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WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade:&nbsp;

WION: What will be the focus this time?

Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade. Besides this we have all women contingent where all the participants in the contingent will be women-- it is Assam Rifle contingent that will be participating. We have four contingent commanders who are lady officers. It will also happen for the first time. Because individually lady officers have commanded contingent but not in such large number. We have Make-in-India equipment K9 Vajra. It is going to be pride for the nation. Also, we will be using biofuel Jatropha fuel made in India and aircraft will be flying on it for the first time.

WION: How much focus will be on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-gender-bias-in-army-says-1st-woman-who-will-lead-all-male-contingent-at-republic-day-parade-192392">women power</a>?

Major General Rajpal Punia: I agree. No doubt. Women power is very powerful. This time we have a very large number of women participating including in motorcycle display. There is a lady officer who is commanding motorcycle display. We have all women continent. Women power this time is maximum compared to previous years.

WION: Use of biofuel-- Jatropha, can u explain more?

Major General Rajpal Punia: Its a plant. We trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We even think that it will be replacing oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil being used by AN-32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country its a self-sufficiency.

WION: Indian National Army (INA) veterans are also taking part this time?&nbsp;

Major General Rajpal Punia: Four INA soldiers who are participating. These people are-- Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula, Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul, Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. &nbsp;It is a matter of honour. Its a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating.

WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade: WION: What will be the focus this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade.

WION speaks with Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander of this year's Republic Day parade: WION: What will be the focus this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Well, this time for the first time Indian national army soldier will be participating in the parade. Besides this we have all women contingent where all the participants in the contingent will be women-- it is Assam Rifle contingent that will be participating. We have four contingent commanders who are lady officers. It will also happen for the first time. Because individually lady officers have commanded contingent but not in such large number. We have Make-in-India equipment K9 Vajra. It is going to be pride for the nation. Also, we will be using biofuel Jatropha fuel made in India and aircraft will be flying on it for the first time. WION: How much focus will be on women power? Major General Rajpal Punia: I agree. No doubt. Women power is very powerful. This time we have a very large number of women participating including in motorcycle display. There is a lady officer who is commanding motorcycle display. We have all women continent. Women power this time is maximum compared to previous years. WION: Use of biofuel-- Jatropha, can u explain more? Major General Rajpal Punia: Its a plant. We trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We even think that it will be replacing oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil being used by AN-32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country its a self-sufficiency. WION: Indian National Army (INA) veterans are also taking part this time? Major General Rajpal Punia: Four INA soldiers who are participating. These people are-- Lalti Ram, 98 years old living in Panchkula, Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul, Bhagmal, 100 years living in Manesar and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. It is a matter of honour. Its a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating.

Woman power will be focus of Republic Day: Major General Rajpal Punia, Deputy Parade Commander

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector <a href="https://t.co/y2Jsuh8XmO">pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088314054677012481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army is effectively retaliating.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said.&nbsp;

Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in.

The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said. Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × The Indian Army is effectively retaliating. The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in. The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.

Pakistan Army lobs mortars at forward posts in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-centre-alleges-congress-organised-hackathon-in-london-opposition-calls-for-switch-to-ballot-box-191969">not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers</a>.&nbsp;

Arora made his comments at an event in Delhi.&nbsp;

"I would like to make it very clear that we are not going back to the era of ballot papers," he said.&nbsp;

"We will continue to use EVMs (electronic voting machines) and VVPATs (voter-verified paper audit trail," he added. &nbsp;

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CEC Sunil Arora in Delhi: We will continue to use EVMs &amp; VVPATs. We are open to any criticism &amp; feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers. <a href="https://t.co/bco5DOSfTd">pic.twitter.com/bco5DOSfTd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088306788225744896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are open to any criticism and feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers," Arora said.&nbsp;

There has been a long history of criticism of EVMs in India, especially so since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. (The criticism however has never been backed up by solid proof.)&nbsp;

In 2017, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had dared the Election Commission to give him any EVM, saying he would hack it in 90 seconds.&nbsp;

And only this week, a self-proclaimed cyber expert, Syed Shuja, called a hackathon in London.&nbsp;

Shuja made a series of sensational claims in London, including that EVMs were hacked in the 2014 general elections and that&nbsp;senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde was "murdered" before he could expose the alleged crime.&nbsp;

The BJP has said the hackathon was sponsored by the Congress since party leader Kapil Sibal had attended it.&nbsp;

Despite the lack of proof offered by Shuja, a number of leaders including the BSP's Mayawati, the SP's Akhilesh Yadav, and the TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu have called for the junking of the EVMs and a return to ballot papers.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said — categorically — that the Election Commission is going to continue to use electronic voting machines. He added that they would not be "bullied" or "intimidated" into using ballot papers. Arora made his comments at an event in Delhi. "I would like to make it very clear that we are not going back to the era of ballot papers," he said. "We will continue to use EVMs (electronic voting machines) and VVPATs (voter-verified paper audit trail," he added. CEC Sunil Arora in Delhi: We will continue to use EVMs & VVPATs. We are open to any criticism & feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers. pic.twitter.com/bco5DOSfTd — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × "We are open to any criticism and feedback from any stakeholder including political parties. At the same time, we are not going to be intimidated, bullied or coerced into giving up these and start era of ballot papers," Arora said. There has been a long history of criticism of EVMs in India, especially so since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. (The criticism however has never been backed up by solid proof.) In 2017, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had dared the Election Commission to give him any EVM, saying he would hack it in 90 seconds. And only this week, a self-proclaimed cyber expert, Syed Shuja, called a hackathon in London. Shuja made a series of sensational claims in London, including that EVMs were hacked in the 2014 general elections and that senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde was "murdered" before he could expose the alleged crime. The BJP has said the hackathon was sponsored by the Congress since party leader Kapil Sibal had attended it. Despite the lack of proof offered by Shuja, a number of leaders including the BSP's Mayawati, the SP's Akhilesh Yadav, and the TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu have called for the junking of the EVMs and a return to ballot papers.

Election Commission will not be 'bullied, intimidated' into going back to ballot papers: CEC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit.

Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;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.

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150 years of Mahatma &amp; 100 years of Madiba! 
 
Good meeting between PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; South Africa President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> on margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/JzF8SZdaia">pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1068880017822810112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela.

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RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/26January?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#26January</a> <a href="http://t.co/bRf7P7k17G">pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G</a>
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) <a href="https://twitter.com/POI13/status/558939803681443840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages."&nbsp;

Ramaphosa will be 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;

The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019."&nbsp;

He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

"Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world."

The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world."&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016.&nbsp;

Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013.&nbsp;

The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town.&nbsp;

Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. 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.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. 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. 150 years of Mahatma & 100 years of Madiba! Good meeting between PM @narendramodi & South Africa President @CyrilRamaphosa on margins of #G20Summit. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 1, 2018 × This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest #26January pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G — President Mukherjee (@POI13) January 24, 2015 × Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages." Ramaphosa will be 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. The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019." He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world." The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world." PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016. Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013. The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town. Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

Republic Day chief guest, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, to land in India Friday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday inaugurated the Subhash Chandra Bose museum at the iconic Red Fort to mark the leader's 122nd birth anniversary.

Modi also inaugurated the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, (museum on the Jallianwala Bagh and World War I), the Museum on 1857- India's first war of Independence, and Drishyakala-Museum on Indian Art within the Red Fort complex.

The museum on Bose and the Indian National Army showcases various artefacts related to Subhash Chandra Bose and INA. The artefacts include a wooden chair and sword used by the leader, medals, badges, uniforms and other artefacts related to the INA.

A documentary on Bose and the INA will help visitors understand the vision of the freedom fighter. Actor Abhishek Bachchan has lent his voice for the documentary.&nbsp;

The Yaad-e-Jallian Museum provides an authentic account of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that took place on April 13, 1919.&nbsp;

A replica of the memorial erected at the Jallianwala Bagh has also been placed at the museum.

The museum will also showcase the heroism, valour and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the World War-I.&nbsp;

A poem penned by Sarojini Naidu on the plight of Indian soldiers who fought the World War I for the British Empire is part of the artefacts at the museum.

