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

Lula campaign accuses Meta of election interference after social media content blocked

PM Modi inaugurates Rs 4,900 crore Chennai Metro Phase II stretch, takes ride with CM Vijay: VIDEO

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

100,000 strikes in 3 years: How October 7 redefined Israel's war 

‘Your people don’t even let us near it’: IAF chief’s blunt response on US F-35; India yet to decide on Russia’s Su-57

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

Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport attack kills 12, injures 309; India calls it 'unacceptable'

HYBE’s Weverse Con India sets ticket sale date for March 2027 festival

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

Messi scores twice in Inter Miami return following final match for Argentina

'Unwarranted interference': India slams UN human rights office over remarks on Delhi protests

'Jantar Mantar not the story of India': BJP's Sambit Patra claims 'anarchists' tried to hold Delhi captive

Meet top 5 right-hand batters with most international runs

3rd T20I Preview: Another run-fest on cards as India face West Indies in Indore

Nicolas Cage refuses AI waiver for Spider-Noir, hints at Amazon exit and True Detective role

At least 109 migrants, including 15 children dead as boat sinks off Djibouti, 116 go missing

Riyadh airport hit in missile attack, dozens injured; 5 in intensive care

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

US mid-term elections: What are PACs - Unique American System that lets corporates shape voting

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

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

CJP leaders claim their phones may be ‘hacked or cloned’ after 24-hour detention

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

Sehwag sees reflection of himself in Sooryavanshi: ‘His thinking is similar to mine’

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

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

Barry Manilow cuts short Las Vegas comeback show, cancels next concert over Bronchitis

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

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

Hamas used double agents, deceived Israel to carry out October 7 massacre

Bigg Boss 20: Who is Manish Goel? Meet the new wild card contestant on Salman Khan’s show

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

Ganesh Dust To Stardust trailer: Ganesh Acharya directs a tale of dreams and sacrifice | Watch

BTS’ RM raises privacy concerns over drones, lasers outside hotel amid Lima concert, urges fan respect

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

 Thai queen becomes first reigning monarch to fly jet solothailand #queen #wion 

Food shortages, suicide attempts and more: USS Abraham Lincoln returns to US after 321 day deployment — What happened aboard the US carrier?

Rahul Gandhi calls Modi, Shah ‘cowards’ amid CJP protest crackdown in Delhi

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

Delhi Police arrest 4 men seen in viral video allegedly assaulting women protesters during CJP protest

Where are Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das? CJP gives big update after flight detention

Amitabh Bachchan turns 84: A look at Big B’s iconic dialogues that continue to win hearts

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health.

“I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress.

“President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President.

Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu.

Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully.

Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district.

This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled.

However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month.

The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health. “I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress. “President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President. Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu. Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully. Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district. This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled. However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month. The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

BJP president Amit Shah cancels four rallies in West Bengal

Employment generation in the formal sector increased by 48 per cent to touch a 15-month high of 7.32 lakh in November 2018 as compared to 4.93 lakh in the year-ago month, according to the latest EPFO payroll data.

Around 73.50 lakh new subscribers were added to the social security schemes of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from September 2017 to November 2018, the data showed. This indicates that these many jobs were created in the last 15 months.

The EPFO, however, revised downwards its payroll data for October 2018 to 6.66 lakh against the earlier estimate of 8.27 lakh. It also revised the cumulative job addition data from September 2017 to October 2018 downwards 16.4 per cent to 66.18 lakh from an earlier forecast of 79.16 lakh.

The lowest number of 55,831 subscribers were added to the EPFO schemes in March last, the data showed.

During November 2018, the maximum number of 2.18 lakh jobs were created in the 18-21 years' age group followed by 2.03 lakh in the 22-25 years' age bracket.

The EPFO said the data is provisional as updating of employee records is a continuous process and gets updated in subsequent month/s.

This is age-band wise data of new members registered under the EPFO where the first non-zero contribution received during the particular month. For each age-wise band, the estimates are net of the members newly enrolled, exited and rejoined during the month as per records of the EPFO, it added.

The estimates may include temporary employees whose contributions may not be continuous for the entire year. Members' data are linked to unique Aadhaar Identity, it added.

The EPFO manages social security funds of workers in the organised/semi organised sector in India and has more than 6 crore active members (with at least one-month contribution during the year).

Employment generation in the formal sector increased by 48 per cent to touch a 15-month high of 7.32 lakh in November 2018 as compared to 4.93 lakh in the year-ago month, according to the latest EPFO payroll data.

Employment generation in the formal sector increased by 48 per cent to touch a 15-month high of 7.32 lakh in November 2018 as compared to 4.93 lakh in the year-ago month, according to the latest EPFO payroll data. Around 73.50 lakh new subscribers were added to the social security schemes of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from September 2017 to November 2018, the data showed. This indicates that these many jobs were created in the last 15 months. The EPFO, however, revised downwards its payroll data for October 2018 to 6.66 lakh against the earlier estimate of 8.27 lakh. It also revised the cumulative job addition data from September 2017 to October 2018 downwards 16.4 per cent to 66.18 lakh from an earlier forecast of 79.16 lakh. The lowest number of 55,831 subscribers were added to the EPFO schemes in March last, the data showed. During November 2018, the maximum number of 2.18 lakh jobs were created in the 18-21 years' age group followed by 2.03 lakh in the 22-25 years' age bracket. The EPFO said the data is provisional as updating of employee records is a continuous process and gets updated in subsequent month/s. This is age-band wise data of new members registered under the EPFO where the first non-zero contribution received during the particular month. For each age-wise band, the estimates are net of the members newly enrolled, exited and rejoined during the month as per records of the EPFO, it added. The estimates may include temporary employees whose contributions may not be continuous for the entire year. Members' data are linked to unique Aadhaar Identity, it added. The EPFO manages social security funds of workers in the organised/semi organised sector in India and has more than 6 crore active members (with at least one-month contribution during the year).

7.32 lakh jobs created in November; 73.50 lakh in last 15 months: EPFO payroll data

<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">Ten sailors dead after 2 ships catch fire near Crimea; Indian crewmen may be among casualties&nbsp;</a>

Ten sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea.&nbsp;

Indian crewmen may be among the dead.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-on-course-to-miss-its-best-chance-of-preventing-runaway-climate-change-study-191884">World</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-on-course-to-miss-its-best-chance-of-preventing-runaway-climate-change-study-191884"> is going to miss its 'best chance' of preventing runaway climate change: Study</a>

The world is on course to miss its "best chance" of preventing runaway climate change by ensuring global greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020, researchers warned Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-govt-shutdown-enters-2nd-month-tuesday-no-quick-end-in-sight-yet-191897">US govt shutdown enters 2nd month Tuesday, no quick end in sight yet</a>

The United States on Tuesday enters the second month of a partial government shutdown over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation's economy and morale.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-director-nageswara-rao-transfers-20-officers-191880">Interim CBI Director Nageswara Rao transfers 20 officers</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-china-air-pollution-is-driving-happiness-levels-down-191887">In China, air pollution is driving happiness levels down</a>

Eye-watering, throat-scratching air pollution is a major driver of big city blues in China, according to a study published Monday that matched social network chatter with fine-particle pollution levels.&nbsp;

Ten sailors dead after 2 ships catch fire near Crimea; Indian crewmen may be among casualties Ten sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea.

Ten sailors dead after 2 ships catch fire near Crimea; Indian crewmen may be among casualties Ten sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. Indian crewmen may be among the dead. World is going to miss its 'best chance' of preventing runaway climate change: Study The world is on course to miss its "best chance" of preventing runaway climate change by ensuring global greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020, researchers warned Tuesday. US govt shutdown enters 2nd month Tuesday, no quick end in sight yet The United States on Tuesday enters the second month of a partial government shutdown over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation's economy and morale. Interim CBI Director Nageswara Rao transfers 20 officers 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 China, air pollution is driving happiness levels down Eye-watering, throat-scratching air pollution is a major driver of big city blues in China, according to a study published Monday that matched social network chatter with fine-particle pollution levels.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Refuting allegations that "special treatment" was accorded to her in the Parappana Agrahara central prison at Bengaluru, an advocate representing ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala Monday said no prison rules were violated.

