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Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-election-commission-asserts-foolproof-nature-of-its-machines-mulls-legal-action-191855">Election Commission of India on Monday</a> stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hackathon-andhra-cm-demands-election-commission-to-revert-to-paper-ballot-system-191876">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;

BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. &nbsp;

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Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. <a href="https://t.co/iNSxO9CSnc">pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087623820939276289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision. <a href="https://t.co/r5zvjDDInK">pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087618932687757312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged. The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today. Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate. The Election Commission of India on Monday stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported. Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections. BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × "Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday. "If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted. Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision. pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.

EVM hacking claim: Centre alleges Congress organised hackathon in London, opposition says switch back to ballot box

Eleven 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.&nbsp;

Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag.&nbsp;

PTI quoted the Russian news agency Tass as saying one of the ships, the Candy, had a 17-member crew, including nine Turkish citizens and eight Indian nationals.&nbsp;

The other ship, the Maestro, had a 15-member crew, including seven Turkish nationals, seven Indian citizens and an intern from Libya.

Reuters meanwhile quoted Russia's transport ministry as saying the two ships had a combined total of 31 crew members, 16 of whom were Turkish nationals, and 15 Indian.&nbsp;

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Another video of a fire on two ships in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerch</a> Strait on January 21, 2019. <a href="https://t.co/mF8imSnYzJ">pic.twitter.com/mF8imSnYzJ</a>
— Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1087398352881373184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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One of the ships was a liquefied natural gas carrier, the other a tanker. News reports Tuesday said the fire probably broke out as the ships were transferring fuel from one to the other.

"Presumably, an explosion occurred (on one of the vessels). Then the fire spread to another vessel. A rescue tug is en route," PTI quoted a spokesman for the Russian Maritime Agency as saying.

Reuters reported Russia's transport ministry as saying earlier that crew members jumped into the sea to escape the fire.

Reuters reported an industry source as saying the sea had been stormy when the fire broke out.&nbsp;

Reuters added that the severe weather conditions had prevented rescue ships from taking the victims to shore for medical treatment.

The Kerch Strait between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia controls access from the Black Sea to the Azov Sea, where there are both Russian and Ukrainian ports.

In November, Russia detained three Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, fuelling tensions between the two countries. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Eleven 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. Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag.

Eleven 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. Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag. PTI quoted the Russian news agency Tass as saying one of the ships, the Candy, had a 17-member crew, including nine Turkish citizens and eight Indian nationals. The other ship, the Maestro, had a 15-member crew, including seven Turkish nationals, seven Indian citizens and an intern from Libya. Reuters meanwhile quoted Russia's transport ministry as saying the two ships had a combined total of 31 crew members, 16 of whom were Turkish nationals, and 15 Indian. Another video of a fire on two ships in the #Kerch Strait on January 21, 2019. pic.twitter.com/mF8imSnYzJ — Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) January 21, 2019 × One of the ships was a liquefied natural gas carrier, the other a tanker. News reports Tuesday said the fire probably broke out as the ships were transferring fuel from one to the other. "Presumably, an explosion occurred (on one of the vessels). Then the fire spread to another vessel. A rescue tug is en route," PTI quoted a spokesman for the Russian Maritime Agency as saying. Reuters reported Russia's transport ministry as saying earlier that crew members jumped into the sea to escape the fire. Reuters reported an industry source as saying the sea had been stormy when the fire broke out. Reuters added that the severe weather conditions had prevented rescue ships from taking the victims to shore for medical treatment. The Kerch Strait between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia controls access from the Black Sea to the Azov Sea, where there are both Russian and Ukrainian ports. In November, Russia detained three Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, fuelling tensions between the two countries. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: 11 sailors dead after 2 ships catch fire near Crimea; Indian crewmen may be among casualties 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would take an "in-chamber" decision on listing of a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35-A, which provides special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Advocate Bimal Roy had mentioned the matter before the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Sanjiv Khanna.

He sought urgent hearing of the petition, filed by NGO 'We The Citizens', saying the court had earlier ordered listing of the matter in the second week of January.&nbsp;

In August, the apex court adjourned hearing on a batch of petitions challenging Article 35 A till January this year, after taking note of submissions of the Centre and the state government that there was a law and order problem in the state.

Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and bars people from outside the state from acquiring any immovable property in the state.

The apex court had on August 31 deferred till January the hearing on the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35 A, which provides special rights and privileges to natives of Jammu and Kashmir, after the Centre and the state said that polls to local bodies polls there would go on till December.

Article 35 A denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which leads to such women from the state forfeiting their right over property, also applies to her heirs.

The Article was incorporated in the Constitution in 1954 by an order of President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the then Cabinet headed by Jawaharlal Nehru.

In the previous hearing, a lawyer had given an illustration and said that if a native woman of the state married an outsider, she loses several rights, including property rights, in the state, but if a man marries a Pakistani woman, he and his spouse get all rights.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, however, had agreed to the contention that Article 35A and certain aspects needed to be debated upon and said, "It can't be denied that there is an aspect of gender discrimination in it (Article 35A).&nbsp;

On August 6, the apex court had said that a three-judge bench would decide whether the pleas challenging Article 35A should be referred to a five-judge constitution bench for examining the larger issue of alleged violation of the doctrine of the basic structure of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Several petitions including by political parties like the National Conference and the CPI-M, have also moved the Supreme Court in support of Article 35-A that empowers the state assembly to define "permanent residents" for bestowing special rights and privileges to them.

An NGO, 'Ikkjut Jammu', has also filed a plea seeking quashing of the provision. It has said that Article 35-A furthers the "two-nation theory which is against the theory of secularism".

The state government, while defending the Article, had cited two verdicts of the constitution benches of the Supreme Court in 1961 and 1969, which had upheld the powers of the President under Article 370(1)(d) of the Constitution to pass constitutional orders.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would take an "in-chamber" decision on listing of a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35-A, which provides special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would take an "in-chamber" decision on listing of a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35-A, which provides special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Advocate Bimal Roy had mentioned the matter before the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Sanjiv Khanna. He sought urgent hearing of the petition, filed by NGO 'We The Citizens', saying the court had earlier ordered listing of the matter in the second week of January. In August, the apex court adjourned hearing on a batch of petitions challenging Article 35 A till January this year, after taking note of submissions of the Centre and the state government that there was a law and order problem in the state. Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and bars people from outside the state from acquiring any immovable property in the state. The apex court had on August 31 deferred till January the hearing on the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35 A, which provides special rights and privileges to natives of Jammu and Kashmir, after the Centre and the state said that polls to local bodies polls there would go on till December. Article 35 A denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which leads to such women from the state forfeiting their right over property, also applies to her heirs. The Article was incorporated in the Constitution in 1954 by an order of President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the then Cabinet headed by Jawaharlal Nehru. In the previous hearing, a lawyer had given an illustration and said that if a native woman of the state married an outsider, she loses several rights, including property rights, in the state, but if a man marries a Pakistani woman, he and his spouse get all rights. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, however, had agreed to the contention that Article 35A and certain aspects needed to be debated upon and said, "It can't be denied that there is an aspect of gender discrimination in it (Article 35A). On August 6, the apex court had said that a three-judge bench would decide whether the pleas challenging Article 35A should be referred to a five-judge constitution bench for examining the larger issue of alleged violation of the doctrine of the basic structure of the Constitution. Several petitions including by political parties like the National Conference and the CPI-M, have also moved the Supreme Court in support of Article 35-A that empowers the state assembly to define "permanent residents" for bestowing special rights and privileges to them. An NGO, 'Ikkjut Jammu', has also filed a plea seeking quashing of the provision. It has said that Article 35-A furthers the "two-nation theory which is against the theory of secularism". The state government, while defending the Article, had cited two verdicts of the constitution benches of the Supreme Court in 1961 and 1969, which had upheld the powers of the President under Article 370(1)(d) of the Constitution to pass constitutional orders.

Supreme Court to take 'in-chamber' decision on listing of plea challenging Article 35-A 

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.

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PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. <a href="https://t.co/tAEBm7zfq1">pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087606049241223168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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.

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PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Varanasi: Our Embassies&amp;Consulates across the world are being connected with Passport Sewa Project. It will prepare a centralized system for passport related services for all. Now taking a step forward,work is on to issue chip-based e-passports <a href="https://t.co/dZlNbfA3T9">pic.twitter.com/dZlNbfA3T9</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087608420298121216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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 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.