The poem, titled 'The Gift' describes sacrifices made by 1.5 million Indian soldiers in the First World War

The Museum on 1857-India's first war of Independence portrays the historical narrative of war of independence, showcasing the valour and sacrifices made by Indians during the period.&nbsp;

The Drishyakala- Exhibition on Indian Art showcases artworks from 16th century till India's independence. It has paintings by Amrita Shergil and Raja Ravi Varma on display.

The PM spent nearly an hour at the museums and shuffled between venues on a golf buggy.

In a tweet earlier, Modi said he bows to Bose on his birth anniversary. "He was a stalwart who committed himself towards ensuring India is free and leads a life of dignity. We are committed to fulfilling his ideas and creating a strong India," he wrote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday inaugurated the Subhash Chandra Bose museum at the iconic Red Fort to mark the leader's 122nd birth anniversary. Modi also inaugurated the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, (museum on the Jallianwala Bagh and World War I), the Museum on 1857- India's first war of Independence, and Drishyakala-Museum on Indian Art within the Red Fort complex.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday inaugurated the Subhash Chandra Bose museum at the iconic Red Fort to mark the leader's 122nd birth anniversary. Modi also inaugurated the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, (museum on the Jallianwala Bagh and World War I), the Museum on 1857- India's first war of Independence, and Drishyakala-Museum on Indian Art within the Red Fort complex. The museum on Bose and the Indian National Army showcases various artefacts related to Subhash Chandra Bose and INA. The artefacts include a wooden chair and sword used by the leader, medals, badges, uniforms and other artefacts related to the INA. A documentary on Bose and the INA will help visitors understand the vision of the freedom fighter. Actor Abhishek Bachchan has lent his voice for the documentary. The Yaad-e-Jallian Museum provides an authentic account of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that took place on April 13, 1919. A replica of the memorial erected at the Jallianwala Bagh has also been placed at the museum. The museum will also showcase the heroism, valour and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the World War-I. A poem penned by Sarojini Naidu on the plight of Indian soldiers who fought the World War I for the British Empire is part of the artefacts at the museum. The poem, titled 'The Gift' describes sacrifices made by 1.5 million Indian soldiers in the First World War The Museum on 1857-India's first war of Independence portrays the historical narrative of war of independence, showcasing the valour and sacrifices made by Indians during the period. The Drishyakala- Exhibition on Indian Art showcases artworks from 16th century till India's independence. It has paintings by Amrita Shergil and Raja Ravi Varma on display. The PM spent nearly an hour at the museums and shuffled between venues on a golf buggy. In a tweet earlier, Modi said he bows to Bose on his birth anniversary. "He was a stalwart who committed himself towards ensuring India is free and leads a life of dignity. We are committed to fulfilling his ideas and creating a strong India," he wrote.

On Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 122nd birth anniversary, PM Modi inaugurates museum at Red Fort

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested 9 people under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, ATS Maharashtra, on receipt of reliable input about a group aligned with international terrorist organisation ISIS, carried out searches at five different locations in Mumbra, Thane and Aurangabad on the intervening night of January 22, 23.&nbsp;

The nine men in question have been brought for questioning from Aurangabad and Mumbra, Thane district. Inquiries are in progress, further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Certain chemicals, powder, mobile phones, hard drives SIM cards, acid bottle, sharp knives, among other articles were seized during searches, ANI reported.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> On receipt of reliable input about a group aligned with proscribed international terrorist organisation ISIS, ATS Maharashtra carried out searches&amp;seizures at 5 different locations in Mumbra, Thane Dist&amp;Aurangabad during the intervening night&amp;early morning today(22 Jan). <a href="https://t.co/BZ6qhxXYwN">https://t.co/BZ6qhxXYwN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087952604645261312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On January 12, a Delhi court on sent to six-day NIA remand a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isis-module-nia-gets-six-day-remand-of-man-arrested-from-up-189914">man arrested by the agency from Uttar Pradesh</a> in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS): Based on reliable information, total 9 youths have been brought for questioning from Aurangabad and Mumbra, Thane district. Inquiries are in progress. Further details will be informed in due course.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087698781968056320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Absar, a resident of Jasora village in Meerut district of western Uttar Pradesh, had presented himself before the agency after being a served a notice under Section 41 of the CrPC but was later produced by the agency as arrested, according to Noorullah, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

An NIA spokesperson said Absar was arrested by the agency from Hapur on Friday night. He said Absar used to teach at Jamia Husania Abul Hassan in Piplera area of Ghaziabad.

The NIA has so far arrested 12 people in connection with the case.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested 9 people under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, ATS Maharashtra, on receipt of reliable input about a group aligned with international terrorist organisation ISIS, carried out searches at five different locations in Mumbra, Thane and Aurangabad on the intervening night of January 22, 23.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested 9 people under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, ATS Maharashtra, on receipt of reliable input about a group aligned with international terrorist organisation ISIS, carried out searches at five different locations in Mumbra, Thane and Aurangabad on the intervening night of January 22, 23. The nine men in question have been brought for questioning from Aurangabad and Mumbra, Thane district. Inquiries are in progress, further details are awaited. Certain chemicals, powder, mobile phones, hard drives SIM cards, acid bottle, sharp knives, among other articles were seized during searches, ANI reported. #UPDATE On receipt of reliable input about a group aligned with proscribed international terrorist organisation ISIS, ATS Maharashtra carried out searches&seizures at 5 different locations in Mumbra, Thane Dist&Aurangabad during the intervening night&early morning today(22 Jan). https://t.co/BZ6qhxXYwN — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × On January 12, a Delhi court on sent to six-day NIA remand a man arrested by the agency from Uttar Pradesh in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. #Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS): Based on reliable information, total 9 youths have been brought for questioning from Aurangabad and Mumbra, Thane district. Inquiries are in progress. Further details will be informed in due course. — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × Absar, a resident of Jasora village in Meerut district of western Uttar Pradesh, had presented himself before the agency after being a served a notice under Section 41 of the CrPC but was later produced by the agency as arrested, according to Noorullah, news agency PTI reported. An NIA spokesperson said Absar was arrested by the agency from Hapur on Friday night. He said Absar used to teach at Jamia Husania Abul Hassan in Piplera area of Ghaziabad. The NIA has so far arrested 12 people in connection with the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: Anti-Terrorism Squad arrest 9 men for suspected ties with ISIS 

In an interview with a popular social media page, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went over his past experiences and his journey to becoming the Prime Minister of the country.&nbsp;

The interview is being released online in parts with the third part published by Humans of Bombay on Tuesday on its various social media handles.&nbsp;

In the interview, PM Modi reminisced over his visit to the Himalayas and how his resolve to be "in the service of others" became resolute once he returned from the mighty mountains.&nbsp;

He shared how he visited Ahmedabad and gained the experience of city life for the very first time.&nbsp;

"Eventually, I became a full time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There, I got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work. We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils," the prime minister added.&nbsp;

However, the humdrum of his busy life never took away his Himalayan learnings, Modi said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs79RG8hPNc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">(3/5) “After coming back from the Himalayas, I knew that I wanted my life to be one that is lived in the service of others. Within a short span of returning, I left for Ahmedabad. It was my first brush with living in a big city – the pace of life was very different. I began my time there by occasionally helping my uncle at his canteen. Eventually, I became a full time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There, I got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work. We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils. Life was rigorous and busy. But amidst all of my duties, I was determined to not let go of my learnings from the Himalayas. To ensure that this new phase of life didn’t take over the sense of peace that I achieved there, I decided to take out some time every year and introspect. It was my way of maintaining a balanced life. Not many people know this, but I would go away for the 5 days of Diwali. Somewhere in a jungle – a place with only clean water and no people. I would pack enough food to last for those 5 days. There would be no radio’s or newspapers, and during that time, there was no TV or internet anyway. I would reflect – and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences. People often asked me, ‘Who are you going to meet?’ And I would say, ‘मैं मुझसे मिलने जा रहा हूं।’ Which is why, I always urge everyone, especially my young friends, in the midst of your fast paced life and busy schedules, take some time off…think and introspect. It will change your perception – you will understand your inner self better. You will start living in the true sense of the word. It will also make you more confident and undeterred by what others say about you. All of these things will help you in times to come. So I just want each and every one of you to remember that you are special and that you don’t have to look outside for the light...it’s already within you.” #TheModiStory</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/officialhumansofbombay/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Humans of Bombay</a> (@officialhumansofbombay) on <time datetime="2019-01-22T12:28:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2019 at 4:28am PST</time>
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PM Modi emphasised the significance of introspection and shared that he would always delve into the practice of self-scrutiny every once in a while.&nbsp;

"Not many people know this, but I would go away for the 5 days of Diwali. Somewhere in a jungle – a place with only clean water and no people. I would pack enough food to last for those 5 days. There would be no radio’s (sic) or newspapers, and during that time, there was no TV or internet anyway. I would reflect – and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences. People often asked me, ‘Who are you going to meet?’ And I would say, "Mai mujhse milne ja raha hu (I am going to meet myself,)" the PM noted.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister, often during his 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme, would give motivational speeches and share anecdotes from his life to inspire children and youngsters.&nbsp;

In the interview, PM Modi urged his "young friends" to take some time off "in the midst of fast paced life and busy schedules."

