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Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “<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">a very good and fine machine</a>” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

“I endorse that EVM is a very good and fine machine. We should never go back to ballot papers,” Chawla told ANI here while commenting on the current furore over the EVM Hackathon held in London on Monday.

“My position is very clear about EVM. Election Commission’s EVMs are manufactured by two public sector companies under highly-secret conditions. These machines were made in 2000 and have been used continuously since 2006,” he said.

“It is just that those who win the elections don`t say anything about EVM, whereas those who lose challenge EVMs,” he said while hailing India’s electoral process.

“I have visited many countries as an election observer. Our system is of 100 per cent accountability.”

Talking about ‘cyber-security researcher’ Syed Shuja’s claim regarding EVM hacking, he said, “This is very unfortunate. Raising such an issue is very distasteful.”

“I was at the helm of affairs during 2009 General Elections. We got 100 machines and installed cameras. It was an open invitation to hack EVMs and people were called to demonstrate hacking if it is possible and no one could do it,” added Chawla.

Responding to the chorus of using ballot papers for elections, former CEC said, “I have argued this in my book that long ago there was a major problem of booth capturing.”

“Also very often the stamp is not clearly marked, which lead to a large number of invalid votes. EVMs have made the process neat and clean,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Tuesday said to investigate the claim made by Shuja that EVMs can be tampered with, as a political row erupted over the issue.

Amid the claims by the so-called hacker, there were renewed calls by some Opposition parties for finding an alternative to the EVMs, including the return to the use of ballot papers, in the coming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

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.

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. “I endorse that EVM is a very good and fine machine. We should never go back to ballot papers,” Chawla told ANI here while commenting on the current furore over the EVM Hackathon held in London on Monday. “My position is very clear about EVM. Election Commission’s EVMs are manufactured by two public sector companies under highly-secret conditions. These machines were made in 2000 and have been used continuously since 2006,” he said. “It is just that those who win the elections don`t say anything about EVM, whereas those who lose challenge EVMs,” he said while hailing India’s electoral process. “I have visited many countries as an election observer. Our system is of 100 per cent accountability.” Talking about ‘cyber-security researcher’ Syed Shuja’s claim regarding EVM hacking, he said, “This is very unfortunate. Raising such an issue is very distasteful.” “I was at the helm of affairs during 2009 General Elections. We got 100 machines and installed cameras. It was an open invitation to hack EVMs and people were called to demonstrate hacking if it is possible and no one could do it,” added Chawla. Responding to the chorus of using ballot papers for elections, former CEC said, “I have argued this in my book that long ago there was a major problem of booth capturing.” “Also very often the stamp is not clearly marked, which lead to a large number of invalid votes. EVMs have made the process neat and clean,” he said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Tuesday said to investigate the claim made by Shuja that EVMs can be tampered with, as a political row erupted over the issue. Amid the claims by the so-called hacker, there were renewed calls by some Opposition parties for finding an alternative to the EVMs, including the return to the use of ballot papers, in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors.

In her address at the Tamil Nadu government’s second Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), the Defence Minister said the government has ensured that systemic reforms were taken up with ‘courage.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a point that systemic reforms were done in such a way that India’s growth potential was realised fully, she said.

“We maintain the growth well above 6.5 (per cent), sometimes touching seven and IMF’s prediction is that we are likely to be over seven per cent in the coming years too.”

She said it was possible because the Modi government had made sure that that the systemic reforms were taken up “with courage,’ GST being the biggest of them.

“The biggest reform in the last 60 years was to make India as one market and that was achieved under Prime Minister Modi,” she said.

Together with many steps taken by the government, the country has now climbed the World Bank’s Ease of Doing business index also, she added.

“India is seen as the brightest spark..and the shining spot globally. Only two days ago, the IMF came up with the forecast that India’s growth will be the highest globally, being sustained for the last five years in that fashion.

This, along with fiscal prudence (and) the way in which the economy is being managed,” Sitharaman added.

Whether food inflation or the overall inflation, they have been kept well under control, she said.

“So, for somebody who wants to set up an industry, somebody who wants to do business, what more ideal situation can you have?” she asked.

Sitharaman also released the ‘Tamil Nadu Aerospace and Defence Industrial Policy 2019’ on the occasion.

Speaking at the summit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami strongly pitched for his state as a favourable investment destination, among a group of investors and diplomatic officials, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries.

“With a population of 7.2 crores, of which 80 per cent is literate, and nearly 50 per cent urbanised, Tamil Nadu is an innovation-based economy, with a strong performance in manufacturing and services,” he said.

High quality skilled human resources, besides infrastructure, have made it a very attractive investment destination, he said, adding that the state attracts the third highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.

Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu’s industrial base was diversified and it holds the leading position in textiles, leather, automobiles and auto components.

It also leads in heavy and Light engineering, an electronics manufacturer, Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services, and health care, he added.

The two-day GIM 2019 will see the participation of investors from a number of countries.

Palaniswami is scheduled to give an account of the MoUs signed during the event on its concluding day Thursday.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday termed the NDA government’s 2017 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the “biggest reform” taken as part of a “systemic reform” and pitched India as a bright spot for investors. In her address at the Tamil Nadu government’s second Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), the Defence Minister said the government has ensured that systemic reforms were taken up with ‘courage.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a point that systemic reforms were done in such a way that India’s growth potential was realised fully, she said. “We maintain the growth well above 6.5 (per cent), sometimes touching seven and IMF’s prediction is that we are likely to be over seven per cent in the coming years too.” She said it was possible because the Modi government had made sure that that the systemic reforms were taken up “with courage,’ GST being the biggest of them. “The biggest reform in the last 60 years was to make India as one market and that was achieved under Prime Minister Modi,” she said. Together with many steps taken by the government, the country has now climbed the World Bank’s Ease of Doing business index also, she added. “India is seen as the brightest spark..and the shining spot globally. Only two days ago, the IMF came up with the forecast that India’s growth will be the highest globally, being sustained for the last five years in that fashion. This, along with fiscal prudence (and) the way in which the economy is being managed,” Sitharaman added. Whether food inflation or the overall inflation, they have been kept well under control, she said. “So, for somebody who wants to set up an industry, somebody who wants to do business, what more ideal situation can you have?” she asked. Sitharaman also released the ‘Tamil Nadu Aerospace and Defence Industrial Policy 2019’ on the occasion. Speaking at the summit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami strongly pitched for his state as a favourable investment destination, among a group of investors and diplomatic officials, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries. “With a population of 7.2 crores, of which 80 per cent is literate, and nearly 50 per cent urbanised, Tamil Nadu is an innovation-based economy, with a strong performance in manufacturing and services,” he said. High quality skilled human resources, besides infrastructure, have made it a very attractive investment destination, he said, adding that the state attracts the third highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country. Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu’s industrial base was diversified and it holds the leading position in textiles, leather, automobiles and auto components. It also leads in heavy and Light engineering, an electronics manufacturer, Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services, and health care, he added. The two-day GIM 2019 will see the participation of investors from a number of countries. Palaniswami is scheduled to give an account of the MoUs signed during the event on its concluding day Thursday.

GST rollout biggest reform taken as part of systemic reform: Nirmala Sitharaman

The BJP Tuesday dubbed allegations of rigging in the 2014 parliamentary polls, made at a London press conference, a "Congress-sponsored conspiracy" designed to "defame" Indian democracy and the Election Commission.

A day after a self-proclaimed cyber expert alleged at the press event that the BJP had won election by hacking into Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the ruling party launched a stinging attack on the Congress and said it has already started looking for an "alibi" for its imminent loss in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

<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">Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> told reporters that the Indian Journalists' Association, which had organised the conference, is headed by Ashis Ray who, he claimed, is a "committed Congressman" and has been singing paeans in support of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

He contributes to National Herald, a Congress mouthpiece, "campaigns" for the Congress on social media and has often attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prasad claimed, adding that he had also organised Gandhi's public event in London.

There has been no reaction from Ray to the BJP's comments so far.

Targeting the Congress, Prasad questioned the presence of its leader Kapil Sibal at the event.

"What was Sibal doing there? In what capacity was he present? My charge is that he was there to monitor the event for the Congress. It was a Congress-sponsored conspiracy designed to defame Indian democracy and its Election Commission," Prasad said, also calling it a Congress-scripted exercise.

The BJP leader also dismissed Sibal's claim that he was present in his personal capacity, saying he was intelligent enough to know the implications of his being there. He claimed that Sibal went there by deliberate design.&nbsp;

"Whether it is the stoppage of the work for the construction of Ram temple, talk of the abolition of law on sedition or impeachment campaign of the Chief Justice of India -- all being done by Kapil Sibal. He is the one who is trying to disgrace Election Commission," Prasad said. 
 