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— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087606049241223168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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 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. PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × 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. PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Varanasi: Our Embassies&Consulates across the world are being connected with Passport Sewa Project. It will prepare a centralized system for passport related services for all. Now taking a step forward,work is on to issue chip-based e-passports pic.twitter.com/dZlNbfA3T9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × 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 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. PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi: In past 4.5 years, our government has given around Rs. 5 lakh 78 thousand crores directly to people through different schemes. We have transferred it to their bank accounts. pic.twitter.com/tAEBm7zfq1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × 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 Indian diaspora in building new India'.

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: NRIs are India's brand ambassadors, says PM Modi

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved the order after listening to arguments from Akbar's lawyer, who said a prima facie case was made out against Ramani.

Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media when he was in Nigeria as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India.

Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which was denied by him.

The court had on January 11 recorded the statements of three more witnesses in support of the case filed by Akbar.

The three witnesses -- Tapan Chaki, Manjar Ali and Rachna Grover -- who were associated with Akbar deposed before the court, saying they were extremely "distressed and dismayed" as grave damage has been caused to his reputation due to the allegations.

It had earlier recorded the statements of Akbar and Joyeeta Basu, the editor of Sunday Guardian, in the matter.

Akbar had told the court in his statement that an "immediate damage" has been caused to him due to the "scurrilous", concocted and false allegations of sexual misconduct.

Multiple women have come out with accounts of alleged sexual harassment by him while he was working as a journalist.

He had termed the allegations "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them.

Expressing her readiness to fight the defamation allegations, Ramani had said, "Rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment."&nbsp;

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved the order after listening to arguments from Akbar's lawyer, who said a prima facie case was made out against Ramani. Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media when he was in Nigeria as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India. Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which was denied by him. The court had on January 11 recorded the statements of three more witnesses in support of the case filed by Akbar. The three witnesses -- Tapan Chaki, Manjar Ali and Rachna Grover -- who were associated with Akbar deposed before the court, saying they were extremely "distressed and dismayed" as grave damage has been caused to his reputation due to the allegations. It had earlier recorded the statements of Akbar and Joyeeta Basu, the editor of Sunday Guardian, in the matter. Akbar had told the court in his statement that an "immediate damage" has been caused to him due to the "scurrilous", concocted and false allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple women have come out with accounts of alleged sexual harassment by him while he was working as a journalist. He had termed the allegations "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them. Expressing her readiness to fight the defamation allegations, Ramani had said, "Rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment."

Court reserves order on summoning scribe as accused in defamation case filed by MJ Akbar

A Delhi court Tuesday issued production warrant for January 28 against former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

District Judge Poonam A Bamba issued production warrant against Kumar after Tihar Jail authorities, where he is lodged after conviction in another case related to the riots, could not produce him today.&nbsp;

In the case before the trial court, three persons -- Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri.&nbsp;

The riots broke out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

The witness, Cham Kaur, had on November 16 last year identified Kumar before the court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs. 
Kaur had told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing a crowd in the national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984.

"On November 1, 1984, when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowd and saying 'hamari ma maar di, Sardaro ko maar do' (They killed our mother, kill the Sikhs)," Kaur had told the court.

She further said the next morning, her son and father were killed.

"My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on the second floor, beaten badly and thrown down from the roof," Kaur had said, adding, she also received injuries in the attack.

Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur identified Kumar as one who had instigated a crowd in Sultanpuri.

The case was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused.

Kumar and two other accused -- Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings.

The proceedings in the case were earlier stayed after the complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded.

The Delhi High Court had on December 17 convicted Kumar and sentenced him to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.&nbsp;

A Delhi court Tuesday issued production warrant for January 28 against former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. District Judge Poonam A Bamba issued production warrant against Kumar after Tihar Jail authorities, where he is lodged after conviction in another case related to the riots, could not produce him today.

A Delhi court Tuesday issued production warrant for January 28 against former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. District Judge Poonam A Bamba issued production warrant against Kumar after Tihar Jail authorities, where he is lodged after conviction in another case related to the riots, could not produce him today. In the case before the trial court, three persons -- Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri. The riots broke out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. The witness, Cham Kaur, had on November 16 last year identified Kumar before the court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs. Kaur had told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing a crowd in the national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984. "On November 1, 1984, when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowd and saying 'hamari ma maar di, Sardaro ko maar do' (They killed our mother, kill the Sikhs)," Kaur had told the court. She further said the next morning, her son and father were killed. "My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on the second floor, beaten badly and thrown down from the roof," Kaur had said, adding, she also received injuries in the attack. Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur identified Kumar as one who had instigated a crowd in Sultanpuri. The case was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused. Kumar and two other accused -- Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings. The proceedings in the case were earlier stayed after the complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded. The Delhi High Court had on December 17 convicted Kumar and sentenced him to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court issues production warrant against Sajjan Kumar

Heavy rains drastically reduced the pollution level of the national capital, which recorded the best air quality of this year on Tuesday, authorities said.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 133, which falls in the 'moderate' category.

This is the first time this year that an AQI as low as 133 was recorded, the CPCB data showed. In first week of January too, the air quality had improved to 'moderate' category for a brief period of time.

Delhi has been battling hazardous pollution level for the past few months and for the last one month the air quality has been oscillating between 'very poor' and 'severe' category.

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

On Tuesday, two areas recorded 'satisfactory' air quality while 32 areas recorded 'moderate' air quality, the CPCB said.

In the National Capital Region, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Greater Noida recorded 'moderate' air quality, it said.

The overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matters in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers -- in Delhi was 61, while the PM10 level was 110, it said.

Authorities said the drastic drop in pollution level was due to heavy rain that lashed the Delhi NCR.

Heavy rains drastically reduced the pollution level of the national capital, which recorded the best air quality of this year on Tuesday, authorities said. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 133, which falls in the 'moderate' category.

Heavy rains drastically reduced the pollution level of the national capital, which recorded the best air quality of this year on Tuesday, authorities said. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 133, which falls in the 'moderate' category. This is the first time this year that an AQI as low as 133 was recorded, the CPCB data showed. In first week of January too, the air quality had improved to 'moderate' category for a brief period of time. Delhi has been battling hazardous pollution level for the past few months and for the last one month the air quality has been oscillating between 'very poor' and 'severe' category. An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'. On Tuesday, two areas recorded 'satisfactory' air quality while 32 areas recorded 'moderate' air quality, the CPCB said. In the National Capital Region, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Greater Noida recorded 'moderate' air quality, it said. The overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matters in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers -- in Delhi was 61, while the PM10 level was 110, it said. Authorities said the drastic drop in pollution level was due to heavy rain that lashed the Delhi NCR.

After heavy rain, Delhi's air quality at year's best

The Northeastern states&nbsp;Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura are celebrating their statehood day today.

The three states were recognised as full-fledged states in 1971 under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act.

Extending his wishes to the people of the three states, Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Monday, "On the special occasion of their Statehood Day, greetings to the people of Meghalaya. 
People from Meghalaya have made a notable contribution to our country. I pray for the state’s continuous progress".

"Manipur is blessed with immense natural beauty and hardworking citizens. I can never forget the affection I have got in the state.&nbsp; 
On their Statehood Day, I greet my sisters and brothers of Manipur.&nbsp; 
May the state continue scaling new heights of development."

"Statehood Day greetings to the people of Tripura. In less than a year, the state has made remarkable progress. It is realising it’s true potential and people’s aspirations are being fulfilled at a record pace. May this spirit grow further in the coming years".

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Manipur is blessed with immense natural beauty and hardworking citizens. I can never forget the affection I have got in the state. 
 
On their Statehood Day, I greet my sisters and brothers of Manipur. 
 
May the state continue scaling new heights of development.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1087188465480093696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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President Ram Nath Kovind and the chief ministers of the respective states also greeted the people&nbsp;for their statehood day.

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Greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on statehood day. My best wishes to these states for a bright and prosperous future <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1087163198594113537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Greetings to my beloved brothers &amp; sisters on the occasion of Statehood Day of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tripura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tripura</a>. 
 
Let us reaffirm our commitment to work for comprehensive development of our state. 
 