"Take some time off… think and introspect. It will change your perception – you will understand your inner self better. You will start living in the true sense of the word. It will also make you more confident and undeterred by what others say about you. All of these things will help you in times to come. So I just want each and every one of you to remember that you are special and that you don’t have to look outside for the light...it’s already within you,” he concluded. &nbsp;

In an interview with a popular social media page, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went over his past experiences and his journey to becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

In an interview with a popular social media page, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went over his past experiences and his journey to becoming the Prime Minister of the country. The interview is being released online in parts with the third part published by Humans of Bombay on Tuesday on its various social media handles. In the interview, PM Modi reminisced over his visit to the Himalayas and how his resolve to be "in the service of others" became resolute once he returned from the mighty mountains. He shared how he visited Ahmedabad and gained the experience of city life for the very first time. "Eventually, I became a full time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There, I got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work. We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils," the prime minister added. However, the humdrum of his busy life never took away his Himalayan learnings, Modi said. View this post on Instagram (3/5) “After coming back from the Himalayas, I knew that I wanted my life to be one that is lived in the service of others. Within a short span of returning, I left for Ahmedabad. It was my first brush with living in a big city – the pace of life was very different. I began my time there by occasionally helping my uncle at his canteen. Eventually, I became a full time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There, I got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work. We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils. Life was rigorous and busy. But amidst all of my duties, I was determined to not let go of my learnings from the Himalayas. To ensure that this new phase of life didn’t take over the sense of peace that I achieved there, I decided to take out some time every year and introspect. It was my way of maintaining a balanced life. Not many people know this, but I would go away for the 5 days of Diwali. Somewhere in a jungle – a place with only clean water and no people. I would pack enough food to last for those 5 days. There would be no radio’s or newspapers, and during that time, there was no TV or internet anyway. I would reflect – and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences. People often asked me, ‘Who are you going to meet?’ And I would say, ‘मैं मुझसे मिलने जा रहा हूं।’ Which is why, I always urge everyone, especially my young friends, in the midst of your fast paced life and busy schedules, take some time off…think and introspect. It will change your perception – you will understand your inner self better. You will start living in the true sense of the word. It will also make you more confident and undeterred by what others say about you. All of these things will help you in times to come. So I just want each and every one of you to remember that you are special and that you don’t have to look outside for the light...it’s already within you.” #TheModiStory A post shared by Humans of Bombay (@officialhumansofbombay) on Jan 22, 2019 at 4:28am PST × PM Modi emphasised the significance of introspection and shared that he would always delve into the practice of self-scrutiny every once in a while. "Not many people know this, but I would go away for the 5 days of Diwali. Somewhere in a jungle – a place with only clean water and no people. I would pack enough food to last for those 5 days. There would be no radio’s (sic) or newspapers, and during that time, there was no TV or internet anyway. I would reflect – and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences. People often asked me, ‘Who are you going to meet?’ And I would say, "Mai mujhse milne ja raha hu (I am going to meet myself,)" the PM noted. The Prime Minister, often during his 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme, would give motivational speeches and share anecdotes from his life to inspire children and youngsters. In the interview, PM Modi urged his "young friends" to take some time off "in the midst of fast paced life and busy schedules." "Take some time off… think and introspect. It will change your perception – you will understand your inner self better. You will start living in the true sense of the word. It will also make you more confident and undeterred by what others say about you. All of these things will help you in times to come. So I just want each and every one of you to remember that you are special and that you don’t have to look outside for the light...it’s already within you,” he concluded.

I would go away during Diwali... live somewhere in a jungle for 5 days: PM Modi

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance.

Nearly 150 ships, 40 aircraft and a number of other strategic assets of the Navy and Coast Guard have been deployed as part of the 'Sea Vigil' exercise which is "unprecedented" in its scale and size, Navy officials said.

"The exercise aims to comprehensively and holistically validate the efficacy of the measures taken since the Mumbai terror attack," Navy Spokesperson Capt. D K Sharma said.&nbsp;

He said the scale of the two-day exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have taken a series of measures to bolster coastal security after the Mumbai terror attack in which over 166 people including 28 foreigners from 10 nations were killed by a group of Pakistani terrorists.&nbsp;

The terrorists had sneaked into Mumbai through the sea, arriving by boat from Karachi.

Post 26/11, the Indian Navy was designated as the agency responsible for overall maritime security, including offshore and coastal security.&nbsp;

Capt Sharma said the exercise aims to simultaneously activate the coastal security mechanism across all states and Union Territories.&nbsp;

"The exercise will cover a wide frontage covering for the first time in the entire coast of India, including island territories," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

All stakeholders including marine police of various coastal states and fishermen were also involved in the exercise.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Evaluation of critical areas and processes, including inter-agency coordination, information sharing and technical surveillance will be undertaken during the drill.&nbsp;

"Exercise Sea Vigil will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weakness and this will certainly help further strengthening of maritime security and in turn national security," said Capt. Sharma.

The exercise is a build-up towards the major theatre level tri-service exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years.

There have been biannual coastal security exercises at the level of states, but for the first time, an exercise involving all coastal states, island territories and all central and state agencies is being carried out.

The 'Sea Vigil' exercise is also being facilitated by the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs and state governments.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai attack, Navy Chief Adm. Sunil Lanba had said that critical gaps and vulnerabilities in the country's coastal infrastructure have been addressed and that a robust surveillance network comprising 42 radar stations linked to a control centre headquartered Gurgaon has been put in place.

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance.

Ten years after the Mumbai terror attack, the Navy on Tuesday launched a first of its kind multi-agency drill, covering the entire 7,516 km-long Indian coastline and exclusive economic zone and involving 13 coastal states and Union Territories to check the efficacy of maritime security and surveillance. Nearly 150 ships, 40 aircraft and a number of other strategic assets of the Navy and Coast Guard have been deployed as part of the 'Sea Vigil' exercise which is "unprecedented" in its scale and size, Navy officials said. "The exercise aims to comprehensively and holistically validate the efficacy of the measures taken since the Mumbai terror attack," Navy Spokesperson Capt. D K Sharma said. He said the scale of the two-day exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have taken a series of measures to bolster coastal security after the Mumbai terror attack in which over 166 people including 28 foreigners from 10 nations were killed by a group of Pakistani terrorists. The terrorists had sneaked into Mumbai through the sea, arriving by boat from Karachi. Post 26/11, the Indian Navy was designated as the agency responsible for overall maritime security, including offshore and coastal security. Capt Sharma said the exercise aims to simultaneously activate the coastal security mechanism across all states and Union Territories. "The exercise will cover a wide frontage covering for the first time in the entire coast of India, including island territories," he said. All stakeholders including marine police of various coastal states and fishermen were also involved in the exercise. Evaluation of critical areas and processes, including inter-agency coordination, information sharing and technical surveillance will be undertaken during the drill. "Exercise Sea Vigil will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weakness and this will certainly help further strengthening of maritime security and in turn national security," said Capt. Sharma. The exercise is a build-up towards the major theatre level tri-service exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years. There have been biannual coastal security exercises at the level of states, but for the first time, an exercise involving all coastal states, island territories and all central and state agencies is being carried out. The 'Sea Vigil' exercise is also being facilitated by the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs and state governments. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai attack, Navy Chief Adm. Sunil Lanba had said that critical gaps and vulnerabilities in the country's coastal infrastructure have been addressed and that a robust surveillance network comprising 42 radar stations linked to a control centre headquartered Gurgaon has been put in place.