He said the invite for the event had claimed that the hacking of EVMs will be shown but the "gentleman" appeared via Skype from the US wearing a mask.&nbsp;

Ridiculing the London event as a circus and political stunt, the BJP leader said he had never heard of Syed Shuja, who claimed to be a cyber expert and made the outlandish and explosive allegations at the press conference, even though he, as Union IT minister, keeps in touch with experts and developments in the field.&nbsp;

"I could not understand this drama. He (Suja) offered no proof and nor did he present himself to questioning by the media. No evidence, no corroboration and no question and such big allegations were levelled," he said.

Prasad alleged it was a Congress-sponsored conspiracy and asked if opposition parties wanted to revert to the use of ballot papers in elections, alleging that the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress had used them to rig local polls in the state last year as the government did not use EVMs.

"This is a part of a well thought-out conspiracy, this is Congress's Cambridge Analytica part-2," Prasad said.

The matter of Cambridge Analytica allegedly harvesting people's personal information from social media had already been sent to the CBI, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Congress is the "biggest culprit" when it comes to weakening institutions while it levels this allegation at "our leader", he said, apparently referring to the opposition party's accusation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attacking institutions.&nbsp;

He also expressed his party's "deep pain" at the allegation in the London event that Union minister Gopinath Munde was "murdered" because he was aware of the 2014 poll "rigging" and was set to disclose it. He dismissed it as rubbish.

Munde had died in a road accident in New Delhi weeks after the BJP won the 2014 elections.

Name of a deceased person was used as he could no longer respond, Prasad said, adding that an AIIMS doctor, who was involved in Munde's postmortem, had Monday stated that the reason of his death was a neck injury suffered in the accident.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi should answer as to how many more alibies he was going to invent for his party's loss in the Lok Sabha polls, Prasad asked.

The London event was also meant to defame the popular mandate in 2014, he said, noting that it was not the BJP but the Congress which was then in power. The BJP had swept to power in 2014.

The Union minister said the EVMs have been in use since 1996 and non-BJP parties have won so many elections since them.

"When the BJP wins, then the EVMs become suspect. What kind of logic is this," he asked, adding that there cannot be a more "shameful" argument which is designed to compromise the Indian electoral process.

No political party or expert had taken up the open challenge thrown by the EC in 2017 for hacking EVMs, he said, adding it's shameful that a political party that had ruled the country for close to six decades is "sponsoring" such shameful attacks on the commission.

The Supreme Court had also dismissed in November last a petition seeking re-introduction of ballot papers in elections.

 
&nbsp;

The BJP Tuesday dubbed allegations of rigging in the 2014 parliamentary polls, made at a London press conference, a "Congress-sponsored conspiracy" designed to "defame" Indian democracy and the Election Commission.

The BJP Tuesday dubbed allegations of rigging in the 2014 parliamentary polls, made at a London press conference, a "Congress-sponsored conspiracy" designed to "defame" Indian democracy and the Election Commission. A day after a self-proclaimed cyber expert alleged at the press event that the BJP had won election by hacking into Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the ruling party launched a stinging attack on the Congress and said it has already started looking for an "alibi" for its imminent loss in the coming Lok Sabha polls. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters that the Indian Journalists' Association, which had organised the conference, is headed by Ashis Ray who, he claimed, is a "committed Congressman" and has been singing paeans in support of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He contributes to National Herald, a Congress mouthpiece, "campaigns" for the Congress on social media and has often attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prasad claimed, adding that he had also organised Gandhi's public event in London. There has been no reaction from Ray to the BJP's comments so far. Targeting the Congress, Prasad questioned the presence of its leader Kapil Sibal at the event. "What was Sibal doing there? In what capacity was he present? My charge is that he was there to monitor the event for the Congress. It was a Congress-sponsored conspiracy designed to defame Indian democracy and its Election Commission," Prasad said, also calling it a Congress-scripted exercise. The BJP leader also dismissed Sibal's claim that he was present in his personal capacity, saying he was intelligent enough to know the implications of his being there. He claimed that Sibal went there by deliberate design. "Whether it is the stoppage of the work for the construction of Ram temple, talk of the abolition of law on sedition or impeachment campaign of the Chief Justice of India -- all being done by Kapil Sibal. He is the one who is trying to disgrace Election Commission," Prasad said. He said the invite for the event had claimed that the hacking of EVMs will be shown but the "gentleman" appeared via Skype from the US wearing a mask. Ridiculing the London event as a circus and political stunt, the BJP leader said he had never heard of Syed Shuja, who claimed to be a cyber expert and made the outlandish and explosive allegations at the press conference, even though he, as Union IT minister, keeps in touch with experts and developments in the field. "I could not understand this drama. He (Suja) offered no proof and nor did he present himself to questioning by the media. No evidence, no corroboration and no question and such big allegations were levelled," he said. Prasad alleged it was a Congress-sponsored conspiracy and asked if opposition parties wanted to revert to the use of ballot papers in elections, alleging that the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress had used them to rig local polls in the state last year as the government did not use EVMs. "This is a part of a well thought-out conspiracy, this is Congress's Cambridge Analytica part-2," Prasad said. The matter of Cambridge Analytica allegedly harvesting people's personal information from social media had already been sent to the CBI, he said. The Congress is the "biggest culprit" when it comes to weakening institutions while it levels this allegation at "our leader", he said, apparently referring to the opposition party's accusation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attacking institutions. He also expressed his party's "deep pain" at the allegation in the London event that Union minister Gopinath Munde was "murdered" because he was aware of the 2014 poll "rigging" and was set to disclose it. He dismissed it as rubbish. Munde had died in a road accident in New Delhi weeks after the BJP won the 2014 elections. Name of a deceased person was used as he could no longer respond, Prasad said, adding that an AIIMS doctor, who was involved in Munde's postmortem, had Monday stated that the reason of his death was a neck injury suffered in the accident. Congress president Rahul Gandhi should answer as to how many more alibies he was going to invent for his party's loss in the Lok Sabha polls, Prasad asked. The London event was also meant to defame the popular mandate in 2014, he said, noting that it was not the BJP but the Congress which was then in power. The BJP had swept to power in 2014. The Union minister said the EVMs have been in use since 1996 and non-BJP parties have won so many elections since them. "When the BJP wins, then the EVMs become suspect. What kind of logic is this," he asked, adding that there cannot be a more "shameful" argument which is designed to compromise the Indian electoral process. No political party or expert had taken up the open challenge thrown by the EC in 2017 for hacking EVMs, he said, adding it's shameful that a political party that had ruled the country for close to six decades is "sponsoring" such shameful attacks on the commission. The Supreme Court had also dismissed in November last a petition seeking re-introduction of ballot papers in elections.

EVM hacking claim a Congress-sponsored conspiracy to defame Indian democracy: BJP 

A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/20-may-have-died-after-fire-engulfs-two-ships-near-crimea-indian-nationals-also-affected-192010">two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters</a> Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday.

But the exact details, including the number of those who have made it, are not immediately available as information flow from the site is very limited, they explained.

The 15 sailors hail from different parts of the country but more details of them are awaited.

According to media reports, 14 sailors have died in the blaze on the two Tanzanian flagged vessels, but the nationalities of the victims are yet to be established.

A senior DGS official told PTI that dozens of vessels are looking for survivors in the vicinity of the accident site — the Kerch Strait separating the Crimea from Russia — and wreckage is very scattered.

"Some of our sailors have contacted their families back home about making it, while a few have been rescued after they jumped out of the blazing ships," the official said, declining to give an exact number.

The DGS has given a list containing all the details of the 15 Indian sailors who are on board these ships when they caught fire while transferring fuel Monday.

The DGS is in touch with both the foreign ministry in New Delhi, which is coordinating with the embassy in Moscow, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is in touch with its Russian counterparts, the official said.

The two ships have Indian, Turkish and Libyan crew and caught fire in the Kerch Strait that separates the Crimea from Russia, killing at least 14 sailors Monday, according to international media reports.

Both the vessels are Tanzanian flagged, and one of is an LNG carrier, the other is an oil tanker.

One of the ships, the Candy, has a 17-member crew, including nine Turks and eight Indians, while the other, the Maestro, is powered by a 15-member crew, including seven each Indian and Turkish nationals and an intern from Libya, Russian news agency Tass quoted maritime authority as saying.

Fourteen people were killed in the accident, while 12 have been rescued, Sergei Aksyonov, an official of Crimean administration told reporters Tuesday adding while six are still missing.

The Kerch Strait is a key waterway that holds strategic importance for both Russia and Ukraine. It is an economic lifeline for Ukraine that allows ships leaving the port city of Mariupol to access the Black Sea.

It is also the closest access point for Russia to the Crimea, a peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014. A Russian-built bridge over the Kerch Strait was opened last May.