"Sasikala has not violated any rules of the Karnataka prisons manual anytime. She is wearing personal clothes as per the prison rules. The allegations are all wrong," Advocate A Ashokan told PTI.

According to RTI activist Narasimha Murthy, a 295-page report by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar confirmed then DIG (Prisons) D Roopa's claims in July 2017 that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rti-activist-alleges-vk-sasikala-given-vip-treatment-in-jail-191584">Sasikala was given preferential treatment</a> and a separate kitchen functioned for her at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail here.

"I have accessed the 295 pages report through an RTI query. The report confirms that Sasikala was given special treatment in the jail," Murthy had said on Sunday.

The reply was furnished by M R Shobha, Public Relations Officer of the Home Department.

Legal action would be taken after a copy of the report was issued to them, the advocate said.

Asked if he disregarded the RTI revelations, Ashokan said he cannot comment on it until the original report was out.

Based on the then DIG (Prisons) D Roopa's claims in July 2017 that Sasikala was given preferential treatment, the then Siddaramaiah government had ordered an inquiry by Vinay Kumar to probe the allegations.

Kumar had submitted his report to the government on November 17, 2017, but its contents were not made public.

Sasikala, close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the late Jayalalithaa, has been lodged at the Bengaluru prison ever since her conviction by the Supreme Court in February 2017 in the disproportionate assets case along with her two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, all serving a 4-year jail term.&nbsp;

Refuting allegations that "special treatment" was accorded to her in the Parappana Agrahara central prison at Bengaluru, an advocate representing ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala Monday said no prison rules were violated.

Refuting allegations that "special treatment" was accorded to her in the Parappana Agrahara central prison at Bengaluru, an advocate representing ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala Monday said no prison rules were violated. "Sasikala has not violated any rules of the Karnataka prisons manual anytime. She is wearing personal clothes as per the prison rules. The allegations are all wrong," Advocate A Ashokan told PTI. According to RTI activist Narasimha Murthy, a 295-page report by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar confirmed then DIG (Prisons) D Roopa's claims in July 2017 that Sasikala was given preferential treatment and a separate kitchen functioned for her at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail here. "I have accessed the 295 pages report through an RTI query. The report confirms that Sasikala was given special treatment in the jail," Murthy had said on Sunday. The reply was furnished by M R Shobha, Public Relations Officer of the Home Department. Legal action would be taken after a copy of the report was issued to them, the advocate said. Asked if he disregarded the RTI revelations, Ashokan said he cannot comment on it until the original report was out. Based on the then DIG (Prisons) D Roopa's claims in July 2017 that Sasikala was given preferential treatment, the then Siddaramaiah government had ordered an inquiry by Vinay Kumar to probe the allegations. Kumar had submitted his report to the government on November 17, 2017, but its contents were not made public. Sasikala, close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the late Jayalalithaa, has been lodged at the Bengaluru prison ever since her conviction by the Supreme Court in February 2017 in the disproportionate assets case along with her two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, all serving a 4-year jail term.

No 'special treatment' given to Sasikala in prison, says her advocate

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful&nbsp;career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to&nbsp;the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'.

WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants&nbsp;terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns.

Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations.

WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated.

The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies.

WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken?

Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state.

People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan.

WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations?

Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan.

WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed?

Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever.

A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people.

WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure?

Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality&nbsp;the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military.&nbsp;

The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been&nbsp;opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations.

WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then?

Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there&nbsp;are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is!

The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'. WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns. Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations. WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated. The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies. WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken? Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state. People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan. WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations? Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan. WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed? Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever. A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people. WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure? Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military. The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations. WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then? Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is! The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launch pad to Central Asia. The president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice&nbsp;in the last four months. First on a state visit in September last year and then last week for Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev on a range of issues from Chabahar,&nbsp;Afghanistan to&nbsp;India-Uzbek trade relations.

WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries?

Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President, 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&nbsp;foreign ministers 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?

Farhod Arziev: 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 two countries?

Farhod Arziev: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits.

The second time our president visited on January 17, 18 and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visit at the highest level shows how close and how the dynamic relationship between the two countries are. Our relations are getting&nbsp;closer&nbsp;at various levels - political, economic,&nbsp;trade and cultural.

In all areas, it is a comprehensive character. We had a country pavilion where we showed 'made in Uzbekistan'&nbsp;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. The idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via &nbsp;Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

We believe in expanding connectivity through which trade options will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. &nbsp;

WION: How do you see investment ties? &nbsp;

Farhod Arziev: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. The investment was an important part of the agenda of our President when he came on the state visit in last year in October.

This time in his talks with PM Modi, important 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 two leaders in Vibrant Gujarat summit hall.

And also to encourage investment project we have signed an agreement between EXIM bank of India and state investment committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on the line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan.

We are getting a line of credit at the volume of $200 million&nbsp;to implement social and infrastructure project. We working with the private sector in India.

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

Uzbekistan seems to be becoming India's launch pad to Central Asia. The president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been to India twice in the last four months. First on a state visit in September last year and then last week for Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar. Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev on a range of issues from Chabahar, Afghanistan to India-Uzbek trade relations. WION: How do you see connectivity between the two countries? Farhod Arziev: I would like to inform you just before the visit of President, 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 foreign ministers 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? Farhod Arziev: 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 two countries? Farhod Arziev: For the past four months, we have had the highest level visits. The second time our president visited on January 17, 18 and attended the Vibrant Gujarat investment summit. I would like to stress the intensity of visit at the highest level shows how close and how the dynamic relationship between the two countries are. Our relations are getting closer at various levels - political, economic, trade and cultural. In all areas, it is 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. The idea is to establish a railway line project that can connect Uzbekistan and India via Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. We believe in expanding connectivity through which trade options will increase. Regional cooperation was also highlighted. WION: How do you see investment ties? Farhod Arziev: Investment and economic cooperation is an important part of Uzbek-India dialogue. The investment was an important part of the agenda of our President when he came on the state visit in last year in October. This time in his talks with PM Modi, important 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 two leaders in Vibrant Gujarat summit hall. And also to encourage investment project we have signed an agreement between EXIM bank of India and state investment committee of Uzbekistan. They have inked framework agreement on the line of credit. We are talking about a soft loan. We are getting a line of credit at the volume of $200 million to implement social and infrastructure project. We working with the private sector in India.

Rail line through Afghanistan can connect Uzbekistan with Chabahar: Uzbekistan ambassador Arziev

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Tuesday in this temple town and hold talks with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth after the inaugural session.

External Affairs Minister Sushma <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-leading-the-world-today-sushma-swaraj-on-pravasi-bharatiya-divas-191776">Swaraj inaugurated the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas</a> on Monday, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and said the Indian diaspora has dramatically changed the world's perception of Indians and India.

Mauritian Premier Jugnauth arrived here in the afternoon and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh. Later, Swaraj called on the Mauritian PM and exchanged views on a range of issues, including strengthening bilateral cooperation.

For the first time, the three-day-long convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade here.

The theme of this year's convention is 'role of the Indian diaspora in building new India', a statement from the prime minister's office said. 
Varanasi in Modi's parliamentary constituency.

Jugnauth will be the chief guest of the convention, while Himanshu Gulati, member of the Parliament of Norway, will be the special guest. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, member of Parliament of New Zealand, will be the guest of honour.

President Ram Nath Kovind will address the concluding function on January 23.

Over 4,000 NRI delegates from about 85 countries are attending the event and many of them will be staying in the tent city, built specially for them.?

After Pravasi Divas, the guests will be taken for a visit to the Kumbh Mela on January 24 where also a tent city has been set up.