Indian Navy carries out first mega coastal defence exercise

The torrential downpour witnessed in Delhi has brought the much-needed respite from toxic air, as air quality improved sharply for the first time in the New Year.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was docking at 85 in the morning, ranging in the 'satisfactory' category, for the first time in a span of four months, after a long period of oscillation between 'poor' and 'hazardous' categories.

The minimum and maximum temperature in Delhi will hover around 10 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Moderate fog will prevail throughout the region with wind speed 10 kilometres per hour and humidity 96 per cent.

Due to foggy weather, as many as 21 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by 2 hrs.

Ranchi-new Delhi Garib rath, Islampur-New Delhi -Magadh Express, Vaishali Express were delayed by 2:30 hours each.

Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Darbhanga Delhi Bihar S Kranti, Howrah-New Delhi- Poorva and Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express were delayed by 6 hours, 4 hours, 3:30 hours and 2:30 hours, respectively.

The region witnessed a spike in pollution levels during the winter when weather conditions lead to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, and crop residue burning adds to the menace.

According to Mahesh Palawat, VP-Meteorology, Skymet Weather, "Widespread rains were not limited to Delhi but to entire northwestern plains. Thus, pollutants have settled down all over the places. Thus, any immediate spike in air pollution is not likely. With these rains moderate in nature, they would not let pollutants settle down. Also, we are not expecting any weather system in quick succession that could change the wind pattern. For the next couple of days, air quality would continue to juggle between 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' pollution levels. Although rains would fade away in the next 48 hours, the national capital region (NCR) will witness northwesterly winds thereafter."

The torrential downpour witnessed in Delhi has brought the much-needed respite from toxic air, as air quality improved sharply for the first time in the New Year.

The torrential downpour witnessed in Delhi has brought the much-needed respite from toxic air, as air quality improved sharply for the first time in the New Year. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was docking at 85 in the morning, ranging in the 'satisfactory' category, for the first time in a span of four months, after a long period of oscillation between 'poor' and 'hazardous' categories. The minimum and maximum temperature in Delhi will hover around 10 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively. Moderate fog will prevail throughout the region with wind speed 10 kilometres per hour and humidity 96 per cent. Due to foggy weather, as many as 21 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by 2 hrs. Ranchi-new Delhi Garib rath, Islampur-New Delhi -Magadh Express, Vaishali Express were delayed by 2:30 hours each. Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Darbhanga Delhi Bihar S Kranti, Howrah-New Delhi- Poorva and Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express were delayed by 6 hours, 4 hours, 3:30 hours and 2:30 hours, respectively. The region witnessed a spike in pollution levels during the winter when weather conditions lead to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, and crop residue burning adds to the menace. According to Mahesh Palawat, VP-Meteorology, Skymet Weather, "Widespread rains were not limited to Delhi but to entire northwestern plains. Thus, pollutants have settled down all over the places. Thus, any immediate spike in air pollution is not likely. With these rains moderate in nature, they would not let pollutants settle down. Also, we are not expecting any weather system in quick succession that could change the wind pattern. For the next couple of days, air quality would continue to juggle between 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' pollution levels. Although rains would fade away in the next 48 hours, the national capital region (NCR) will witness northwesterly winds thereafter."

Delhi's air quality 'satisfactory' for first time in 2019

Priyanka Gandhi: Post-Rajiv & Sonia era, the daughter rises

The Supreme Court has granted bail to four convicts, Umeshbhai Bharwad, Rajkumar, Harshad and Prakashbhai Rathod, in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots case.

A bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi granted them bail on Tuesday.

At least 97 Muslims were reportedly killed in Ahmedabad's&nbsp; Naroda Patiya area on February 28, 2002, during communal riots.

The Gujarat High Court had convicted the four individuals on account of arson and rioting. They were serving a 10-year jail term.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to four convicts, Umeshbhai Bharwad, Rajkumar, Harshad and Prakashbhai Rathod, in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots case. A bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi granted them bail on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to four convicts, Umeshbhai Bharwad, Rajkumar, Harshad and Prakashbhai Rathod, in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots case. A bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi granted them bail on Tuesday. At least 97 Muslims were reportedly killed in Ahmedabad's Naroda Patiya area on February 28, 2002, during communal riots. The Gujarat High Court had convicted the four individuals on account of arson and rioting. They were serving a 10-year jail term.

Naroda Patiya riots: Supreme Court grants bail to 4 convicts

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success.

Navy divers, who had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/navy-abandons-efforts-to-pull-out-decomposed-body-of-miner-191659">suspended their operation on Sunday</a> on the advice of the district administration, along with NDRF personnel, used remotely operated vehicles.

After day-long efforts, they only managed to move the body a few metres from where it was left on Sunday and brought it near the bottom of the main shaft, officials said.

"The body has been pulled near the bottom of the main shaft... The process to bring the body to the top will take some more time due to the presence of some obstructions inside the mine," spokesperson of the operation R Susngi said.

Efforts to retrieve the body would continue Wednesday, he added.

The Navy personnel had earlier managed to pull the body, seen 200 ft along the horizontally dug small hole, about halfway to the bottom of the shaft. But, it could not be brought out due to apprehension that further moving it could result in its disintegration, Susngi said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was briefed on the development at the site and he is constantly monitoring the situation, a senior home official said.

The district authorities are waiting for the family members of at least seven miners trapped inside to identify the retrieved body, he said.

At least 15 miners are trapped in the rat hole mine at Khlooryngksan area of the district since December 13 which has led to a multi-agency operation involving the Navy, the NDRF and leading firms in the country to join the efforts to rescue them in the longest such mission in the country.

Close on heels of Navy's Sunday decision, Conrad had on Monday suspended operations to retrieve the body to avoid disintegration of the decomposed corpse.

The Navy had also spotted several skeletons in the flooded mines.

Coal India Ltd, Odhisa Fire Service and the KSP continued dewatering the nearby abandoned mines and the total discharge of water since yesterday was 80.15 lakh litres, Susngi said.

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success.

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success. Navy divers, who had suspended their operation on Sunday on the advice of the district administration, along with NDRF personnel, used remotely operated vehicles. After day-long efforts, they only managed to move the body a few metres from where it was left on Sunday and brought it near the bottom of the main shaft, officials said. "The body has been pulled near the bottom of the main shaft... The process to bring the body to the top will take some more time due to the presence of some obstructions inside the mine," spokesperson of the operation R Susngi said. Efforts to retrieve the body would continue Wednesday, he added. The Navy personnel had earlier managed to pull the body, seen 200 ft along the horizontally dug small hole, about halfway to the bottom of the shaft. But, it could not be brought out due to apprehension that further moving it could result in its disintegration, Susngi said. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was briefed on the development at the site and he is constantly monitoring the situation, a senior home official said. The district authorities are waiting for the family members of at least seven miners trapped inside to identify the retrieved body, he said. At least 15 miners are trapped in the rat hole mine at Khlooryngksan area of the district since December 13 which has led to a multi-agency operation involving the Navy, the NDRF and leading firms in the country to join the efforts to rescue them in the longest such mission in the country. Close on heels of Navy's Sunday decision, Conrad had on Monday suspended operations to retrieve the body to avoid disintegration of the decomposed corpse. The Navy had also spotted several skeletons in the flooded mines. Coal India Ltd, Odhisa Fire Service and the KSP continued dewatering the nearby abandoned mines and the total discharge of water since yesterday was 80.15 lakh litres, Susngi said.

Meghalaya: Navy resumes operation to retrieve trapped miner's body, not successful

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into the Congress is an admission by the party that Rahul Gandhi has "failed" in providing leadership, the BJP said on Wednesday, slamming the "family alliance".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Congress president has opted for a "family alliance" after facing "rejection" from various parties of the proposed grand alliance.

"The Congress has basically publicly announced that Rahul Gandhi has failed and needs crutches from within the family. Because of his rejection by grand alliance parties, he has opted for a family alliance," he said.

He came out with the BJP's response soon after the Congress announced that Priyanka will be its general secretary for Uttar Pradesh, East, marking her formal entry into the party.

Taking a dig at the opposition party, Patra said it was natural that it had to "coronate" somebody from within the family and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has projected the Lok Sabha elections as a battle between "naamdar" (dynasts) and "kaamdar" (those who have worked).