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 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. But the exact details, including the number of those who have made it, are not immediately available as information flow from the site is very limited, they explained. The 15 sailors hail from different parts of the country but more details of them are awaited. According to media reports, 14 sailors have died in the blaze on the two Tanzanian flagged vessels, but the nationalities of the victims are yet to be established. A senior DGS official told PTI that dozens of vessels are looking for survivors in the vicinity of the accident site — the Kerch Strait separating the Crimea from Russia — and wreckage is very scattered. "Some of our sailors have contacted their families back home about making it, while a few have been rescued after they jumped out of the blazing ships," the official said, declining to give an exact number. The DGS has given a list containing all the details of the 15 Indian sailors who are on board these ships when they caught fire while transferring fuel Monday. The DGS is in touch with both the foreign ministry in New Delhi, which is coordinating with the embassy in Moscow, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is in touch with its Russian counterparts, the official said. The two ships have Indian, Turkish and Libyan crew and caught fire in the Kerch Strait that separates the Crimea from Russia, killing at least 14 sailors Monday, according to international media reports. Both the vessels are Tanzanian flagged, and one of is an LNG carrier, the other is an oil tanker. One of the ships, the Candy, has a 17-member crew, including nine Turks and eight Indians, while the other, the Maestro, is powered by a 15-member crew, including seven each Indian and Turkish nationals and an intern from Libya, Russian news agency Tass quoted maritime authority as saying. Fourteen people were killed in the accident, while 12 have been rescued, Sergei Aksyonov, an official of Crimean administration told reporters Tuesday adding while six are still missing. The Kerch Strait is a key waterway that holds strategic importance for both Russia and Ukraine. It is an economic lifeline for Ukraine that allows ships leaving the port city of Mariupol to access the Black Sea. It is also the closest access point for Russia to the Crimea, a peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014. A Russian-built bridge over the Kerch Strait was opened last May.

Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-case-why-did-you-file-charge-sheet-without-legal-approval-delhi-court-raps-police-191352">JNU sedition case</a>, government sources said on Tuesday.

On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities.

Delhi government sources said there are rules laid down by the court for sanction of prosecution and they will be followed.

"The rules allow three months time to the government for granting sanction. Delhi Police took three years to file the charge sheet. The government must be allowed due diligence and legal advice at its disposal before taking a decision," a source said.

However, if the government consumes the three-month period without taking any decision, the sanction is deemed granted, he said.

The Delhi Police had filed the charge sheet in the court on January 14, saying sanction for prosecution was pending before the government.

"Why did you file (the charge sheet) without approval? You don't have a legal department," the court asked police on Saturday.

According to the charge sheet, Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

Police also charged former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the event to mark the hanging of Parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

The event had taken place despite the university administration cancelling the permission following a complaint from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which had termed it "anti-national".&nbsp;

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the JNU sedition case, government sources said on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities.

The Delhi government is seeking legal advice with regard to granting sanction for prosecution in the JNU sedition case, government sources said on Tuesday. On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhi Police traded allegations after a court questioned the department for filing a charge sheet in the sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others without procuring the required sanction from authorities. Delhi government sources said there are rules laid down by the court for sanction of prosecution and they will be followed. "The rules allow three months time to the government for granting sanction. Delhi Police took three years to file the charge sheet. The government must be allowed due diligence and legal advice at its disposal before taking a decision," a source said. However, if the government consumes the three-month period without taking any decision, the sanction is deemed granted, he said. The Delhi Police had filed the charge sheet in the court on January 14, saying sanction for prosecution was pending before the government. "Why did you file (the charge sheet) without approval? You don't have a legal department," the court asked police on Saturday. According to the charge sheet, Kumar was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016. Police also charged former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during the event to mark the hanging of Parliament attack mastermind Afzal Guru. The event had taken place despite the university administration cancelling the permission following a complaint from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which had termed it "anti-national".

Delhi government seeking legal advice to grant prosecution sanction in JNU sedition case: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pursue-extradition-of-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-confirms-us-justice-department-192267">Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department</a>

As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-fall-is-priyankas-rise-up-bjp-192271">Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP</a>

BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/dhawans-unbeaten-75-helps-india-beat-new-zealand-by-8-wickets-in-1st-odi-192244">Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI</a>

India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs&nbsp;to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/karan-johar-apologises-for-hardik-pandyas-koffee-with-karan-episode-i-feel-responsible-as-it-was-my-show-192250">Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode</a>

Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinese-model-who-featured-in-controversial-dolce-gabbana-ad-issues-apology-192272">Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce &amp; Gabbana ad issues apology</a>

It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case.

Will pursue extradition of Huawei's Meng Wanzhou, confirms US justice department As Meng's extradition looms, Canadian ambassador to China John Mccallum said she had a good defence case. Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP BJP leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place. Dhawan's unbeaten 75 helps India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in 1st ODI India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI, which was reduced to 49 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Karan Johar apologises for Hardik Pandya's 'Koffee With Karan' episode Karan admitted that the conversation “may have crossed boundaries” as he spoke of feeling “responsible”. Chinese model who featured in controversial Dolce & Gabbana ad issues apology It all started with a promotional video for the brand in which Zuo featured as a girl who was shown eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks -- that came across as culturally insensitive.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The BJP in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday linked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fall in his party to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-appoints-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-general-secretary-for-uttar-pradesh-east-192219">rise of Priyanka Gandhi,</a> who has been put in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi on her appointment and assignment," senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said.

"However, it is also an admission that in the Gandhi family, the dependence on Rahul is over," he added.

He said Rahul Gandhi's fall is the rise of Priyanka Gandhi in the Congress.

The minister said Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place.

Singh, who is also the UP government spokesperson, was commenting on the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as the Congress general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East.

Jyotiraditya Scindia was made the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary for UP West.

Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two Gandhi family bastions, fall in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

"It is good that one by one Gandhi family members are being tested in Indian politics and are being rejected. Now is the turn of Priyanka Gandhi," Singh said.

Welcoming his sister's entry into active politics, Rahul Gandhi said he is "very happy" that she will assist him in the Lok Sabha polls.

He also called Jyotiraditya Scindia a dynamic youth leader.

The BJP in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday linked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fall in his party to the rise of Priyanka Gandhi, who has been put in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday linked Congress president Rahul Gandhi's fall in his party to the rise of Priyanka Gandhi, who has been put in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi on her appointment and assignment," senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh said. "However, it is also an admission that in the Gandhi family, the dependence on Rahul is over," he added. He said Rahul Gandhi's fall is the rise of Priyanka Gandhi in the Congress. The minister said Priyanka Gandhi can be judged from her management so far of the Rae Bareli constituency, where he claimed no development has taken place. Singh, who is also the UP government spokesperson, was commenting on the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as the Congress general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East. Jyotiraditya Scindia was made the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary for UP West. Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two Gandhi family bastions, fall in eastern Uttar Pradesh. "It is good that one by one Gandhi family members are being tested in Indian politics and are being rejected. Now is the turn of Priyanka Gandhi," Singh said. Welcoming his sister's entry into active politics, Rahul Gandhi said he is "very happy" that she will assist him in the Lok Sabha polls. He also called Jyotiraditya Scindia a dynamic youth leader.

Rahul Gandhi's fall is Priyanka's rise: UP BJP

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, on Tuesday, said that India has witnessed some remarkable successes in the field of waste management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India has witnessed some remarkable successes in the field of waste management under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Singh, who attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019, said.

He emphasised that the Prime Minister’s initiatives in the field, including the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange, Smart Cities, among others, have been pivotal in driving the change in the mindset and outlook of common people towards cleanliness and waste management.

During the session, General Singh also voiced hope that greater participation of the citizens of the country and members of the Diaspora will go a long way in achieving the Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of Clean India.

The third plenary session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019 was held on January 22 in Varanasi, on the theme of Role of Indian Diaspora in Capacity Building for Affordable Waste Management.

The session was chaired by Singh and was coordinated by Manoj K. Bharti, Additional Secretary, Economic Diplomacy and States, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Secretary, CPV and OIA, Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay gave the introductory remarks and introduced the seven members from the Indian Diaspora community, who are also renowned experts in the field of waste management.

The plenary discussion was organised as a follow up to the Pravasi Bharatiya Conference held in July 2018 on the same issue, as a part of the MEA’s initiative to organise smaller, issue-based conferences during the year.

The objective of the conference, as well as the plenary, was to solicit the Diaspora's participation in the area of affordable waste management in the country, particularly with reference to India’s flagship initiatives such as the Swacch Bharat Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and the Smart Cities initiative.