With blessings of Ma Tripureswari, we shall attain our vision of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TransformingTripura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TransformingTripura</a> into a Model State. <a href="https://t.co/TWjR0R70cG">pic.twitter.com/TWjR0R70cG</a>
— Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) <a href="https://twitter.com/BjpBiplab/status/1087169123321139201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the occasion of the 47th Statehood, let us rededicate ourselves to the values with which our beloved State was formed &amp; reaffirm our commitment to work for the people. On this happy day, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) <a href="https://twitter.com/SangmaConrad/status/1087135466074173441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Northeastern states Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura are celebrating their statehood day today. The three states were recognised as full-fledged states in 1971 under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act.

The Northeastern states Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura are celebrating their statehood day today. The three states were recognised as full-fledged states in 1971 under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act. Extending his wishes to the people of the three states, Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Monday, "On the special occasion of their Statehood Day, greetings to the people of Meghalaya. People from Meghalaya have made a notable contribution to our country. I pray for the state’s continuous progress". "Manipur is blessed with immense natural beauty and hardworking citizens. I can never forget the affection I have got in the state. On their Statehood Day, I greet my sisters and brothers of Manipur. May the state continue scaling new heights of development." "Statehood Day greetings to the people of Tripura. In less than a year, the state has made remarkable progress. It is realising it’s true potential and people’s aspirations are being fulfilled at a record pace. May this spirit grow further in the coming years". Manipur is blessed with immense natural beauty and hardworking citizens. I can never forget the affection I have got in the state. On their Statehood Day, I greet my sisters and brothers of Manipur. May the state continue scaling new heights of development. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019 × President Ram Nath Kovind and the chief ministers of the respective states also greeted the people for their statehood day. Greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on statehood day. My best wishes to these states for a bright and prosperous future #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 21, 2019 × Greetings to my beloved brothers & sisters on the occasion of Statehood Day of #Tripura. Let us reaffirm our commitment to work for comprehensive development of our state. With blessings of Ma Tripureswari, we shall attain our vision of #TransformingTripura into a Model State. pic.twitter.com/TWjR0R70cG — Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) January 21, 2019 × On the occasion of the 47th Statehood, let us rededicate ourselves to the values with which our beloved State was formed & reaffirm our commitment to work for the people. On this happy day, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of #Meghalaya.@PMOIndia — Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 20, 2019 ×

Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura celebrate their Statehood Day

Power cuts leave people cold in harsh Kashmir winter

Varthur lake in Bengaluru catches fire

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday.

In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition.

Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added.

Ganesh is among the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-congress-mlas-skip-clp-meeting-govt-faces-no-imminent-threat-191291">disgruntled Congress MLAs</a> who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game.

State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-two-independent-mlas-withdraw-support-from-congress-jds-govt-190475">MLAs</a>.

Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics.

"It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said.

The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI.

Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far.

A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed.

"We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said.

In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated &amp; we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?"

Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement.

"The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame.

Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case.

Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united.

"Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said.

As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said.

Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram.

The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government.

The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over.

In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders.

Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution."

Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet.

Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law.

Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort.

As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return.

Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt. Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday. In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition. Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added. Ganesh is among the disgruntled Congress MLAs who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game. State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two MLAs. Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics. "It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said. The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI. Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far. A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed. "We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said. In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated & we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?" Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement. "The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame. Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here. Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case. Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united. "Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said. As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said. Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram. The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government. The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over. In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders. Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution." Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet. Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law. Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort. As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return. Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

Karnataka turmoil: MLA hurt in alleged brawl with fellow Congress lawmaker

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday.

This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages.

The earthquake jolted the state on Sunday around 6:40 pm with magnitude 3.6 and second at 08:59 pm.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), it was located at latitude of 20.0 degrees North and longitude of 72.9 degrees East and occurred at a depth of 5 km.&nbsp;

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday. This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday. This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages. The earthquake jolted the state on Sunday around 6:40 pm with magnitude 3.6 and second at 08:59 pm. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), it was located at latitude of 20.0 degrees North and longitude of 72.9 degrees East and occurred at a depth of 5 km.

Maharashtra: Earthquake hits Palghar twice within three hours

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India.

"It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event.

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MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections <a href="https://t.co/MEEugGryXA">pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087351942165147648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions.

It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter. The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members. In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India. "It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event. MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions. It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

EVM hacking claim: Election Commission asserts 'foolproof nature' of its machines; mulls legal action

Indian billionaires saw their fortunes swell by Rs 2,200 crore a day last year, with the top 1 per cent of the country's richest getting richer by 39 per cent as against just 3 per cent increase in wealth for the bottom-half of the population, an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-26-richest-people-own-as-much-wealth-as-poorer-50-of-humanity-oxfam-191680">Oxfam study</a> said Monday.

Globally, billionaires' fortunes rose by 12 per cent or US $2.5 billion a day in 2018, whereas the poorest half of the world's population saw their wealth decline by 11 per cent, the international rights group said in its annual study released before the start of the five-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in this Swiss ski resort town.

Oxfam further said that 13.6 crore Indians, who make up the poorest 10 per cent of the country, continued to remain in debt since 2004.

Asking the political and business leaders who have gathered in Davos for the annual jamboree of the rich and powerful of the world to take urgent steps to tackle the growing rich-poor divide, Oxfam said this increasing inequality is undermining the fight against poverty, damaging economies and fuelling public anger across the globe.

Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, one of the key participants at the WEF summit, said it is "morally outrageous" that a few wealthy individuals are amassing a growing share of India's wealth, while the poor are struggling to eat their next meal or pay for their child's medicines.

"If this obscene inequality between the top 1 per cent and the rest of India continues then it will lead to a complete collapse of the social and democratic structure of this country," she added.

Noting that wealth is becoming even more concentrated, Oxfam said 26 people now own the same as the 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity, down from 44 people last year.

The world's richest man Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, saw his fortune increase to US $112 billion and just 1 per cent of his fortune is equivalent to the whole health budget for Ethiopia, a country of 115 million people.

"India's top 10 per cent of the population holds 77.4 per cent of the total national wealth. The contrast is even sharper for the top 1 per cent that holds 51.53 per cent of the national wealth.

"The bottom 60 per cent, the majority of the population, own merely 4.8 per cent of the national wealth. Wealth of top 9 billionaires is equivalent to the wealth of the bottom 50 per cent of the population," Oxfam said while noting that high level of wealth disparity subverts democracy.

Between 2018 and 2022, India is estimated to produce 70 new dollar millionaires every day, Oxfam said.

"It (the survey) reveals how governments are exacerbating inequality by underfunding public services, such as healthcare and education, on the one hand, while under taxing corporations and the wealthy, and failing to clamp down on tax dodging on the other," Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar said.

The survey also shows that women and girls are hardest hit by rising economic inequality, he added.

"The size of one's bank account should not dictate how many years your children spend in school, or how long you live -? yet this is the reality in too many countries across the globe. While corporations and the super-rich enjoy low tax bills, millions of girls are denied a decent education and women are dying for lack of maternity care," Byanyima said.

According to the Oxfam report, India added 18 new billionaires last year, raising the total number of billionaires to 119, while their wealth crossed the USD 400 billion (Rs 28 lakh crore) mark for the first time.

It rose from US $325.5 billion in 2017 to US $440.1 billion in 2018, making it the single largest annual increase since the 2008 global financial crisis. 
Oxfam further said getting India's richest 1 per cent pay just 0.5 per cent extra tax on their wealth could raise enough money enough to increase the government spending on health by 50 per cent.

It said the combined revenue and capital expenditure of the Centre and states for medical, public health, sanitation and water supply is Rs 2,08,166 crore, which is less than the country' richest man Mukesh Ambani's wealth of Rs 2.8 lakh crore.

Globally, Oxfam said the tax rates for wealthy individuals and corporations have been cut dramatically.

While billionaire wealth soars, public services are suffering from chronic underfunding or being outsourced to private companies that exclude the poorest people, Oxfam said.

The rights group said in many countries including India, a decent education or quality healthcare has become a luxury only the rich can afford.

"Children from poor families in India are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than children from rich families," it added.

Oxfam said its calculations are based on the latest comprehensive data sources available publicly, including from the Credit Suisse Wealth Databook and the annual Forbes Billionaires List.

