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CBI DSP A K Bassi Monday moved the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/better-not-to-be-in-delhi-it-is-like-a-gas-chamber-supreme-court-191301&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjo4ram3_7fAhUKtI8KHb6-Bu8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3s3xTKu7FJmZ9ilkefgVzQ">Supreme Court</a> challenging his transfer to Port Blair saying it was vitiated by "malafides" and would prejudice the probe against former special director Rakesh Asthana.

Bassi, who was the investigating officer in the corruption case against Asthana, said he is being "victimised by the present interim CBI Director - M Nageswara Rao, who represents certain elements within the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-ranjan-gogoi-recuses-himself-from-hearing-plea-challenging-nageswara-raos-appointment-as-cbi-director-191755&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjzgrO73_7fAhXDsY8KHTqrD28QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1IUPuBkmcDVRV3iDAe0zfk">CBI</a>, who did not want the Petitioner herein to conduct a free and fair investigation in the Asthana FIR".

He said it was Rao, who had passed the order dated October 24, 2018, transferring him to Port Blair and it is the same person at whose behest he is being sent to Andaman Nicobar again in utter disregard to the judgment of this Court in the case of former CBI director Alok Verma.

In his plea, Bassi has challenged the transfer order issued on January 11 saying it is violative of the directions issued by the top court in its judgment on the plea of Verma who was reinstated.

Verma, however, was diverted from his duties as CBI director by the high powered selection committee and transferred as Director General Fire Service.&nbsp;

"It is passed by an officer/authority not competent to pass such orders. The impugned order intends to victimize the Petitioner herein. The impugned order seeks to unfairly prejudice the investigation against Rakesh Asthana, an FIR...Dated October 15, 2018," Bassi said in the plea.

He said there are apprehensions that the transfer order is the first step to implicate him either in false criminal cases or in departmental proceedings for discharging his duties in a fair and impartial manner in the investigation of the FIR pertaining to Asthana.&nbsp;

"The impugned transfer order is non-speaking and fails to disclose reasons for such an emergent sweeping action," the plea said.

Bassi said this is not a routine case of a transfer of an officer. In his application in the Verma case, he had submitted that his transfer is pursuant to a deep-rooted conspiracy, aimed at influencing the course of the investigation against Asthana and further to penalise him for discharging his duties in a free and impartial manner in the case.&nbsp;

He said that subsequent to the January 8 verdict in the Verma case, he had made a representation to the then CBI Director (Alok Verma) on January 9, which was allowed and then he was transferred back to Delhi and assigned to his duties of DSP, CBI, AC-III, New Delhi.

"Once the said representation was accepted and the Petitioner herein was transferred back to Delhi, it was not open for the impugned order to summarily, without application of mind and without any stated reason, simpliciter revoke the said transfer order dated January 9, 2019 by a generic order terming the earlier order as "non-est"," the plea said.&nbsp;

On January 8, the apex court had asked the CBI officers including Bassi, who were transferred overnight to various places after the Centre's decision to divest the probe agency's Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers, to approach appropriate forum assailing their transfers.&nbsp;

Bassi said he was never a part of any "group or faction" within the CBI and has no concern whatsoever with the alleged disputes that have erupted within the CBI.&nbsp;

"He was assigned certain tasks, under lawful authority (ie. Investigate the Asthana FIR) and was merely discharging his duties in a free fair and impartial manner," the plea said.

Bassi said that he does not claim or content or seek any vested right to be a part of any investigation team that is investigating into the FIR related to Asthana or any other case investigated by CBI.&nbsp;

"As a law-abiding officer of the CBI, it is his duty to discharge the tasks assigned to him to the best of his capability. Therefore the Petitioner does not pray that he be assigned to the investigation team that is investigating the FIR in the Asthana case," he said in his plea.&nbsp;

CBI DSP A K Bassi Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer to Port Blair saying it was vitiated by "malafides" and would prejudice the probe against former special director Rakesh Asthana.

CBI DSP A K Bassi Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer to Port Blair saying it was vitiated by "malafides" and would prejudice the probe against former special director Rakesh Asthana. Bassi, who was the investigating officer in the corruption case against Asthana, said he is being "victimised by the present interim CBI Director - M Nageswara Rao, who represents certain elements within the CBI, who did not want the Petitioner herein to conduct a free and fair investigation in the Asthana FIR". He said it was Rao, who had passed the order dated October 24, 2018, transferring him to Port Blair and it is the same person at whose behest he is being sent to Andaman Nicobar again in utter disregard to the judgment of this Court in the case of former CBI director Alok Verma. In his plea, Bassi has challenged the transfer order issued on January 11 saying it is violative of the directions issued by the top court in its judgment on the plea of Verma who was reinstated. Verma, however, was diverted from his duties as CBI director by the high powered selection committee and transferred as Director General Fire Service. "It is passed by an officer/authority not competent to pass such orders. The impugned order intends to victimize the Petitioner herein. The impugned order seeks to unfairly prejudice the investigation against Rakesh Asthana, an FIR...Dated October 15, 2018," Bassi said in the plea. He said there are apprehensions that the transfer order is the first step to implicate him either in false criminal cases or in departmental proceedings for discharging his duties in a fair and impartial manner in the investigation of the FIR pertaining to Asthana. "The impugned transfer order is non-speaking and fails to disclose reasons for such an emergent sweeping action," the plea said. Bassi said this is not a routine case of a transfer of an officer. In his application in the Verma case, he had submitted that his transfer is pursuant to a deep-rooted conspiracy, aimed at influencing the course of the investigation against Asthana and further to penalise him for discharging his duties in a free and impartial manner in the case. He said that subsequent to the January 8 verdict in the Verma case, he had made a representation to the then CBI Director (Alok Verma) on January 9, which was allowed and then he was transferred back to Delhi and assigned to his duties of DSP, CBI, AC-III, New Delhi. "Once the said representation was accepted and the Petitioner herein was transferred back to Delhi, it was not open for the impugned order to summarily, without application of mind and without any stated reason, simpliciter revoke the said transfer order dated January 9, 2019 by a generic order terming the earlier order as "non-est"," the plea said. On January 8, the apex court had asked the CBI officers including Bassi, who were transferred overnight to various places after the Centre's decision to divest the probe agency's Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers, to approach appropriate forum assailing their transfers. Bassi said he was never a part of any "group or faction" within the CBI and has no concern whatsoever with the alleged disputes that have erupted within the CBI. "He was assigned certain tasks, under lawful authority (ie. Investigate the Asthana FIR) and was merely discharging his duties in a free fair and impartial manner," the plea said. Bassi said that he does not claim or content or seek any vested right to be a part of any investigation team that is investigating into the FIR related to Asthana or any other case investigated by CBI. "As a law-abiding officer of the CBI, it is his duty to discharge the tasks assigned to him to the best of his capability. Therefore the Petitioner does not pray that he be assigned to the investigation team that is investigating the FIR in the Asthana case," he said in his plea.

CBI DSP A K Bassi challenges his transfer to Port Blair, moves to Supreme Court

Braving intense chill, around 35 lakh devotees took a dip in the River Ganga here on Monday on the occasion of Paush Purnima - the second auspicious bathing day of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngo-sets-up-100-bed-hospital-at-kumbh-mela-site-191228&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjH1dzQ2P7fAhUMi3AKHfybAbMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZXnDxh8tqxqJEA29ubyOS">Kumbh Mela</a>.