A cultural village has been developed in Prayagraj, showing the history from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The 'pravasis' will be taken to New Delhi on the night of January 24 and will have a "Delhi darshan" the next day.

They will also witness the Republic Day Parade on January 26.

Uttar Pradesh is the partner state for the event and a novel feature this year is the concept of 'Varanasi hospitality' under which local people are hosting the Indians living abroad at their homes as "family guests".

The First Plenary Session on 'Engagement with younger members of Indian Diaspora', co-chaired by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore and Singh, was held on Monday.?

Uttar Pradesh Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was also held on Monday where renowned NRIs with family roots in the state took part.

The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken by the late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the first event was celebrated on January 9, 2003, here.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is now celebrated once every two years and provides a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and reconnect with their roots, the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Tuesday in this temple town and hold talks with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth after the inaugural session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Tuesday in this temple town and hold talks with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth after the inaugural session. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Monday, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and said the Indian diaspora has dramatically changed the world's perception of Indians and India. Mauritian Premier Jugnauth arrived here in the afternoon and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh. Later, Swaraj called on the Mauritian PM and exchanged views on a range of issues, including strengthening bilateral cooperation. For the first time, the three-day-long convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade here. The theme of this year's convention is 'role of the Indian diaspora in building new India', a statement from the prime minister's office said. Varanasi in Modi's parliamentary constituency. Jugnauth will be the chief guest of the convention, while Himanshu Gulati, member of the Parliament of Norway, will be the special guest. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, member of Parliament of New Zealand, will be the guest of honour. President Ram Nath Kovind will address the concluding function on January 23. Over 4,000 NRI delegates from about 85 countries are attending the event and many of them will be staying in the tent city, built specially for them.? After Pravasi Divas, the guests will be taken for a visit to the Kumbh Mela on January 24 where also a tent city has been set up. A cultural village has been developed in Prayagraj, showing the history from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The 'pravasis' will be taken to New Delhi on the night of January 24 and will have a "Delhi darshan" the next day. They will also witness the Republic Day Parade on January 26. Uttar Pradesh is the partner state for the event and a novel feature this year is the concept of 'Varanasi hospitality' under which local people are hosting the Indians living abroad at their homes as "family guests". The First Plenary Session on 'Engagement with younger members of Indian Diaspora', co-chaired by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore and Singh, was held on Monday.? Uttar Pradesh Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was also held on Monday where renowned NRIs with family roots in the state took part. The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken by the late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the first event was celebrated on January 9, 2003, here. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is now celebrated once every two years and provides a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and reconnect with their roots, the statement said.

PM Modi to inaugurate 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas; to hold talks with Mauritian PM 

Delhi is expected to witness another spell of winter rains on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle.

There will gusty winds through the day with the minimum and maximum temperature likely to be around 9 and 21 degrees Celsius respectively. The capital and its neighbouring areas have been witnessing a sudden spell of rains accompanied by thundershowers post-Monday afternoon. The showers continued during evening and night leading to a drop in temperature.

“Another Western Disturbance would affect Northwest India from January 24 onwards,” warned the IMD.

Delhi received the wet spell on Monday due to western disturbances, said the IMD. On Monday, the national capital received rains, a day after recording the warmest January day since 2012 on Sunday.

The maximum temperature settled at 28.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, seven notches above the season's average.

The prevailing situation is a result of active western disturbance, the IMD said.

On Monday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius while the maximum was 20 degrees Celsius.

"Generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rainfall at most places and isolated thunderstorm activity accompanied with strong surface winds most likely during January 21 and 22," the weather department said.

The sudden spell of showers on Monday led to a slow movement in traffic.

People returning home from work had to witness slow traffic movement.

The Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.2 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, while Palam recorded 2.8mm, Lodhi Road 0.8mm, Ridge area 0.6mm and Ayanagar 0.6mm rainfall respectively.

Delhi is expected to witness another spell of winter rains on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle.

Delhi is expected to witness another spell of winter rains on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle. There will gusty winds through the day with the minimum and maximum temperature likely to be around 9 and 21 degrees Celsius respectively. The capital and its neighbouring areas have been witnessing a sudden spell of rains accompanied by thundershowers post-Monday afternoon. The showers continued during evening and night leading to a drop in temperature. “Another Western Disturbance would affect Northwest India from January 24 onwards,” warned the IMD. Delhi received the wet spell on Monday due to western disturbances, said the IMD. On Monday, the national capital received rains, a day after recording the warmest January day since 2012 on Sunday. The maximum temperature settled at 28.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, seven notches above the season's average. The prevailing situation is a result of active western disturbance, the IMD said. On Monday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius while the maximum was 20 degrees Celsius. "Generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rainfall at most places and isolated thunderstorm activity accompanied with strong surface winds most likely during January 21 and 22," the weather department said. The sudden spell of showers on Monday led to a slow movement in traffic. People returning home from work had to witness slow traffic movement. The Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.2 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, while Palam recorded 2.8mm, Lodhi Road 0.8mm, Ridge area 0.6mm and Ayanagar 0.6mm rainfall respectively.

Delhi to witness another spell of rain today

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system.

Taking to Twitter, Naidu said, "EVM is turning out to be a big threat to democracy. It is worrying to know the claims made on the possibility of tampering EVMs. EC must seek an opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system immediately."

However, earlier on Monday, the ECI clarified that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-election-commission-asserts-foolproof-nature-of-its-machines-mulls-legal-action-191855">EVMs can’t be tampered</a> with, asserting that the machines are manufactured following “rigorous standard operating procedures.”

The ECI’s statement came after it was claimed at an event in London, which was reportedly attended by Congress leader Kapil Sibal, that EVMs could be tampered with.

The apex poll body also confirmed that they were examining the legal action that can be taken in the matter against the organisers of EVM Hackathon.

Reacting to this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for casting doubt over the efficacy of EMVs, asking whether the ECI and its huge team were in collusion with the BJP for the elections held during the UPA government.&nbsp;

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system.

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system. Taking to Twitter, Naidu said, "EVM is turning out to be a big threat to democracy. It is worrying to know the claims made on the possibility of tampering EVMs. EC must seek an opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system immediately." However, earlier on Monday, the ECI clarified that the EVMs can’t be tampered with, asserting that the machines are manufactured following “rigorous standard operating procedures.” The ECI’s statement came after it was claimed at an event in London, which was reportedly attended by Congress leader Kapil Sibal, that EVMs could be tampered with. The apex poll body also confirmed that they were examining the legal action that can be taken in the matter against the organisers of EVM Hackathon. Reacting to this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for casting doubt over the efficacy of EMVs, asking whether the ECI and its huge team were in collusion with the BJP for the elections held during the UPA government.

EVM hacking claim: Andhra CM demands Election Commission revert to paper ballot system

President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the national awards to 26 shortlisted children Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Women and Child Development Ministry said.

This year's award function was mired in controversy after the government dissociated itself from the NGO Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) that has been organising the award since 1957 over financial embezzlement.

The ICCW had shortlisted 21 children for this year's national awards whose names have been sent to the Prime Minister's Office, but no response has been received, ICCW president Gita Siddhartha said.

The ministry, meanwhile, reinvented the national children's awards for this year and included bravery as one of the categories under the awards now called the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2019.

The different categories of award this time is innovation (six awards), scholaristic (three awards), social service (three awards), art and culture (five awards), sports (six awards) and bravery (three awards).

A total of 783 applications were received for the Baal Shakti Puruskar this year. Two individuals and three institutions will also be awarded under the National Child Welfare Awards category, now renamed as Bal Kalyan Puraskar.

The names of awardees were finalised by the National Selection Committee under the chairpersonship of WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi, the ministry said in a statement.

"These awards will be given in two main categories. The Bravery Awards have also been added to these awards now. The categories are as Bal Shakti Puraskar (erstwhile known as National Child Award), Bal Kalyan Puraskar (erstwhile known as National Child Welfare Award), Bal Shakti Puraskar," the statement said.