Following this, Bharti made a short presentation, elaborating upon the recommendations made by the members of the Diaspora during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference held in July 2018, along with the several policy actions taken subsequently by the concerned Ministries of the Government of India. In the discussion that followed, further suggestions on the issue area were sought from the members of the Diaspora.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, on Tuesday, said that India has witnessed some remarkable successes in the field of waste management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, on Tuesday, said that India has witnessed some remarkable successes in the field of waste management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India has witnessed some remarkable successes in the field of waste management under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Singh, who attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019, said. He emphasised that the Prime Minister’s initiatives in the field, including the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange, Smart Cities, among others, have been pivotal in driving the change in the mindset and outlook of common people towards cleanliness and waste management. During the session, General Singh also voiced hope that greater participation of the citizens of the country and members of the Diaspora will go a long way in achieving the Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of Clean India. The third plenary session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019 was held on January 22 in Varanasi, on the theme of Role of Indian Diaspora in Capacity Building for Affordable Waste Management. The session was chaired by Singh and was coordinated by Manoj K. Bharti, Additional Secretary, Economic Diplomacy and States, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Secretary, CPV and OIA, Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay gave the introductory remarks and introduced the seven members from the Indian Diaspora community, who are also renowned experts in the field of waste management. The plenary discussion was organised as a follow up to the Pravasi Bharatiya Conference held in July 2018 on the same issue, as a part of the MEA’s initiative to organise smaller, issue-based conferences during the year. The objective of the conference, as well as the plenary, was to solicit the Diaspora's participation in the area of affordable waste management in the country, particularly with reference to India’s flagship initiatives such as the Swacch Bharat Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and the Smart Cities initiative. Following this, Bharti made a short presentation, elaborating upon the recommendations made by the members of the Diaspora during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference held in July 2018, along with the several policy actions taken subsequently by the concerned Ministries of the Government of India. In the discussion that followed, further suggestions on the issue area were sought from the members of the Diaspora.

India witnessed successes in field of waste management under PM Modi's leadership: VK Singh

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The ADR Wednesday released the findings of an analysis of six national parties’ IT returns and donation statements filed with the Election Commission.

According to it, the total income of BJP, Congress, CPI, BSP, TMC, and NCP in 2017-18 was Rs 1293.05 crore.

The income of these parties from “unknown” sources was Rs 689.44 crore, which is 53 per cent of their total income.

The BJP alone declared Rs 553.38 crore as its income from unknown sources, which is 80 per cent of the total income of the national parties from such sources.

Out of the Rs 689.44 crore, the share from electoral bonds was Rs 215 crore or 31 per cent, the report said.

The parties received Rs 354.22 crore or more than 51 per cent of the fund from unknown sources through voluntary contributions (below Rs 20,000), it said, adding the total income from other miscellaneous unknown sources was Rs 4.5 crore.

Thirty-six per cent of their income or Rs 467.13 crore from “known” donors, whose details were available from contribution reports submitted to the Election Commission.

They got Rs 136.48 crore from other known sources, such as from the sale of assets and publications, membership fees, bank interest, and party levy, the report said.

According to donation reports (containing details of donations above Rs 20,000), only Rs 16.80 lakh was given in cash to the national parties.

The CPI(M), which is also a national party, was not included in the analysis as its “schedules or annexures were unavailable for the financial year 2017-18”.

At present, political parties are not required to declare the names of individuals and organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000 nor of those who donate via electoral bonds.

While the national parties were brought under the Right to Information Act by the CIC ruling in June 2013, they have still not complied with the decision.

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

More than 50 per cent of the funds national parties received during the financial year 2017-18 came from “unknown” sources that included donations through electoral bonds and voluntary contributions, according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR Wednesday released the findings of an analysis of six national parties’ IT returns and donation statements filed with the Election Commission. According to it, the total income of BJP, Congress, CPI, BSP, TMC, and NCP in 2017-18 was Rs 1293.05 crore. The income of these parties from “unknown” sources was Rs 689.44 crore, which is 53 per cent of their total income. The BJP alone declared Rs 553.38 crore as its income from unknown sources, which is 80 per cent of the total income of the national parties from such sources. Out of the Rs 689.44 crore, the share from electoral bonds was Rs 215 crore or 31 per cent, the report said. The parties received Rs 354.22 crore or more than 51 per cent of the fund from unknown sources through voluntary contributions (below Rs 20,000), it said, adding the total income from other miscellaneous unknown sources was Rs 4.5 crore. Thirty-six per cent of their income or Rs 467.13 crore from “known” donors, whose details were available from contribution reports submitted to the Election Commission. They got Rs 136.48 crore from other known sources, such as from the sale of assets and publications, membership fees, bank interest, and party levy, the report said. According to donation reports (containing details of donations above Rs 20,000), only Rs 16.80 lakh was given in cash to the national parties. The CPI(M), which is also a national party, was not included in the analysis as its “schedules or annexures were unavailable for the financial year 2017-18”. At present, political parties are not required to declare the names of individuals and organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000 nor of those who donate via electoral bonds. While the national parties were brought under the Right to Information Act by the CIC ruling in June 2013, they have still not complied with the decision.

Over 50% funds national parties received in 2017-18 came from ‘unknown’ sources: ADR

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said.

The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Binner area of the district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into a gun battle after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces.

Three terrorists were killed in the operation, the official said, adding that weapons and other incriminating material were recovered from the spot.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras was being ascertained, he said.

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Binner area of the district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official said.

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Binner area of the district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into a gun battle after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces. Three terrorists were killed in the operation, the official said, adding that weapons and other incriminating material were recovered from the spot. The identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras was being ascertained, he said.

Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J&K Baramulla

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, <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">leaving at least 10 crew dead</a>, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.S. sanctions risk, two sources told Reuters.

The vessels, which caught fire on Monday, have the same names as two gas-transporting tankers, the Maestro and Venice, which were included on a U.S. sanctions advisory note last year for delivering fuel to Syria.

The U.S. Treasury note, published in November, advised that any dealings with these or other vessels involved in transporting fuel to Syria could result in sanctions.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-indian-crew-safe-in-russian-ship-wreck-claims-dgs-192106">Most Indian sailors safe, says Directorate General of Shipping officials</a>

The Maestro was subsequently barred from using Temryuk port in southern Russia by the owners of its only gas terminal, Maktren-Nafta, two industry sources said, where it had previously loaded liquefied petroleum gas of Russian and Kazakh origin for export to the Middle East.

The Russian company Maktren-Nafta could not be reached for comment.

Vessels can resort to ship-to-ship transfers of fuel -- a risky manoeuvre especially if they are transferring flammable fuel -- if they do not have access to a port for loading.

Temryuk port did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to reach the owners of the vessels.

Russia's Transport Ministry said the two ships caught fire on Monday while loading gas ship-to-ship mid-sea, during stormy conditions.

Russia permits loading of gas at just three locations in the region - all on-land ports - a source in the ministry said.

"All ship-to-ship transfers, especially of such dangerous cargo, moreover during stormy weather and in the winter, raises big questions," the source said.

The ministry source said they did not know whether the tanker had been barred from the port, but added that doing so was within the rights of the owners of the gas loading terminal.

ROUGH SEA

Ten sailors out of a combined crew of 32 were confirmed dead by the ministry's maritime unit on Tuesday. A further 10 remain missing, presumed dead, while 12 were rescued, it added.

The crew was made up of 16 Turkish citizens and 15 from India, the ministry said.

The ships are still on fire and no attempts are being made to put out the blaze due to rough sea conditions, a ministry spokesman said.

Refinitiv data showed Milano Shipping as the owner of the Venice, and Maestro Shipping of the Maestro. The Venice was recently renamed as the Candy, one industry source said.

But two traders, separate to the industry sources, told Reuters that both vessels were ultimately owned by one Turkish company, Milenyum Denizcilik Gemi.

Milenyum was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2015 for arranging the shipment of liquefied petroleum gas and gasoil to Syrian government controlled areas.

Phone numbers for Milenyum and Milano Shipping, listed online, were not answered.

SANCTIONS LIST

On Nov. 20 last year, the U.S. Treasury Department added nine Russian and Iranian individuals and companies on its sanctions list for participating in the shipment of petroleum to Syria.

It also issued an advisory note warning of the potential sanctions risk for any entities involved in such shipments which listed 35 ships, including the Maestro and Venice, as having delivered oil to Syria between 2016 and 2018.

Reuters reported in December that both the Maestro and Venice continued operations after the U.S. announcement, and regularly entered Temryuk port, according to Refinitiv data.

After the Reuters report, the Maestro was barred from using the port's gas terminal by its owners, and thereby denied access to the port, the two industry sources said.

But the Venice - now known as Candy - continued to dock at Temryuk, Refinitiv data showed.

"There's every indication that some black scheme was going on," one of the industry sources said.