Indian billionaires saw their fortunes swell by Rs 2,200 crore a day last year, with the top 1 per cent of the country's richest getting richer by 39 per cent as against just 3 per cent increase in wealth for the bottom-half of the population, an Oxfam study said Monday.

Indian billionaires saw their fortunes swell by Rs 2,200 crore a day last year, with the top 1 per cent of the country's richest getting richer by 39 per cent as against just 3 per cent increase in wealth for the bottom-half of the population, an Oxfam study said Monday. Globally, billionaires' fortunes rose by 12 per cent or US $2.5 billion a day in 2018, whereas the poorest half of the world's population saw their wealth decline by 11 per cent, the international rights group said in its annual study released before the start of the five-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in this Swiss ski resort town. Oxfam further said that 13.6 crore Indians, who make up the poorest 10 per cent of the country, continued to remain in debt since 2004. Asking the political and business leaders who have gathered in Davos for the annual jamboree of the rich and powerful of the world to take urgent steps to tackle the growing rich-poor divide, Oxfam said this increasing inequality is undermining the fight against poverty, damaging economies and fuelling public anger across the globe. Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, one of the key participants at the WEF summit, said it is "morally outrageous" that a few wealthy individuals are amassing a growing share of India's wealth, while the poor are struggling to eat their next meal or pay for their child's medicines. "If this obscene inequality between the top 1 per cent and the rest of India continues then it will lead to a complete collapse of the social and democratic structure of this country," she added. Noting that wealth is becoming even more concentrated, Oxfam said 26 people now own the same as the 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity, down from 44 people last year. The world's richest man Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, saw his fortune increase to US $112 billion and just 1 per cent of his fortune is equivalent to the whole health budget for Ethiopia, a country of 115 million people. "India's top 10 per cent of the population holds 77.4 per cent of the total national wealth. The contrast is even sharper for the top 1 per cent that holds 51.53 per cent of the national wealth. "The bottom 60 per cent, the majority of the population, own merely 4.8 per cent of the national wealth. Wealth of top 9 billionaires is equivalent to the wealth of the bottom 50 per cent of the population," Oxfam said while noting that high level of wealth disparity subverts democracy. Between 2018 and 2022, India is estimated to produce 70 new dollar millionaires every day, Oxfam said. "It (the survey) reveals how governments are exacerbating inequality by underfunding public services, such as healthcare and education, on the one hand, while under taxing corporations and the wealthy, and failing to clamp down on tax dodging on the other," Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar said. The survey also shows that women and girls are hardest hit by rising economic inequality, he added. "The size of one's bank account should not dictate how many years your children spend in school, or how long you live -? yet this is the reality in too many countries across the globe. While corporations and the super-rich enjoy low tax bills, millions of girls are denied a decent education and women are dying for lack of maternity care," Byanyima said. According to the Oxfam report, India added 18 new billionaires last year, raising the total number of billionaires to 119, while their wealth crossed the USD 400 billion (Rs 28 lakh crore) mark for the first time. It rose from US $325.5 billion in 2017 to US $440.1 billion in 2018, making it the single largest annual increase since the 2008 global financial crisis. Oxfam further said getting India's richest 1 per cent pay just 0.5 per cent extra tax on their wealth could raise enough money enough to increase the government spending on health by 50 per cent. It said the combined revenue and capital expenditure of the Centre and states for medical, public health, sanitation and water supply is Rs 2,08,166 crore, which is less than the country' richest man Mukesh Ambani's wealth of Rs 2.8 lakh crore. Globally, Oxfam said the tax rates for wealthy individuals and corporations have been cut dramatically. While billionaire wealth soars, public services are suffering from chronic underfunding or being outsourced to private companies that exclude the poorest people, Oxfam said. The rights group said in many countries including India, a decent education or quality healthcare has become a luxury only the rich can afford. "Children from poor families in India are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than children from rich families," it added. Oxfam said its calculations are based on the latest comprehensive data sources available publicly, including from the Credit Suisse Wealth Databook and the annual Forbes Billionaires List.

Wealth of 9 richest Indians equal to poorer 50% of population: Oxfam

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir, rains lash plains

Colours of Kumbh Mela

A grand "jallikattu" (bull-taming) event held in Pudukkottai Sunday entered the world record for the maximum number of bulls released into the sporting arena which was over 1,300 and almost double than the previous record.

The bull taming sporting event, coordinated by Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar at Viralimalai near Pudukkottai saw the participation of 1,354 bulls and 424 tamers.

Two of the participants were killed in the event while 31 men including some spectators were injured, according to the district police.

"The number of 1,354 bulls that participated was almost double (than the previous record) of 647 two years ago and it is an amazing record for Tamil Nadu," a Worldkings World Records Union representative said.

Although about 2,000 bulls were originally scheduled to be released into the sprawling sporting arena, it could not be completed owing to paucity of time, the organisers said.

"It was the highest number of bulls in a single day," Vijayabaskar said and added that he was happy to have coordinated the sport of valour of the Tamil people.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami hailed 'Jallikattu' as a symbol of the valour and courage of the Tamil people.

Successful bull tamers and owners of bulls that could not be tamed were showered with gifts.

On January 17, a spectator died of heart attack during the bull taming sport of Jallikattu which was held at Alanganallur in Madurai district.&nbsp;

A grand "jallikattu" (bull-taming) event held in Pudukkottai Sunday entered the world record for the maximum number of bulls released into the sporting arena which was over 1,300 and almost double than the previous record.

A grand "jallikattu" (bull-taming) event held in Pudukkottai Sunday entered the world record for the maximum number of bulls released into the sporting arena which was over 1,300 and almost double than the previous record. The bull taming sporting event, coordinated by Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar at Viralimalai near Pudukkottai saw the participation of 1,354 bulls and 424 tamers. Two of the participants were killed in the event while 31 men including some spectators were injured, according to the district police. "The number of 1,354 bulls that participated was almost double (than the previous record) of 647 two years ago and it is an amazing record for Tamil Nadu," a Worldkings World Records Union representative said. Although about 2,000 bulls were originally scheduled to be released into the sprawling sporting arena, it could not be completed owing to paucity of time, the organisers said. "It was the highest number of bulls in a single day," Vijayabaskar said and added that he was happy to have coordinated the sport of valour of the Tamil people. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami hailed 'Jallikattu' as a symbol of the valour and courage of the Tamil people. Successful bull tamers and owners of bulls that could not be tamed were showered with gifts. On January 17, a spectator died of heart attack during the bull taming sport of Jallikattu which was held at Alanganallur in Madurai district.

Tamil Nadu bull taming event enters world record

Hours after Pakistan said it has sent a draft on Kartarpur corridor to New Delhi, India has said it is yet to receive a draft. Pakistan on Monday issued a press release saying it has shared the draft Agreement between "Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Republic of India" on Kartarpur with the Government of India through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Pakistan further said that it has appointed Director-General (South Asia &amp; SAARC) at Pakistan foreign ministry Mohammad Faisal as the focal person on Pakistan's side on Kartarpur corridor and requested India to also "India designate a focal person at its end."

The release further added that the "Government of Pakistan also invited the Government of India" to "urgently" send a "delegation to Islamabad to negotiate and finalize the Agreement. "

The Pakistani foreign office spokesperson also twitted picture Kartarpur corridor under construction on its side.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Keeping promises - Work in progress on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kartarpurcorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kartarpurcorridor</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> side (1/2) <a href="https://t.co/GySTjWmDWd">pic.twitter.com/GySTjWmDWd</a>
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal/status/1087327576979374080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last Thursday during Pakistan's foreign office weekly briefing their spokesperson said they have not received any invite for Indo Pak talks on Kartarpur from India.

The development comes even as a high-level meeting happened at the home ministry a few days ago to discuss the modalities on Kartarpur corridor which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF R K Mishra and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry.&nbsp;

India on 22nd November approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border. The announcement came ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be celebrated this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the holy Gurudwara till the border.&nbsp;

India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on 26 November 2018 while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28th November on its side of the border. India was represented by 2 union ministers-- Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri at the ceremony on Pakistan side.