The award carries a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs 10,000, a certificate and a citation.

The award for individual consists of a cash prize of Rs one lakh, medal, citation and a certificate to each awardee.

The award for institution consists Rs five lakh prize, medal, citation and a certificate.

The maximum number of awards would be three for the National Child Welfare Award (individual and institution both).

In order to popularise the scheme amongst the general public and make it more genial, this ministry has launched an award portal developed by NIC on August 1, 2018, for accepting the online applications.

A child who is a citizen of India and is residing in the country can apply for the National Child Award by registering on the web portal, filling the requisite information and attaching the relevant documents, the statement said.

In order to draw a response from the public, any citizen of India can nominate any child who has achieved excellence in any of the fields.

Individuals who are a citizen of India and have made an outstanding contribution for the cause of children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare for not less than seven years and have a positive impact on the lives of children and institutions, who have done exceptional work for the cause of children in any field of child welfare for 10 years can apply for the National Child Welfare Award.

The logo for the award has been crowdsourced through a social media-based competition. The awards are being hosted prior to January 26 so as to ensure that children get to participate in the Republic Day Parade, the WCD Ministry added.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the national awards to 26 shortlisted children Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Women and Child Development Ministry said.

President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the national awards to 26 shortlisted children Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Women and Child Development Ministry said. This year's award function was mired in controversy after the government dissociated itself from the NGO Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) that has been organising the award since 1957 over financial embezzlement. The ICCW had shortlisted 21 children for this year's national awards whose names have been sent to the Prime Minister's Office, but no response has been received, ICCW president Gita Siddhartha said. The ministry, meanwhile, reinvented the national children's awards for this year and included bravery as one of the categories under the awards now called the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2019. The different categories of award this time is innovation (six awards), scholaristic (three awards), social service (three awards), art and culture (five awards), sports (six awards) and bravery (three awards). A total of 783 applications were received for the Baal Shakti Puruskar this year. Two individuals and three institutions will also be awarded under the National Child Welfare Awards category, now renamed as Bal Kalyan Puraskar. The names of awardees were finalised by the National Selection Committee under the chairpersonship of WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi, the ministry said in a statement. "These awards will be given in two main categories. The Bravery Awards have also been added to these awards now. The categories are as Bal Shakti Puraskar (erstwhile known as National Child Award), Bal Kalyan Puraskar (erstwhile known as National Child Welfare Award), Bal Shakti Puraskar," the statement said. The award carries a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs 10,000, a certificate and a citation. The award for individual consists of a cash prize of Rs one lakh, medal, citation and a certificate to each awardee. The award for institution consists Rs five lakh prize, medal, citation and a certificate. The maximum number of awards would be three for the National Child Welfare Award (individual and institution both). In order to popularise the scheme amongst the general public and make it more genial, this ministry has launched an award portal developed by NIC on August 1, 2018, for accepting the online applications. A child who is a citizen of India and is residing in the country can apply for the National Child Award by registering on the web portal, filling the requisite information and attaching the relevant documents, the statement said. In order to draw a response from the public, any citizen of India can nominate any child who has achieved excellence in any of the fields. Individuals who are a citizen of India and have made an outstanding contribution for the cause of children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare for not less than seven years and have a positive impact on the lives of children and institutions, who have done exceptional work for the cause of children in any field of child welfare for 10 years can apply for the National Child Welfare Award. The logo for the award has been crowdsourced through a social media-based competition. The awards are being hosted prior to January 26 so as to ensure that children get to participate in the Republic Day Parade, the WCD Ministry added.

President Kovind to confer national awards to 26 children today

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal.

A bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said that there was no occasion to take punitive action against the directors of Volkswagen for the delay in depositing of Rs 100 crore fine to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as it had already extended the deadline.

The NGT had on January 17 imposed a penalty of Rs 100 crore on Volkswagen, saying its cars were violating the pollution norms.

A four-member committee constituted by the NGT had recommended a fine of Rs 171.34 crore on Volkswagen for excess nitrogen oxide emissions.

The committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars allegedly released 48.678 tonnes of NO in 2016 in the National Capital Region.

The Volkswagen Group challenged the NGT’s fine, contending that all its cars are "compliant with emission norms in India."Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Volkswagen, told the apex court bench that the company had deposited the amount of Rs 100 crore on January 17 as directed by the NGT.

The tribunal had said that non-compliance can lead to the arrest of the company's India head.

“We would like to clarify that intent and purpose of this court in December extending time for compliance was to ensure that until this court took up the matter on next date, the coercive measure cannot be taken for non-compliance of the order,” said the Supreme Court bench.

It asked the NGT to include Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a four-member committee appointed by the expert panel.

The NGT had constituted a joint team of representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

The tribunal had asked for a report on whether Volkswagen has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment.

The Supreme Court also noted that the committee had submitted its report and proceedings are now pending before the NGT. The bench said it is now proper for the tribunal to deal with the report on merits.

The tribunal’s order had come on pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal.

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal. A bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said that there was no occasion to take punitive action against the directors of Volkswagen for the delay in depositing of Rs 100 crore fine to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as it had already extended the deadline. The NGT had on January 17 imposed a penalty of Rs 100 crore on Volkswagen, saying its cars were violating the pollution norms. A four-member committee constituted by the NGT had recommended a fine of Rs 171.34 crore on Volkswagen for excess nitrogen oxide emissions. The committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars allegedly released 48.678 tonnes of NO in 2016 in the National Capital Region. The Volkswagen Group challenged the NGT’s fine, contending that all its cars are "compliant with emission norms in India."Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Volkswagen, told the apex court bench that the company had deposited the amount of Rs 100 crore on January 17 as directed by the NGT. The tribunal had said that non-compliance can lead to the arrest of the company's India head. “We would like to clarify that intent and purpose of this court in December extending time for compliance was to ensure that until this court took up the matter on next date, the coercive measure cannot be taken for non-compliance of the order,” said the Supreme Court bench. It asked the NGT to include Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a four-member committee appointed by the expert panel. The NGT had constituted a joint team of representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The tribunal had asked for a report on whether Volkswagen has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment. The Supreme Court also noted that the committee had submitted its report and proceedings are now pending before the NGT. The bench said it is now proper for the tribunal to deal with the report on merits. The tribunal’s order had come on pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.

Supreme Court asks NGT to widen scrutiny into emission violations by car manufacturers

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday.

Over 3.7 lakh children were lodged in homes meant for the care of children in vulnerable circumstances across the country in 2016-17.&nbsp;

According to the report released by the Jena Committee on Child Care Institutions, the Juvenile Justice Act states that a child, whose parents or guardian are found to be unfit or incapacitated by the committee or the board to care for and protect their safety and well-being, is deemed to be in need of care and protection.&nbsp;

"It was found that there are 5,291 children in the age group of 0-6 years and 1,78,885 in the age group of 7-18 years found in CCIs and homes in this category, with boys being 17.2 per cent more than the girls. Amongst these, the CCIs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have the maximum number of such children," the report noted.

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions as their parents or guardian have been found incapable of taking care of them, it said.

Of 3.7 lakh children in need of care and protection, 5,900 children in the age group of 0-6 years were orphans, abandoned and surrendered. There were 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children aged 7-18.

The highest percentage of abandonment for both boys and girls was found in Madhya Pradesh, which also sees a high occupancy of child marriage victims, the report said.

The report also gave a set of recommendations that included the establishment of an adequate number of CCIs on the mapping of child vulnerability and situational analysis of each district and rationalisation of availability of CCIs as data has shown an imbalance in the number of CCIs.