"Why else would (the Venice) load up with gas and then immediately transfer it onto another tanker?" the source said, adding that the Venice was likely to have been permitted access to the port as it had changed its name to Candy since the U.S. sanctions note.

Since the U.S. announcement, the Venice/Candy has travelled to near the Lebanese and Syrian coastline on three occasions, Refinitiv data showed on Tuesday, while the Maestro has made the same journey once.

The data does not show at which port the vessels finally docked. They appear to turn around before reaching the coast.

Vessels wishing to conceal their location have been known to switch off their transponders and "go dark".

Though ships are allowed to switch off their signalling systems in certain circumstances, for example for reasons of security, such instances are relatively limited and rare, Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd's List Intelligence in London said.

"Both vessels weren't showing up as live... despite being fairly close to land-based receivers," Meade said. "This certainly would raise red flags in terms of anybody looking at the accident or criminal investigation."

The Maestro's signalling system last reported its location on Saturday, when it was located off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea, according to Refinitiv data.

But on Monday, it was near the Kerch Strait, a body of water between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia, which connects the Azov Sea to the Black Sea.

There, it met the Venice, which had left Temryuk port on Sunday morning with a fresh cargo of liquefied petroleum gas, an industry source said.

After attempting to transfer the highly flammable fuel, both ships were on fire.

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, leaving at least 10 crew dead, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, leaving at least 10 crew dead, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.S. sanctions risk, two sources told Reuters. The vessels, which caught fire on Monday, have the same names as two gas-transporting tankers, the Maestro and Venice, which were included on a U.S. sanctions advisory note last year for delivering fuel to Syria. The U.S. Treasury note, published in November, advised that any dealings with these or other vessels involved in transporting fuel to Syria could result in sanctions. Also read: Most Indian sailors safe, says Directorate General of Shipping officials The Maestro was subsequently barred from using Temryuk port in southern Russia by the owners of its only gas terminal, Maktren-Nafta, two industry sources said, where it had previously loaded liquefied petroleum gas of Russian and Kazakh origin for export to the Middle East. The Russian company Maktren-Nafta could not be reached for comment. Vessels can resort to ship-to-ship transfers of fuel -- a risky manoeuvre especially if they are transferring flammable fuel -- if they do not have access to a port for loading. Temryuk port did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to reach the owners of the vessels. Russia's Transport Ministry said the two ships caught fire on Monday while loading gas ship-to-ship mid-sea, during stormy conditions. Russia permits loading of gas at just three locations in the region - all on-land ports - a source in the ministry said. "All ship-to-ship transfers, especially of such dangerous cargo, moreover during stormy weather and in the winter, raises big questions," the source said. The ministry source said they did not know whether the tanker had been barred from the port, but added that doing so was within the rights of the owners of the gas loading terminal. ROUGH SEA Ten sailors out of a combined crew of 32 were confirmed dead by the ministry's maritime unit on Tuesday. A further 10 remain missing, presumed dead, while 12 were rescued, it added. The crew was made up of 16 Turkish citizens and 15 from India, the ministry said. The ships are still on fire and no attempts are being made to put out the blaze due to rough sea conditions, a ministry spokesman said. Refinitiv data showed Milano Shipping as the owner of the Venice, and Maestro Shipping of the Maestro. The Venice was recently renamed as the Candy, one industry source said. But two traders, separate to the industry sources, told Reuters that both vessels were ultimately owned by one Turkish company, Milenyum Denizcilik Gemi. Milenyum was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2015 for arranging the shipment of liquefied petroleum gas and gasoil to Syrian government controlled areas. Phone numbers for Milenyum and Milano Shipping, listed online, were not answered. SANCTIONS LIST On Nov. 20 last year, the U.S. Treasury Department added nine Russian and Iranian individuals and companies on its sanctions list for participating in the shipment of petroleum to Syria. It also issued an advisory note warning of the potential sanctions risk for any entities involved in such shipments which listed 35 ships, including the Maestro and Venice, as having delivered oil to Syria between 2016 and 2018. Reuters reported in December that both the Maestro and Venice continued operations after the U.S. announcement, and regularly entered Temryuk port, according to Refinitiv data. After the Reuters report, the Maestro was barred from using the port's gas terminal by its owners, and thereby denied access to the port, the two industry sources said. But the Venice - now known as Candy - continued to dock at Temryuk, Refinitiv data showed. "There's every indication that some black scheme was going on," one of the industry sources said. "Why else would (the Venice) load up with gas and then immediately transfer it onto another tanker?" the source said, adding that the Venice was likely to have been permitted access to the port as it had changed its name to Candy since the U.S. sanctions note. Since the U.S. announcement, the Venice/Candy has travelled to near the Lebanese and Syrian coastline on three occasions, Refinitiv data showed on Tuesday, while the Maestro has made the same journey once. The data does not show at which port the vessels finally docked. They appear to turn around before reaching the coast. Vessels wishing to conceal their location have been known to switch off their transponders and "go dark". Though ships are allowed to switch off their signalling systems in certain circumstances, for example for reasons of security, such instances are relatively limited and rare, Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd's List Intelligence in London said. "Both vessels weren't showing up as live... despite being fairly close to land-based receivers," Meade said. "This certainly would raise red flags in terms of anybody looking at the accident or criminal investigation." The Maestro's signalling system last reported its location on Saturday, when it was located off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea, according to Refinitiv data. But on Monday, it was near the Kerch Strait, a body of water between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia, which connects the Azov Sea to the Black Sea. There, it met the Venice, which had left Temryuk port on Sunday morning with a fresh cargo of liquefied petroleum gas, an industry source said. After attempting to transfer the highly flammable fuel, both ships were on fire.

One of 2 ships that caught fire in Crimea was turned away from Russia port over US sanctions

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West).&nbsp;

KC Venugopal will take over as Congress general secretary (Organisation).

"The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ashok Gehlot as AICC General Secretary (Organisation)," the letter, signed by Rajasthan chief minister and incumbent party general secretary Ashok Gehlot read.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will take charge with effect in the first week of February.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad&nbsp;has been appointed Congress general secretary for Haryana with immediate effect.&nbsp;

"The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as AICC General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He will now be AICC General Secretary for Haryana with immediate effect," the letter stated.

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. <a href="https://t.co/rkl57AFVzw">pic.twitter.com/rkl57AFVzw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087973234983743488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi reacted to the latest development saying,&nbsp;"Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics."

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi: Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics. <a href="https://t.co/fnMeWLyxIm">pic.twitter.com/fnMeWLyxIm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087991589375537153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The appointment initiates Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections.&nbsp;

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Jyotiraditya Scindia appointed Congress General Secretary for 
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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087973764082683904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The move closely follows the announcement of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-to-contest-38-seats-each-alliance-will-give-sleepless-nights-to-modi-shah-says-mayawati-189793">SP-BSP alliance</a> in Uttar Pradesh earlier this month, leaving Congress out in cold.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Priyanka Gandhi: Mujhe personally bahut khushi ho rahi hai ki woh ab mere saath kaam karengi, woh bahut karmat hain. Jyotiraditya Scindia bhi bahut dynamic leader hain. BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain. <a href="https://t.co/8QpfJjJdO3">pic.twitter.com/8QpfJjJdO3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087993006299533312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, BSP chief Mayawati said earlier this month.&nbsp;

In an interview with news agency PTI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">SP chief Akhilesh Yadav</a>&nbsp;said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP.

Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state.

Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls".

Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday clarified that the Congress has no "enmity" with BSP supremo Mayawati and that Congress will "cooperate with them wherever possible."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West).

The Congress on Wednesday appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). Besides this, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (West). KC Venugopal will take over as Congress general secretary (Organisation). "The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ashok Gehlot as AICC General Secretary (Organisation)," the letter, signed by Rajasthan chief minister and incumbent party general secretary Ashok Gehlot read. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will take charge with effect in the first week of February. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has been appointed Congress general secretary for Haryana with immediate effect. "The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as AICC General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He will now be AICC General Secretary for Haryana with immediate effect," the letter stated. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. pic.twitter.com/rkl57AFVzw — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × Congress president Rahul Gandhi reacted to the latest development saying, "Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics." Congress President Rahul Gandhi: Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders. We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics. pic.twitter.com/fnMeWLyxIm — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The appointment initiates Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections. Jyotiraditya Scindia appointed Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West. KC Venugopal appointed Congress General Secretary (Organisation). https://t.co/IkrLwCzwLV — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The move closely follows the announcement of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh earlier this month, leaving Congress out in cold. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Priyanka Gandhi: Mujhe personally bahut khushi ho rahi hai ki woh ab mere saath kaam karengi, woh bahut karmat hain. Jyotiraditya Scindia bhi bahut dynamic leader hain. BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain. pic.twitter.com/8QpfJjJdO3 — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, BSP chief Mayawati said earlier this month. In an interview with news agency PTI, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP. Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state. Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls". Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday clarified that the Congress has no "enmity" with BSP supremo Mayawati and that Congress will "cooperate with them wherever possible." (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Congress appoints Priyanka Gandhi Vadra general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East

A Pakistan court heard the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-decade-of-mumbai-terror-attack-what-all-happened-during-attacks-and-in-years-to-follow-179407&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjv0fXUuYPgAhVUfXAKHa52B8oQFggSMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw31vZgk0QTYYvZ1newbXenL">2008 Mumbai attack case</a> to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. 
&nbsp; 
Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-summons-sharif-treason-case-over-mumbai-attack-remarks-167459&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjv0fXUuYPgAhVUfXAKHa52B8oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1TwF2StqSd3ZG5PLHmKQ_X">Mumbai </a>from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008.

