 10. PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. Founder and CEO of Space Kids India said the opportunity provided to the budding scientists was phenomenal. S Kesan, Founder & CEO, Space Kids India whose satellite Kalamsat was launched by ISRO's #PSLVC44 mission: ISRO spent so much money to build a rocket & gave a segment of it for student research,the opportunity was phenomenal. It's a victory for entire student aerospace community. pic.twitter.com/EkarAbQDPL — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × "ISRO spent so much money to build a rocket & gave a segment of it for student research,the opportunity was phenomenal. It's a victory for entire student aerospace community," S Kesan told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

When ISRO successfully lifted world lightest satellite into orbit: Top facts about unique PSLV-C44 launch

President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, L&amp;T chairman A M Naik, late journalist Kuldip Nayar, late actor Kader Khan and cricketer Gautam Gambhir,&nbsp;India football captain Sunil Chhetri&nbsp;were among the 112 prominent personalities who were named on Friday for conferment of this year's Padma awards.

Folk artist from Chhattisgarh Teejan Bai, Guelleh, Naik and theatre actor from Maharashtra Balwant Moreshwar Purandare will be honoured with Padma Vibushan, former Comptroller and Auditor General V K Shunglu, former union minister Kariya Munda, Akali leader S S Dhindsa were named for Padma Bhushan.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padma-shree-award-winners-full-list-192818"> Full list of&nbsp;Padma Shri award winners</a>

Former CEO of CISCO Systems John Chambers, South African anti-Apartheid Leader Pravin Gordhan, iconic face of MDH spices Mahashay Dharam Pal Gulati, Malayalam actor Mohan Lal, founder President of Saraswati Nadi Shodh Sansthan, Darshan Lal Jain were among the 14 renowned persons named for Padma Bhushan, the Home Ministry announced.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-president-pranab-mukherjee-nanaji-deshmukh-bhupen-hazarika-awarded-bharat-ratna-192802">Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh &amp; Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna</a>

Late actor Kadar Khan, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, dancer and choreographer Prabhu Deva and former diplomat S Jaishankar are among 94 persons named for Padma Shri.

These awards are conferred by President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.

This year the President has approved conferment of 112 Padma Awards including one duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri Awards.&nbsp;

As many as 21 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 11 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, 3 posthumous awardees and one transgender person.

Here is the full list of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardees:

<img alt="Padma Bhushan and Vibhushan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16e2f0c3-4495-4c8d-8a5b-f4b3857b0e49" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Padma%20Bhusan%2CPadma%20Vibhushan.PNG" />

President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, L&T chairman A M Naik, late journalist Kuldip Nayar, late actor Kader Khan and cricketer Gautam Gambhir, India football captain Sunil Chhetri were among the 112 prominent personalities who were named on Friday for conferment of this year's Padma awards.

President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, L&T chairman A M Naik, late journalist Kuldip Nayar, late actor Kader Khan and cricketer Gautam Gambhir, India football captain Sunil Chhetri were among the 112 prominent personalities who were named on Friday for conferment of this year's Padma awards. Folk artist from Chhattisgarh Teejan Bai, Guelleh, Naik and theatre actor from Maharashtra Balwant Moreshwar Purandare will be honoured with Padma Vibushan, former Comptroller and Auditor General V K Shunglu, former union minister Kariya Munda, Akali leader S S Dhindsa were named for Padma Bhushan. Also read: Full list of Padma Shri award winners Former CEO of CISCO Systems John Chambers, South African anti-Apartheid Leader Pravin Gordhan, iconic face of MDH spices Mahashay Dharam Pal Gulati, Malayalam actor Mohan Lal, founder President of Saraswati Nadi Shodh Sansthan, Darshan Lal Jain were among the 14 renowned persons named for Padma Bhushan, the Home Ministry announced. Also read: Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh & Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna Late actor Kadar Khan, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, dancer and choreographer Prabhu Deva and former diplomat S Jaishankar are among 94 persons named for Padma Shri. These awards are conferred by President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. This year the President has approved conferment of 112 Padma Awards including one duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri Awards. As many as 21 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 11 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, 3 posthumous awardees and one transgender person. Here is the full list of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardees:

Djibouti president, L&T chairman Naik, Kuldip Nayar, Kader Khan, Gambhir named for Padma awards

Late actor Kadar Khan, cricketer Gautam Gambhir and former diplomat S Jaishankar are among 94 persons who will be conferred the country's fourth highest civilian&nbsp;award, the ministry of home affairs announced today.

Padma Shri is&nbsp;the highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. The Padma&nbsp;Shri is conferred by President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-president-pranab-mukherjee-nanaji-deshmukh-bhupen-hazarika-awarded-bharat-ratna-192802">Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh &amp; Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna</a>

Here is the list of full list of Padma Shri awardees:

<img alt="Padma shri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="303b20dd-5389-4ba9-94fc-69b09266a988" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Padma%20Shri1%20final.PNG" />

<img alt="Padma shri award" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f6e32bc-d8d8-4381-abc2-4dac3e519eb2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Padma%20Shri2.PNG" />

<img alt="Padma Shri award" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2dce280-3ea7-451d-b51c-5d1d02ec875e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Padma%20Shri3.PNG" />

<img alt="Padma shri award" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64bd058b-5bd0-42c0-a6bf-1d3b7172807a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Padma%20Shri4.PNG" />

Late actor Kadar Khan, cricketer Gautam Gambhir and former diplomat S Jaishankar are among 94 persons who will be conferred the country's fourth highest civilian award, the ministry of home affairs announced today.

Late actor Kadar Khan, cricketer Gautam Gambhir and former diplomat S Jaishankar are among 94 persons who will be conferred the country's fourth highest civilian award, the ministry of home affairs announced today. Padma Shri is the highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri is conferred by President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. Also read: Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh & Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna Here is the list of full list of Padma Shri awardees:

Padma Shri award winners: Full list

India launches world's lightest satellite into space

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country.

Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow.

He is accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

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President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Delhi. He will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/TnjxJi3mL5">pic.twitter.com/TnjxJi3mL5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088660218836336640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa accorded 'guard of honour' at Rashtrapati Bhavan in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/IgIfSf2dBQ">pic.twitter.com/IgIfSf2dBQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088667475560910848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

This is the second time a South African president will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela.