The new India is asking the question, the BJP leader said, that who will be the next leader in the Congress as he referred to its succession line from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi followed by Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

"All appointments are from one family. And this is the fundamental difference between the Congress and the BJP. In the Congress, the family is party. In the BJP, the party is family," Patra said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into the Congress is an admission by the party that Rahul Gandhi has "failed" in providing leadership, the BJP said on Wednesday, slamming the "family alliance".

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's formal entry into the Congress is an admission by the party that Rahul Gandhi has "failed" in providing leadership, the BJP said on Wednesday, slamming the "family alliance". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Congress president has opted for a "family alliance" after facing "rejection" from various parties of the proposed grand alliance. "The Congress has basically publicly announced that Rahul Gandhi has failed and needs crutches from within the family. Because of his rejection by grand alliance parties, he has opted for a family alliance," he said. He came out with the BJP's response soon after the Congress announced that Priyanka will be its general secretary for Uttar Pradesh, East, marking her formal entry into the party. Taking a dig at the opposition party, Patra said it was natural that it had to "coronate" somebody from within the family and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has projected the Lok Sabha elections as a battle between "naamdar" (dynasts) and "kaamdar" (those who have worked). The new India is asking the question, the BJP leader said, that who will be the next leader in the Congress as he referred to its succession line from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi followed by Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. "All appointments are from one family. And this is the fundamental difference between the Congress and the BJP. In the Congress, the family is party. In the BJP, the party is family," Patra said.

In Congress, family is party; in BJP, party is family: Sambit Patra

The Gujarat government Tuesday issued a circular asking district authorities to ensure a ban on online multi-player game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, popularly called PUBG.

The state primary education department's circular was issued after a recommendation by the Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said officials.

The circular directed District Primary Education Officers to take the necessary steps to enforce a ban on the game in primary schools.

It said the ban was necessary as children were getting addicted to the game and it was "adversely affecting their studies".

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recommended a ban on the game across the country, said Jagruti Pandya, chairperson of the Gujarat child rights body.

"The NCPCR had sent a letter to all the states and recommended a ban on the game. All the states are required to implement it. Looking at the negative effects of the game, we had recently sent a letter to the state government recommending a ban on the game" said Pandya.&nbsp;

The Gujarat government Tuesday issued a circular asking district authorities to ensure a ban on online multi-player game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, popularly called PUBG.

The Gujarat government Tuesday issued a circular asking district authorities to ensure a ban on online multi-player game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, popularly called PUBG. The state primary education department's circular was issued after a recommendation by the Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said officials. The circular directed District Primary Education Officers to take the necessary steps to enforce a ban on the game in primary schools. It said the ban was necessary as children were getting addicted to the game and it was "adversely affecting their studies". The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recommended a ban on the game across the country, said Jagruti Pandya, chairperson of the Gujarat child rights body. "The NCPCR had sent a letter to all the states and recommended a ban on the game. All the states are required to implement it. Looking at the negative effects of the game, we had recently sent a letter to the state government recommending a ban on the game" said Pandya.

Gujarat government asks school officials to ban students from playing PUBG

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
It added that the raids were carried out at locations in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, Sikar and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Valsad and Surat in Gujarat and Kasaragod in Kerala in connection with a case involving the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), a banned Pakistani charity organisation. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
A total of 26 SIM cards, 23 phones, five memory cards, CDs, hard drives, computer peripherals, eight passports and foreign cards, nine debit cards, a laptop, two kg of gold and Rs 21 lakh in cash were seized, an NIA spokesperson said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Various incriminating documents related to operations in Dubai were also seized, he added. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
On Monday, the agency had arrested Mohammad Hussain Molani alias Babloo (43) in the case when he returned from Dubai, where he had been hiding. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The NIA had said this was the fourth arrest in the case, which was related to receiving of terror funds sent by FIF operatives to their associates through "hawala" (money launderers) operators for furthering their nefarious activities to trigger unrest in India. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In September last year, the NIA had busted a module of the FIF in Delhi and Srinagar and arrested three persons. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Lahore-based organisation is alleged to be linked to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba which is banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said. It added that the raids were carried out at locations in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, Sikar and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Valsad and Surat in Gujarat and Kasaragod in Kerala in connection with a case involving the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), a banned Pakistani charity organisation. A total of 26 SIM cards, 23 phones, five memory cards, CDs, hard drives, computer peripherals, eight passports and foreign cards, nine debit cards, a laptop, two kg of gold and Rs 21 lakh in cash were seized, an NIA spokesperson said. Various incriminating documents related to operations in Dubai were also seized, he added. On Monday, the agency had arrested Mohammad Hussain Molani alias Babloo (43) in the case when he returned from Dubai, where he had been hiding. The NIA had said this was the fourth arrest in the case, which was related to receiving of terror funds sent by FIF operatives to their associates through "hawala" (money launderers) operators for furthering their nefarious activities to trigger unrest in India. In September last year, the NIA had busted a module of the FIF in Delhi and Srinagar and arrested three persons. The Lahore-based organisation is alleged to be linked to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba which is banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

NIA conducts countrywide searches in case involving Pak-based charity organisation

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the appointment of former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The petition, filed by advocate M L Sharma and likely to come up for hearing this week, said the appointment was in contradiction to the law and Asthana be suspended in view of the pending investigation against him.

The Delhi High Court had on January 11 refused to quash the FIR lodged against Asthana on bribery allegations and set a 10-week deadline to complete the investigation.

The government on January 18, however, appointed Asthana as director of the BCAS, India’s regulatory authority for civil aviation security.

The petition said Asthana was under investigation for taking bribes within his duty and his appointment is contradictory to the Classification, Control and Appeal (CCA) Rules 1965.

It said: “Instead of suspension within the CCA rule-1965, Asthana has been promoted and appointed as chief of BCAS by during the pendency of the investigation under Delhi High court in an FIR for bribe and corruption in his official duty.

“This has created a serious injury to the judicial and public office systems violating Articles 21 and 14 and destruction of faith in the three constitutional offices of the country.”

The petition sought framing of a suitable guideline in case of termination of service of the CBI director saying that Prime Minister cannot take part in the deliberations due to conflict of interest.

The CBI Director is appointed by a high-powered Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, the CJI and the leader of the largest opposition party.

“Instead of suspension, Asthana’s appointment as BCES Chief on January 18 is a clear case of personal interest of PM Modi in favour of Asthana and against Verma. Therefore, PM Modi has no legal and moral right to sit as a member of the committee in which Asthana Vs Verma case has been decided,” it said.

Asthana was booked on allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Asthana, a Gujarat cadre IPS officer was at loggerheads with his boss former CBI Director Alok Verma for several months and both of them had levelled charges of corruption against each other.

In a controversial order on October 23, 2018, the government had divested the powers of Verma and Asthana sending them on forced leave as both had accused each other of corruption.

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the appointment of former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the appointment of former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The petition, filed by advocate M L Sharma and likely to come up for hearing this week, said the appointment was in contradiction to the law and Asthana be suspended in view of the pending investigation against him. The Delhi High Court had on January 11 refused to quash the FIR lodged against Asthana on bribery allegations and set a 10-week deadline to complete the investigation. The government on January 18, however, appointed Asthana as director of the BCAS, India’s regulatory authority for civil aviation security. The petition said Asthana was under investigation for taking bribes within his duty and his appointment is contradictory to the Classification, Control and Appeal (CCA) Rules 1965. It said: “Instead of suspension within the CCA rule-1965, Asthana has been promoted and appointed as chief of BCAS by during the pendency of the investigation under Delhi High court in an FIR for bribe and corruption in his official duty. “This has created a serious injury to the judicial and public office systems violating Articles 21 and 14 and destruction of faith in the three constitutional offices of the country.” The petition sought framing of a suitable guideline in case of termination of service of the CBI director saying that Prime Minister cannot take part in the deliberations due to conflict of interest. The CBI Director is appointed by a high-powered Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, the CJI and the leader of the largest opposition party. “Instead of suspension, Asthana’s appointment as BCES Chief on January 18 is a clear case of personal interest of PM Modi in favour of Asthana and against Verma. Therefore, PM Modi has no legal and moral right to sit as a member of the committee in which Asthana Vs Verma case has been decided,” it said. Asthana was booked on allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Asthana, a Gujarat cadre IPS officer was at loggerheads with his boss former CBI Director Alok Verma for several months and both of them had levelled charges of corruption against each other. In a controversial order on October 23, 2018, the government had divested the powers of Verma and Asthana sending them on forced leave as both had accused each other of corruption.