Hours after Pakistan said it has sent a draft on Kartarpur corridor to New Delhi, India has said it is yet to receive a draft. Pakistan on Monday issued a press release saying it has shared the draft Agreement between "Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Republic of India" on Kartarpur with the Government of India through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

Hours after Pakistan said it has sent a draft on Kartarpur corridor to New Delhi, India has said it is yet to receive a draft. Pakistan on Monday issued a press release saying it has shared the draft Agreement between "Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Republic of India" on Kartarpur with the Government of India through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan further said that it has appointed Director-General (South Asia & SAARC) at Pakistan foreign ministry Mohammad Faisal as the focal person on Pakistan's side on Kartarpur corridor and requested India to also "India designate a focal person at its end." The release further added that the "Government of Pakistan also invited the Government of India" to "urgently" send a "delegation to Islamabad to negotiate and finalize the Agreement. " The Pakistani foreign office spokesperson also twitted picture Kartarpur corridor under construction on its side. Keeping promises - Work in progress on #kartarpurcorridor on #Pakistan side (1/2) pic.twitter.com/GySTjWmDWd — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) January 21, 2019 × Last Thursday during Pakistan's foreign office weekly briefing their spokesperson said they have not received any invite for Indo Pak talks on Kartarpur from India. The development comes even as a high-level meeting happened at the home ministry a few days ago to discuss the modalities on Kartarpur corridor which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF R K Mishra and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry. India on 22nd November approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border. The announcement came ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be celebrated this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the holy Gurudwara till the border. India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on 26 November 2018 while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28th November on its side of the border. India was represented by 2 union ministers-- Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri at the ceremony on Pakistan side.

Kartarpur Corridor: India says yet to receive draft

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/america-has-no-plan-as-it-pulls-out-of-syria-ex-us-envoy-191681">America has 'no plan' as it pulls out of Syria: Ex-US envoy</a>

The United States has no plan for Syria as it proceeds with President Donald Trump's order to pull American troops out of the country, a top official who quit in protest at the policy said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-pm-may-to-unveil-plan-b-today-191683">Brexit: UK PM May to unveil 'Plan B' today</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May unveils her Brexit "Plan B" to parliament on Monday after MPs shredded her EU divorce deal, deepening the political gridlock 10 weeks from departure day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-economy-grew-at-slowest-pace-in-28-years-in-2018-191687">China economy grew at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-economy-grew-at-slowest-pace-in-28-years-in-2018-191687">slowest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-economy-grew-at-slowest-pace-in-28-years-in-2018-191687"> pace in 28 years in 2018</a>

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades in 2018, losing more steam in the last quarter as it battles to quell massive debt and a US trade war, official data showed Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-26-richest-people-own-as-much-wealth-as-poorer-50-of-humanity-oxfam-191680">World's 26 richest people own as much wealth as poorer 50% of humanity: Oxfam</a>

The world's 26 richest people own the same wealth as the poorest half of humanity, Oxfam said Monday, urging governments to hike taxes on the wealthy to fight soaring inequality.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-it-has-again-hit-iranian-targets-in-syria-191685">Israel says it has again hit Iranian targets in Syria</a>

Israel's military said it carried out strikes on Iranian targets in Syria early Monday after it intercepted a rocket fired from Syrian territory hours before. It said in a statement it was "currently striking" the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force in Syria and warned Syria's military against "attempting to harm Israeli territory or forces".

America has 'no plan' as it pulls out of Syria: Ex-US envoy The United States has no plan for Syria as it proceeds with President Donald Trump's order to pull American troops out of the country, a top official who quit in protest at the policy said on Sunday.

America has 'no plan' as it pulls out of Syria: Ex-US envoy The United States has no plan for Syria as it proceeds with President Donald Trump's order to pull American troops out of the country, a top official who quit in protest at the policy said on Sunday. Brexit: UK PM May to unveil 'Plan B' today British Prime Minister Theresa May unveils her Brexit "Plan B" to parliament on Monday after MPs shredded her EU divorce deal, deepening the political gridlock 10 weeks from departure day. China economy grew at slowest pace in 28 years in 2018 China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades in 2018, losing more steam in the last quarter as it battles to quell massive debt and a US trade war, official data showed Monday. World's 26 richest people own as much wealth as poorer 50% of humanity: Oxfam The world's 26 richest people own the same wealth as the poorest half of humanity, Oxfam said Monday, urging governments to hike taxes on the wealthy to fight soaring inequality. Israel says it has again hit Iranian targets in Syria Israel's military said it carried out strikes on Iranian targets in Syria early Monday after it intercepted a rocket fired from Syrian territory hours before. It said in a statement it was "currently striking" the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force in Syria and warned Syria's military against "attempting to harm Israeli territory or forces".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-after-rajya-sabha-clears-it-190286">Citizenship Bill </a>and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed.

Even as protests continued at many places across the state, Sonowal appealed to all those opposing the controversial bill to support the Centre's "pragmatic steps" for implementing the Clause-6 of the Assam Accord.

Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad, the recognised body representing government employees, extended its full support to the ongoing agitation led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) against the bill and warned that the Centre will solely be responsible for any untoward situation due to the protests.

During a function to inaugurate the newly-established branch of Auniati Satra at Bandardewa in Lakhimpur district, Sonowal said that a misinformation campaign was being unleashed by certain organisations on the proposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindu-sikh-refugees-from-pakistan-hopeful-for-passage-of-citizenship-bill-189963">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, 2016.

"While people pay utmost respect to movements led by the non violent values of Mahatma Gandhi, misinformation always lends negative impact in society and such campaigns are always discarded by people," he said.

Trying to alleviate fears among the Assamese people, he explained that even if the bill was enacted as law, no one will get citizenship automatically, as one has to apply to the concerned district's deputy commissioner, who will then review and forward it to a competent authority to make the applicant an Indian national.

Talking about the recent high-power committee set up by the Centre, Sonowal said: "Though several governments came to power in the state as well as the Centre after the signing of Assam Accord in 1985, no government made any tangible effort to implement Clause 6 of the Accord, safeguarding the constitutional, legislative, administrative interests of the indigenous people."

"The present central government has for the first time taken pragmatic steps for implementation of Clause 6 by constituting a high-level committee and also taking steps for granting ST status to six communities of the state."

These efforts will go a long way in protecting the interests of the indigenous people of the state, he said.

Protests against the bill took place at various places in the state with the All Maran Students' Union holding an economic blockade for all vehicles for Arunachal Pradesh, and organising a bike rally at Makum.

Black flags were shown to Congress MP Sushmita Dev for her reported move to support the bill, which favours Hindus coming from Bangladesh.

The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, even if they do not possess any document.

Massive protests broke out across the state and other parts of the northeast after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Silchar on January 4 that the controversial bill would be passed as soon as possible in Parliament.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the Citizenship Bill and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the Citizenship Bill and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed. Even as protests continued at many places across the state, Sonowal appealed to all those opposing the controversial bill to support the Centre's "pragmatic steps" for implementing the Clause-6 of the Assam Accord. Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad, the recognised body representing government employees, extended its full support to the ongoing agitation led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) against the bill and warned that the Centre will solely be responsible for any untoward situation due to the protests. During a function to inaugurate the newly-established branch of Auniati Satra at Bandardewa in Lakhimpur district, Sonowal said that a misinformation campaign was being unleashed by certain organisations on the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. "While people pay utmost respect to movements led by the non violent values of Mahatma Gandhi, misinformation always lends negative impact in society and such campaigns are always discarded by people," he said. Trying to alleviate fears among the Assamese people, he explained that even if the bill was enacted as law, no one will get citizenship automatically, as one has to apply to the concerned district's deputy commissioner, who will then review and forward it to a competent authority to make the applicant an Indian national. Talking about the recent high-power committee set up by the Centre, Sonowal said: "Though several governments came to power in the state as well as the Centre after the signing of Assam Accord in 1985, no government made any tangible effort to implement Clause 6 of the Accord, safeguarding the constitutional, legislative, administrative interests of the indigenous people." "The present central government has for the first time taken pragmatic steps for implementation of Clause 6 by constituting a high-level committee and also taking steps for granting ST status to six communities of the state." These efforts will go a long way in protecting the interests of the indigenous people of the state, he said. Protests against the bill took place at various places in the state with the All Maran Students' Union holding an economic blockade for all vehicles for Arunachal Pradesh, and organising a bike rally at Makum. Black flags were shown to Congress MP Sushmita Dev for her reported move to support the bill, which favours Hindus coming from Bangladesh. The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, even if they do not possess any document. Massive protests broke out across the state and other parts of the northeast after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Silchar on January 4 that the controversial bill would be passed as soon as possible in Parliament.