(With inputs from agencies)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country. Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country. Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow. He is accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Delhi. He will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/TnjxJi3mL5 — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa accorded 'guard of honour' at Rashtrapati Bhavan in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/IgIfSf2dBQ — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. This is the second time a South African president will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. (With inputs from agencies)

Republic Day chief guest, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in India

Two alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members have been arrested on charges of planning to carry out terror strikes in the national capital during Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police officials said on Thursday.

They were identified as Abdul Latif Ganaie (29), alias Umair alias Dilawar, and Hilal Ahmad Bhat (26) residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Wakura and Batapora areas respectively.

Dilawar was arrested on the intervening night of January 20-21 after police got a tip off from military intelligence that a house in Laxmi Nagar was frequented by suspicious persons, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell P S Kushwah said.

Police learnt that Dilawar would come near Rajghat to meet someone and accordingly a team was deployed there. Subsequently, he was arrested with incriminating material, he said.

A .32 bore pistol and 26 live cartridges were recovered from him. Three rubber stamps of JeM commanders and other material was also recovered from his possession, he added.

It took the Delhi Police a few months to identify Dilawar, the DCP said.

A team was rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to nab his other associates. Two hand grenades were recovered from his house there, Kushwah said.

Bhat, who had carried out the recce of various places for terrorist strikes in Delhi, was also arrested from Bandipora, he said.

During interrogation, they revealed that they were JeM members and that Dilawar is the terror outfit's Ganderbal district commander, Kushwah said.

Dilawar told police that he was in touch with his Pakistan-based handler Abu Mauz through Telegram and WhatsApp, he said.

He further revealed that Mauz had given him more than a dozen hand grenades, a pistol and 30 live cartridges through an Aaqib, the DCP said.

Dilawar was asked to use those grenades on the armed and police forces in Jammu and Kashmir and in parts of Delhi to disrupt Republic Day celebrations, Kushwah said.

He told police that he had given two grenades to one Abid in Jammu and Kashmir and he used them to attack Army personnel of 5 RR in Sumbal, Bandipora on January 4, the officer said.

Dilawar also gave some grenades to one Shahbaz in Srinagar and to Bhat, Kushwah said.

Jammu and Kashmir police was informed about this network, following which Shahbaz was arrested on Tuesday, he said.

Dilawar came in contact with radical elements during a four-year course at a madrasa in Sopore. He started chatting with these fringe elements on various social platforms, the DCP said.

Impressed by Dilawar's posts, Mauz communicated with him and radicalised him by sending various audio and video clips of JeM chief Maulana Azhar Masood, Kushwah said.&nbsp;

He said Mauz also instructed Dilawar to go to Delhi to conduct a recce of VIP areas, places of heavy footfalls in posh markets, vital places and gas pipeline to identify blast targets.

Dilawar was previously arrested in two cases of stone pelting in 2016 in the area of Sadar Ganderbal police station, he said.&nbsp;

Two alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members have been arrested on charges of planning to carry out terror strikes in the national capital during Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police officials said on Thursday.

Two alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members have been arrested on charges of planning to carry out terror strikes in the national capital during Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police officials said on Thursday. They were identified as Abdul Latif Ganaie (29), alias Umair alias Dilawar, and Hilal Ahmad Bhat (26) residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Wakura and Batapora areas respectively. Dilawar was arrested on the intervening night of January 20-21 after police got a tip off from military intelligence that a house in Laxmi Nagar was frequented by suspicious persons, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell P S Kushwah said. Police learnt that Dilawar would come near Rajghat to meet someone and accordingly a team was deployed there. Subsequently, he was arrested with incriminating material, he said. A .32 bore pistol and 26 live cartridges were recovered from him. Three rubber stamps of JeM commanders and other material was also recovered from his possession, he added. It took the Delhi Police a few months to identify Dilawar, the DCP said. A team was rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to nab his other associates. Two hand grenades were recovered from his house there, Kushwah said. Bhat, who had carried out the recce of various places for terrorist strikes in Delhi, was also arrested from Bandipora, he said. During interrogation, they revealed that they were JeM members and that Dilawar is the terror outfit's Ganderbal district commander, Kushwah said. Dilawar told police that he was in touch with his Pakistan-based handler Abu Mauz through Telegram and WhatsApp, he said. He further revealed that Mauz had given him more than a dozen hand grenades, a pistol and 30 live cartridges through an Aaqib, the DCP said. Dilawar was asked to use those grenades on the armed and police forces in Jammu and Kashmir and in parts of Delhi to disrupt Republic Day celebrations, Kushwah said. He told police that he had given two grenades to one Abid in Jammu and Kashmir and he used them to attack Army personnel of 5 RR in Sumbal, Bandipora on January 4, the officer said. Dilawar also gave some grenades to one Shahbaz in Srinagar and to Bhat, Kushwah said. Jammu and Kashmir police was informed about this network, following which Shahbaz was arrested on Tuesday, he said. Dilawar came in contact with radical elements during a four-year course at a madrasa in Sopore. He started chatting with these fringe elements on various social platforms, the DCP said. Impressed by Dilawar's posts, Mauz communicated with him and radicalised him by sending various audio and video clips of JeM chief Maulana Azhar Masood, Kushwah said. He said Mauz also instructed Dilawar to go to Delhi to conduct a recce of VIP areas, places of heavy footfalls in posh markets, vital places and gas pipeline to identify blast targets. Dilawar was previously arrested in two cases of stone pelting in 2016 in the area of Sadar Ganderbal police station, he said.

Delhi: JeM members arrested for allegedly planning attacks on Republic Day

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/full-text-of-president-pranab-mukherjees-farewell-address-to-the-nation-18254">former president Pranab Mukherjee </a>have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna.

In an official statement, the government said Deshmukh and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhupen-hazarika-remembered-23600">Hazarika </a>have been conferred the award posthumously.

The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of four years. Former PM&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Narendra Modi government in 2015.

Mukherjee, fondly known as 'Pranab Da', was the president between 2012 and 2017.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mukherjee is an outstanding statesman of present times who has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory.&nbsp;

"His (Mukherjee) wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Modi tweeted.

Referring to Deshmukh, Modi said his stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages.

"He (Deshmukh) personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!," he tweeted.

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Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. 
 
He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. 
 
His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.
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Praising Hazarika, Modi said his songs and music are admired by people across generations.&nbsp;

"From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood."&nbsp;

"He (Hazarika) popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The 83-year-old Mukherjee, who was also known as the quintessential Man Friday of the Congress, joins the elite club with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Rajendra Prasad, Zakir Hussain and V V Giri who had been conferred the coveted award.