The other recommendations also included ease of accessibility to CCIs, a place of safety and a dedicated shelter home for de-addiction services and sensitisation of all staff -- from guards and cooks to persons-in-charge -- also must be a norm.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The different categories of children residing in the CCIs included children who are orphans, abandoned, surrendered, sexually abused, the victim of child pornography, trafficked for domestic work, trafficked for labour, trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, victims of child marriage among others.&nbsp;

In all the 9,589 CCIs covered under the study, it has been found that there are 7,422 children in conflict with the law, including 5,617 boys, while 1,805 girls.&nbsp;

The number of children in need of care and protection have been found to be 3,70,227 of which 1,99,760 are boys, 1,70,375 are girls and 92 are transgender children.

A database has emerged regarding orphan, abandoned, surrendered children who need to be de-institutionalised and prioritised for non-institutional care such as foster care, sponsorship and adoption.&nbsp;

"Amongst these, there are 5,931 children below the age of 0-6 years (2,966 orphans, 1,763 abandoned and 1,209 surrendered) who can be connected with the adoption process. Besides, these there are 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children in the age group of 7-18 years," it said.

Of these 38,765 are orphans, of which Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra alone have 10,745 (27.7 per cent).

Tamil Nadu also has the highest number of abandoned children in this age group, which is 1,326, residing in CCIs.&nbsp;

The data has been collected from some 9,600 child care institutions and homes between January 2016 and March 2017. PTI UZM KJ 01212018

&nbsp;

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday.

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday. Over 3.7 lakh children were lodged in homes meant for the care of children in vulnerable circumstances across the country in 2016-17. According to the report released by the Jena Committee on Child Care Institutions, the Juvenile Justice Act states that a child, whose parents or guardian are found to be unfit or incapacitated by the committee or the board to care for and protect their safety and well-being, is deemed to be in need of care and protection. "It was found that there are 5,291 children in the age group of 0-6 years and 1,78,885 in the age group of 7-18 years found in CCIs and homes in this category, with boys being 17.2 per cent more than the girls. Amongst these, the CCIs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have the maximum number of such children," the report noted. A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions as their parents or guardian have been found incapable of taking care of them, it said. Of 3.7 lakh children in need of care and protection, 5,900 children in the age group of 0-6 years were orphans, abandoned and surrendered. There were 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children aged 7-18. The highest percentage of abandonment for both boys and girls was found in Madhya Pradesh, which also sees a high occupancy of child marriage victims, the report said. The report also gave a set of recommendations that included the establishment of an adequate number of CCIs on the mapping of child vulnerability and situational analysis of each district and rationalisation of availability of CCIs as data has shown an imbalance in the number of CCIs. The other recommendations also included ease of accessibility to CCIs, a place of safety and a dedicated shelter home for de-addiction services and sensitisation of all staff -- from guards and cooks to persons-in-charge -- also must be a norm. The different categories of children residing in the CCIs included children who are orphans, abandoned, surrendered, sexually abused, the victim of child pornography, trafficked for domestic work, trafficked for labour, trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, victims of child marriage among others. In all the 9,589 CCIs covered under the study, it has been found that there are 7,422 children in conflict with the law, including 5,617 boys, while 1,805 girls. The number of children in need of care and protection have been found to be 3,70,227 of which 1,99,760 are boys, 1,70,375 are girls and 92 are transgender children. A database has emerged regarding orphan, abandoned, surrendered children who need to be de-institutionalised and prioritised for non-institutional care such as foster care, sponsorship and adoption. "Amongst these, there are 5,931 children below the age of 0-6 years (2,966 orphans, 1,763 abandoned and 1,209 surrendered) who can be connected with the adoption process. Besides, these there are 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children in the age group of 7-18 years," it said. Of these 38,765 are orphans, of which Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra alone have 10,745 (27.7 per cent). Tamil Nadu also has the highest number of abandoned children in this age group, which is 1,326, residing in CCIs. The data has been collected from some 9,600 child care institutions and homes between January 2016 and March 2017. PTI UZM KJ 01212018

1.8 lakh children living in child care institutions as parents unfit to take care: Report

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said every application for Indian citizenship will be enquired into by the deputy commissioner or district magistrate concerned, who will carry out due diligence and submit it to the state government concerned.

“The state government also has to conduct an enquiry through its agencies. Only then, an individual will be granted Indian nationality. Without the state government’s recommendations, no one will be given Indian citizenship,” Prasad said.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, being strongly opposed by a large section of people and organisations in the Northeast, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians — from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after they have stayed in India for seven years, instead of 12 years at present.

This is applicable to those who came to India before December 31, 2014. The six religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were earlier given a special dispensation for grant of long term visas.

People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Jain, Parsi and Christian religions from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan will have to prove they belonged to any of the three countries and were persecuted on religious lines among other things for Indian citizenship.

A large section of people and organisations in the Northeast have opposed the Bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.

There have been sporadic protests against the Bill in the region ever since it was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has already said the Bill will apply to all States and Union Territories and the beneficiaries can reside anywhere in the country.

“The burden of these persecuted migrants will be shared by the whole country. Assam alone would not have to bear the entire burden and the government is committed to giving all help to the state government and people of Assam,” Singh had said.

Home Ministry sources said the ministry is considering a proposal to provide incentives to those people who want to settle anywhere in India, except the Northeast.

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. Ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said every application for Indian citizenship will be enquired into by the deputy commissioner or district magistrate concerned, who will carry out due diligence and submit it to the state government concerned. “The state government also has to conduct an enquiry through its agencies. Only then, an individual will be granted Indian nationality. Without the state government’s recommendations, no one will be given Indian citizenship,” Prasad said. The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, being strongly opposed by a large section of people and organisations in the Northeast, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians — from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after they have stayed in India for seven years, instead of 12 years at present. This is applicable to those who came to India before December 31, 2014. The six religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were earlier given a special dispensation for grant of long term visas. People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Jain, Parsi and Christian religions from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan will have to prove they belonged to any of the three countries and were persecuted on religious lines among other things for Indian citizenship. A large section of people and organisations in the Northeast have opposed the Bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. There have been sporadic protests against the Bill in the region ever since it was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has already said the Bill will apply to all States and Union Territories and the beneficiaries can reside anywhere in the country. “The burden of these persecuted migrants will be shared by the whole country. Assam alone would not have to bear the entire burden and the government is committed to giving all help to the state government and people of Assam,” Singh had said. Home Ministry sources said the ministry is considering a proposal to provide incentives to those people who want to settle anywhere in India, except the Northeast.

Indian citizenship won’t be given without state govt’s consent after Citizenship Bill passage: Home Ministry

A cabinet meeting in 2016 during the hospitalisation of late J Jayalalithaa did not discuss shifting her abroad for treatment, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar deposed on Monday before a panel looking into her death.

Briefing reporters about the deposition of Vijayabaskar before the Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry here, counsel for V K Sasikala, N Raja Senthoor Pandian said that the Minister made this submission related to foreign treatment during cross-examination.

Asked whether any minister at the October 19, 2016 cabinet meeting had spoken about shifting Jayalalithaa abroad for treatment, the Health Minister replied that such a topic did not come up for discussion, the counsel said.

One of the questions that came up in the proceedings before the Commission was whether treatment for Jayalalithaa at a hospital abroad was considered or not.

"Vijayabaskar replied that such a topic (on shifting her abroad for treatment) did not come up at the Cabinet meeting and there were no circumstances to warrant such a discussion," Pandian said.

Vijayabaskar, who was both examined and cross-examined Monday, said he had seen Jayalalithaa at close quarters when she was wheeled away for the tracheostomy procedure on October 7, 2016, at Apollo Hospital, according to Pandian.

On an Apollo doctor's statement to the Commission that Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had seen Jayalalithaa on October 7, 2016, at the hospital, the Minister replied that the doctor's deposition would be correct, he said.

In the past, Ministers like Dindigul C Sreenivasan had said that they had no access to see the late leader during her 75-day hospitalisation.

The Minister's answers were also consistent with that of Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan's depositions on all aspects, including foreign treatment, Sasikala's counsel said.