Petition in SC challenging appointment of Rakesh Asthana as aviation security director general

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has been given additional charge of Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs, the portfolios held by Arun Jaitley.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique, the President, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, directed that during the period of Jaitley's indisposition, the portfolios of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Corporate Affairs, held by him, be temporarily assigned to Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios.

Goyal will retain his existing portfolios of coal and railways.

Goyal, Minister of Railways, will have these portfolios in addition to his existing ones, it added.

Jaitley will be designated as ‘Minister without portfolio’ during the period of his indisposition or till such time he is able to resume his work as Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs, the statement said.

Arun Jaitley is currently in the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has been given additional charge of Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs, the portfolios held by Arun Jaitley. According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique, the President, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, directed that during the period of Jaitley's indisposition, the portfolios of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Corporate Affairs, held by him, be temporarily assigned to Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has been given additional charge of Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs, the portfolios held by Arun Jaitley. According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique, the President, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, directed that during the period of Jaitley's indisposition, the portfolios of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Corporate Affairs, held by him, be temporarily assigned to Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios. Goyal will retain his existing portfolios of coal and railways. Goyal, Minister of Railways, will have these portfolios in addition to his existing ones, it added. Jaitley will be designated as ‘Minister without portfolio’ during the period of his indisposition or till such time he is able to resume his work as Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs, the statement said. Arun Jaitley is currently in the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal given additional charge of Finance Ministry as Jaitley gets medical treatment

The government has carried out elaborate liberalisation and simplification of the passport issuance process, and work is on for an e-passport facility, officials said Tuesday.

Speaking about the welfare of overseas Indians at the inauguration of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said passport and visa rules have been simplified and e-visa has made it much easier for them to travel.&nbsp;

"Our Embassies and Consulates are being connected to the Passport Seva Project worldwide. This will prepare a centralised system connected to the passport service for all of you. Now, one step ahead, work is also going on for issuing chip-based e-passport," Modi said.

Along with passports, the rules related to visas are also being simplified, he said.

Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa division at the Ministry of External Affairs, at a briefing, said passport seva has seen a revolution in the past few years.

Over 290 passport centres have been opened in the country and the aim is to have such facilities in all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, he said.

"There has been an elaborate liberalisation and simplification of the passport seva," he said.

The whole world is moving towards e-passports and India has also decided to go for it, Mulay said.

The government has carried out elaborate liberalisation and simplification of the passport issuance process, and work is on for an e-passport facility, officials said Tuesday.

The government has carried out elaborate liberalisation and simplification of the passport issuance process, and work is on for an e-passport facility, officials said Tuesday. Speaking about the welfare of overseas Indians at the inauguration of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said passport and visa rules have been simplified and e-visa has made it much easier for them to travel. "Our Embassies and Consulates are being connected to the Passport Seva Project worldwide. This will prepare a centralised system connected to the passport service for all of you. Now, one step ahead, work is also going on for issuing chip-based e-passport," Modi said. Along with passports, the rules related to visas are also being simplified, he said. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa division at the Ministry of External Affairs, at a briefing, said passport seva has seen a revolution in the past few years. Over 290 passport centres have been opened in the country and the aim is to have such facilities in all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, he said. "There has been an elaborate liberalisation and simplification of the passport seva," he said. The whole world is moving towards e-passports and India has also decided to go for it, Mulay said.

Work is on for e-passport facility: Central government

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February.

In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category.

He added that all processes must be completed by February.

Kumar believed that quota allocation for weaker sections in general category would help in providing more employment.

The Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category, across religions.

The reservation is meant for individuals whose annual earning is below Rs 8 lakh and who possess less than 5 acres of agriculture land.&nbsp;

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February. In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category.

Bihar government is likely to implement 10 per cent quota for weaker sections in the general category in the state by February. In a meeting held on Tuesday here, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided that an Act needs to be constituted in order to implement 10 per cent reservation given by the Central Government in government jobs and education to the economically weaker section in the general category. He added that all processes must be completed by February. Kumar believed that quota allocation for weaker sections in general category would help in providing more employment. The Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 to grant 10 per cent reservation in education and government jobs to economically weaker individuals belonging to the general category, across religions. The reservation is meant for individuals whose annual earning is below Rs 8 lakh and who possess less than 5 acres of agriculture land.

Bihar government likely to implement 10% quota for general category by February

The Supreme Court Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict, allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple, till January 30 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave till January 30 "due to some medical reasons".

Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgement in the case.&nbsp;

Lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara, appearing for the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA), mentioned the matter before the bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, and sought an urgent listing for hearing the pleas seeking review of the verdict.

The court said that the next date of hearing would be fixed only after Justice Malhotra rejoins.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench comprising the CJI, Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Justice Malhotra was scheduled to hear in open court the review petitions from today.&nbsp;

Earlier also, the court had said that it may not start the hearing from January 22 as Justice Malhotra would not be available.&nbsp;

The remarks had come when Nedumpara on January 15 had mentioned the plea and had sought live streaming of the proceedings in the Sabarimala case. 
NADA had sought live streaming of the hearing saying it would ensure that "justice is made accessible to the common man".

Prior to this, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict.&nbsp;

There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgement and they were filed following the violent protests in favour and against the verdict.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict, allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple, till January 30 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

The Supreme Court Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict, allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple, till January 30 as one of the judges is on medical leave. On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave till January 30 "due to some medical reasons". Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgement in the case. Lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara, appearing for the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA), mentioned the matter before the bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, and sought an urgent listing for hearing the pleas seeking review of the verdict. The court said that the next date of hearing would be fixed only after Justice Malhotra rejoins. A five-judge Constitution bench comprising the CJI, Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Justice Malhotra was scheduled to hear in open court the review petitions from today. Earlier also, the court had said that it may not start the hearing from January 22 as Justice Malhotra would not be available. The remarks had come when Nedumpara on January 15 had mentioned the plea and had sought live streaming of the proceedings in the Sabarimala case. NADA had sought live streaming of the hearing saying it would ensure that "justice is made accessible to the common man". Prior to this, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict. There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgement and they were filed following the violent protests in favour and against the verdict.

May not start hearing Sabarimala case till January 30 as Justice Malhotra on leave: Supreme Court

Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”.

In a series of tweets, the Women and Child Development Minister alleged that women in West Bengal are not getting the benefits of “significant programmes” like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, maternity benefits program Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and One Stop Centre scheme.

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I am certain that the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> are unhappy with the undemocratic Policies of the State Government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people Government.
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“It is disheartening to look at the current state of affairs in West Bengal, with regard to women safety and women welfare, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. The state government’s approach towards women is disastrous,” she said in a tweet.

“I am deeply pained to share that the state government has not implemented the key schemes of government meant for women empowerment,” Maneka said in another tweet.

She also said that shortly people will have an opportunity to elect a pro-people government. “I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic policies of the state government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people government,” Maneka said.

Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”.

Union minister Maneka Gandhi Wednesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not implementing key government schemes meant for women empowerment, saying the state government’s approach towards women is “disastrous”. In a series of tweets, the Women and Child Development Minister alleged that women in West Bengal are not getting the benefits of “significant programmes” like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, maternity benefits program Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and One Stop Centre scheme. I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic Policies of the State Government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people Government. — Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) January 23, 2019 × “It is disheartening to look at the current state of affairs in West Bengal, with regard to women safety and women welfare, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. The state government’s approach towards women is disastrous,” she said in a tweet. “I am deeply pained to share that the state government has not implemented the key schemes of government meant for women empowerment,” Maneka said in another tweet. She also said that shortly people will have an opportunity to elect a pro-people government. “I am certain that the people of #WestBengal are unhappy with the undemocratic policies of the state government. Shortly, people will have an opportunity to elect the pro-people government,” Maneka said.

Mamata Banerjee govt’s approach towards women is ‘disastrous’: Maneka Gandhi

India's navy will open a third air base in the far off<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-carries-out-first-mega-coastal-defence-exercise-192166"> Andaman and Nicobar islands to beef up</a> surveillance of Chinese ships and submarines entering the Indian Ocean through the nearby Malacca Straits, military officials and experts said.