Mukherjee became India's youngest finance minister in 1982 at the age of 47. From 2004, he went on to head three crucial ministries - external affairs, defence and finance - and became the first occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to have this distinction.

Deshmukh was associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) since 1928 till his death in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2010 at the age of 94 and was known for starting the chain of RSS inspired schools throughout India.

He was one of the founder members of Bharatiya Jan Sangh which later evolved as BJP.&nbsp;He was considered to be one of the architects of the Jai Prakash Narain movement against Emergency in 1974 and among the key persons in the formation of Janata Party government in 1977.&nbsp;

Born in 1926, Hazarika was a playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet and filmmaker from Assam.

A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Padmashri (1977), Padmabhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2012-posthumously), Hazarika was also awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992.

Hazarika did his PhD from Columbia University in 1952. He died in 2011.

The cultural icon also had a brush with politics and had unsuccessfully contested the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket in 2004. He was an independent MLA in Assam during 1967-72.

Hazarika gave music in Bollywood movies Rudaali, Darmiyaan, Gaja Gamini, Daman and many Assamese hits, including award winning film 'Sameli Memsaab'.&nbsp;

With these three recipients, 48 eminent people have been conferred the award so far.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former president Pranab Mukherjee have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna.

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former president Pranab Mukherjee have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna. In an official statement, the government said Deshmukh and Hazarika have been conferred the award posthumously. The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of four years. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Narendra Modi government in 2015. Mukherjee, fondly known as 'Pranab Da', was the president between 2012 and 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mukherjee is an outstanding statesman of present times who has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. "His (Mukherjee) wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Modi tweeted. Referring to Deshmukh, Modi said his stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. "He (Deshmukh) personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!," he tweeted. Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019 × Praising Hazarika, Modi said his songs and music are admired by people across generations. "From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood." "He (Hazarika) popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da," the Prime Minister tweeted. The 83-year-old Mukherjee, who was also known as the quintessential Man Friday of the Congress, joins the elite club with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Rajendra Prasad, Zakir Hussain and V V Giri who had been conferred the coveted award. Mukherjee became India's youngest finance minister in 1982 at the age of 47. From 2004, he went on to head three crucial ministries - external affairs, defence and finance - and became the first occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to have this distinction. Deshmukh was associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) since 1928 till his death in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2010 at the age of 94 and was known for starting the chain of RSS inspired schools throughout India. He was one of the founder members of Bharatiya Jan Sangh which later evolved as BJP. He was considered to be one of the architects of the Jai Prakash Narain movement against Emergency in 1974 and among the key persons in the formation of Janata Party government in 1977. Born in 1926, Hazarika was a playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet and filmmaker from Assam. A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Padmashri (1977), Padmabhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2012-posthumously), Hazarika was also awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992. Hazarika did his PhD from Columbia University in 1952. He died in 2011. The cultural icon also had a brush with politics and had unsuccessfully contested the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket in 2004. He was an independent MLA in Assam during 1967-72. Hazarika gave music in Bollywood movies Rudaali, Darmiyaan, Gaja Gamini, Daman and many Assamese hits, including award winning film 'Sameli Memsaab'. With these three recipients, 48 eminent people have been conferred the award so far.

Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh & Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated scientists of ISRO for the launch of PSLV.&nbsp;

He said India has become the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments.

"Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students. With this launch, India also becomes the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments," the Prime Minister tweeted early on Friday.

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Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. 
 
This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1088596416149110784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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With this launch, India also becomes the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for micro-gravity experiments. <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a>
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India has successfully launched its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) carrying Kalamsat, a communication satellite developed by students and India's military satellite Microsat-R from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Addressing media after the successful launch of PSLV-C44 mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said,"The ISRO is open to all students of India. Bring to us your satellites and we will launch it for you. Let's make India into a science-fairing nation."

He added,"PSLV-C44 mission successfully injected into Microsat - R. The mission is not ordinary; C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. It's the lowest altitude the PSLV flown still now. Kalamsat which was built by space kids, they are here and congratulated them."

The launch which took place at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as PSLV-C44 fourth stage was re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat payload and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP).&nbsp;

PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.

The PSLV with two strap-on configuration was identified for this mission and the configuration is designated as PSLV-DL.

PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV.

In PSLV-C44, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle will be moved to a higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments.&nbsp;

Kalamsat, a student payload, is the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform. PSLV-C44 also carried Microsat-R, an imaging satellite.

Earlier, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said India`s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2018, is now expected to be launched between March 25 and end of April this year.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated scientists of ISRO for the launch of PSLV. He said India has become the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated scientists of ISRO for the launch of PSLV. He said India has become the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments. "Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students. With this launch, India also becomes the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for microgravity experiments," the Prime Minister tweeted early on Friday. Heartiest congratulations to our space scientists for yet another successful launch of PSLV. This launch has put in orbit Kalamsat, built by India's talented students. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019 × With this launch, India also becomes the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket as an orbital platform for micro-gravity experiments. @isro — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019 × India has successfully launched its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) carrying Kalamsat, a communication satellite developed by students and India's military satellite Microsat-R from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Addressing media after the successful launch of PSLV-C44 mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said,"The ISRO is open to all students of India. Bring to us your satellites and we will launch it for you. Let's make India into a science-fairing nation." He added,"PSLV-C44 mission successfully injected into Microsat - R. The mission is not ordinary; C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. It's the lowest altitude the PSLV flown still now. Kalamsat which was built by space kids, they are here and congratulated them." The launch which took place at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as PSLV-C44 fourth stage was re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat payload and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP). PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. The PSLV with two strap-on configuration was identified for this mission and the configuration is designated as PSLV-DL. PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. In PSLV-C44, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle will be moved to a higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments. Kalamsat, a student payload, is the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform. PSLV-C44 also carried Microsat-R, an imaging satellite. Earlier, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said India`s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2018, is now expected to be launched between March 25 and end of April this year.

PM Modi lauds ISRO scientists for successful launch of PSLV-C44 mission

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides. &nbsp;

It's the 11th time when an African leader has been called at India's Republic Day since 1950. In 1971, India invited the then President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere as the chief guest. Nyerere became the first African leader to be at the Republic Day event.&nbsp;

In 2002, India invited an African leader for the Republic Day. In 2002, the then President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, was invited by India as the chief guest at the Republic Day event.&nbsp;

Speaking on Africa day on January 18 in Gandhinagar during Vibrant Gujarat event, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India has a partnership based on equality with the African continent, one that has a strong historical foundation.&nbsp;

"India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and from apartheid. We take pride in our model of cooperation with Africa which is demand-driven, consultative, participative, involves local resources, builds capacity and is based on Africa’s own prioritisation of its needs."&nbsp;

In the last 4 years, there have been 29 high-level&nbsp;visits to Africa from India. As many as 35 African leaders visited India in the last 4 years. The 3rd India Africa summit in 2015 was one of the biggest diplomatic engagements under the Modi government. The event saw the participation of 41 heads of state and governments.