A counsel for the Commission had alleged in December 2018 that Radhakrishnan colluded and conspired with Apollo Hospital and "inappropriate treatment" was provided to the late leader.

The panel counsel had also alleged that the senior health official was against taking Jayalalithaa abroad for treatment.

Both the hospital and the secretary had strongly refuted the allegations.

Vijayabaskar, in his brief remarks, told reporters that he extended his full cooperation to the Commission and answered all questions posed to him.

In September 2017, the Tamil Nadu government had constituted the Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

The panel's terms of reference was to inquire into the circumstances leading to the hospitalisation of Jayalalithaa on September 22, 2016, and treatment provided by the hospital till her death on December 5, 2016.&nbsp;

A cabinet meeting in 2016 during the hospitalisation of late J Jayalalithaa did not discuss shifting her abroad for treatment, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar deposed on Monday before a panel looking into her death.

A cabinet meeting in 2016 during the hospitalisation of late J Jayalalithaa did not discuss shifting her abroad for treatment, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar deposed on Monday before a panel looking into her death. Briefing reporters about the deposition of Vijayabaskar before the Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry here, counsel for V K Sasikala, N Raja Senthoor Pandian said that the Minister made this submission related to foreign treatment during cross-examination. Asked whether any minister at the October 19, 2016 cabinet meeting had spoken about shifting Jayalalithaa abroad for treatment, the Health Minister replied that such a topic did not come up for discussion, the counsel said. One of the questions that came up in the proceedings before the Commission was whether treatment for Jayalalithaa at a hospital abroad was considered or not. "Vijayabaskar replied that such a topic (on shifting her abroad for treatment) did not come up at the Cabinet meeting and there were no circumstances to warrant such a discussion," Pandian said. Vijayabaskar, who was both examined and cross-examined Monday, said he had seen Jayalalithaa at close quarters when she was wheeled away for the tracheostomy procedure on October 7, 2016, at Apollo Hospital, according to Pandian. On an Apollo doctor's statement to the Commission that Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had seen Jayalalithaa on October 7, 2016, at the hospital, the Minister replied that the doctor's deposition would be correct, he said. In the past, Ministers like Dindigul C Sreenivasan had said that they had no access to see the late leader during her 75-day hospitalisation. The Minister's answers were also consistent with that of Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan's depositions on all aspects, including foreign treatment, Sasikala's counsel said. A counsel for the Commission had alleged in December 2018 that Radhakrishnan colluded and conspired with Apollo Hospital and "inappropriate treatment" was provided to the late leader. The panel counsel had also alleged that the senior health official was against taking Jayalalithaa abroad for treatment. Both the hospital and the secretary had strongly refuted the allegations. Vijayabaskar, in his brief remarks, told reporters that he extended his full cooperation to the Commission and answered all questions posed to him. In September 2017, the Tamil Nadu government had constituted the Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. The panel's terms of reference was to inquire into the circumstances leading to the hospitalisation of Jayalalithaa on September 22, 2016, and treatment provided by the hospital till her death on December 5, 2016.

Tamil Nadu cabinet meet did not discuss treatment abroad for J Jayalalithaa

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-urge-us-to-immediately-drop-extradition-request-for-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-china-192033">Strongly urge US to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou: China</a>

After reports emerged that the US may formally extradite Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/20-may-have-died-after-fire-engulfs-two-ships-near-crimea-indian-nationals-also-affected-192010">20 may have died after fire engulfs two ships near Crimea; Indian nationals also affected</a>

Up to 20 people were presumed dead off Russia-annexed Crimea in the Black Sea after a fire engulfed two ships sailing under the Tanzanian flag, authorities said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-collected-162-billion-in-unpaid-taxes-from-celebrities-entertainment-companies-report-191993">China collected $1.62 billion in unpaid taxes from celebrities &amp; entertainment companies: Report</a>

Chinese authorities have collected more than $1.62 billion in unpaid taxes from celebrities and entertainment companies since they hit the industry with a crackdown, state media Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-hands-overs-31-rohingyas-to-tripura-police-ending-standoff-with-bangladesh-191999">BSF hands overs 31 Rohingyas to Tripura police ending standoff</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-hands-overs-31-rohingyas-to-tripura-police-ending-standoff-with-bangladesh-191999"> with Bangladesh</a>

The Border Security Force Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for three days, to the Tripura police, ending a standoff with its counterpart, the BGB, on the issue, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-hold-summit-to-break-island-impasse-192038">Russian President Putin, Japan PM Shinzo Abe hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-hold-summit-to-break-island-impasse-192038">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-hold-summit-to-break-island-impasse-192038"> to break island impasse</a>

The leaders of Russia and Japan were meeting in Moscow Tuesday for talks over a disputed island chain that has long prevented agreement on a peace treaty to formally end World War II.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strongly urge US to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou: China After reports emerged that the US may formally extradite Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests.

Strongly urge US to immediately drop extradition request for Huawei's Meng Wanzhou: China After reports emerged that the US may formally extradite Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou from Canada, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is an abuse of extradition treaties between the United States and Canada and a serious violation of Chinese citizen's safety and legitimate rights and interests. 20 may have died after fire engulfs two ships near Crimea; Indian nationals also affected Up to 20 people were presumed dead off Russia-annexed Crimea in the Black Sea after a fire engulfed two ships sailing under the Tanzanian flag, authorities said Tuesday. China collected $1.62 billion in unpaid taxes from celebrities & entertainment companies: Report Chinese authorities have collected more than $1.62 billion in unpaid taxes from celebrities and entertainment companies since they hit the industry with a crackdown, state media Xinhua reported on Tuesday. BSF hands overs 31 Rohingyas to Tripura police ending standoff with Bangladesh The Border Security Force Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for three days, to the Tripura police, ending a standoff with its counterpart, the BGB, on the issue, officials said. Russian President Putin, Japan PM Shinzo Abe hold summit to break island impasse The leaders of Russia and Japan were meeting in Moscow Tuesday for talks over a disputed island chain that has long prevented agreement on a peace treaty to formally end World War II.

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital.

Apart from Kejriwal, AAP Member of Rajya Sabha Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and AAP spokesperson Atishi Malena have been named in the case.

BJP leader Rajeev Babbar has filed the defamation suit in a Delhi court. The court has accepted the plea and will hear the matter on February 5.

Chief Minister Kejriwal had alleged that the names of 30 lakh voters had been deleted from the electoral rolls in Delhi.

“Not 40k. Total 30 lakh votes deleted. 4 lakh Baniyas, 8 lakh Muslims, 15 lakh Poorvanchalis and 3 lakh rest,” Kejriwal had tweeted on December 6 last year.

While contending that the matter of adding or removing voters from the electoral rolls is the Elections Commission’s responsibility and not of any political party, the BJP stated that the allegations by the AAP are “unfortunate and false.”&nbsp;

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital.

BJP’s Delhi unit on Monday filed a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other members of AAP for allegedly blaming it for the deletion of names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll in the national capital. Apart from Kejriwal, AAP Member of Rajya Sabha Sushil Kumar Gupta, MLA Manoj Kumar and AAP spokesperson Atishi Malena have been named in the case. BJP leader Rajeev Babbar has filed the defamation suit in a Delhi court. The court has accepted the plea and will hear the matter on February 5. Chief Minister Kejriwal had alleged that the names of 30 lakh voters had been deleted from the electoral rolls in Delhi. “Not 40k. Total 30 lakh votes deleted. 4 lakh Baniyas, 8 lakh Muslims, 15 lakh Poorvanchalis and 3 lakh rest,” Kejriwal had tweeted on December 6 last year. While contending that the matter of adding or removing voters from the electoral rolls is the Elections Commission’s responsibility and not of any political party, the BJP stated that the allegations by the AAP are “unfortunate and false.”

Delhi BJP files defamation case against Kejriwal, other AAP leaders

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said.

Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule."

Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added.

The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday.

The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.&nbsp;

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week. The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said. Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule." Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added. The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday. The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.