The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in more than 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them.&nbsp;

A divisional bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, on Tuesday conducted hearing on a petition by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seeking a stay on anti-terrorism court proceedings.

Seven LeT suspects — Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum —are facing charges of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack since 2009.

Except Lakhvi, the other six are kept in the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

A Pakistan court heard the 2008 Mumbai attack case to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008.

A Pakistan court heard the 2008 Mumbai attack case to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008. The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in more than 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them. A divisional bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, on Tuesday conducted hearing on a petition by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seeking a stay on anti-terrorism court proceedings. Seven LeT suspects — Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum —are facing charges of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack since 2009. Except Lakhvi, the other six are kept in the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan court temporarily halts Mumbai attack case hearing

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a range of issues, from India-Uzbekistan connectivity, to trade, and the "dynamic" relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries?&nbsp; 
Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), we have hosted important event — India-Central Asia Dialogues — at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated. For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And all ministers of FMs of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan. So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port?&nbsp; 
FA: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market, we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important, practical role in expanding trade and economic relations.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see ties between the two countries?&nbsp; 
FA: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on 17th and 18th January and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visits at the highest level shows how close and how dynamic the relationship between the two countries is. Our relations are getting closer at various levels — political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is of a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed made-in-Uzbekistan products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation. Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. Idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via &nbsp;Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port. We believe with expanding connectivity, options on trade and volume of trade will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: How do you see Investment ties? &nbsp;&nbsp; 
FA:&nbsp;Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. Investment was an important part of the agenda of our president when he came on the state visit last year in October. This time, in his talks with PM Modi, importance of investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of the two leaders at the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Also, to encourage investment projects, we have signed an agreement between EXIM Bank of India and State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of 200 million US dollars to implement social and infrastructure projects. We are working with the private sector of India. &nbsp;

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar.

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launchpad to Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September and then visiting India last week for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev spoke to WION on a range of issues, from India-Uzbekistan connectivity, to trade, and the "dynamic" relationship between the two countries. WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries? Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), we have hosted important event — India-Central Asia Dialogues — at the level of foreign ministers in which foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated. For the first time, such format was created and the meeting took place in Samarkand. And all ministers of FMs of central Asia, India and Afghanistan participated. One of the key items of discussion was to expand areas of connectivity between India and central Asia and use transit potential of Afghanistan. So now, discussion among the parties, among Central Asia and India is going on to increase the connectivity opportunities which will create new corridors between Uzbekistan, central Asia and India. We see great transit potential of Afghanistan in this regard. And we believe this will have practical implication and it will be beneficial for all parties. WION: How do you see the role of Chabahar port? FA: Uzbekistan is not only landlocked but double landlocked. Any projects that can help Uzbekistan to reach the international market, we see positively. The projects like Chabahar creates an opportunity for central Asia. We believe it will play a very important, practical role in expanding trade and economic relations. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? FA: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on 17th and 18th January and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visits at the highest level shows how close and how dynamic the relationship between the two countries is. Our relations are getting closer at various levels — political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is of a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed made-in-Uzbekistan products. Our president gave a speech (at Vibrant Gujarat) to highlight key areas of cooperation. Our president highlighted the importance of connectivity between India and Uzbekistan as a means to expand investment. Idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port. We believe with expanding connectivity, options on trade and volume of trade will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. WION: How do you see Investment ties? FA: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. Investment was an important part of the agenda of our president when he came on the state visit last year in October. This time, in his talks with PM Modi, importance of investment cooperation was highlighted separately. And I am happy to inform you as part of the visit, a very important and strategic agreement on the supply of Uzbek uranium to India and exchange of documents took place in front of the two leaders at the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Also, to encourage investment projects, we have signed an agreement between EXIM Bank of India and State Investment Committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of 200 million US dollars to implement social and infrastructure projects. We are working with the private sector of India.

Uzbek ambassador proposes India-Uzbekistan rail line through Afghanistan, Chabahar port

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore.

The 82-year-old Congress leader and his wife have sought quashing of the December 10, 2018 trial court order directing framing of charges against Singh, his wife and seven others in the case lodged by CBI.

The trial court is yet to formally frame the charges against the couple and the matter is listed for January 29.

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A Delhi Court on Dec 10 last year ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against Virbhadra Singh, his wife &amp; others in the DA Case against them. Court had ordered to frame charges under section 13(2) read with section 13(1)(e) of prevention of corruption act. <a href="https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb">https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087986770950701056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The court had in its December order said that Singh intended to cause loss to tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples and had also ordered framing of charges against his wife and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences.

The CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.&nbsp;

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore.

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order to frame charges against them for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets (DA) of over Rs 10 crore. The 82-year-old Congress leader and his wife have sought quashing of the December 10, 2018 trial court order directing framing of charges against Singh, his wife and seven others in the case lodged by CBI. The trial court is yet to formally frame the charges against the couple and the matter is listed for January 29. A Delhi Court on Dec 10 last year ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against Virbhadra Singh, his wife & others in the DA Case against them. Court had ordered to frame charges under section 13(2) read with section 13(1)(e) of prevention of corruption act. https://t.co/VODOaOpYgb — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019 × The court had in its December order said that Singh intended to cause loss to tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples and had also ordered framing of charges against his wife and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences. The CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.

Disproportionate assets case: Former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh move HC challenging trial court order

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home.&nbsp;

According to media reports, Durga, who was being treated at Calicut medical hospital after she was allegedly beaten up by her mother-in-law for defying the Sabarimala temple ban, was not allowed into her husband's house on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Kanaka Durga was forced to take shelter at a One Stop centre here after she found that her house was locked and her family members had shifted to another building, the local police said.

A police official said Durga filed a petition in a court in Perinthalmanna under the Domestic Violence Act, stating she had the right to stay at her husband's home, news agency PTI reported.

Police sources said Durga went to her husband's house when she was discharged from the Kozhikode medical college, where she was treated after allegedly being assaulted by her mother-in-law for entering the temple. When she reached there, she found the house locked, the sources said.

Her husband and other relatives had shifted to a rented building, the police said, adding Kanakadurga then took refugee at the One Stop Centre, PTI reported.&nbsp;

On January 15, it was reported that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">Durga, a civil servant</a>, suffered injuries to her head and was hospitalised after being beaten up by her mother-in-law.&nbsp;

Durga claimed she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by groups who support Sabarimala temple ban, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has reportedly been denied entry into her in-law's house and has now taken shelter in a government shelter home. According to media reports, Durga, who was being treated at Calicut medical hospital after she was allegedly beaten up by her mother-in-law for defying the Sabarimala temple ban, was not allowed into her husband's house on Tuesday. Kanaka Durga was forced to take shelter at a One Stop centre here after she found that her house was locked and her family members had shifted to another building, the local police said. A police official said Durga filed a petition in a court in Perinthalmanna under the Domestic Violence Act, stating she had the right to stay at her husband's home, news agency PTI reported. Police sources said Durga went to her husband's house when she was discharged from the Kozhikode medical college, where she was treated after allegedly being assaulted by her mother-in-law for entering the temple. When she reached there, she found the house locked, the sources said. Her husband and other relatives had shifted to a rented building, the police said, adding Kanakadurga then took refugee at the One Stop Centre, PTI reported. On January 15, it was reported that Durga, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and was hospitalised after being beaten up by her mother-in-law. Durga claimed she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by groups who support Sabarimala temple ban, news agency Reuters reported. Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

Woman who entered Sabarimala barred from home, is now living in govt shelter

Snow cleared on Jammu-Srinagar Highway after Avalanche Hits Jawahar Tunnel

Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP.

Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state.

Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls".

Akhilesh was speaking exclusively to PTI during his visit to the city for the January 19 united opposition rally.

"If you take out the number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, you will notice that the BJP government doesn't have the majority. BJP keeps talking about social engineering. So, I also decided to correct my poll arithmetic and did it through this alliance," Akhilesh said.