From Sunday night itself, the Sangam area was buzzing with activity as devotees started arriving even as security forces maintained a close watch on the movement of pilgrims and visitors at the mela venue.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-colours-of-kumbh-mela-190397">In Pictures: Colours of Kumbh Mela</a>

Even before sunrise, devotees were seen coming out from the ghats after taking the dip.&nbsp;

Around 35 lakh devotees have taken a dip so far on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Drone cameras are being used to keep a watch and maintain vigil over the mela area. Mela adhikaari Vijay Anand told PTI here.

Officials repeatedly made announcements requesting devotees not to venture into deep waters and also keep an eye over suspicious elements in their vicinity and report it to the police.

The full moon was at its splendid best over Sangam before the break of dawn and devotional songs greeted visitors in the Sangam area.

Fog too was seen before sunrise at various places in the Sangam area.&nbsp;

However, it failed to dampen the mood of devotees, who turned up in large numbers for the Paush Purnima bath.

As the day progressed, the number of devotees coming to take the holy dip increased.

The Purnima or full moon day will also mark the beginning of Kalpwas (the period of austerity) at Kumbh Mela.

Elaborating on the significance of Paush Purnima, Swami Adhokshanand said, Paush Purnima is a significant day for Hindus which falls on the full moon day of Paush in the Hindu calendar. On this day, devotees from different parts of the country assemble at Sangam to take a holy dip. Even Lord Krishna had said that in the Hindu calendar, he represents the month of Paush, he said.

Satish Shukla, who had come from Kanpur for the holy dip, said, "Various facilities at the mela venue have improved significantly. River Ganga looks a lot cleaner now as compared to earlier times."

DS Nikam, who had come from Aurangabad with his family for the holy dip, praised the cleanliness at the mela area.

I have been camping here since January 15. Today's bathing experience was really nice and the arrangements were good," he said.

Yesterday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had greeted people on the eve of Paush Purnima.

In a statement issued in Lucknow, Adityanath said, Paush Purnima, which is symbolized by 'Jap', 'Tap' and 'Daan', is one of the most ancient parv (festivals) of India.?

Unlike the Shahi Snaans, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amawasya and Basant Panchami, Paush Purnima is a 'Parv Snaan' (a bathing ritual), and hence the pomp of Akharas leading the bathing procession in the morning was missing, Chairman of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad Mahant Narendra Giri said.&nbsp;

Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti visited the Sangam on Monday.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also in Sangam City to extend an invitation for the Kumbh Mela, which will be held in Haridwar later, and met office bearers of various Akharas, Giri said.

Braving intense chill, around 35 lakh devotees took a dip in the River Ganga here on Monday on the occasion of Paush Purnima - the second auspicious bathing day of the Kumbh Mela.

Braving intense chill, around 35 lakh devotees took a dip in the River Ganga here on Monday on the occasion of Paush Purnima - the second auspicious bathing day of the Kumbh Mela. From Sunday night itself, the Sangam area was buzzing with activity as devotees started arriving even as security forces maintained a close watch on the movement of pilgrims and visitors at the mela venue. In Pictures: Colours of Kumbh Mela Even before sunrise, devotees were seen coming out from the ghats after taking the dip. Around 35 lakh devotees have taken a dip so far on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Drone cameras are being used to keep a watch and maintain vigil over the mela area. Mela adhikaari Vijay Anand told PTI here. Officials repeatedly made announcements requesting devotees not to venture into deep waters and also keep an eye over suspicious elements in their vicinity and report it to the police. The full moon was at its splendid best over Sangam before the break of dawn and devotional songs greeted visitors in the Sangam area. Fog too was seen before sunrise at various places in the Sangam area. However, it failed to dampen the mood of devotees, who turned up in large numbers for the Paush Purnima bath. As the day progressed, the number of devotees coming to take the holy dip increased. The Purnima or full moon day will also mark the beginning of Kalpwas (the period of austerity) at Kumbh Mela. Elaborating on the significance of Paush Purnima, Swami Adhokshanand said, Paush Purnima is a significant day for Hindus which falls on the full moon day of Paush in the Hindu calendar. On this day, devotees from different parts of the country assemble at Sangam to take a holy dip. Even Lord Krishna had said that in the Hindu calendar, he represents the month of Paush, he said. Satish Shukla, who had come from Kanpur for the holy dip, said, "Various facilities at the mela venue have improved significantly. River Ganga looks a lot cleaner now as compared to earlier times." DS Nikam, who had come from Aurangabad with his family for the holy dip, praised the cleanliness at the mela area. I have been camping here since January 15. Today's bathing experience was really nice and the arrangements were good," he said. Yesterday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had greeted people on the eve of Paush Purnima. In a statement issued in Lucknow, Adityanath said, Paush Purnima, which is symbolized by 'Jap', 'Tap' and 'Daan', is one of the most ancient parv (festivals) of India.? Unlike the Shahi Snaans, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amawasya and Basant Panchami, Paush Purnima is a 'Parv Snaan' (a bathing ritual), and hence the pomp of Akharas leading the bathing procession in the morning was missing, Chairman of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad Mahant Narendra Giri said. Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti visited the Sangam on Monday. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also in Sangam City to extend an invitation for the Kumbh Mela, which will be held in Haridwar later, and met office bearers of various Akharas, Giri said.

Kumbh Mela 2019: 35 lakh devotees take dip in Ganga on Paush Purnima

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday.&nbsp;

Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi.

Speaking at the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, EAM Sushma lauded the role of the Indian diaspora and said, "Whether it is Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Ajay Banga of Mastercard, or Geeta Gopinath of IMF – it is indisputable that Indians are leading the world today. Our diaspora has dramatically changed the world’s perception of Indians, and of India as well."

She invited the young member of the diaspora to contribute to India's development and saying "I would like you to contribute to the Higher Education and Research and Development sectors with your technical expertise and knowledge sharing, and help India harness its huge demographic dividend."

Adding, " We not only want to connect our youth diaspora to their ancestral land of India, and to teach them to take pride in their history and civilizational heritage but most importantly, we also want to engage you to participate in transforming India."

India has one of the largest diasporas in the world at almost 31 million which is spread throughout the world.

She said the Indian government is just one click away if any member of Indian overseas community in distress and explained, "we have pioneered the use of digital platforms and social media to actively enhance our outreach to the Indian Diaspora. Today we are present on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Google+, Soundcloud and Flick as well as LinkedIn" Adding further, "Our embassies have been proactive on the digital media, providing consular help and guidance. Whether it is Facebook or Twitter, help is just a message away from any Indian National in distress."

She also addressed the concerns of Indian students studying abroad saying to address their grievances Ministry of external affairs has constituted an Expert Group comprising Ambassadors of Foreign Missions in Delhi, where the majority of Indian students are pursuing higher education. In 2018 two meetings were held and the recommendations of the meetings are currently being considered. &nbsp;Presently, about 7.5 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in research and innovation abroad. &nbsp;

The 3-day event will be formally opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday with Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth the chief guest.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday. Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday. Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi. Speaking at the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, EAM Sushma lauded the role of the Indian diaspora and said, "Whether it is Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Ajay Banga of Mastercard, or Geeta Gopinath of IMF – it is indisputable that Indians are leading the world today. Our diaspora has dramatically changed the world’s perception of Indians, and of India as well." She invited the young member of the diaspora to contribute to India's development and saying "I would like you to contribute to the Higher Education and Research and Development sectors with your technical expertise and knowledge sharing, and help India harness its huge demographic dividend." Adding, " We not only want to connect our youth diaspora to their ancestral land of India, and to teach them to take pride in their history and civilizational heritage but most importantly, we also want to engage you to participate in transforming India." India has one of the largest diasporas in the world at almost 31 million which is spread throughout the world. She said the Indian government is just one click away if any member of Indian overseas community in distress and explained, "we have pioneered the use of digital platforms and social media to actively enhance our outreach to the Indian Diaspora. Today we are present on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Google+, Soundcloud and Flick as well as LinkedIn" Adding further, "Our embassies have been proactive on the digital media, providing consular help and guidance. Whether it is Facebook or Twitter, help is just a message away from any Indian National in distress." She also addressed the concerns of Indian students studying abroad saying to address their grievances Ministry of external affairs has constituted an Expert Group comprising Ambassadors of Foreign Missions in Delhi, where the majority of Indian students are pursuing higher education. In 2018 two meetings were held and the recommendations of the meetings are currently being considered. Presently, about 7.5 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in research and innovation abroad. The 3-day event will be formally opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday with Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth the chief guest.