West Bengal: BJP cancels PM Modi's Brigade rally in Kolkata

At least 102 additional cases of swine flu were reported in Rajasthan on Monday.

The total number of positive cases in the state has reached to 1,335 so far.

The number of swine flu deaths has increased in the past few days. It has claimed 51 lives in the state in January so far.

Two cases each in Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa and Kota; one each in Nagaur, Hanumangarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand and Jaisalmer; three in Sikar; four in Jodhpur; five in Udaipur; five in Churu; seven in Ganganagar; eight in Bikaner; nine in Barmer; and 47 cases in Jaipur have been reported positive.

Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country.

H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms are same as the seasonal flu, also known as the viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.&nbsp;

At least 102 additional cases of swine flu were reported in Rajasthan on Monday. The total number of positive cases in the state has reached to 1,335 so far. The number of swine flu deaths has increased in the past few days.

At least 102 additional cases of swine flu were reported in Rajasthan on Monday. The total number of positive cases in the state has reached to 1,335 so far. The number of swine flu deaths has increased in the past few days. It has claimed 51 lives in the state in January so far. Two cases each in Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa and Kota; one each in Nagaur, Hanumangarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand and Jaisalmer; three in Sikar; four in Jodhpur; five in Udaipur; five in Churu; seven in Ganganagar; eight in Bikaner; nine in Barmer; and 47 cases in Jaipur have been reported positive. Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air. The symptoms are same as the seasonal flu, also known as the viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.

Swine flu scare: Number of positive cases climb to 1335 in Rajasthan

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP Shia Central Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has demanded to shut down of primary-level madrasas across the country in order to check terror group ISIS’ influence on Muslim children.&nbsp;

Rizvi, who has supported the demand for Ram temple in Ayodhya and uniform civil code, said Muslim children if they want, can take admission in madrasas after completing high school.

“It can be seen that children are soft targets for running any mission and at this point of time ISIS is a dangerous terror organisation which is gradually getting hold over the Muslim population across the world.

“…if madrasas are not shut down, about half of the country’s population will become supporters of the ISIS ideology in 15 years’ time,” Rizvi said in the letter.

Stressing that the support to the ISIS is clearly visible in Kashmir, where through the monetary support to the children attending madrasas, they are being alienated from people of other religion in the name of Islamic education, he said.

“In the rural areas of the country also, the primary madrasas in the name of donations are harming the future of our children and promoting fundamentalist thinking…this is damaging both the country and the Muslim children,” he said.

Taking admission in madrasas after schooling will not only help them take normal education till the high school level along with children of different sections of society and religion but also will deter them from getting easily influenced by fundamentalist thinking.

He has previously supported the building of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and a mosque ‘Masjid-e-Aman’ in Lucknow.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP Shia Central Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has demanded to shut down of primary-level madrasas across the country in order to check terror group ISIS’ influence on Muslim children.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP Shia Central Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has demanded to shut down of primary-level madrasas across the country in order to check terror group ISIS’ influence on Muslim children. Rizvi, who has supported the demand for Ram temple in Ayodhya and uniform civil code, said Muslim children if they want, can take admission in madrasas after completing high school. “It can be seen that children are soft targets for running any mission and at this point of time ISIS is a dangerous terror organisation which is gradually getting hold over the Muslim population across the world. “…if madrasas are not shut down, about half of the country’s population will become supporters of the ISIS ideology in 15 years’ time,” Rizvi said in the letter. Stressing that the support to the ISIS is clearly visible in Kashmir, where through the monetary support to the children attending madrasas, they are being alienated from people of other religion in the name of Islamic education, he said. “In the rural areas of the country also, the primary madrasas in the name of donations are harming the future of our children and promoting fundamentalist thinking…this is damaging both the country and the Muslim children,” he said. Taking admission in madrasas after schooling will not only help them take normal education till the high school level along with children of different sections of society and religion but also will deter them from getting easily influenced by fundamentalist thinking. He has previously supported the building of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and a mosque ‘Masjid-e-Aman’ in Lucknow.

Shut madrasas to check ISIS influence on Muslim children: UP Shia board chief to PM Modi

Incredible Kumbh: All you need to know about 'Ardh Kumbh Mela'

The Border Security Force Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for three days, to the Tripura police, ending a standoff with its counterpart, the BGB, on the issue, officials said.

They said the border guarding force signed papers and handed over the 31 Rohingyas to the staff of the Amtoli police station in West Tripura district police at 11 am.

The decision was taken after the Border Security Force headquarters here obtained approval from the Home Ministry, they said.

The Rohingya Muslims were stuck in no man's land, beyond the barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura since Friday last.&nbsp;

The situation had led to a blame game between the BSF and its counterpart -- Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) -- with the two sides accusing each other of pushing them into their territories.

The BSF had been providing "comfortable" temporary accommodation at Rayermura, where they were detained, about 15 km from Agartala, in West Tripura district, officials had said earlier.

The 31 detained Rohingyas include six men, nine women and 16 children. They were stuck at 'Zero Line', beyond the border fence.

The barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border is 300 feet inside the Indian territory.

The Border Security Force Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for three days, to the Tripura police, ending a standoff with its counterpart, the BGB, on the issue, officials said.

The Border Security Force Tuesday handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border for three days, to the Tripura police, ending a standoff with its counterpart, the BGB, on the issue, officials said. They said the border guarding force signed papers and handed over the 31 Rohingyas to the staff of the Amtoli police station in West Tripura district police at 11 am. The decision was taken after the Border Security Force headquarters here obtained approval from the Home Ministry, they said. The Rohingya Muslims were stuck in no man's land, beyond the barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura since Friday last. The situation had led to a blame game between the BSF and its counterpart -- Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) -- with the two sides accusing each other of pushing them into their territories. The BSF had been providing "comfortable" temporary accommodation at Rayermura, where they were detained, about 15 km from Agartala, in West Tripura district, officials had said earlier. The 31 detained Rohingyas include six men, nine women and 16 children. They were stuck at 'Zero Line', beyond the border fence. The barbed wire fence along the Indo-Bangladesh border is 300 feet inside the Indian territory.

BSF hands overs 31 Rohingyas to Tripura police ending standoff with Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities.

The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

"I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering.

"People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said.

Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage.

The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation.

The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said.

"We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said.

Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power.

"Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by the government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said.

Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion.

He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes.

He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance.

Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year.

For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital.

The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of the Indian diaspora in building new India'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. The prime minister was inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. "I consider NRIs India's brand ambassadors. They are the symbols of our capacities and capabilities," he told the gathering. "People of Indian origin are in leadership roles in countries such as Mauritius, Portugal and Ireland," he said. Modi also alluded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that only 15 paise of Re 1 reaches masses and said the Congress government had done nothing to stop the leakage. The prime minister added that his government had stepped in to rectify the situation. The "85 per cent loot" taking place during the Congress regime had been plugged "100 per cent" through technology, he said. "We have given about Rs 5,80,000 crore to people, transferred to their bank accounts through various schemes. Imagine, if the country was being run on the older system? Then Rs 4,50,000 crore would have vanished," Modi said. Continuing his attack on the Congress, he said efforts to stop the "leakage" could have been made earlier as well but there was no intention and will power. "Our government is moving towards ensuring that the aid given by the government is directly transferred to beneficiary accounts through direct benefit schemes," he said. Mauritian Premier Pravind Jugnauth, who is the chief guest for the three-day event, also spoke on the occasion. He hailed the prime minister for India's transformation through initiatives such as the Skill India and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao schemes. He also praised Modi's global stewardship in promoting clean energy and for setting up the International Solar Alliance. Jugnauth announced that his country will hold a Bhagwad Gita Mahotsav next month and a Bhojpuri Festival next year. For the first time, the three-day convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital. The theme of this year's convention is 'Role of the Indian diaspora in building new India'.