Misinformation being spread about Citizenship Bill: Sarbananda Sonowal

A 'peace calender' was released in Delhi on Sunday to send out a message of peace amid strain in bilateral ties between India and Pakistan.

Many people, including Army veterans, youths and school students, gathered in the national capital to release the 'peace calendar', an initiative of the 'Aaghaz-e-Dosti' organisation that works to foster people-to-people relations between India and Pakistan through its voluntary network of people.

The calendar features paintings of school students from India and Pakistan on the theme of peace. Six paintings from each country were selected for being published in the form of calendar.

Sudheendra Kulkarni, a writer and former aide of the late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, told the gathering that the young generation is the hope for both countries.

He recalled how the initiatives such as start of bus, train and trade services across borders brought happiness to people and hence more such steps should be taken.

Major General (retired) T K Kaul, the executive president of India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace, talked about how there are veterans in both countries who advocate peace.&nbsp;

A 'peace calender' was released in Delhi on Sunday to send out a message of peace amid strain in bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. Many people, including Army veterans, youths and school students, gathered in the national capital to release the 'peace calendar', an initiative of the 'Aaghaz-e-Dosti' organisation that works to foster people-to-people relations between India and Pakistan through its voluntary network of people.

A 'peace calender' was released in Delhi on Sunday to send out a message of peace amid strain in bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. Many people, including Army veterans, youths and school students, gathered in the national capital to release the 'peace calendar', an initiative of the 'Aaghaz-e-Dosti' organisation that works to foster people-to-people relations between India and Pakistan through its voluntary network of people. The calendar features paintings of school students from India and Pakistan on the theme of peace. Six paintings from each country were selected for being published in the form of calendar. Sudheendra Kulkarni, a writer and former aide of the late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, told the gathering that the young generation is the hope for both countries. He recalled how the initiatives such as start of bus, train and trade services across borders brought happiness to people and hence more such steps should be taken. Major General (retired) T K Kaul, the executive president of India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace, talked about how there are veterans in both countries who advocate peace.

Indo-Pak peace calendar released

The "Walking God" as he is reverentially called, the 111-year old Sree Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt has left an indelible imprint with his stellar contributions in the education sector and philanthropy targeted at children in whom he saw the Almighty.

Known as "trivida dasohi" for his triple sacraments - food, shelter and education - among his followers, the Swamiji, who died Monday, is considered as the incarnation of Basavanna, the 12th-century social reformer, as he accepted all irrespective of their religion or castes.

Born on April 1, 1907, at Veerapura in Magadi Taluk near here to Honnappa and Gangamma as Shivanna, he was among the 12 siblings.

Losing his mother at the age of 8 is said to be one of the reasons for transformation in Shivanna's behaviour, that turned spiritual.

After completing primary education at his native village and Nagavalli, the Swamiji completed his matriculation in Tumkuru, before coming here for Bachelor of Arts degree with Physics and Mathematics as optional Subjects.

Shivakumara Swami took over as the "peethadipati" (pontiff) of Siddaganga mutt succeeding his Guru Sree Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu Shivakumara Swami and reigned over the seminary for about 76 years.

During the seven decades, he founded Sri Siddaganga Education Society under which thousands of students, mostly from villages and underprivileged sections, are being educated in both traditional and modern learning.

Proficient in Kannada, English and Sanskrit, he was known for strict discipline.

A noted religious figure and humanitarian, Shivakumara Swami performed "Trikala Linga pooja" according to Virakta tradition of Veerasaivism until recently, even during his hospitalisation.

He even taught English and Sanskrit at the Mutt's institutions and his students are scattered across the world in high positions.

The Swamji's staff have often cited his organised lifestyle, scientific diet plan, graceful humility and blissful simplicity in life, along with hard work as the secret of his long life.

He was also strongly devoted to the cause of farmers and agriculture by organising cattle and agri fairs.

He has been conferred the honorary "Doctor of Letters" Degree by the Karnataka University, Dharwad.

It is said that during his graduation, Shivanna had gone to Siddaganga mutt to perform the last rites of Marularadhya, who would have been the next head of the mutt when the then senior pontiff Uddana Shivayogigalu announced him as his successor.

He was formally initiated into the holy order as a successor in March 1930, thus joining the lineage of sages that is said to have its traditions dating back to1300 A.D.

The Swamiji who has several laurels and awards to his name was bestowed with the prestigious "Karnataka Ratna", the state's highest civilian award, and "Padma Bhushan".

There is now a clamour from people of different walks of life, including politicians, for conferring "Bharat Ratna" on him.

Mutt officials and his disciples believe Swamiji had "icha mrutyu" (ability to decide on his death), as he miraculously recovered from critical health conditions.

He had even undergone critical liver bypass last month, which is said to be very rare at this old age.

Also, he had undergone certain procedures, including implant of stents in the common bile duct at the ripe age.

The highly revered Swamiji of Lingayats, the majority community, had remained politically neutral.

At the height of the controversy over granting religious minority status to Lingayats, which had become a politically sensitive issue during the May assembly polls last year, the senior pontiff had remained non-committal.

The Swamiji had the magnetic pull to attract politicians of all hues, including chief ministers of the state and elsewhere.

His 100th birthday celebrations were attended by the then President A P J Abdul Kalam in April 2007.

Sree Siddaganga Education Society (R), founded by the seer, runs more than 125 educational institutions, most of them imparting primary and secondary education mostly located in rural areas.

The "Walking God" as he is reverentially called, the 111-year old Sree Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt has left an indelible imprint with his stellar contributions in the education sector and philanthropy targeted at children in whom he saw the Almighty.

The "Walking God" as he is reverentially called, the 111-year old Sree Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt has left an indelible imprint with his stellar contributions in the education sector and philanthropy targeted at children in whom he saw the Almighty. Known as "trivida dasohi" for his triple sacraments - food, shelter and education - among his followers, the Swamiji, who died Monday, is considered as the incarnation of Basavanna, the 12th-century social reformer, as he accepted all irrespective of their religion or castes. Born on April 1, 1907, at Veerapura in Magadi Taluk near here to Honnappa and Gangamma as Shivanna, he was among the 12 siblings. Losing his mother at the age of 8 is said to be one of the reasons for transformation in Shivanna's behaviour, that turned spiritual. After completing primary education at his native village and Nagavalli, the Swamiji completed his matriculation in Tumkuru, before coming here for Bachelor of Arts degree with Physics and Mathematics as optional Subjects. Shivakumara Swami took over as the "peethadipati" (pontiff) of Siddaganga mutt succeeding his Guru Sree Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu Shivakumara Swami and reigned over the seminary for about 76 years. During the seven decades, he founded Sri Siddaganga Education Society under which thousands of students, mostly from villages and underprivileged sections, are being educated in both traditional and modern learning. Proficient in Kannada, English and Sanskrit, he was known for strict discipline. A noted religious figure and humanitarian, Shivakumara Swami performed "Trikala Linga pooja" according to Virakta tradition of Veerasaivism until recently, even during his hospitalisation. He even taught English and Sanskrit at the Mutt's institutions and his students are scattered across the world in high positions. The Swamji's staff have often cited his organised lifestyle, scientific diet plan, graceful humility and blissful simplicity in life, along with hard work as the secret of his long life. He was also strongly devoted to the cause of farmers and agriculture by organising cattle and agri fairs. He has been conferred the honorary "Doctor of Letters" Degree by the Karnataka University, Dharwad. It is said that during his graduation, Shivanna had gone to Siddaganga mutt to perform the last rites of Marularadhya, who would have been the next head of the mutt when the then senior pontiff Uddana Shivayogigalu announced him as his successor. He was formally initiated into the holy order as a successor in March 1930, thus joining the lineage of sages that is said to have its traditions dating back to1300 A.D. The Swamiji who has several laurels and awards to his name was bestowed with the prestigious "Karnataka Ratna", the state's highest civilian award, and "Padma Bhushan". There is now a clamour from people of different walks of life, including politicians, for conferring "Bharat Ratna" on him. Mutt officials and his disciples believe Swamiji had "icha mrutyu" (ability to decide on his death), as he miraculously recovered from critical health conditions. He had even undergone critical liver bypass last month, which is said to be very rare at this old age. Also, he had undergone certain procedures, including implant of stents in the common bile duct at the ripe age. The highly revered Swamiji of Lingayats, the majority community, had remained politically neutral. At the height of the controversy over granting religious minority status to Lingayats, which had become a politically sensitive issue during the May assembly polls last year, the senior pontiff had remained non-committal. The Swamiji had the magnetic pull to attract politicians of all hues, including chief ministers of the state and elsewhere. His 100th birthday celebrations were attended by the then President A P J Abdul Kalam in April 2007. Sree Siddaganga Education Society (R), founded by the seer, runs more than 125 educational institutions, most of them imparting primary and secondary education mostly located in rural areas.