New Delhi has already announced to open 18 new embassies and high commissions in Africa. Only last year, India opened its new mission in Rwanda - the current chair for the African Union. When it comes to trade ties, India is the 3rd largest export destination to the continent and 5th largest investor.&nbsp;

Every year on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Indian government leaves no stone unturned to highlight its achievements. India invites countries to showcase the ties it enjoys with them.&nbsp;

Last year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN group for the Republic Day. During the first Republic Day under the Modi government, India invited the then US President Barack Obama, his French counterpart François Hollande. Then in 2017, UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest.&nbsp;

The neighbourhood at Republic Day

India has been inviting its neighbouring countries for its Republic Day celebrations. Bhutanese kings have visited New Delhi as the chief guest at Republic Day parade in 1954, 1984, 2005 and 2013. Afghanistan's King Mohammed Zahir Shah was the chief guest in 1967. Nepal's King Tribhuvan was the guest of honour in 1951 while King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the guest at the Republic Day parade in 1999. Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was invited for the same in 1991. Sri Lanka was the guest in 1974 and 1988. &nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan has been to India's Republic Day twice. In 1955, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the guest at the very first Republic Day parade at Rajpath. In 1965, Pakistan's Food and Agriculture Minister Rana Abdul Hamid was the guest at the Republic Day. Both countries went to war later that year. &nbsp;

Even China has been invited to the event. In 1958, Marshall Ye Jianying was the chief guest at Republic Day event. Bangladesh has never been represented on the occasion.&nbsp;

World Powers at Republic day&nbsp;

Russia has been invited only once in 2007 with Russian President Vladimir Putin representing the country. The Soviet Union was invited 3 times - 1957, 1960, 1968. The United Kingdom and France are at a tie with both the countries being invited 5 times.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides. It's the 11th time when an African leader has been called at India's Republic Day since 1950. In 1971, India invited the then President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere as the chief guest. Nyerere became the first African leader to be at the Republic Day event. In 2002, India invited an African leader for the Republic Day. In 2002, the then President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, was invited by India as the chief guest at the Republic Day event. Speaking on Africa day on January 18 in Gandhinagar during Vibrant Gujarat event, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India has a partnership based on equality with the African continent, one that has a strong historical foundation. "India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and from apartheid. We take pride in our model of cooperation with Africa which is demand-driven, consultative, participative, involves local resources, builds capacity and is based on Africa’s own prioritisation of its needs." In the last 4 years, there have been 29 high-level visits to Africa from India. As many as 35 African leaders visited India in the last 4 years. The 3rd India Africa summit in 2015 was one of the biggest diplomatic engagements under the Modi government. The event saw the participation of 41 heads of state and governments. New Delhi has already announced to open 18 new embassies and high commissions in Africa. Only last year, India opened its new mission in Rwanda - the current chair for the African Union. When it comes to trade ties, India is the 3rd largest export destination to the continent and 5th largest investor. Every year on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Indian government leaves no stone unturned to highlight its achievements. India invites countries to showcase the ties it enjoys with them. Last year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN group for the Republic Day. During the first Republic Day under the Modi government, India invited the then US President Barack Obama, his French counterpart François Hollande. Then in 2017, UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest. The neighbourhood at Republic Day India has been inviting its neighbouring countries for its Republic Day celebrations. Bhutanese kings have visited New Delhi as the chief guest at Republic Day parade in 1954, 1984, 2005 and 2013. Afghanistan's King Mohammed Zahir Shah was the chief guest in 1967. Nepal's King Tribhuvan was the guest of honour in 1951 while King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the guest at the Republic Day parade in 1999. Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was invited for the same in 1991. Sri Lanka was the guest in 1974 and 1988. Interestingly, Pakistan has been to India's Republic Day twice. In 1955, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the guest at the very first Republic Day parade at Rajpath. In 1965, Pakistan's Food and Agriculture Minister Rana Abdul Hamid was the guest at the Republic Day. Both countries went to war later that year. Even China has been invited to the event. In 1958, Marshall Ye Jianying was the chief guest at Republic Day event. Bangladesh has never been represented on the occasion. World Powers at Republic day Russia has been invited only once in 2007 with Russian President Vladimir Putin representing the country. The Soviet Union was invited 3 times - 1957, 1960, 1968. The United Kingdom and France are at a tie with both the countries being invited 5 times.

With South Africa's presence this Republic Day, India increases its engagement with the continent 

The spotlight is yet again on Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistan after New Delhi raised the matter yet again with Islamabad.&nbsp;

New Delhi had raised the matter several times in the past with Islamabad to no avail.

The development comes even as Pakistan has not moved an inch to repatriate 12 Indians and 392 fishermen who have completed their prison sentences.&nbsp;

Pakistan is also not moving on the case of mentally unsound prisoners who continue to languish in its prisons.

Recently, New Delhi asked Pakistan to repatriate bodies of 2 Indians from Jammu and Kashmir who were washed away even as the family members wait for a response.&nbsp;

This comes even as Pakistan drags its feet to confirm the nationality of many of its nationals who continue to remain in India even after completion of their sentences.&nbsp;

Last month Pakistan released Hamid Nehal Ansari who was languished in a Pakistani jail for 6 years. He had crossed Pakistan on fake identification card from Afghanistan to meet the women who he befriended on Facebook.&nbsp;

New Delhi reciprocated by repatriating 2 Pakistani nationals-- Imran Warsiand Abdullah Shah to Pakistan. Imran Warsi was in an Indian jail for last 10 years on charges of a fake passport while Abdullah Shah crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.

Pakistan has 54 civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or believed-to-be-Indians while India has 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody.

Under the 2008 Agreement India and Pakistan exchange list of prisoners and fisherman lodged in there jails on 1st January and 1st July, every year.

In October 2017, India had suggested Pakistan that the two sides could work together for the release and repatriation of elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners on humanitarian grounds. It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018.&nbsp;

New Delhi has already shared the details of the medical expert team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit. Islamabad is yet to respond.