Indians leading the world today: Sushma Swaraj on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. unveiled its all-new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS, an addition to the 149 cc segment bike, in Bengaluru on Monday.&nbsp;

The FZ-FI model is priced at Rs. 95,000 (ex-showroom) and will be available in Metric Black and Racing blue colours. Meanwhile, the FZS-FI model which is priced Rs. 97,000 (ex-showroom) will come in Matt black, Dark matt blue, Gray &amp; Cyan Blue variants.&nbsp;

The third generation FZ, now coupled with stylish and sporty features, will flaunt a design proportion that resembles a classic ambush pose of an urban fighter.&nbsp;

Both FZ-FI and FZS-FI come with ABS and mount an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 149cc, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder, fuel-injected 'Blue Core' engine that aggressively certifies the FZ breed by passing down a look based on machismo, big-boned feeling and emphasizes it during straight line acceleration.

The newly launched models are introduced in India on the backdrop of 'The Call of the Blue', a brand campaign launched by Yamaha, last year. The campaign holds the promise of energising the passion of motorcycling in India as per the global standards.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies said, "The excitement of The Call of the Blue continues with the launch of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS in India today as a part of its offering of extraordinary motorcycling experiences from Yamaha. Following the outstanding response from YZF-R15 Version 3.0 launched in the last year, the company is confident to further create a niche in the 150 CC class segment with the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI and this new launch from Yamaha will strengthen the company’s presence in the deluxe class in India."

The company also announced to soon launch several other models enabled with the new ABS technologies.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. unveiled its all-new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS, an addition to the 149 cc segment bike, in Bengaluru on Monday. The FZ-FI model is priced at Rs.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. unveiled its all-new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS, an addition to the 149 cc segment bike, in Bengaluru on Monday. The FZ-FI model is priced at Rs. 95,000 (ex-showroom) and will be available in Metric Black and Racing blue colours. Meanwhile, the FZS-FI model which is priced Rs. 97,000 (ex-showroom) will come in Matt black, Dark matt blue, Gray & Cyan Blue variants. The third generation FZ, now coupled with stylish and sporty features, will flaunt a design proportion that resembles a classic ambush pose of an urban fighter. Both FZ-FI and FZS-FI come with ABS and mount an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 149cc, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder, fuel-injected 'Blue Core' engine that aggressively certifies the FZ breed by passing down a look based on machismo, big-boned feeling and emphasizes it during straight line acceleration. The newly launched models are introduced in India on the backdrop of 'The Call of the Blue', a brand campaign launched by Yamaha, last year. The campaign holds the promise of energising the passion of motorcycling in India as per the global standards. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies said, "The excitement of The Call of the Blue continues with the launch of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS in India today as a part of its offering of extraordinary motorcycling experiences from Yamaha. Following the outstanding response from YZF-R15 Version 3.0 launched in the last year, the company is confident to further create a niche in the 150 CC class segment with the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI and this new launch from Yamaha will strengthen the company’s presence in the deluxe class in India." The company also announced to soon launch several other models enabled with the new ABS technologies.

Yamaha India launches third generation FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS, price starts from Rs.95000

Prominent Lingayat seer of Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math, 111-year old Shivakumara Swamiji, who was known as the 'Walking God', died Monday after a prolonged illness, the seminary announced.

"The seer left for the heavenly abode leaving his mortal body at 11.44 am," announced the Siddaganga Education Society founded by the seer.

According to the math website, the highly revered Swamiji was born on April 1, 1908, in Veerapura village in Karnataka.

The website of Sree Siddaganga College of Education, founded by him, mentions his date of birth as April 1, 1907.

"I am deeply saddened to announce that the walking God, Parama Poojya Siddaganga Sri, has passed away. It is an irreparable loss to the state. His contribution to the society transformed lakhs of people from across the state. He shaped the future of many people," Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy told reporters in Tumakuru, where the seer passed away.

Kumaraswamy announced a government holiday on Tuesday and state mourning for three days.

Reactions to Shivakumara Swami's death poured in from different quarters of the country.

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I have had the privilege to visit the Sree Siddaganga Mutt and receive the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu. 
 
The wide range of community service initiatives being done there are outstanding and are at an unimaginably large scale. <a href="https://t.co/wsmRp2cERd">pic.twitter.com/wsmRp2cERd</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1087276438175113216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji was respected &amp; revered by millions of Indians, from all religions &amp; communities. His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1087275832756842496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A recipient of Padma Bhushan and Karnataka Ratna awards, the seer was in a serious condition for the past two months and had undergone surgery at a private hospital in Chennai about two months ago for his liver-related complications.

The Swamiji showed signs of improvement but his condition suddenly deteriorated in the past few days.

Cutting short their engagements of the day, Kumaraswamy, Congress leader Siddaramaiah and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and other senior politicians of the state reached Tumakuru on getting information that he was critical.

Prominent Lingayat seer of Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math, 111-year old Shivakumara Swamiji, who was known as the 'Walking God', died Monday after a prolonged illness, the seminary announced.

Prominent Lingayat seer of Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math, 111-year old Shivakumara Swamiji, who was known as the 'Walking God', died Monday after a prolonged illness, the seminary announced. "The seer left for the heavenly abode leaving his mortal body at 11.44 am," announced the Siddaganga Education Society founded by the seer. According to the math website, the highly revered Swamiji was born on April 1, 1908, in Veerapura village in Karnataka. The website of Sree Siddaganga College of Education, founded by him, mentions his date of birth as April 1, 1907. "I am deeply saddened to announce that the walking God, Parama Poojya Siddaganga Sri, has passed away. It is an irreparable loss to the state. His contribution to the society transformed lakhs of people from across the state. He shaped the future of many people," Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy told reporters in Tumakuru, where the seer passed away. Kumaraswamy announced a government holiday on Tuesday and state mourning for three days. Reactions to Shivakumara Swami's death poured in from different quarters of the country. I have had the privilege to visit the Sree Siddaganga Mutt and receive the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu. The wide range of community service initiatives being done there are outstanding and are at an unimaginably large scale. pic.twitter.com/wsmRp2cERd — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019 × I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji was respected & revered by millions of Indians, from all religions & communities. His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 21, 2019 × A recipient of Padma Bhushan and Karnataka Ratna awards, the seer was in a serious condition for the past two months and had undergone surgery at a private hospital in Chennai about two months ago for his liver-related complications. The Swamiji showed signs of improvement but his condition suddenly deteriorated in the past few days. Cutting short their engagements of the day, Kumaraswamy, Congress leader Siddaramaiah and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and other senior politicians of the state reached Tumakuru on getting information that he was critical.