NRIs are India's brand ambassadors, symbolise country's capabilities: PM Modi at 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

At least 102 additional cases of swine flu were reported in Rajasthan on Monday. The total number of positive cases in the state has reached to 1,335 so far.

The number of swine flu deaths has increased in the past few days. It has claimed 51 lives in the state in January so far.

Two cases each in Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa and Kota; one each in Nagaur, Hanumangarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand and Jaisalmer; three in Sikar; four in Jodhpur; five in Udaipur; five in Churu; seven in Ganganagar; eight in Bikaner; nine in Barmer; and 47 cases in Jaipur have been reported positive.

Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms are same as the seasonal flu, also known as the viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.&nbsp;

Rajasthan: Swine flu claims 51 lives in January so far, 1335 positive cases

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district.&nbsp;

Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal. Where Rabindra Sangeet used to play, bomb blasts fill the air. The BJP shall bring the glory back to Bengal. This is what a real speech from a leader sounds like.

"I am assuring you, bring BJP and we will not let any infiltrators enter Bengal. But these people love infiltrators, that is why they go against us when we talk about NRC. The election of 2019 will not only determine the future of India but is also very important for West Bengal. The election of 2019 will determine whether this govt of TMC which is killing democracy, will remain in Bengal or will be uprooted," he said

Taking a jibe at the rally of opposition parties in Kolkata, he said the anti-BJP parties did not utter 'Bharat Mata ki Jai or 'Vande Mataram' even once during the public meeting, but kept chanting 'Modi Modi'.

He alleged that the 'mahagathbandhan' of opposition parties was meant for "gaining power and serving personal interests".

"Mahagathbandhan is all about greed and lust. They want to remove Modi, while we want to remove poverty and corruption," he said.

Describing the Trinamool Congress dispensation as a "government that facilitates murders", he said the party will be ousted in the general elections.

Amit Shah, who was recently admitted to a hospital New Delhi for swine flu treatment addressed the Malda rally after the state government on Monday allowed BJP president’s chopper to land at the ground opposite to Hotel Golden Park.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district. Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district. Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal. Where Rabindra Sangeet used to play, bomb blasts fill the air. The BJP shall bring the glory back to Bengal. This is what a real speech from a leader sounds like. "I am assuring you, bring BJP and we will not let any infiltrators enter Bengal. But these people love infiltrators, that is why they go against us when we talk about NRC. The election of 2019 will not only determine the future of India but is also very important for West Bengal. The election of 2019 will determine whether this govt of TMC which is killing democracy, will remain in Bengal or will be uprooted," he said Taking a jibe at the rally of opposition parties in Kolkata, he said the anti-BJP parties did not utter 'Bharat Mata ki Jai or 'Vande Mataram' even once during the public meeting, but kept chanting 'Modi Modi'. He alleged that the 'mahagathbandhan' of opposition parties was meant for "gaining power and serving personal interests". "Mahagathbandhan is all about greed and lust. They want to remove Modi, while we want to remove poverty and corruption," he said. Describing the Trinamool Congress dispensation as a "government that facilitates murders", he said the party will be ousted in the general elections. Amit Shah, who was recently admitted to a hospital New Delhi for swine flu treatment addressed the Malda rally after the state government on Monday allowed BJP president’s chopper to land at the ground opposite to Hotel Golden Park. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP will not let any infiltrator enter West Bengal: Amit Shah in Malda

An Indian fishing boat was fired on and then rammed by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA ) on January 17 at 7 am near Mitha Port in Gujarat. Seven fishermen fell overboard, of whom six were rescued by the Indian coast guard.&nbsp;

The fishing boat sank about 64 nautical miles southwest of Mitha port.&nbsp;

The one fisherman missing is presumed dead.

India raised the matter with Islamabad on January 19 through a note verbale sent from the Ministry of External Affairs.

New Delhi said in the note verbale: "India condemned in the strongest term such deplorable and unprofessional act by PMSA of firing at a fishing vessel and later ramming and sinking it".

The note verbale added that "such acts are in contravention of all international laws, conventions and the established humanitarian norms and practices."

India also called on Pakistan to "investigate the heinous act and instruct" its forces to "desist from such acts immediately".

This is the first such incident to come to light in recent years. An Indian fisherman was killed In 2015 in Pakistani firing.&nbsp;

The issue of Indian fishermen has been one of the key matters India has been raising with Pakistan. According to India, Pakistan has in its custody 418 fishermen who are Indian or are believed to be Indian. Since 2014, India has got back 1,699 Indian fishermen and 57 Indian fishing boats from Pakistan.&nbsp;

Speaking in Parliament on the issue of Indian fishermen in Pakistani custody, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh had said, "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

An Indian fishing boat was fired on and then rammed by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA ) on January 17 at 7 am near Mitha Port in Gujarat. Seven fishermen fell overboard, of whom six were rescued by the Indian coast guard.

An Indian fishing boat was fired on and then rammed by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA ) on January 17 at 7 am near Mitha Port in Gujarat. Seven fishermen fell overboard, of whom six were rescued by the Indian coast guard. The fishing boat sank about 64 nautical miles southwest of Mitha port. The one fisherman missing is presumed dead. India raised the matter with Islamabad on January 19 through a note verbale sent from the Ministry of External Affairs. New Delhi said in the note verbale: "India condemned in the strongest term such deplorable and unprofessional act by PMSA of firing at a fishing vessel and later ramming and sinking it". The note verbale added that "such acts are in contravention of all international laws, conventions and the established humanitarian norms and practices." India also called on Pakistan to "investigate the heinous act and instruct" its forces to "desist from such acts immediately". This is the first such incident to come to light in recent years. An Indian fisherman was killed In 2015 in Pakistani firing. The issue of Indian fishermen has been one of the key matters India has been raising with Pakistan. According to India, Pakistan has in its custody 418 fishermen who are Indian or are believed to be Indian. Since 2014, India has got back 1,699 Indian fishermen and 57 Indian fishing boats from Pakistan. Speaking in Parliament on the issue of Indian fishermen in Pakistani custody, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh had said, "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities."

Pakistan fires on Indian fishing boat; 1 fisherman dead

india-news

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

india news

BJP president Amit Shah cancels four rallies in West Bengal

7.32 lakh jobs created in November; 73.50 lakh in last 15 months: EPFO payroll data

News brief: Big stories of the day

No 'special treatment' given to Sasikala in prison, says her advocate

Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION

Rail line through Afghanistan can connect Uzbekistan with Chabahar: Uzbekistan ambassador Arziev

PM Modi to inaugurate 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas; to hold talks with Mauritian PM

Delhi to witness another spell of rain today

EVM hacking claim: Andhra CM demands Election Commission revert to paper ballot system

President Kovind to confer national awards to 26 children today

Supreme Court asks NGT to widen scrutiny into emission violations by car manufacturers

1.8 lakh children living in child care institutions as parents unfit to take care: Report

Indian citizenship won’t be given without state govt’s consent after Citizenship Bill passage: Home Ministry

Tamil Nadu cabinet meet did not discuss treatment abroad for J Jayalalithaa

News brief: Big stories of the day

Delhi BJP files defamation case against Kejriwal, other AAP leaders

West Bengal: BJP cancels PM Modi's Brigade rally in Kolkata

Swine flu scare: Number of positive cases climb to 1335 in Rajasthan

Shut madrasas to check ISIS influence on Muslim children: UP Shia board chief to PM Modi

Incredible Kumbh: All you need to know about 'Ardh Kumbh Mela'

Incredible Kumbh: All you need to know about 'Ardh Kumbh Mela'

BSF hands overs 31 Rohingyas to Tripura police ending standoff with Bangladesh

NRIs are India's brand ambassadors, symbolise country's capabilities: PM Modi at 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Rajasthan: Swine flu claims 51 lives in January so far, 1335 positive cases

BJP will not let any infiltrator enter West Bengal: Amit Shah in Malda

Pakistan fires on Indian fishing boat; 1 fisherman dead