The spotlight is yet again on Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistan after New Delhi raised the matter yet again with Islamabad. New Delhi had raised the matter several times in the past with Islamabad to no avail.

The spotlight is yet again on Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistan after New Delhi raised the matter yet again with Islamabad. New Delhi had raised the matter several times in the past with Islamabad to no avail. The development comes even as Pakistan has not moved an inch to repatriate 12 Indians and 392 fishermen who have completed their prison sentences. Pakistan is also not moving on the case of mentally unsound prisoners who continue to languish in its prisons. Recently, New Delhi asked Pakistan to repatriate bodies of 2 Indians from Jammu and Kashmir who were washed away even as the family members wait for a response. This comes even as Pakistan drags its feet to confirm the nationality of many of its nationals who continue to remain in India even after completion of their sentences. Last month Pakistan released Hamid Nehal Ansari who was languished in a Pakistani jail for 6 years. He had crossed Pakistan on fake identification card from Afghanistan to meet the women who he befriended on Facebook. New Delhi reciprocated by repatriating 2 Pakistani nationals-- Imran Warsiand Abdullah Shah to Pakistan. Imran Warsi was in an Indian jail for last 10 years on charges of a fake passport while Abdullah Shah crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Pakistan has 54 civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or believed-to-be-Indians while India has 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody. Under the 2008 Agreement India and Pakistan exchange list of prisoners and fisherman lodged in there jails on 1st January and 1st July, every year. In October 2017, India had suggested Pakistan that the two sides could work together for the release and repatriation of elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners on humanitarian grounds. It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018. New Delhi has already shared the details of the medical expert team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit. Islamabad is yet to respond.

Spotlight on Indians languishing in Pakistan prison as New Delhi raises the matter again

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581">Dueling</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581"> plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume</a>

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro</a>

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">Taliban appoints </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600"> political leader to join peace talks with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">US</a>

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official</a>

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-envoy-says-dialogue-is-indispensable-to-resolve-tensions-between-india-pakistan-192594">Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan</a>

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security. Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president. Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war. US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings. Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The high powered selection committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday for the appointment of a new CBI Director was inconclusive, sources confirmed.

Names of 80 officers from four IPS batches were presented before the committee. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who is part of the three-man committee, has sought dossiers of all officials shortlisted by the committee.

Another meeting may be held next week.

The committee, also including CJI Ranjan Gogoi, was slated to appoint a replacement for former CBI Director Alok Verma, the first CBI chief to be ousted in the history of the institution.

Verma was removed as the CBI Director on January 8 following months of conflict with Special Director Rakesh Asthana and was reinstated the following day on the orders of the Supreme Court. However, the committee voted 2:1 and removed Verma from the post on January 11 and appointed M Nageshwar Rao as his interim replacement.

Earlier today, Justice AK Sikri recused himself from hearing the case against the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI chief. This comes after CJI Gogoi, earlier this week, recused himself from hearing the plea, saying he was a member of the high-powered committee. The petitioners in the case claim that the lack of transparency in Rao`s appointment allows the government to exercise "undue influence in the appointment process" especially at the stage of short-listing of candidates.&nbsp;

The high powered selection committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday for the appointment of a new CBI Director was inconclusive, sources confirmed.

The high powered selection committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday for the appointment of a new CBI Director was inconclusive, sources confirmed. Names of 80 officers from four IPS batches were presented before the committee. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who is part of the three-man committee, has sought dossiers of all officials shortlisted by the committee. Another meeting may be held next week. The committee, also including CJI Ranjan Gogoi, was slated to appoint a replacement for former CBI Director Alok Verma, the first CBI chief to be ousted in the history of the institution. Verma was removed as the CBI Director on January 8 following months of conflict with Special Director Rakesh Asthana and was reinstated the following day on the orders of the Supreme Court. However, the committee voted 2:1 and removed Verma from the post on January 11 and appointed M Nageshwar Rao as his interim replacement. Earlier today, Justice AK Sikri recused himself from hearing the case against the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI chief. This comes after CJI Gogoi, earlier this week, recused himself from hearing the plea, saying he was a member of the high-powered committee. The petitioners in the case claim that the lack of transparency in Rao`s appointment allows the government to exercise "undue influence in the appointment process" especially at the stage of short-listing of candidates.

PM-led panel's meet to select CBI chief remains 'inconclusive'

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Quoting Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan, Mahmood said it is time to move away from the blame game and try to resolve long-standing bilateral issues.

"More and more engagement between both the countries is needed for better mutual understanding and finding common ground. In order to achieve that we need to talk," Mahmood told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here.

Dialogue is indispensable and no issue can be resolved without talking to each other, he said.

His comments come in the backdrop of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad strongly raising with Pakistan the alleged attempts to hack the social media account of one of its diplomats and incidents of close tailing of the Indian envoy and his deputy.

Referring to cancellation of the Indo-Pak foreign minister-level talks in New York last year, Mahmood said both the countries, however, managed to work together for the Kartarpur Corridor initiative.

"The two countries had agreed for foreign ministers' talks in New York. Unfortunately, we saw that it did not materialize, but then again the two countries were able to work together when the Kartarpur initiative was taken and now the two countries will be talking to develop the modalities as well, so we have some process getting underway," he said.

The Pakistan envoy said the relationship of India and Pakistan was complicated and it is a challenge for the two sides to find a way to move forward.

"Again the primary thing is the possibility of sustained engagement that leads to addressing of mutual concerns and finding a common ground to move forward," he said.

Mahmood said Khan had repeatedly stated that both the countries need to have an improved relationship.

"There was a telephonic conversation (of Imran Khan) with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Then there was exchange of letters also in which both sides reiterated the desire for constructive engagement and he (Imran Khan) has said that it is important to move away from the blame game and try to resolve the issues that have been long standing," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations. Quoting Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan, Mahmood said it is time to move away from the blame game and try to resolve long-standing bilateral issues. "More and more engagement between both the countries is needed for better mutual understanding and finding common ground. In order to achieve that we need to talk," Mahmood told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. Dialogue is indispensable and no issue can be resolved without talking to each other, he said. His comments come in the backdrop of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad strongly raising with Pakistan the alleged attempts to hack the social media account of one of its diplomats and incidents of close tailing of the Indian envoy and his deputy. Referring to cancellation of the Indo-Pak foreign minister-level talks in New York last year, Mahmood said both the countries, however, managed to work together for the Kartarpur Corridor initiative. "The two countries had agreed for foreign ministers' talks in New York. Unfortunately, we saw that it did not materialize, but then again the two countries were able to work together when the Kartarpur initiative was taken and now the two countries will be talking to develop the modalities as well, so we have some process getting underway," he said. The Pakistan envoy said the relationship of India and Pakistan was complicated and it is a challenge for the two sides to find a way to move forward. "Again the primary thing is the possibility of sustained engagement that leads to addressing of mutual concerns and finding a common ground to move forward," he said. Mahmood said Khan had repeatedly stated that both the countries need to have an improved relationship. "There was a telephonic conversation (of Imran Khan) with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Then there was exchange of letters also in which both sides reiterated the desire for constructive engagement and he (Imran Khan) has said that it is important to move away from the blame game and try to resolve the issues that have been long standing," he said.

Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan

Seven bodies have been recovered so far after a four-storey building collapsed at Ullawas locality in Haryana`s Gurugram, adjoining the national capital.

The incident occurred around 5 am on Thursday.

Several others are feared trapped under the debris.

Rescue operation is underway to pull out safely those trapped.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced financial assistance of Rs three lakh to the family members of the victims who died in the building collapse incident.

Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were rushed to the site to rescue those trapped under the rubble.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are also at the spot to assist in the rescue operation.&nbsp;

Seven bodies have been recovered so far after a four-storey building collapsed at Ullawas locality in Haryana`s Gurugram, adjoining the national capital. The incident occurred around 5 am on Thursday.

Seven bodies have been recovered so far after a four-storey building collapsed at Ullawas locality in Haryana`s Gurugram, adjoining the national capital. The incident occurred around 5 am on Thursday. Several others are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operation is underway to pull out safely those trapped. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced financial assistance of Rs three lakh to the family members of the victims who died in the building collapse incident. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were rushed to the site to rescue those trapped under the rubble. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are also at the spot to assist in the rescue operation.

Gurugram building collapse: Police recover 7 bodies, several feared trapped

Elections to 17th Lok Sabha is a ''once-in-a-century moment'', said President Ram Nath Kovind in his Republic Day-eve address to nation on Friday evening.

''This year, the citizens of India will get a chance to fulfil an important responsibility. All of us have to use our voting rights in coming General elections for 17th Lok Sabha. This election will be special as 21st century born voters will vote for the first time,'' he said.

Republic Day 2019 is an opportunity for all citizens of the country to remember independence, equality, and brotherhood, he added

This Republic Day is important for us in a special way, he said and added on October 2, we'll celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Not only for India, but this anniversary is also an opportunity for the entire world to understand, adopt and implement his principles. he said. 
. 
''Apart from education, art, medicines and sports, our daughters are now creating an identity for themselves in the three Armed Forces as well. In topmost educational institutes, often there are more daughters than sons among medal-winning students,'' Kovind said.

Society experiencing rapid changes and everyone must be prepared for conversations even if they are inconvenient.&nbsp;

''Our voyage is far from complete. There are still waters to cover, still gaps to fill and still tears to wipe: President,'' Kovind said.&nbsp;

Elections to 17th Lok Sabha is a ''once-in-a-century moment'', said President Ram Nath Kovind in his Republic Day-eve address to nation on Friday evening. ''This year, the citizens of India will get a chance to fulfil an important responsibility.

Elections to 17th Lok Sabha is a ''once-in-a-century moment'', said President Ram Nath Kovind in his Republic Day-eve address to nation on Friday evening. ''This year, the citizens of India will get a chance to fulfil an important responsibility. All of us have to use our voting rights in coming General elections for 17th Lok Sabha. This election will be special as 21st century born voters will vote for the first time,'' he said. Republic Day 2019 is an opportunity for all citizens of the country to remember independence, equality, and brotherhood, he added This Republic Day is important for us in a special way, he said and added on October 2, we'll celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Not only for India, but this anniversary is also an opportunity for the entire world to understand, adopt and implement his principles. he said. . ''Apart from education, art, medicines and sports, our daughters are now creating an identity for themselves in the three Armed Forces as well. In topmost educational institutes, often there are more daughters than sons among medal-winning students,'' Kovind said. Society experiencing rapid changes and everyone must be prepared for conversations even if they are inconvenient. ''Our voyage is far from complete. There are still waters to cover, still gaps to fill and still tears to wipe: President,'' Kovind said.

Elections to 17th Lok Sabha 'once-in-a-century moment': President Ram Nath Kovind 

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him.

In the show-cause notice to Principal Secretary (Law) AK Mendiratta dated January 21, the minister cited rules, saying no decision could be made and no opinion could be communicated to any other department without his prior approval.

Sources said the principal secretary (law) had given reasons for not placing the file before Gahlot, claiming that the minister was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction.

In a fresh communication to the principal secretary (law) on Thursday, Gahlot said he was fully aware that he was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction.&nbsp;

However, he countered Mendiratta's reason for not sending the file to him by saying, "A file for grant of prosecution sanction under section 197, CrPC was sent to me on December 21, 2018. How can Mendiratta send a file to the minister (law) and not send a similar file to me and then try to justify it? I am not satisfied with the explanation tendered by him"&nbsp;

Commenting on the matter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Delhi government's law department was examining the granting of sanction for prosecution of former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar in a sedition case.&nbsp;

He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre of committing "sedition" by creating hurdles in the works of the Delhi government.&nbsp;

"I do not know whether Kanhaiya has committed sedition or not, which is being examined by the law department.

"On the other hand, Modi ji has stalled (works on) schools for children, hospitals, installation of CCTV cameras, setting up of mohalla clinics in Delhi--- is this not sedition?," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

Gahlot said sending the file directly to the principal secretary (home) by Mendiratta was "not only an act of insubordination, but it appears to have been done intentionally so that the views of the law minister are not recorded on the file".

The Delhi Police, on January 14, filed a chargesheet in a city court against Kumar and others in connection with an incident, in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised on the university campus during an event marking the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in February, 2016.

The police had told the court that the sanction for prosecution in the case was sought from the Delhi government.

The concerned file submitted by the police to the home department of the Delhi government was sent to the law ministry for opinion. The principal secretary (law) sent it back with the opinion on January 18.

"The file is currently with Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who will take the final call on the prosecution sanction. It is not clear whether it will be sent back to Gahlot for his approval," the sources said.

The court had refused to take cognisance of the police chargesheet, saying the prosecution sanction was not taken from the authority concerned.&nbsp;

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him.