Lingayat head and Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami dies at 111

Winter in the state of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-budgam-district-191710&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwib8rfvxf7fAhWBTt8KHTAuC08QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw01ya7bzjOm60jZluP1otxU">Jammu and Kashmir </a>is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve.&nbsp;

Aroofa is studying in the fourth standard. During the winter vacations, she and her siblings study under candlelight when the power cuts interrupt their studies. This has also been the case with other students preparing for their exams.&nbsp;

"When we come back from tuition and start studying at night, we don't have electricity. We have to light candles to study every day. Our eyes have water when we continuously look at books under candlelight," says Aroofa while studying in her room in Srinagar.&nbsp;

Every winter, the state's demand for electricity grows as its generation of power does down.&nbsp;

Most of the power generated by the state comes from hydel plants but when the rivers dry up in the winter, electricity generation also takes a hit.&nbsp;

The valley then has to buy power from the northern grid to meet its requirements.&nbsp;

This has forced authorities to buy electricity from the northern grid for Rs 6,000 crore. The state has also been unable to bridge commercial losses of almost Rs 3,500 crores. (A recent RTI revealed that bureaucrats and legislators are among the top defaulters.)&nbsp;

"We have a grid capacity of 1,250 megawatts. As of now, we are importing electricity from the northern grid. We are dependent on hydel generation as, during winter, river water dries up, so we don't generate much electricity," says Hashmat Qazi, chief engineer of the Power Development Department,&nbsp;

The eighteenth All India Power Survey projected that power demand in the state will increase from 1,706 megawatts in 2004-2005 &nbsp;to 4,217 megawatts in 2021-22.&nbsp;

For now, the administration has promised to overcome the power crisis (to a large extent) by the year 2020 by upgrading the sector.

Winter in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve.

Winter in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve. Aroofa is studying in the fourth standard. During the winter vacations, she and her siblings study under candlelight when the power cuts interrupt their studies. This has also been the case with other students preparing for their exams. "When we come back from tuition and start studying at night, we don't have electricity. We have to light candles to study every day. Our eyes have water when we continuously look at books under candlelight," says Aroofa while studying in her room in Srinagar. Every winter, the state's demand for electricity grows as its generation of power does down. Most of the power generated by the state comes from hydel plants but when the rivers dry up in the winter, electricity generation also takes a hit. The valley then has to buy power from the northern grid to meet its requirements. This has forced authorities to buy electricity from the northern grid for Rs 6,000 crore. The state has also been unable to bridge commercial losses of almost Rs 3,500 crores. (A recent RTI revealed that bureaucrats and legislators are among the top defaulters.) "We have a grid capacity of 1,250 megawatts. As of now, we are importing electricity from the northern grid. We are dependent on hydel generation as, during winter, river water dries up, so we don't generate much electricity," says Hashmat Qazi, chief engineer of the Power Development Department, The eighteenth All India Power Survey projected that power demand in the state will increase from 1,706 megawatts in 2004-2005 to 4,217 megawatts in 2021-22. For now, the administration has promised to overcome the power crisis (to a large extent) by the year 2020 by upgrading the sector.

J&K electricity crisis: As power cuts get longer each year, outrage grows

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district.

Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people".

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WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&amp;misleading ppl <a href="https://t.co/pUcLTrqPF3">pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087264218020225024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district&nbsp;citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area.

Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally.&nbsp;

A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible".

BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday.

"Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration.

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WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&amp;material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible'
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087216353394741250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' <a href="https://t.co/igpJisZyul">https://t.co/igpJisZyul</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087217407113003009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there".

"At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied".

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Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat &amp; clean. Helicopters are landing &amp; can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. <a href="https://t.co/xdOrCSvgra">pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087235557149663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people". WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&misleading ppl pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3 — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area. Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally. A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible". BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday. "Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration. WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible' — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' https://t.co/igpJisZyul — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there". "At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied". Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat & clean. Helicopters are landing & can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 ×

West Bengal finally says it will allow Amit Shah's helicopter to land

The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning.&nbsp;

Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam.&nbsp;

Choksi fled to Antigua in January 2018 and has been living there since.&nbsp;

He had in December last year told a Mumbai court that he cannot return to India for questioning.

Choksi said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-travel-41-hours-to-reach-india-mehul-choksi-186331">his "poor health" would not allow him to undertake the 41-hour flight</a> from Antigua to India. He had however consented to being questioned via&nbsp;video&nbsp;conferencing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on January 1 this year that defaulters will not be spared and that his government will bring them back to India.&nbsp;

“Those who fled during this government, they will be brought back, today or tomorrow. Diplomatic channels, legal courses, and seizure of properties being done. Those who have stolen India’s money, they will have to compensate for each and every penny,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that Choksi had deposited his passport — with the number Z3396732 — and the mandatory $177 required for the giving up Indian citizenship with the Antiguan authorities.&nbsp;

Choksi, it is suspected, is looking to avoid being extradited to India by taking up Antiguan citizenship.&nbsp;A hearing on the issue is scheduled for February 22 in Antigua.&nbsp;

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a> : Our govt has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled, will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back. <a href="https://t.co/w3IinkbmlC">pic.twitter.com/w3IinkbmlC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087244568393928704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to the alleged development, telling ANI that: "Our government has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back."&nbsp;

The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning. Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam.

The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning. Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam. Choksi fled to Antigua in January 2018 and has been living there since. He had in December last year told a Mumbai court that he cannot return to India for questioning. Choksi said his "poor health" would not allow him to undertake the 41-hour flight from Antigua to India. He had however consented to being questioned via video conferencing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on January 1 this year that defaulters will not be spared and that his government will bring them back to India. “Those who fled during this government, they will be brought back, today or tomorrow. Diplomatic channels, legal courses, and seizure of properties being done. Those who have stolen India’s money, they will have to compensate for each and every penny,'' Modi said. News reports said Monday that Choksi had deposited his passport — with the number Z3396732 — and the mandatory $177 required for the giving up Indian citizenship with the Antiguan authorities. Choksi, it is suspected, is looking to avoid being extradited to India by taking up Antiguan citizenship. A hearing on the issue is scheduled for February 22 in Antigua. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on #MehulChoksi : Our govt has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled, will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back. pic.twitter.com/w3IinkbmlC — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to the alleged development, telling ANI that: "Our government has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back."

Trying to avoid extradition, PNB scam-accused Mehul Choksi surrenders Indian passport in Antigua: Reports

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recused himself from hearing a plea challenging M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim director of the CBI.&nbsp;

Gogoi recused himself saying he is part of the selection panel that will choose a new CBI director. The CBI director is chosen by the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.&nbsp;

The plea will now be heard by another bench.&nbsp;

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Chief Justice of India recuses himself from hearing a plea challenging M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and has sought transparency in the process of short-listing, selection and appointment of the CBI Director. <a href="https://t.co/VwL8kEOjNK">pic.twitter.com/VwL8kEOjNK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087223638066188289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The plea against Rao's appointment was filed by the NGO Common Cause after former director Alok Verma was transferred out of the agency. (Verma refused to take up his new posting, telling the government to instead consider him retired. Under the rules, the CBI director has an assured tenure of two years during which time he cannot be sacked, replaced or transferred.)&nbsp;

Verma had accused his second-in-command Rakesh Asthana of corruption.&nbsp;Asthana levelled the same charge against Verma. They were both finally shunted out.&nbsp;

ANI added that CJI Gogoi on Monday also sought transparency in the process of shortlisting, selection and appointment of the CBI director.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recused himself from hearing a plea challenging M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim director of the CBI. Gogoi recused himself saying he is part of the selection panel that will choose a new CBI director.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recused himself from hearing a plea challenging M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim director of the CBI. Gogoi recused himself saying he is part of the selection panel that will choose a new CBI director. The CBI director is chosen by the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India. The plea will now be heard by another bench. Chief Justice of India recuses himself from hearing a plea challenging M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and has sought transparency in the process of short-listing, selection and appointment of the CBI Director. pic.twitter.com/VwL8kEOjNK — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The plea against Rao's appointment was filed by the NGO Common Cause after former director Alok Verma was transferred out of the agency. (Verma refused to take up his new posting, telling the government to instead consider him retired. Under the rules, the CBI director has an assured tenure of two years during which time he cannot be sacked, replaced or transferred.) Verma had accused his second-in-command Rakesh Asthana of corruption. Asthana levelled the same charge against Verma. They were both finally shunted out. ANI added that CJI Gogoi on Monday also sought transparency in the process of shortlisting, selection and appointment of the CBI director.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi recuses himself from hearing plea against Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim CBI director 

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday.