Shivakumara Swami: A saint, academic and a Lingayat leader

A major incident of harassment of Indian<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-indian-high-commission-in-islamabad-functioning-without-certificate-of-completion-191744"> staff at the Indian mission in Islamabad</a> has come to light. The incident took place on January 15th at 10am when two staff member the Indian High Commission in Pakistan while going from the mission to world mart market in the diplomatic enclave were intercepted by Pakistan agency personnel and questioned about an alleged incident. The agency further threatened mission officials that Pakistan "would reciprocate on the same way."

India has raised the matter with the Pakistani foreign ministry and a note verbale was sent from the Indian mission on January 18th. In the note verbale, New Delhi requested Pakistani foreign ministry to investigate the incident and instructed the "relevant agency to ensure that such incidents do not recur". It also asked Islamabad to share the results of the investigation with the High Commission.

India in the note verbale added that such incidents of harassment of family members of diplomats are a violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations of 1961 and that "safety and security of Indian High Commission, its officers, staff members and their families is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan"

The development comes even as the capital development authority of Pakistan demanded a "completion certificate" from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on a new compound.&nbsp;

The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate. The capital development authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad capital territory. This has also been raised with Pakistan by Indian officials.

India&nbsp;raises terror issue with Pakistan

New Delhi has also raised the issue of terror with Pakistan. A note verbale sent on January 18th from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) to the Pakistan High Commission about an address in Lahore on January 14th by "Amir of Ansar ul Ummah alias Harkat Ul Mujahideen", a UN-designated terror entity, "advocating terror and violence against India".

In the note verbale, the external affairs ministry registered "its strong protest at the use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements to freely propagate violence and terror against India".

The note verbale further added that "New Delhi once again calls upon the government of Pakistan to fulfil its international obligations" and abide by its "bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, in any manner".

A major incident of harassment of Indian staff at the Indian mission in Islamabad has come to light. The incident took place on January 15th at 10am when two staff member the Indian High Commission in Pakistan while going from the mission to world mart market in the diplomatic enclave were intercepted by Pakistan agency personnel and questioned about an alleged incident.

A major incident of harassment of Indian staff at the Indian mission in Islamabad has come to light. The incident took place on January 15th at 10am when two staff member the Indian High Commission in Pakistan while going from the mission to world mart market in the diplomatic enclave were intercepted by Pakistan agency personnel and questioned about an alleged incident. The agency further threatened mission officials that Pakistan "would reciprocate on the same way." India has raised the matter with the Pakistani foreign ministry and a note verbale was sent from the Indian mission on January 18th. In the note verbale, New Delhi requested Pakistani foreign ministry to investigate the incident and instructed the "relevant agency to ensure that such incidents do not recur". It also asked Islamabad to share the results of the investigation with the High Commission. India in the note verbale added that such incidents of harassment of family members of diplomats are a violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations of 1961 and that "safety and security of Indian High Commission, its officers, staff members and their families is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan" The development comes even as the capital development authority of Pakistan demanded a "completion certificate" from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on a new compound. The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate. The capital development authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad capital territory. This has also been raised with Pakistan by Indian officials. India raises terror issue with Pakistan New Delhi has also raised the issue of terror with Pakistan. A note verbale sent on January 18th from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) to the Pakistan High Commission about an address in Lahore on January 14th by "Amir of Ansar ul Ummah alias Harkat Ul Mujahideen", a UN-designated terror entity, "advocating terror and violence against India". In the note verbale, the external affairs ministry registered "its strong protest at the use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements to freely propagate violence and terror against India". The note verbale further added that "New Delhi once again calls upon the government of Pakistan to fulfil its international obligations" and abide by its "bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, in any manner".

India raises terror issue with Pak as harassment of Indian diplomats continues

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjX1vvH8v7fAhUUVH0KHa3RDLkQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JsTIDJmAhKbzMD-_G7iGJ">&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister Arun Jaitley</a> Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance.

The two-fold strategy of the opposition parties for the 2019 general elections is to pursue anti-Modi agenda and take advantage of the electoral arithmetic, he said in a Facebook post titled 'Agenda for 2019? Modi Vs Chaos'.

People are more intelligent than what many politicians think, Jaitley said, adding they will never choose chaos as an option.&nbsp;

"The BJP and NDA have to be prepared for a battle for a 50 per cent vote in the direct fight contest. The many States will still witness triangular contests. If a second term for Prime Minister Modi is the issue, it is advantage BJP. The election will be more presidential.&nbsp;

"If negativism is the political campaign in an aspirational nation, it won't work. If arithmetic is the only hope, the Modi chemistry can prevail over it," said Jaitley, who is currently in the US for a medical check-up.

Recalling the 1971 g<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-elections-near-ram-temple-back-as-electoral-agenda-191280&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwis1KHb8v7fAhUQVH0KHSEcCAwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-MBkPnAz9jBUqacgIqy7-">eneral elections</a>, Jaitley said the opposition had formed a 'Grand Alliance' or the 'Mahagathbandhan' teaming up against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In 1971, he said: "We (Grand Alliance) had powerful leaders and a head-start in the media. Additionally, Congress had split into two... The results were announced, India rejected negativism. The India of 2019 has moved way ahead of India of 1971. Aspirational society never commits collective suicide. They do not suffer from Lemming Syndrome".

Lemming Syndrome refers to a phenomenon wherein crowds of people, imitate actions of each other just because they see a majority of their peers doing it.

"Will 2019 be a replica of 1971? It is Modi vs an unviable and an unworkable short-lived combination. OR is it Modi vs Chaos?? Jaitley wondered.

Stating that every general election has its own script that is dictated by the prevailing political environment, Jaitley said for 2019 political battle, India's opposition has a two-fold strategy, firstly, negative anti-Modi agenda and secondly, random political grouping to gain from the electoral arithmetic.

He said Opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-chief-alok-verma-removed-by-pm-narendra-modi-led-panel-on-corruption-charges-189425&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjXkf_v8v7fAhVHNY8KHY6xCi0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw19NuBiegDDJpYz7hcZz8wy">Narendra Modi</a>.

"It is obvious that the level of satisfaction with PM Sh @narendramodi ji is very high. If that weren't so, what was the need for multiple disparate forces to come together against him? It is only the fear of his popularity &amp; a certain comeback that is bringing them together," Jaitley said.

He said the anti-Modi rally organised by Opposition parties in Kolkata, became significantly "a non-Rahul Gandhi rally," by his conspicuous absence.

"All four ambitious politicians pursue fanciful strategies to replace PM @narendramodi, however, Congress can at best dream only to be a pillion rider," Jaitley noted.&nbsp;

The opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Modi, he said.

"Two-third of those on stage (at Kolkata rally) were those who in the past have worked with the BJP. Some octogenarians reached Kolkata to satisfy their late-life ambitions. There was not a single speech reflecting the positive idea which the leaders proposed for the future.&nbsp;

"Negativism was writ large in their approach. The strategy of each of the four contenders (Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati and KCR) is clear... The individual strategy of each one of the above appears to be the same. Replace Modi and get on to the Driver's seat," Jaitley said.

Modi, Jaitley said, has singularly decimated all caste-based parties and dynastic political groups in 2014. "The opposition is making Prime Minister Modi's continuation in office as a key political issue. We in BJP welcome this agenda being set by the opposition," he said.

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable, finance minister Arun Jaitley Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance.