New Delhi has grown concerned over the presence of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-presence-in-indian-ocean-region-has-increased-and-we-are-aware-of-it-indian-navy-181257">China's bigger navy in its neighbourhood </a>and the network of commercial ports it is building in an arc stretching from Sri Lanka to Pakistan that India fears could become naval outposts.

The Indian military has seized upon the Andamans that lie near the entrance to the Malacca Straits to counter the Chinese challenge, deploying ships and aircraft.

Indian navy chief admiral Sunil Lanba will commission the new base, called INS Kohassa, about 300 km (180 miles) north of the archipelago’s capital, Port Blair, the navy said in a statement.

The facility, the third in the islands, will have a 1,000-metre runway for helicopters and Dornier surveillance aircraft. But eventually, the plan is for the runway to be extended to 3,000 metres to support fighter aircraft and longer-range reconnaissance aircraft, navy spokesman Captain D.K. Sharma said.

About 1,20,000 ships pass through the Indian Ocean each year and nearly 70,000 of them pass through the Malacca Strait.

"The underlying thing is the expanding Chinese presence. If we have to really monitor Chinese presence, we need to be adequately equipped in the Andaman islands," said former navy commodore Anil Jai Singh.

"If you have air bases you can cover a larger area," he said, adding he expected the navy to permanently deploy more ships to the islands in the next phase of the buildup.

A Chinese submarine docked in Sri Lanka's Colombo port in 2014 that drew such alarm in New Delhi as the government raised the issue with the Sri Lankan authorities.

Both India and China have been locked in a contest for influence, with New Delhi trying to push back against Beijing's expansive diplomacy in the region.

This week, Indian defence officials are due to hold talks with the defence minister of the Maldives, Mariya Ahmed Didi, where New Delhi is seeking to repair ties after the ouster of its pro-China leader in a presidential election last year.

India's navy will open a third air base in the far off Andaman and Nicobar islands to beef up surveillance of Chinese ships and submarines entering the Indian Ocean through the nearby Malacca Straits, military officials and experts said.

India's navy will open a third air base in the far off Andaman and Nicobar islands to beef up surveillance of Chinese ships and submarines entering the Indian Ocean through the nearby Malacca Straits, military officials and experts said. New Delhi has grown concerned over the presence of China's bigger navy in its neighbourhood and the network of commercial ports it is building in an arc stretching from Sri Lanka to Pakistan that India fears could become naval outposts. The Indian military has seized upon the Andamans that lie near the entrance to the Malacca Straits to counter the Chinese challenge, deploying ships and aircraft. Indian navy chief admiral Sunil Lanba will commission the new base, called INS Kohassa, about 300 km (180 miles) north of the archipelago’s capital, Port Blair, the navy said in a statement. The facility, the third in the islands, will have a 1,000-metre runway for helicopters and Dornier surveillance aircraft. But eventually, the plan is for the runway to be extended to 3,000 metres to support fighter aircraft and longer-range reconnaissance aircraft, navy spokesman Captain D.K. Sharma said. About 1,20,000 ships pass through the Indian Ocean each year and nearly 70,000 of them pass through the Malacca Strait. "The underlying thing is the expanding Chinese presence. If we have to really monitor Chinese presence, we need to be adequately equipped in the Andaman islands," said former navy commodore Anil Jai Singh. "If you have air bases you can cover a larger area," he said, adding he expected the navy to permanently deploy more ships to the islands in the next phase of the buildup. A Chinese submarine docked in Sri Lanka's Colombo port in 2014 that drew such alarm in New Delhi as the government raised the issue with the Sri Lankan authorities. Both India and China have been locked in a contest for influence, with New Delhi trying to push back against Beijing's expansive diplomacy in the region. This week, Indian defence officials are due to hold talks with the defence minister of the Maldives, Mariya Ahmed Didi, where New Delhi is seeking to repair ties after the ouster of its pro-China leader in a presidential election last year.

Indian navy to open third air base in Andaman and Nicobar islands to keep eye on China

A 12-year-old Pune-based boy Haaziq Kazi designed a ship called 'ERVIS'&nbsp;that will help reduce pollution in the ocean and save marine life.

Talking to ANI, Haaziq Kazi said, "I watched some documentaries and realised the impact waste has on marine life. I felt I had to do something. The fish we eat in food are eating plastic in the ocean so the cycle of pollution comes to us and that is even affecting human lives. Hence, I came up with ERVIS."

Explaining about the functions and features of ERVIS, Haaziq said, "The saucers use centripetal force to suck in the waste, which is then segregated between water, marine life and waste. Marine life and water are sent back to the ocean, while the waste is segregated into five more parts."

Haaziq who has also presented his idea on an international platform through various platforms like TedEx and Ted8 has been appreciated by many international scholars and organisation.

He has claimed that his designed ship has the machine in its base which sucks the plastic from the ocean and segregates it according to its size. As per his design, there is a sensor or mechanism on its bottom which detects marine life, water and plastic while passing on from the ocean and accordingly it segregates it.

Haaziq said the idea to design a ship came to his mind when he was nine-years-old.

He thought of doing something for marine life. After he watched several documentaries, he came across few facts about damage caused to due to plastic and pollution.

Presently, Haaziq has been working with different people, organisations and forums to create public awareness for highlighting the hazards of ocean plastic pollution and measures to prevent it.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A 12-year-old Pune-based boy Haaziq Kazi designed a ship called 'ERVIS' that will help reduce pollution in the ocean and save marine life. Talking to ANI, Haaziq Kazi said, "I watched some documentaries and realised the impact waste has on marine life.

A 12-year-old Pune-based boy Haaziq Kazi designed a ship called 'ERVIS' that will help reduce pollution in the ocean and save marine life. Talking to ANI, Haaziq Kazi said, "I watched some documentaries and realised the impact waste has on marine life. I felt I had to do something. The fish we eat in food are eating plastic in the ocean so the cycle of pollution comes to us and that is even affecting human lives. Hence, I came up with ERVIS." Explaining about the functions and features of ERVIS, Haaziq said, "The saucers use centripetal force to suck in the waste, which is then segregated between water, marine life and waste. Marine life and water are sent back to the ocean, while the waste is segregated into five more parts." Haaziq who has also presented his idea on an international platform through various platforms like TedEx and Ted8 has been appreciated by many international scholars and organisation. He has claimed that his designed ship has the machine in its base which sucks the plastic from the ocean and segregates it according to its size. As per his design, there is a sensor or mechanism on its bottom which detects marine life, water and plastic while passing on from the ocean and accordingly it segregates it. Haaziq said the idea to design a ship came to his mind when he was nine-years-old. He thought of doing something for marine life. After he watched several documentaries, he came across few facts about damage caused to due to plastic and pollution. Presently, Haaziq has been working with different people, organisations and forums to create public awareness for highlighting the hazards of ocean plastic pollution and measures to prevent it.

12-year-old Pune boy designs ship to clean oceans, save marine life

The BSF Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for four days, to Tripura Police, even as 30 more community members were apprehended in Assam, officials said.

The 31 Rohingyas, who apparently came from Jammu and Kashmir, had been stuck in no man's land, beyond the barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura since January 18.

The situation had led to a blame game between the Border Security Force (BSF) and its counterpart -- Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) -- with the two sides accusing each other of pushing them into their territories.

The decision to hand over the Rohingyas to the Tripura Police was taken after the BSF and the BGB failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue.

The 31 Rohingyas underwent a medical check-up and were later produced before a court in West Tripura district which sent them to 14-day judicial custody, the officials said.

Deputy Inspector General of the BSF Brijesh Kumar said, "We took the matter up with the BGB and requested them to take the Rohingyas back to Bangladesh. They denied. Several rounds of talks with the BGB had failed. So, we handed them over to police."

A battalion commander-level meeting was held at the Zero Line on Sunday, the officials said.

Officials in New Delhi said the BSF informed the Home Ministry about the final result of the talks and gave it the situation report.

After receiving the ministry's nod, the BSF signed the papers and handed over the 31 Rohingyas to the staff of the Amtoli police station in West Tripura district police at 11 am, ending the standoff with their Bangladeshi counterparts.

The officials added that the state police will verify the details of the Rohingyas, and the BSF has been asked to render assistance for the task.