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him. In the show-cause notice to Principal Secretary (Law) AK Mendiratta dated January 21, the minister cited rules, saying no decision could be made and no opinion could be communicated to any other department without his prior approval. Sources said the principal secretary (law) had given reasons for not placing the file before Gahlot, claiming that the minister was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction. In a fresh communication to the principal secretary (law) on Thursday, Gahlot said he was fully aware that he was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction. However, he countered Mendiratta's reason for not sending the file to him by saying, "A file for grant of prosecution sanction under section 197, CrPC was sent to me on December 21, 2018. How can Mendiratta send a file to the minister (law) and not send a similar file to me and then try to justify it? I am not satisfied with the explanation tendered by him" Commenting on the matter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Delhi government's law department was examining the granting of sanction for prosecution of former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar in a sedition case. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre of committing "sedition" by creating hurdles in the works of the Delhi government. "I do not know whether Kanhaiya has committed sedition or not, which is being examined by the law department. "On the other hand, Modi ji has stalled (works on) schools for children, hospitals, installation of CCTV cameras, setting up of mohalla clinics in Delhi--- is this not sedition?," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. Gahlot said sending the file directly to the principal secretary (home) by Mendiratta was "not only an act of insubordination, but it appears to have been done intentionally so that the views of the law minister are not recorded on the file". The Delhi Police, on January 14, filed a chargesheet in a city court against Kumar and others in connection with an incident, in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised on the university campus during an event marking the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in February, 2016. The police had told the court that the sanction for prosecution in the case was sought from the Delhi government. The concerned file submitted by the police to the home department of the Delhi government was sent to the law ministry for opinion. The principal secretary (law) sent it back with the opinion on January 18. "The file is currently with Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who will take the final call on the prosecution sanction. It is not clear whether it will be sent back to Gahlot for his approval," the sources said. The court had refused to take cognisance of the police chargesheet, saying the prosecution sanction was not taken from the authority concerned.

JNU sedition case: Delhi law minister issues notice to official over file on prosecution sanction 

Baramulla, located in the north of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday became the first district in the state to have eliminated all surviving terrorists, according to police.

The largest of the 10 districts in the Valley has been one of the hotbeds of terrorism as it adjoins Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and thus offers a strategic location for terrorists to infiltrate into India.

Terror attacks and encounter operations by police and security forces were a regular feature here with terror-related incidents being reported from the district nearly on a weekly basis.

"Baramulla has become the first district of Kashmir with no surviving militant as on date. Jammu and Kashmir Police extend its thanks to the local population for all their support in providing a better security environment in the district," Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said.

This development comes hours after three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the region on Tuesday.

The terrorists have been identified as Suhaib Farooq Akhoon resident of Baramulla, Mohsin Mushtaq Bhat, a resident of Baramulla and Nasir Ahmad Darzi, from Sopore.

Arms and ammunition including three AK 47 rifles were recovered from the site of encounter and police has initiated an investigation.

All three slain terrorists have believed to be affiliated to Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) were wanted in terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities.&nbsp;

Baramulla, located in the north of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday became the first district in the state to have eliminated all surviving terrorists, according to police.

Baramulla, located in the north of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday became the first district in the state to have eliminated all surviving terrorists, according to police. The largest of the 10 districts in the Valley has been one of the hotbeds of terrorism as it adjoins Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and thus offers a strategic location for terrorists to infiltrate into India. Terror attacks and encounter operations by police and security forces were a regular feature here with terror-related incidents being reported from the district nearly on a weekly basis. "Baramulla has become the first district of Kashmir with no surviving militant as on date. Jammu and Kashmir Police extend its thanks to the local population for all their support in providing a better security environment in the district," Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said. This development comes hours after three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the region on Tuesday. The terrorists have been identified as Suhaib Farooq Akhoon resident of Baramulla, Mohsin Mushtaq Bhat, a resident of Baramulla and Nasir Ahmad Darzi, from Sopore. Arms and ammunition including three AK 47 rifles were recovered from the site of encounter and police has initiated an investigation. All three slain terrorists have believed to be affiliated to Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) were wanted in terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police declare Baramulla as first terrorist-free district

The much-awaited metro rail linking the twin-cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar was inaugurated on Friday by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The rail corridor, also known as the Aqua Line, would run between Sector 71 station in Noida and the Depot Station in Greater Noida.

There are a total of 21 stations on the corridor - 15 of them in Noida and six in Greater Noida -- spread over a distance of 29.7 km.

"Today we dedicate the Noida Greater Noida metro rail to the people of the region. The Aqua Line, which has been completed in record time, will provide better connectivity to the region and prove to a milestone in development of the region," Adityanath said.&nbsp;

Senior officials of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) said that with its inauguration, the rail service would begin for citizens on Saturday while regular rides from 6 am to 10 pm would begin Monday onwards.&nbsp;

"On Saturday rail services would begin at 10 am and continue till 5 pm, on Sunday the timings will be from 8 am to 10 pm. Monday onwards the regular rides will commence from 6 am to 10 pm at an interval of 15 minutes each," NMRC Chairman Alok Tandon said.

Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Mahesh Sharma, UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, Cabinet minister Satish Kahana were present at the inauguration ceremony with senior officials of the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority and the Yamuna Expressway Authority.

Noida MLA Pankaj Singh, Greater Noida MLA Dhirendra Singh, and Dadri MLA Tejpal Singh Nagar were also present along with Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh.

Adityanath, who took the inaugural ride from Sector 137 metro station to the Depot Station, said the Aqua Line would prove to be effective in making the region the "growth engine" of the state and the country.

He also lauded the local agencies for completing the project in record time, as he took a jibe at the previous governments in the state as well as at the Centre for delayed projects.

"The most significant point, this metro project had got the Centre's approval in June 2017, and today in January 2019 we are inaugurating it.&nbsp;I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri for their support. This project's completion in record time proves the efficiency of local authorities as well as highlights the potential of Uttar Pradesh to become the growth engine of the country," he said.

The chief minister said the metro rail network in Ghaziabad would be soon expanded, while revised detailed project reports (DPRs) for metro rail in Agra, Meerut and Kanpur have been sent to the central government.

"It is essential to provide basic facilities to the people which is the responsibility of any government. Nobody goes to the life of crime just like that... We are working to provide ample opportunities, civic amenities and jobs to the people and address the problems of the farmers," he said.