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable, finance minister Arun Jaitley Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance. The two-fold strategy of the opposition parties for the 2019 general elections is to pursue anti-Modi agenda and take advantage of the electoral arithmetic, he said in a Facebook post titled 'Agenda for 2019? Modi Vs Chaos'. People are more intelligent than what many politicians think, Jaitley said, adding they will never choose chaos as an option. "The BJP and NDA have to be prepared for a battle for a 50 per cent vote in the direct fight contest. The many States will still witness triangular contests. If a second term for Prime Minister Modi is the issue, it is advantage BJP. The election will be more presidential. "If negativism is the political campaign in an aspirational nation, it won't work. If arithmetic is the only hope, the Modi chemistry can prevail over it," said Jaitley, who is currently in the US for a medical check-up. Recalling the 1971 general elections, Jaitley said the opposition had formed a 'Grand Alliance' or the 'Mahagathbandhan' teaming up against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1971, he said: "We (Grand Alliance) had powerful leaders and a head-start in the media. Additionally, Congress had split into two... The results were announced, India rejected negativism. The India of 2019 has moved way ahead of India of 1971. Aspirational society never commits collective suicide. They do not suffer from Lemming Syndrome". Lemming Syndrome refers to a phenomenon wherein crowds of people, imitate actions of each other just because they see a majority of their peers doing it. "Will 2019 be a replica of 1971? It is Modi vs an unviable and an unworkable short-lived combination. OR is it Modi vs Chaos?? Jaitley wondered. Stating that every general election has its own script that is dictated by the prevailing political environment, Jaitley said for 2019 political battle, India's opposition has a two-fold strategy, firstly, negative anti-Modi agenda and secondly, random political grouping to gain from the electoral arithmetic. He said Opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Narendra Modi. "It is obvious that the level of satisfaction with PM Sh @narendramodi ji is very high. If that weren't so, what was the need for multiple disparate forces to come together against him? It is only the fear of his popularity & a certain comeback that is bringing them together," Jaitley said. He said the anti-Modi rally organised by Opposition parties in Kolkata, became significantly "a non-Rahul Gandhi rally," by his conspicuous absence. "All four ambitious politicians pursue fanciful strategies to replace PM @narendramodi, however, Congress can at best dream only to be a pillion rider," Jaitley noted. The opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Modi, he said. "Two-third of those on stage (at Kolkata rally) were those who in the past have worked with the BJP. Some octogenarians reached Kolkata to satisfy their late-life ambitions. There was not a single speech reflecting the positive idea which the leaders proposed for the future. "Negativism was writ large in their approach. The strategy of each of the four contenders (Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati and KCR) is clear... The individual strategy of each one of the above appears to be the same. Replace Modi and get on to the Driver's seat," Jaitley said. Modi, Jaitley said, has singularly decimated all caste-based parties and dynastic political groups in 2014. "The opposition is making Prime Minister Modi's continuation in office as a key political issue. We in BJP welcome this agenda being set by the opposition," he said.

2019 general elections: Its going to advantage BJP in polls, say finance minister Arun Jaitley

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad.&nbsp;

This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound.&nbsp;

The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate.&nbsp;

Capital Development Authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad Capital Territory.&nbsp;

The Pakistani foreign ministry has raised the matter with India via a note verbale. India has taken up this matter with Pakistani high commission officials in Delhi.

The development comes, even as harassment of Indian diplomats continues. There were 4 major incidents of harassment of India diplomats in December of 2018.&nbsp;

On December 4 2018, the Indian high commissioner and deputy high commissioner were aggressively kept watched by Pakistani agencies during an event in Islamabad.&nbsp;

On December 10 someone tried to forcibly barge into the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High Commission team was questioned for 4 hours on the road in Peshawar and on December 25 electricity was cut for 4 hours at the house of an Indian diplomat.&nbsp;

Other than this there was a hacking attempt of social media accounts of Indian diplomats. India has sent note verbale to Pakistani foreign ministry and raised the matter many times with them.&nbsp;

In the last 2 weeks, Indian High commissioner Ajay Bisaria has met with Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood has met Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale to discuss a range of issues from Karatarpur corridor to harassment of diplomats.

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad. This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound.

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad. This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound. The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate. Capital Development Authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad Capital Territory. The Pakistani foreign ministry has raised the matter with India via a note verbale. India has taken up this matter with Pakistani high commission officials in Delhi. The development comes, even as harassment of Indian diplomats continues. There were 4 major incidents of harassment of India diplomats in December of 2018. On December 4 2018, the Indian high commissioner and deputy high commissioner were aggressively kept watched by Pakistani agencies during an event in Islamabad. On December 10 someone tried to forcibly barge into the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High Commission team was questioned for 4 hours on the road in Peshawar and on December 25 electricity was cut for 4 hours at the house of an Indian diplomat. Other than this there was a hacking attempt of social media accounts of Indian diplomats. India has sent note verbale to Pakistani foreign ministry and raised the matter many times with them. In the last 2 weeks, Indian High commissioner Ajay Bisaria has met with Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood has met Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale to discuss a range of issues from Karatarpur corridor to harassment of diplomats.

Pak says Indian High Commission functioning without completion certificate

In a bid to provide more firepower to its infantry units against enemy tank regiments, the Indian Army is planning to buy more than 3,000 Milan 2T anti-tank guided missiles from France in a deal likely to be worth over Rs 1,000 crore.

"An Army proposal in this regard would come up for discussion at a high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry for buying more than 3,000 of the second-generation Milan 2T ATGMs which are license-produced by the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in partnership with a French firm," sources in the Defence Ministry told ANI.&nbsp;

Indian Army has a requirement of around 70,000 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) of various types and around 850 launchers of different types even as it is looking for third-generation ATGMs with a longer range than that of its existing Milan-2T and Konkurs ATGMs.

Sources said the procurement of Milan 2T ATGMs is likely to be the stopgap arrangement before the Army gets its homegrown third-generation ATGM which is undergoing trials.Milan-2 is a French second-generation (ATGM which is produced in India by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) with a range of over 2 kilometres.&nbsp;

India had last year scrapped a programme to buy the Spike ATGM from Israel in view of the indigenous developments in this direction.&nbsp;

The DRDO has, so far, conducted two successful trials of the man-portable ATGMs.

During the NDA government tenure, several programmes for acquiring weapon systems from foreign vendors have been scrapped in favour of indigenous programmes.&nbsp;

In 2017, a Defence Acquisition Council meeting headed by the then Defence minister Arun Jaitley had favoured Akash surface to air missile over vendors from Israel and Sweden for supplying Short-Range Surface to Air Missile (SR-SAM) programme worth over Rs 18,000 crore.

In a bid to provide more firepower to its infantry units against enemy tank regiments, the Indian Army is planning to buy more than 3,000 Milan 2T anti-tank guided missiles from France in a deal likely to be worth over Rs 1,000 crore.

In a bid to provide more firepower to its infantry units against enemy tank regiments, the Indian Army is planning to buy more than 3,000 Milan 2T anti-tank guided missiles from France in a deal likely to be worth over Rs 1,000 crore. "An Army proposal in this regard would come up for discussion at a high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry for buying more than 3,000 of the second-generation Milan 2T ATGMs which are license-produced by the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in partnership with a French firm," sources in the Defence Ministry told ANI. Indian Army has a requirement of around 70,000 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) of various types and around 850 launchers of different types even as it is looking for third-generation ATGMs with a longer range than that of its existing Milan-2T and Konkurs ATGMs. Sources said the procurement of Milan 2T ATGMs is likely to be the stopgap arrangement before the Army gets its homegrown third-generation ATGM which is undergoing trials.Milan-2 is a French second-generation (ATGM which is produced in India by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) with a range of over 2 kilometres. India had last year scrapped a programme to buy the Spike ATGM from Israel in view of the indigenous developments in this direction. The DRDO has, so far, conducted two successful trials of the man-portable ATGMs. During the NDA government tenure, several programmes for acquiring weapon systems from foreign vendors have been scrapped in favour of indigenous programmes. In 2017, a Defence Acquisition Council meeting headed by the then Defence minister Arun Jaitley had favoured Akash surface to air missile over vendors from Israel and Sweden for supplying Short-Range Surface to Air Missile (SR-SAM) programme worth over Rs 18,000 crore.

Mega boost to India's firepower: Army plans to buy 3,000 anti-tank missiles from France

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