He said that despite carrying out a lot of developmental works during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, he lost the 2017 assembly elections as his poll arithmetic was not right.

"So, I decided to correct the arithmetic by taking along Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal and left two seats for the Congress," he said.

The Samajwadi Party and the Congress had joined hands in the 2017 assembly poll in UP but lost to the BJP.

"In order to correct the arithmetic of UP and defeat BJP, it (SP-BSP alliance) has been done. Should we lose seats (to BJP) just to pacify others," he questioned.

Left out of the SP-BSP pre-poll tie-up in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has announced that it would go it alone in all the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.

Congress' decision to contest in all the 80 seats came in the backdrop of SP and BSP announcing their alliance in Uttar Pradesh, sharing 38 seats each, and leaving two seats for the smaller parties, besides leaving Rae Bareli and Amethi to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, respectively.

When asked whether keeping Congress out of the opposition alliance would dampen the prospects of opposition in the politically crucial state, Akhilesh said, "With this seat adjustment, we have further strengthened the opposition unity. We have kept two seats for Congress. Our relationship with Congress has always been good. The issue of relationship is different. The main issue is how to defeat BJP and I have worked towards that arithmetic".

Akhilesh had earlier said that the Samajwadi Party's alliance with BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the Lok Sabha polls while ruling out any understanding with the Congress.

"We have left two seats for them. Now, they (Congress) have decided to fight in 78 other seats. If they want to fight it is up to them. We have nothing to say about it," he said.

When asked if the alliance would field candidates in the changed scenario as the Congress has decided to contest in all the 80 seats, he said SP-BSP will not do so in Rae Bareli and Amethi.

Akhilesh, however, maintained that keeping Congress out of the alliance and giving them just two seats will not have any impact on the opposition vote share in the polls.

When asked to comment on Rahul Gandhi's remarks that he has "tremendous respect" for the leaders of SP and BSP, Akhilesh said that he also has immense respect for Rahul Gandhi.

"Anybody from any part of the country can become the next prime minister. But it would be good if the next PM is from Uttar Pradesh because there is a notion that those who want to become PM fights from UP or increases its tally from this state," he said.

Asked who is his first choice as PM - BSP chief Mayawati or Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee - Akhilesh refused to give a direct reply and said efforts should be made to elect a new prime minister and some issues can be discussed after the polls.

Akhilesh, however, sounded confident that regional parties which have come together at the January 19 Brigade Parade Grounds rally here organized by the Trinamool Congress would stay together even after the polls.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP.

Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has said that despite his "immense respect" for Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party was kept out of the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh to correct "poll arithmetic" in order to defeat the BJP. Without ruling out the possibility of working with the Congress after polls, Akhilesh said he has good relations with the party and would be "happy" if the next prime minister was from his home state. Asked if the SP was open to working with Congress after the polls, Akhilesh said, "We can't answer it right now. We will answer it after the elections. But I can say this much that the country wants a new prime minister and it will have one after polls". Akhilesh was speaking exclusively to PTI during his visit to the city for the January 19 united opposition rally. "If you take out the number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, you will notice that the BJP government doesn't have the majority. BJP keeps talking about social engineering. So, I also decided to correct my poll arithmetic and did it through this alliance," Akhilesh said. He said that despite carrying out a lot of developmental works during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, he lost the 2017 assembly elections as his poll arithmetic was not right. "So, I decided to correct the arithmetic by taking along Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal and left two seats for the Congress," he said. The Samajwadi Party and the Congress had joined hands in the 2017 assembly poll in UP but lost to the BJP. "In order to correct the arithmetic of UP and defeat BJP, it (SP-BSP alliance) has been done. Should we lose seats (to BJP) just to pacify others," he questioned. Left out of the SP-BSP pre-poll tie-up in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has announced that it would go it alone in all the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election. Congress' decision to contest in all the 80 seats came in the backdrop of SP and BSP announcing their alliance in Uttar Pradesh, sharing 38 seats each, and leaving two seats for the smaller parties, besides leaving Rae Bareli and Amethi to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, respectively. When asked whether keeping Congress out of the opposition alliance would dampen the prospects of opposition in the politically crucial state, Akhilesh said, "With this seat adjustment, we have further strengthened the opposition unity. We have kept two seats for Congress. Our relationship with Congress has always been good. The issue of relationship is different. The main issue is how to defeat BJP and I have worked towards that arithmetic". Akhilesh had earlier said that the Samajwadi Party's alliance with BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the Lok Sabha polls while ruling out any understanding with the Congress. "We have left two seats for them. Now, they (Congress) have decided to fight in 78 other seats. If they want to fight it is up to them. We have nothing to say about it," he said. When asked if the alliance would field candidates in the changed scenario as the Congress has decided to contest in all the 80 seats, he said SP-BSP will not do so in Rae Bareli and Amethi. Akhilesh, however, maintained that keeping Congress out of the alliance and giving them just two seats will not have any impact on the opposition vote share in the polls. When asked to comment on Rahul Gandhi's remarks that he has "tremendous respect" for the leaders of SP and BSP, Akhilesh said that he also has immense respect for Rahul Gandhi. "Anybody from any part of the country can become the next prime minister. But it would be good if the next PM is from Uttar Pradesh because there is a notion that those who want to become PM fights from UP or increases its tally from this state," he said. Asked who is his first choice as PM - BSP chief Mayawati or Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee - Akhilesh refused to give a direct reply and said efforts should be made to elect a new prime minister and some issues can be discussed after the polls. Akhilesh, however, sounded confident that regional parties which have come together at the January 19 Brigade Parade Grounds rally here organized by the Trinamool Congress would stay together even after the polls.

Congress kept out of UP alliance to correct poll arithmetic: Akhilesh Yadav

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Two&nbsp;terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-budgam-district-191710">Budgam district on Monday</a>.

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J&amp;K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited.
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The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo">https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087595278574804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora.

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited. Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. J&K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two militants killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian's Zainapora

In a major reshuffle, interim CBI Director <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-ranjan-gogoi-recuses-himself-from-hearing-plea-challenging-nageswara-raos-appointment-as-cbi-director-191755">Nageswara Rao</a> has transferred around 20 officers, including the investigation officer of the 2G scam case, Vivek Priyadarshi.

Priyadarshi, posted in the Anti Corruption Branch in Delhi, has been transferred to Chandigarh.

The transfer order, however, states that all the officers, who have been specially directed to supervise, investigate or inquire into any case or matter by any constitutional court, shall continue to do.

A Saravanan, who was probing the anti-Sterlite protests firing case in Tamil Nadu in which 13 people were killed, has been shifted to the banking, securities and frauds branch in Mumbai, which is handling the cases of loan default against diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, among others, the order said.

He will continue to investigate anti-Sterlite protests case, it said.

Prem Gautam, posted in Special Unit of the CBI which does internal snooping on officers as a vigilance measure, has been relieved from the position. He will continue to probe economic offences and will also handle the additional charge of the Deputy Director (Personnel), it said.

Gautam will be replaced by Ram Gopal, who has been transferred from the Special Crime branch in Chandigarh.

Rao's appointment as interim director has been challenged by activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan in the Supreme Court, which is likely to hear the matter on January 24.

Calling the appointment arbitrary, the plea said he was not appointed on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee, comprising the Prime Minister, the leader of the largest party in the opposition, and the Chief Justice of India or his nominee Supreme Court judge. 
&nbsp;

In a major reshuffle, interim CBI Director Nageswara Rao has transferred around 20 officers, including the investigation officer of the 2G scam case, Vivek Priyadarshi.

In a major reshuffle, interim CBI Director Nageswara Rao has transferred around 20 officers, including the investigation officer of the 2G scam case, Vivek Priyadarshi. Priyadarshi, posted in the Anti Corruption Branch in Delhi, has been transferred to Chandigarh. The transfer order, however, states that all the officers, who have been specially directed to supervise, investigate or inquire into any case or matter by any constitutional court, shall continue to do. A Saravanan, who was probing the anti-Sterlite protests firing case in Tamil Nadu in which 13 people were killed, has been shifted to the banking, securities and frauds branch in Mumbai, which is handling the cases of loan default against diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, among others, the order said. He will continue to investigate anti-Sterlite protests case, it said. Prem Gautam, posted in Special Unit of the CBI which does internal snooping on officers as a vigilance measure, has been relieved from the position. He will continue to probe economic offences and will also handle the additional charge of the Deputy Director (Personnel), it said. Gautam will be replaced by Ram Gopal, who has been transferred from the Special Crime branch in Chandigarh. Rao's appointment as interim director has been challenged by activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan in the Supreme Court, which is likely to hear the matter on January 24. Calling the appointment arbitrary, the plea said he was not appointed on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee, comprising the Prime Minister, the leader of the largest party in the opposition, and the Chief Justice of India or his nominee Supreme Court judge.