The&nbsp;encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in Zinpanchal, Chari Sharief in Budgam district; 2 terrorists have been neutralised. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAnd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAnd</a> Kashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/mKMJorc4IQ">pic.twitter.com/mKMJorc4IQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087250867072520194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The operation was launched&nbsp;in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added.

52 Rashtriya Rifles, Budgam police and CRPF personnel are involved in the operation against the terrorists.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation. #WATCH Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in Zinpanchal, Chari Sharief in Budgam district; 2 terrorists have been neutralised. #JammuAnd Kashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/mKMJorc4IQ — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added. 52 Rashtriya Rifles, Budgam police and CRPF personnel are involved in the operation against the terrorists. (With inputs from agencies)

2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday.

All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-turmoil-congress-mla-injured-in-brawl-notices-sent-to-4-lawmakers-for-skipping-clp-meet-191682">minor fight</a>".

However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends".

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them.

"First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI.

Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said.

Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort.

The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP.

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "minor fight". However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends". Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them. "First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI. Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said. Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort. The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP. The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Siddaramaiah to hold Congress Legislature Party meeting today

A day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/navy-abandons-efforts-to-pull-out-decomposed-body-of-miner-191659">Navy announced its suspension of operation</a> from Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, the state government on Monday told the Supreme Court that they were not abandoning the rescue operation.

News agency ANI reported that the Meghalaya government has informed the Supreme Court that the state and the centre were not suspending the rescue operation.

The government has also&nbsp;filed a status report to the apex court.

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Meghalaya miners' rescue case: Meghalaya government tells the Supreme Court it has filed status report and that the state govt and Centre is not abandoning the rescue operation.
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The Navy on Sunday "suspended" its operation to retrieve the body of one of the 15 miners trapped inside an illegal 370-ft flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.

"The Navy today suspended the pulling of the remains, which they had been trying since yesterday evening, as too much disintegration (of the body) took place with every pull by the ROV jaw," operation spokesperson R Susngi had said.

The Navy divers had spotted the decomposed body of a trapped miner on Wednesday, using an unmanned, remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) at a depth of around 160 feet inside the mine's main shaft.

At least 15 miners are trapped inside the mine since December 13 last year after one of them accidentally punctured the wall of the mine, leading to its flooding.

A multi-agency operation, which included de-watering of the main shaft where the miners are trapped, and of the nearby mines, has failed to yield any result as the water level has not gone down.

In the last 46 hours, the Coal India had pumped out over 52 lakh litres of water from the nearby abandoned mines, but it was not enough to bring down the water level that was causing hindrances in the rescue work, Susngi said.

The Kirloskar Brothers Limited, which has also joined the rescue efforts, had managed to pump out over 45 lakh litres of water, he said, adding that the Odisha Fire Services had pumped out approximately 4.5 lakh litres.

The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the rescue efforts to trace the miners and rapped the Meghalaya government for not seeking the Army's help.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the Navy announced its suspension of operation from Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, the state government on Monday told the Supreme Court that they were not abandoning the rescue operation.

A day after the Navy announced its suspension of operation from Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, the state government on Monday told the Supreme Court that they were not abandoning the rescue operation. News agency ANI reported that the Meghalaya government has informed the Supreme Court that the state and the centre were not suspending the rescue operation. The government has also filed a status report to the apex court. Meghalaya miners' rescue case: Meghalaya government tells the Supreme Court it has filed status report and that the state govt and Centre is not abandoning the rescue operation. — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The Navy on Sunday "suspended" its operation to retrieve the body of one of the 15 miners trapped inside an illegal 370-ft flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. "The Navy today suspended the pulling of the remains, which they had been trying since yesterday evening, as too much disintegration (of the body) took place with every pull by the ROV jaw," operation spokesperson R Susngi had said. The Navy divers had spotted the decomposed body of a trapped miner on Wednesday, using an unmanned, remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) at a depth of around 160 feet inside the mine's main shaft. At least 15 miners are trapped inside the mine since December 13 last year after one of them accidentally punctured the wall of the mine, leading to its flooding. A multi-agency operation, which included de-watering of the main shaft where the miners are trapped, and of the nearby mines, has failed to yield any result as the water level has not gone down. In the last 46 hours, the Coal India had pumped out over 52 lakh litres of water from the nearby abandoned mines, but it was not enough to bring down the water level that was causing hindrances in the rescue work, Susngi said. The Kirloskar Brothers Limited, which has also joined the rescue efforts, had managed to pump out over 45 lakh litres of water, he said, adding that the Odisha Fire Services had pumped out approximately 4.5 lakh litres. The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the rescue efforts to trace the miners and rapped the Meghalaya government for not seeking the Army's help. (With inputs from agencies)

Meghalaya miners' rescue case: State government, Centre not abandoning rescue operation

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.&nbsp;

A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday.

The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland.&nbsp;

It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides.

The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states.

The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected.

The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly.

The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said.

The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said.

The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday. The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland. It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides. The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states. The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected. The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly. The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said. The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said. The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Citizenship bill not applicable to Nagaland as state protected under Article 371(A): CM to Rajnath Singh

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by BJP MLA Sadhana Singh about BSP chief Mayawati, news agency ANI reported.

The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question.

While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan' (disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch."

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by BJP MLA Sadhana Singh about BSP chief Mayawati. The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question <a href="https://t.co/VnlCdpl8wB">pic.twitter.com/VnlCdpl8wB</a>
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Meanwhile, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra called <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-mla-sadhana-singh-says-mayawti-worse-than-eunuch-bsp-replies-mentally-ill-191536">Singh "mentally ill</a>" over her remarks on the BSP chief.&nbsp;

"The language used by BJP leader Sadhana Singh against our party President Mayawati shows the level of the BJP. This shows that BJP is disappointed and frustrated with the SP-BSP alliance. They have no strength to win even a single seat in Uttar Pradesh. The level of language shows their mental illness. Such people should be admitted to the mental hospital of Agra or Bareli. The people of this country this time will show BJP its real place. They have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the election in Uttar Pradesh," he noted.&nbsp;

Sadhana Singh is a member of UP's 17th Legislative Assembly and represents the Mughalsarai constituency in Chandauli district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by BJP MLA Sadhana Singh about BSP chief Mayawati, news agency ANI reported.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by BJP MLA Sadhana Singh about BSP chief Mayawati, news agency ANI reported. The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question. While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan' (disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch." The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by BJP MLA Sadhana Singh about BSP chief Mayawati. The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question pic.twitter.com/VnlCdpl8wB — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × Meanwhile, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra called Singh "mentally ill" over her remarks on the BSP chief. "The language used by BJP leader Sadhana Singh against our party President Mayawati shows the level of the BJP. This shows that BJP is disappointed and frustrated with the SP-BSP alliance. They have no strength to win even a single seat in Uttar Pradesh. The level of language shows their mental illness. Such people should be admitted to the mental hospital of Agra or Bareli. The people of this country this time will show BJP its real place. They have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the election in Uttar Pradesh," he noted. Sadhana Singh is a member of UP's 17th Legislative Assembly and represents the Mughalsarai constituency in Chandauli district. (With inputs from ANI)

NCW to send notice to MLA Sadhna Singh for calling Mayawati 'worse than eunuch'

In a major breakthrough in the Vyapam scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) gave a clean chit to former Madhya Pradesh Minister Laxmikant Sharma and seven others on Saturday.