It is suspected that these people had travelled to the border area from Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said, adding that the truth can only be established after an investigation.

Pranab Sengupta, officer-in-charge of the Amtali police station, told PTI that the 31 Rohingyas, including nine women and 16 children, were sent to the Tripura Medical College for a check-up and "were found to be alright".

He said the BSF had been providing them with food, water and other essentials.

While the BGB claimed they had come from India, the BSF said they had not as there was no tell-tale sign of breach of the barbed wire fence on the Indian side.

Meanwhile, 30 Rohingyas travelling on a Guwahati-bound bus were apprehended during regular checking in Assam's Churaibari area on Monday night, Superintendent of Police of North Tripura district Bhanupada Chakraborty told PTI.

Churaibari connects Tripura and Assam via National Highway-8.

"Karimganj district police told us that the Rohingyas boarded the Guwahati-bound bus from Agartala," he said.

When produced before a court, all the 30 Rohingyas were sent to jail by a Karimganj court.

The police sought the custody of some of them but Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdul Qadir turned down the plea and asked the authorities to produce them again before him Thursday.

In 2017, 12 Rohingyas were apprehended in Tripura and 62 more were detained in different parts of the state the next year.

In October 2017, the Home Ministry had urged all states to take immediate steps to identify and monitor Rohingya refugees.

It had said that the government viewed infiltration of Rohingyas from Rakhine state of Myanmar into the Indian territory as a burden on the country's limited resources and it aggravated security challenges.&nbsp;

The BSF Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for four days, to Tripura Police, even as 30 more community members were apprehended in Assam, officials said.

The BSF Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for four days, to Tripura Police, even as 30 more community members were apprehended in Assam, officials said. The 31 Rohingyas, who apparently came from Jammu and Kashmir, had been stuck in no man's land, beyond the barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura since January 18. The situation had led to a blame game between the Border Security Force (BSF) and its counterpart -- Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) -- with the two sides accusing each other of pushing them into their territories. The decision to hand over the Rohingyas to the Tripura Police was taken after the BSF and the BGB failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue. The 31 Rohingyas underwent a medical check-up and were later produced before a court in West Tripura district which sent them to 14-day judicial custody, the officials said. Deputy Inspector General of the BSF Brijesh Kumar said, "We took the matter up with the BGB and requested them to take the Rohingyas back to Bangladesh. They denied. Several rounds of talks with the BGB had failed. So, we handed them over to police." A battalion commander-level meeting was held at the Zero Line on Sunday, the officials said. Officials in New Delhi said the BSF informed the Home Ministry about the final result of the talks and gave it the situation report. After receiving the ministry's nod, the BSF signed the papers and handed over the 31 Rohingyas to the staff of the Amtoli police station in West Tripura district police at 11 am, ending the standoff with their Bangladeshi counterparts. The officials added that the state police will verify the details of the Rohingyas, and the BSF has been asked to render assistance for the task. It is suspected that these people had travelled to the border area from Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said, adding that the truth can only be established after an investigation. Pranab Sengupta, officer-in-charge of the Amtali police station, told PTI that the 31 Rohingyas, including nine women and 16 children, were sent to the Tripura Medical College for a check-up and "were found to be alright". He said the BSF had been providing them with food, water and other essentials. While the BGB claimed they had come from India, the BSF said they had not as there was no tell-tale sign of breach of the barbed wire fence on the Indian side. Meanwhile, 30 Rohingyas travelling on a Guwahati-bound bus were apprehended during regular checking in Assam's Churaibari area on Monday night, Superintendent of Police of North Tripura district Bhanupada Chakraborty told PTI. Churaibari connects Tripura and Assam via National Highway-8. "Karimganj district police told us that the Rohingyas boarded the Guwahati-bound bus from Agartala," he said. When produced before a court, all the 30 Rohingyas were sent to jail by a Karimganj court. The police sought the custody of some of them but Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdul Qadir turned down the plea and asked the authorities to produce them again before him Thursday. In 2017, 12 Rohingyas were apprehended in Tripura and 62 more were detained in different parts of the state the next year. In October 2017, the Home Ministry had urged all states to take immediate steps to identify and monitor Rohingya refugees. It had said that the government viewed infiltration of Rohingyas from Rakhine state of Myanmar into the Indian territory as a burden on the country's limited resources and it aggravated security challenges.

31 Rohingyas stranded on Indo-Bangla border sent to 14-day judicial custody 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-will-not-soften-hard-line-on-china-to-make-deal-advisers-192107">Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers</a>

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-openers-fall-early-after-new-zealand-opt-to-bat-in-1st-odi-192116">IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early</a>

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-indian-crew-safe-in-russian-ship-wreck-claims-dgs-192106">Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials</a>

A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-cec-naveen-chawla-calls-evm-a-fine-machine-cautions-against-returning-to-ballots-192095">Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers</a>

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday. Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido. Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy.&nbsp;

Of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ten-sailors-dead-after-2-ships-catch-fire-near-crimea-indian-crewmen-may-be-among-casualties-191893">six Indians </a>who died 5 were from Candy while one was from Maestro, the ministry&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The victims have been identified as Pinal Kumar Bharatbhai Tandel, Vikram Singh, Sarvanan Nagarajan, Vishal Dod, Raja Debnarayan Panigrahi and Karankumar Haribhai Tandel. Those who still missing are Siddharth Meher, Neeraj Singh, Sebastian Britto Breezlin Sahayaraj, Rushikesh Raju Sakpal, Akshay Baban Jadhav, Anandasekar Avinash.

The ministry of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/20-may-have-died-after-fire-engulfs-two-ships-near-crimea-indian-nationals-also-affected-192010">external affairs</a> in a release said, "We regret to inform that there have been causalities among Indian seamen working on these ships. We convey our deepest condolences to families of those deceased."

Russian Maritime Agency and Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre Novorossiysk is still continuing its effort to locate those still missing.&nbsp;

Four Indians -- Harish Jogi, Sachin Singh, Ashish Ashok Nair, and Kamleshbhai Gopalbhai Tandel -- were rescued.&nbsp;

The blaze took place on Monday during fuel transfer from one ship to other, 16 miles off Russia's Krasnodar Krai at the entrance to the Kerch Strait.

The Director-General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping, Mumbai is in touch with families of affected Indian seamen. Indian Registry of Shipping is making all arrangements for the repatriation of rescued seamen while Indian embassy in Moscow is making arrangements to bring back the bodies of the deceased, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA has issued emergency contact number (007-9652773414) of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The number &nbsp;(0091-22-22614646, 022 22610606) of Director General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping has also been shared.

Meanwhile, the Investigation Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (causing death by negligence). Russian authorities are providing assistance by the rescue ships Mercury and Demidov.&nbsp;

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy.

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy. Of the six Indians who died 5 were from Candy while one was from Maestro, the ministry said. The victims have been identified as Pinal Kumar Bharatbhai Tandel, Vikram Singh, Sarvanan Nagarajan, Vishal Dod, Raja Debnarayan Panigrahi and Karankumar Haribhai Tandel. Those who still missing are Siddharth Meher, Neeraj Singh, Sebastian Britto Breezlin Sahayaraj, Rushikesh Raju Sakpal, Akshay Baban Jadhav, Anandasekar Avinash. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We regret to inform that there have been causalities among Indian seamen working on these ships. We convey our deepest condolences to families of those deceased." Russian Maritime Agency and Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre Novorossiysk is still continuing its effort to locate those still missing. Four Indians -- Harish Jogi, Sachin Singh, Ashish Ashok Nair, and Kamleshbhai Gopalbhai Tandel -- were rescued. The blaze took place on Monday during fuel transfer from one ship to other, 16 miles off Russia's Krasnodar Krai at the entrance to the Kerch Strait. The Director-General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping, Mumbai is in touch with families of affected Indian seamen. Indian Registry of Shipping is making all arrangements for the repatriation of rescued seamen while Indian embassy in Moscow is making arrangements to bring back the bodies of the deceased, MEA said. The MEA has issued emergency contact number (007-9652773414) of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The number (0091-22-22614646, 022 22610606) of Director General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping has also been shared. Meanwhile, the Investigation Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (causing death by negligence). Russian authorities are providing assistance by the rescue ships Mercury and Demidov.

6 Indians dead, 6 missing after two ships catch fire in Black Sea near Crimea

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