Interim CBI Director Nageswara Rao transfers 20 officers

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border.

The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala.

One of the arrested Rohingya claimed that they had come from Jammu to Agartala via Delhi and Guwahati in search of work but even after staying in a hotel for three days, they did not get any work in Agartala.

Hence, they were returning to Guwahati to find some job there. The arrested Rohingya also informed that a West Bengal-based man named Raju had brought them there.

However, police have found UN cards from some of them but are checking the authenticity of the cards.

Meantime, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-muslim-group-fleeing-india-to-bangladesh-stuck-on-zero-line-191773">31 Rohingyas including 16 children</a> and nine female are spending chill winter nights in the open sky for the fourth consecutive day at Rayermura under Amtali police station in the outskirts of Tripura capital Agartala.

They are stranded between the Indian barbed wire border fencing and the border pillars demarcating India and Bangladesh as reportedly border guards of both the nations are alleging each other for pushing them to the other nation's territory.

While the Border Security Force (BSF) has alleged that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) tried to push them to Indian Territory on the contrary BGB alleges the opposite.

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border. The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala.

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border. The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala. One of the arrested Rohingya claimed that they had come from Jammu to Agartala via Delhi and Guwahati in search of work but even after staying in a hotel for three days, they did not get any work in Agartala. Hence, they were returning to Guwahati to find some job there. The arrested Rohingya also informed that a West Bengal-based man named Raju had brought them there. However, police have found UN cards from some of them but are checking the authenticity of the cards. Meantime, 31 Rohingyas including 16 children and nine female are spending chill winter nights in the open sky for the fourth consecutive day at Rayermura under Amtali police station in the outskirts of Tripura capital Agartala. They are stranded between the Indian barbed wire border fencing and the border pillars demarcating India and Bangladesh as reportedly border guards of both the nations are alleging each other for pushing them to the other nation's territory. While the Border Security Force (BSF) has alleged that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) tried to push them to Indian Territory on the contrary BGB alleges the opposite.

Assam Police apprehend 30 more Rohingyas near Tripura border

India on Tuesday shared the coordinates of the crossing point of the Kartarpur corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi also proposed two sets of dates, February 26 and March 7 2019, for the visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to discuss and finalise the modalities on the corridor.&nbsp;

The development comes a day after Islamabad said that it shared the draft on Kartarpur with New Delhi and appointed Director-General (South Asia &amp; SAARC) Mohammad Faisal, as the focal person on Pakistan's side on the Kartarpur.

On 15th of January, a high-level meeting happened at the home ministry to discuss the modalities on Kartarpur corridor which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF R K Mishra and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry.

WION had then reported that India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Kartarpur corridor to Pakistan.

The Indian cabinet last year on November 22, 2018, approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border and asked Pakistan to build the corridor on its side too. The development came ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be celebrated this year.

India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018, while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28. 2 union ministers-- Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented India at the ceremony on Pakistan side.

India on Tuesday shared the coordinates of the crossing point of the Kartarpur corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi also proposed two sets of dates, February 26 and March 7 2019, for the visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to discuss and finalise the modalities on the corridor.

India on Tuesday shared the coordinates of the crossing point of the Kartarpur corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi also proposed two sets of dates, February 26 and March 7 2019, for the visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to discuss and finalise the modalities on the corridor. The development comes a day after Islamabad said that it shared the draft on Kartarpur with New Delhi and appointed Director-General (South Asia & SAARC) Mohammad Faisal, as the focal person on Pakistan's side on the Kartarpur. On 15th of January, a high-level meeting happened at the home ministry to discuss the modalities on Kartarpur corridor which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF R K Mishra and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry. WION had then reported that India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Kartarpur corridor to Pakistan. The Indian cabinet last year on November 22, 2018, approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border and asked Pakistan to build the corridor on its side too. The development came ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be celebrated this year. India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018, while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28. 2 union ministers-- Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented India at the ceremony on Pakistan side.

Kartarpur corridor: India shares coordinates of crossing point, dates to discuss modalities

Sachin Tendulkar releases book on gymnast Deepa Karmakar today in Mumbai

Gravitas: Tonight's Political pulse

Delhi and its satellite cities of Noida and Gurgaon were hit by rain early Tuesday morning. The capital has been getting spells of winter rain since Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Delhi and Gurgaon were also hit by hail.&nbsp;

As usually happens, the rains also led to traffic snarls.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Rain and hailstorm lashes Delhi's Subash Nagar <a href="https://t.co/lOtiWXJqzB">pic.twitter.com/lOtiWXJqzB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087550061549096960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Haryana: Rainfall and hailstorm lashes Gurugram. <a href="https://t.co/mLd5LpJVO9">pic.twitter.com/mLd5LpJVO9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087562519928016898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Heavy rains in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> leads to traffic congestion in parts of the national capital; Visuals from IP Estate area <a href="https://t.co/8hP9qOgELe">pic.twitter.com/8hP9qOgELe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087571320810942464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Met Department had earlier predicted cloudy skies with light rains, and a minimum and maximum temperature of about 9 and 21 degrees Celsius respectively.&nbsp;

The Met had also warned of “another Western Disturbance" which will affect Northwest India from January 24 onwards.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Delhi and its satellite cities of Noida and Gurgaon were hit by rain early Tuesday morning. The capital has been getting spells of winter rain since Monday afternoon.

Delhi and its satellite cities of Noida and Gurgaon were hit by rain early Tuesday morning. The capital has been getting spells of winter rain since Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, Delhi and Gurgaon were also hit by hail. As usually happens, the rains also led to traffic snarls. #WATCH Rain and hailstorm lashes Delhi's Subash Nagar pic.twitter.com/lOtiWXJqzB — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × #WATCH Haryana: Rainfall and hailstorm lashes Gurugram. pic.twitter.com/mLd5LpJVO9 — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × Heavy rains in #Delhi leads to traffic congestion in parts of the national capital; Visuals from IP Estate area pic.twitter.com/8hP9qOgELe — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The Met Department had earlier predicted cloudy skies with light rains, and a minimum and maximum temperature of about 9 and 21 degrees Celsius respectively. The Met had also warned of “another Western Disturbance" which will affect Northwest India from January 24 onwards. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi hit by rain & hail Tuesday morning, trafffic snarls follow

The self-proclaimed Indian cyber expert, who alleged that the 2014 general election was ‘rigged’, was not an employee of the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) as claimed by him, the public sector undertaking said Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, had on Monday claimed that the 2014 general election was rigged through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The EVMs are designed and developed by the ECIL. The Election Commission has already rejected the charges and asked the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR against the self-proclaimed cyber expert.

Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) has already lodged a police complaint against Shuja under Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to "public mischief".

In its complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi District), the poll panel asked the police to investigate the matter "promptly" for violation of certain sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with spreading the rumour to alarm the public and other provisions of related laws.

Shuja had also claimed he was part of a team at the ECIL. In a letter to Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, the ECIL said that Syed Shuja has neither been in the rolls of the ECIL as a regular employee nor was he in any way associated in the design and development of EVMs between 2009 to 2014.

“The records of this company have been verified and it is found that Mr Syed Shuja has neither been in the rolls of ECIL as a regular employee nor was he in any way associated in the design and development of EVMs in ECIL produced between 2009 to 2014,” the letter by ECIL chairman and managing director Rear Adm. (retd) Sanjay Chaudey said.

The self-proclaimed Indian cyber expert, who alleged that the 2014 general election was ‘rigged’, was not an employee of the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) as claimed by him, the public sector undertaking said Tuesday.

The self-proclaimed Indian cyber expert, who alleged that the 2014 general election was ‘rigged’, was not an employee of the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) as claimed by him, the public sector undertaking said Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, had on Monday claimed that the 2014 general election was rigged through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The EVMs are designed and developed by the ECIL. The Election Commission has already rejected the charges and asked the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR against the self-proclaimed cyber expert. Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) has already lodged a police complaint against Shuja under Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to "public mischief". In its complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi District), the poll panel asked the police to investigate the matter "promptly" for violation of certain sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with spreading the rumour to alarm the public and other provisions of related laws. Shuja had also claimed he was part of a team at the ECIL. In a letter to Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, the ECIL said that Syed Shuja has neither been in the rolls of the ECIL as a regular employee nor was he in any way associated in the design and development of EVMs between 2009 to 2014. “The records of this company have been verified and it is found that Mr Syed Shuja has neither been in the rolls of ECIL as a regular employee nor was he in any way associated in the design and development of EVMs in ECIL produced between 2009 to 2014,” the letter by ECIL chairman and managing director Rear Adm. (retd) Sanjay Chaudey said.

ECIL says ‘cyber expert’ who claimed 2014 polls rigged was not its employee

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