The premier investigation agency said that Sharma and the seven others accused were given a clean chit due to lack of evidence in the case.

Furthermore, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against 26 people in connection to the Vyapam scam.

On December 18 last year, a CBI court in Indore had sentenced Manoj, an accused in the case, to five years in prison.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vyapam-case-court-orders-fir-against-senior-cong-leaders-167973">Vyapam scam</a> is an admission and recruitment fraudulent scheme, beginning in 1995, involving politicians, senior officials and businessmen in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB).

The admission and recruitment scam that was unearthed in 2013 pertains to alleged irregularities in the PMT-2013 examination conducted by the MPPEB, popularly known as 'Vyapam' (Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal).&nbsp;

The CBI had filed a charge sheet against 26 people in connection to the Vyapam scam.

In a major breakthrough in the Vyapam scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) gave a clean chit to former Madhya Pradesh Minister Laxmikant Sharma and seven others on Saturday. The premier investigation agency said that Sharma and the seven others accused were given a clean chit due to lack of evidence in the case. Furthermore, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against 26 people in connection to the Vyapam scam. On December 18 last year, a CBI court in Indore had sentenced Manoj, an accused in the case, to five years in prison. The Vyapam scam is an admission and recruitment fraudulent scheme, beginning in 1995, involving politicians, senior officials and businessmen in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB). The admission and recruitment scam that was unearthed in 2013 pertains to alleged irregularities in the PMT-2013 examination conducted by the MPPEB, popularly known as 'Vyapam' (Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal).

Vyapam scam: CBI gives clean chit to former MP minister Laxmikant Sharma and seven others

In pictures: Transgender leader is star at Kumbh

Uttar Pradesh MLA Sadhana Singh is "mentally ill", said BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, after the MLA from Mughalsarai called Mayawati "a person worse than a eunuch".

While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan'&nbsp;(disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch."

Mishra further asserted that the SP-BSP alliance has rattled the morale of the BJP leaders and that they have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the coming elections.

The SP and the BSP last week announced that they would contest the upcoming 2019 general elections collectively against the BJP.

"The language used by BJP leader Sadhana Singh against our party President Mayawati shows the level of the BJP. This shows that BJP is disappointed and frustrated with the SP-BSP alliance. They have no strength to win even a single seat in Uttar Pradesh. The level of language shows their mental illness. Such people should be admitted to the mental hospital of Agra or Bareli. The people of this country this time will show BJP its real place. They have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the election in Uttar Pradesh."

Sadhana Singh is a member of UP's 17th Legislative Assembly and represents the Mughalsarai constituency in Chandauli district.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh MLA Sadhana Singh is "mentally ill", said BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, after the MLA from Mughalsarai called Mayawati "a person worse than a eunuch".

Uttar Pradesh MLA Sadhana Singh is "mentally ill", said BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, after the MLA from Mughalsarai called Mayawati "a person worse than a eunuch". While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan' (disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch." Mishra further asserted that the SP-BSP alliance has rattled the morale of the BJP leaders and that they have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the coming elections. The SP and the BSP last week announced that they would contest the upcoming 2019 general elections collectively against the BJP. "The language used by BJP leader Sadhana Singh against our party President Mayawati shows the level of the BJP. This shows that BJP is disappointed and frustrated with the SP-BSP alliance. They have no strength to win even a single seat in Uttar Pradesh. The level of language shows their mental illness. Such people should be admitted to the mental hospital of Agra or Bareli. The people of this country this time will show BJP its real place. They have lost their mental balance in fear of losing the election in Uttar Pradesh." Sadhana Singh is a member of UP's 17th Legislative Assembly and represents the Mughalsarai constituency in Chandauli district.

UP MLA Sadhana Singh says Mayawati 'worse than eunuch', BSP replies 'mentally ill'

In a major setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its legislature from Andhra Pradesh Akula Satyanarayana has sent his resignation letter to the state party president. &nbsp;

The BJP MLA from Rajahmundry Urban has reportedly told news agency ANI that he will also be tendering ''my resignation letter to state Assembly speaker on Monday. I will join Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party''.

Andhra Pradesh goes to the simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls in May.&nbsp;

Satyanrayana represented Nagaram constituency of East Godavari district in the state assembly. He is likely to get the JSP ticket for the state assembly or the Lok Sabha seat as Pawan Kalyan is facing shortage of senior and credible candidates, reports said.

The BJP MLA's resignation comes at a time when the saffron party is facing a lot of opposition from the people over the failure of the centre to grant Special Category status to Andhra Pradesh.

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Akula Satyanarayana, BJP MLA from Rajahmundry Urban has sent his resignation letter to the state party president. He said to ANI, "will also be tendering my resignation letter to state Assembly speaker on Monday. I will join Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/BG1jgKVRiZ">pic.twitter.com/BG1jgKVRiZ</a>
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&nbsp;

In a major setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its legislature from Andhra Pradesh Akula Satyanarayana has sent his resignation letter to the state party president.

In a major setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its legislature from Andhra Pradesh Akula Satyanarayana has sent his resignation letter to the state party president. The BJP MLA from Rajahmundry Urban has reportedly told news agency ANI that he will also be tendering ''my resignation letter to state Assembly speaker on Monday. I will join Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party''. Andhra Pradesh goes to the simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls in May. Satyanrayana represented Nagaram constituency of East Godavari district in the state assembly. He is likely to get the JSP ticket for the state assembly or the Lok Sabha seat as Pawan Kalyan is facing shortage of senior and credible candidates, reports said. The BJP MLA's resignation comes at a time when the saffron party is facing a lot of opposition from the people over the failure of the centre to grant Special Category status to Andhra Pradesh. Akula Satyanarayana, BJP MLA from Rajahmundry Urban has sent his resignation letter to the state party president. He said to ANI, "will also be tendering my resignation letter to state Assembly speaker on Monday. I will join Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party." #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/BG1jgKVRiZ — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 ×

Setback for BJP in Andhra Pradesh as party MLA quits

Air quality in the national capital nosedived to 'very poor' on Sunday morning and is likely get worse in the next couple of days.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'.

An AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the poor category, whereas 401-500 range is severe.

The organisation has advised the people residing in Delhi to avoid all physical activities outdoors and warned asthmatics to keep relief medicines handy. "Stop any activity level if you experience any usual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," it added.

In November last year, SAFAR had conducted a study which revealed that 41 per cent of the pollution in Delhi was caused by the transport sector. It had also stated that "after transport, wind-blown dust is the second major contributor with 21.5 per cent followed by Industries at 18.6 per cent."

"The other minor contributors are Power and Residential sectors contributing about 4.9 and 3 per cent respectively. Others contribute about 11 per cent. Residential Sector includes slum, crop Residue, cow dung, a street vendor, household, DG Set, wood burning, etc while other Sector includes MSW Plants, MSW Open Burning, Crematory, Aviation, Incense Stick, Brick Kiln," the state-run body had revealed.

Air quality in Mumbai has gotten worse with the climatic change after hazy conditions covered the regions' skyline yesterday. The AQI is hovering at 259 and is likely to get higher in the next few days.