He also alluded to the district being infamous for crime till a couple of years ago, and said things have changed for better and global firms have expressed interest to invest in Noida and Greater Noida.&nbsp;

"We need to provide a better environment for investments to come in," he said, adding the metro rail would ensure connectivity to the hitherto isolated region.

The final and mandatory safety inspection of the corridor was done in December 2018 by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) which gave its approval to the NMRC for launching commercial operations.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which operates the Delhi Metro, will assist the NMRC over the next year in operating the Aqua Line.

The Aqua line, which will have 19 rakes with four cars each, will halt on the Sector 76, 101, 81, NSEZ, Noida Sector 83, 137, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, and Greater Noida's Knowledge Park II, Pari Chowk, Alpha 1, Delta 1, GNIDA Office and Depot metro stations. &nbsp; &nbsp;

However, a major concern among the people has been that the interchange stations of the DMRC-operated Blue Line and the NMRC's Aqua Line are not seamless.

Commuters will have to get down at the Sector 52 metro station of the Blue Line, which will further get extended to the Noida Electronic City station, and reach the Noida Sector 51 station of the Aqua Line, covering a stretch of around 300 metres.

Earlier, the NMRC had said a skywalk or a foot-over bridge to directly link the two stations was under consideration but there have been no talks about it lately.

The NMRC had in December 2018 announced fares for the Aqua Line, with the minimum being Rs 9 and the maximum Rs 50. Commuters can buy QR-coded paper tickets or use the smart cards to get 10 per cent discount on fares, the officials said.

The 49th battalion of the UP PAC has been entrusted with the responsibility of security on the Aqua Line, while some private security personnel will also be deployed.

"The security personnel are being trained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards the Delhi Metro," the NMRC had said.

The trains are designed to run at a maximum speed of 80 kmph, clocking an average speed of 37.5 kmph. Seat reservation through different colours has been done in the coaches for ladies, senior citizens and differently-abled persons.

A dedicated space has been provided for wheelchair in driving trailer cars at both the ends of the trains, according to officials.

The Aqua Line, whose construction started in May 2015 and was completed in record time, was initially expected to be opened for public in November and then December in 2018.&nbsp;

The much-awaited metro rail linking the twin-cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar was inaugurated on Friday by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The much-awaited metro rail linking the twin-cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar was inaugurated on Friday by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The rail corridor, also known as the Aqua Line, would run between Sector 71 station in Noida and the Depot Station in Greater Noida. There are a total of 21 stations on the corridor - 15 of them in Noida and six in Greater Noida -- spread over a distance of 29.7 km. "Today we dedicate the Noida Greater Noida metro rail to the people of the region. The Aqua Line, which has been completed in record time, will provide better connectivity to the region and prove to a milestone in development of the region," Adityanath said. Senior officials of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) said that with its inauguration, the rail service would begin for citizens on Saturday while regular rides from 6 am to 10 pm would begin Monday onwards. "On Saturday rail services would begin at 10 am and continue till 5 pm, on Sunday the timings will be from 8 am to 10 pm. Monday onwards the regular rides will commence from 6 am to 10 pm at an interval of 15 minutes each," NMRC Chairman Alok Tandon said. Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Mahesh Sharma, UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, Cabinet minister Satish Kahana were present at the inauguration ceremony with senior officials of the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority and the Yamuna Expressway Authority. Noida MLA Pankaj Singh, Greater Noida MLA Dhirendra Singh, and Dadri MLA Tejpal Singh Nagar were also present along with Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh. Adityanath, who took the inaugural ride from Sector 137 metro station to the Depot Station, said the Aqua Line would prove to be effective in making the region the "growth engine" of the state and the country. He also lauded the local agencies for completing the project in record time, as he took a jibe at the previous governments in the state as well as at the Centre for delayed projects. "The most significant point, this metro project had got the Centre's approval in June 2017, and today in January 2019 we are inaugurating it. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri for their support. This project's completion in record time proves the efficiency of local authorities as well as highlights the potential of Uttar Pradesh to become the growth engine of the country," he said. The chief minister said the metro rail network in Ghaziabad would be soon expanded, while revised detailed project reports (DPRs) for metro rail in Agra, Meerut and Kanpur have been sent to the central government. "It is essential to provide basic facilities to the people which is the responsibility of any government. Nobody goes to the life of crime just like that... We are working to provide ample opportunities, civic amenities and jobs to the people and address the problems of the farmers," he said. He also alluded to the district being infamous for crime till a couple of years ago, and said things have changed for better and global firms have expressed interest to invest in Noida and Greater Noida. "We need to provide a better environment for investments to come in," he said, adding the metro rail would ensure connectivity to the hitherto isolated region. The final and mandatory safety inspection of the corridor was done in December 2018 by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) which gave its approval to the NMRC for launching commercial operations. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which operates the Delhi Metro, will assist the NMRC over the next year in operating the Aqua Line. The Aqua line, which will have 19 rakes with four cars each, will halt on the Sector 76, 101, 81, NSEZ, Noida Sector 83, 137, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, and Greater Noida's Knowledge Park II, Pari Chowk, Alpha 1, Delta 1, GNIDA Office and Depot metro stations. However, a major concern among the people has been that the interchange stations of the DMRC-operated Blue Line and the NMRC's Aqua Line are not seamless. Commuters will have to get down at the Sector 52 metro station of the Blue Line, which will further get extended to the Noida Electronic City station, and reach the Noida Sector 51 station of the Aqua Line, covering a stretch of around 300 metres. Earlier, the NMRC had said a skywalk or a foot-over bridge to directly link the two stations was under consideration but there have been no talks about it lately. The NMRC had in December 2018 announced fares for the Aqua Line, with the minimum being Rs 9 and the maximum Rs 50. Commuters can buy QR-coded paper tickets or use the smart cards to get 10 per cent discount on fares, the officials said. The 49th battalion of the UP PAC has been entrusted with the responsibility of security on the Aqua Line, while some private security personnel will also be deployed. "The security personnel are being trained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards the Delhi Metro," the NMRC had said. The trains are designed to run at a maximum speed of 80 kmph, clocking an average speed of 37.5 kmph. Seat reservation through different colours has been done in the coaches for ladies, senior citizens and differently-abled persons. A dedicated space has been provided for wheelchair in driving trailer cars at both the ends of the trains, according to officials. The Aqua Line, whose construction started in May 2015 and was completed in record time, was initially expected to be opened for public in November and then December in 2018.

Noida-Greater Noida Metro inaugurated, opens for public Saturday 

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