During winter season each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in states such as Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Not only that, a dip in temperature along with low wind speed also tends to trap air pollutants closer to the ground.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'.

Air quality in the national capital nosedived to 'very poor' on Sunday morning and is likely get worse in the next couple of days. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'. An AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the poor category, whereas 401-500 range is severe. The organisation has advised the people residing in Delhi to avoid all physical activities outdoors and warned asthmatics to keep relief medicines handy. "Stop any activity level if you experience any usual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," it added. In November last year, SAFAR had conducted a study which revealed that 41 per cent of the pollution in Delhi was caused by the transport sector. It had also stated that "after transport, wind-blown dust is the second major contributor with 21.5 per cent followed by Industries at 18.6 per cent." "The other minor contributors are Power and Residential sectors contributing about 4.9 and 3 per cent respectively. Others contribute about 11 per cent. Residential Sector includes slum, crop Residue, cow dung, a street vendor, household, DG Set, wood burning, etc while other Sector includes MSW Plants, MSW Open Burning, Crematory, Aviation, Incense Stick, Brick Kiln," the state-run body had revealed. Air quality in Mumbai has gotten worse with the climatic change after hazy conditions covered the regions' skyline yesterday. The AQI is hovering at 259 and is likely to get higher in the next few days. During winter season each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in states such as Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Not only that, a dip in temperature along with low wind speed also tends to trap air pollutants closer to the ground.

Toxic air leaves Delhiites gasping for breath

Noting that "advancement in technology" has led to "a revolution in military affairs" adding new dimensions to future warfare, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday stressed the need for spending more on "artificial intelligence" to compete with "our adversary on the northern borders."

General Rawat said: "Our adversary on the northern borders is spending a huge amount of money on artificial intelligence and cyber warfare. We cannot be left behind. It is time for us also to focus on artificial intelligence and big data analysis rather than just keeping in confined to near definitions."

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Army Chief General Bipin Rawat: Our adversary on northern borders is spending huge amounts of money on artificial intelligence &amp; cyber warfare, we can't be left behind. It's time to focus on artificial intelligence &amp; big data analysis than keeping it confined to definitions. <a href="https://t.co/lQk1VsWEDs">pic.twitter.com/lQk1VsWEDs</a>
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"I dare to say that as of now we understand what artificial intelligence and big data analysis is but I don`t think we really understood how to incorporate this and utilise this to our advantage. So it is important that we incorporate the industry to see what advantages can come through artificial intelligence and all the data available and how can we utilise it to our benefit," said General Rawat.

Speaking at the valedictory session of the national conference on "Self-reliance in Defense Manufacturing edition 2.0" here, General Rawat said: "India should ensure that it empires in military systems in weapons, equipment, and ammunition."

"The Government of India is opening two sectors-one in UP and other in Tamil Nadu for defence manufacturing. Rather than becoming an import industry, we should become export-oriented," he added.&nbsp;

"We do have self reliance to some extent but we need to incorporate the industrial sector into defence manufacturing."

Talking about future dimensions of warfare, General Rawat said: "There is a revolution in military affairs that is taking place due to advancement in technology. Indian defence forces should be prepared for future dimensions of warfare, whether it is defence of our borders, combating proxy walls, terrorism, insurgencies or other internal security disturbances."

He insisted on indigenous production and said: "The time has come to look into what is inwards. Whatever we have imported so far has come with a huge cost. When we come for indigenous production it will be easier to understand what are costs involved in the manufacture. I can say with some hope that the amount we will spend on indigenous production will certainly be lesser than what we are spending on imports."

General Rawat also said: "We want to see good advancement in technology. We want to generate competition and that can only come from the industry. The industry should also try and get some technology from abroad. Eastern countries who have got a good technological base will be willing to support us because they know that the numbers matter and the numbers are here in the country."

Further emphasising the need for defence technologies, General Rawat said: "We should be spending on defence technologies. 'Make in India' initiatives are moving fast. We have opened our procedures to industries. What do we need to address on a priority is intelligence and surveillance. We have huge borders over 4,000 kilometres extending in the north and over 2,500 kilometres in the west."

"To have a deep vision into adversary's territory we need to be capable and have equipment that can look across. This equipment could either be based on satellites, fortunately, we have some but not adequate to keep the continuous surveillance or through other means," said General Rawat.

Noting that "advancement in technology" has led to "a revolution in military affairs" adding new dimensions to future warfare, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday stressed the need for spending more on "artificial intelligence" to compete with "our adversary on the northern borders.

Noting that "advancement in technology" has led to "a revolution in military affairs" adding new dimensions to future warfare, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday stressed the need for spending more on "artificial intelligence" to compete with "our adversary on the northern borders." General Rawat said: "Our adversary on the northern borders is spending a huge amount of money on artificial intelligence and cyber warfare. We cannot be left behind. It is time for us also to focus on artificial intelligence and big data analysis rather than just keeping in confined to near definitions." Army Chief General Bipin Rawat: Our adversary on northern borders is spending huge amounts of money on artificial intelligence & cyber warfare, we can't be left behind. It's time to focus on artificial intelligence & big data analysis than keeping it confined to definitions. pic.twitter.com/lQk1VsWEDs — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × "I dare to say that as of now we understand what artificial intelligence and big data analysis is but I don`t think we really understood how to incorporate this and utilise this to our advantage. So it is important that we incorporate the industry to see what advantages can come through artificial intelligence and all the data available and how can we utilise it to our benefit," said General Rawat. Speaking at the valedictory session of the national conference on "Self-reliance in Defense Manufacturing edition 2.0" here, General Rawat said: "India should ensure that it empires in military systems in weapons, equipment, and ammunition." "The Government of India is opening two sectors-one in UP and other in Tamil Nadu for defence manufacturing. Rather than becoming an import industry, we should become export-oriented," he added. "We do have self reliance to some extent but we need to incorporate the industrial sector into defence manufacturing." Talking about future dimensions of warfare, General Rawat said: "There is a revolution in military affairs that is taking place due to advancement in technology. Indian defence forces should be prepared for future dimensions of warfare, whether it is defence of our borders, combating proxy walls, terrorism, insurgencies or other internal security disturbances." He insisted on indigenous production and said: "The time has come to look into what is inwards. Whatever we have imported so far has come with a huge cost. When we come for indigenous production it will be easier to understand what are costs involved in the manufacture. I can say with some hope that the amount we will spend on indigenous production will certainly be lesser than what we are spending on imports." General Rawat also said: "We want to see good advancement in technology. We want to generate competition and that can only come from the industry. The industry should also try and get some technology from abroad. Eastern countries who have got a good technological base will be willing to support us because they know that the numbers matter and the numbers are here in the country." Further emphasising the need for defence technologies, General Rawat said: "We should be spending on defence technologies. 'Make in India' initiatives are moving fast. We have opened our procedures to industries. What do we need to address on a priority is intelligence and surveillance. We have huge borders over 4,000 kilometres extending in the north and over 2,500 kilometres in the west." "To have a deep vision into adversary's territory we need to be capable and have equipment that can look across. This equipment could either be based on satellites, fortunately, we have some but not adequate to keep the continuous surveillance or through other means," said General Rawat.

Need to spend more on artificial intelligence, says Army Chief

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats.

"I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections.&nbsp;

But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance.

The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted.

"However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda.

"In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes.

The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad.

Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition.

Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being.

The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said.

On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance.

"You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate.

"It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said.

Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance.

Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election.

Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP.

Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls.

Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said.

Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said.

As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed.

On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called.

"Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties. Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats. "I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections. But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance. The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted. "However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda. "In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes. The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad. Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition. Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being. The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said. On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance. "You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate. "It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said. Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election. Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP. Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls. Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said. Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said. As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed. On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called. "Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

Congress best equipped to lead alliance against BJP: Tejashwi Yadav

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

However, no casualty was reported on the Indian side in the firing, which was retaliated effectively and strongly by the forces, they said.

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on border outposts of the BSF in Hiranagar sector around 11 am, the officials said, adding it was retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for a brief period.

This was the third time in the past six days that Pakistan violated ceasefire in this sector. Last Tuesday, a Border Security Force or BSF official was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the border.

Pakistani troops also fired on Indian army positions and the villages along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 1 pm to 3 pm, the officials said.

They said several mortar shells from across the border hit the forest area but there was no report of any damage.

Besides the International Border, the Pakistani troops have been violating ceasefire along the LoC in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch almost on a daily basis since the beginning of the year.

While an Army porter was killed in the Pakistani firing on January 11, two Army personnel, including a major, lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion on the same day along the LoC in Rajouri district.

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. However, no casualty was reported on the Indian side in the firing, which was retaliated effectively and strongly by the forces, they said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on border outposts of the BSF in Hiranagar sector around 11 am, the officials said, adding it was retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for a brief period. This was the third time in the past six days that Pakistan violated ceasefire in this sector. Last Tuesday, a Border Security Force or BSF official was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the border. Pakistani troops also fired on Indian army positions and the villages along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 1 pm to 3 pm, the officials said. They said several mortar shells from across the border hit the forest area but there was no report of any damage. Besides the International Border, the Pakistani troops have been violating ceasefire along the LoC in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch almost on a daily basis since the beginning of the year. While an Army porter was killed in the Pakistani firing on January 11, two Army personnel, including a major, lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion on the same day along the LoC in Rajouri district.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along International Border, LoC in Jammu and Kashmir

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-ration-cards-digitised-80-linked-with-aadhaar-pm-modi-190441">Aadhaar cards</a> are now valid travel documents for Indians under 15 and over 65 travelling to Nepal and Bhutan, according to a Home Ministry communique.

Indians other than those in the two age brackets will not be able to use Aadhaar to travel to the two neighbouring countries, for which no visas are needed, clarified the communique issued recently.

Indian citizens going to Nepal and Bhutan don't need a visa if they have a valid passport, a photo identity card issued by the government of India or an election ID card issued by the Election Commission, it added.&nbsp;

Earlier, persons over 65 and under 15 could show their PAN card, driving licence, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) card or ration card, but not the Aadhaar, to prove their identity and visit the two countries.

The Aadhaar card has now been added to the list, explained a senior Home Ministry official.

"Now, persons in the age group of over 65 years and below 15 years have been allowed to use Aadhaar as a valid travel document," the official told PTI.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is being made mandatory for using a host of government services.

Giving details, the official said a certificate of registration issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, to Indian nationals is not an acceptable travel document for travelling between India and Nepal.

"However, the emergency certificate and identity certificate issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal will be valid for a single journey for travelling back to India," he said, citing the communique.

Teens between 15 to 18 years will be allowed to travel between India and Nepal on the basis of an identity certificate issued by the principal of their school in a prescribed form, the officer said.

In case of a family (like husband, wife, minor children and parents) travelling together, all persons will not be required to carry relevant documents (such as a passport or an election ID) if one of the adult members has valid travel papers, he said.

However, the other family members must have some proof of their identity with a photograph and their relationship as a family, such as a CGHS card, ration card, a driving licence or an ID card issued by school/college, the official explained.

Indian nationals travelling to Bhutan need to have either an Indian passport with minimum validity of six months or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India.

Bhutan, which shares borders with the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, has about 60,000 Indian nationals, employed mostly in the hydroelectric power and construction industry.

In addition, between 8,000 and 10,000 daily workers enter and exit Bhutan every day in border towns.

About six lakh Indians live in Nepal, according to data by the Ministry of External Affairs.

These include businesspersons and traders who have been living in Nepal for a long time, professionals (doctors, engineers, IT personnel) and labourers (including seasonal/migratory) in the construction sector, it said.

Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states- Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Earlier, persons over 65 and under 15 could show their PAN card, driving licence, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) card or ration card, but not the Aadhaar while travelling Nepal, Bhutan.

Aadhaar cards are now valid travel documents for Indians under 15 and over 65 travelling to Nepal and Bhutan, according to a Home Ministry communique. Indians other than those in the two age brackets will not be able to use Aadhaar to travel to the two neighbouring countries, for which no visas are needed, clarified the communique issued recently. Indian citizens going to Nepal and Bhutan don't need a visa if they have a valid passport, a photo identity card issued by the government of India or an election ID card issued by the Election Commission, it added. Earlier, persons over 65 and under 15 could show their PAN card, driving licence, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) card or ration card, but not the Aadhaar, to prove their identity and visit the two countries. The Aadhaar card has now been added to the list, explained a senior Home Ministry official. "Now, persons in the age group of over 65 years and below 15 years have been allowed to use Aadhaar as a valid travel document," the official told PTI. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is being made mandatory for using a host of government services. Giving details, the official said a certificate of registration issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, to Indian nationals is not an acceptable travel document for travelling between India and Nepal. "However, the emergency certificate and identity certificate issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal will be valid for a single journey for travelling back to India," he said, citing the communique. Teens between 15 to 18 years will be allowed to travel between India and Nepal on the basis of an identity certificate issued by the principal of their school in a prescribed form, the officer said. In case of a family (like husband, wife, minor children and parents) travelling together, all persons will not be required to carry relevant documents (such as a passport or an election ID) if one of the adult members has valid travel papers, he said. However, the other family members must have some proof of their identity with a photograph and their relationship as a family, such as a CGHS card, ration card, a driving licence or an ID card issued by school/college, the official explained. Indian nationals travelling to Bhutan need to have either an Indian passport with minimum validity of six months or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India. Bhutan, which shares borders with the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, has about 60,000 Indian nationals, employed mostly in the hydroelectric power and construction industry. In addition, between 8,000 and 10,000 daily workers enter and exit Bhutan every day in border towns. About six lakh Indians live in Nepal, according to data by the Ministry of External Affairs. These include businesspersons and traders who have been living in Nepal for a long time, professionals (doctors, engineers, IT personnel) and labourers (including seasonal/migratory) in the construction sector, it said. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states- Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

MHA tweaks travel norms: Indians over 65, under 15 can use Aadhaar to visit Nepal, Bhutan

A Sikh man has been brutally assaulted in an alleged hate crime by a white man who pulled his beard, kicked and punched him in the face at a store in the US, the latest such incident in the country.

Harwinder Singh Dodd, who was working at a convenience store in the US State of Oregon, was racially targeted on Monday by a 24-year-old Andrew Ramsey.

Ramsey targeted Dodd because of his perception of the employee's religion, FOX 12 TV news reported, citing a court document.&nbsp;

Ramsey wanted rolling papers for cigarettes but did not have an ID and the clerk would not sell them to him, Justin Brecht, a legislative policy adviser in the Oregon State Capitol and a former combat Marine, was quoted as saying by the report.

When Dodd asked Ramsey to leave, he attacked him by pulling his beard, punching him in the face, pulling him to the ground and kicking him, Brecht said, adding that they held Ramsey down until officers got there, the report said.

"He was bleeding, he had gotten punched quite a bit in the face, and kicked on the ground and thrown to the ground very brutally. It was very serious." 
Ramsey has been charged with a hate crime, assault, police said, adding that he threw his shoe at Dodd and tried to steal his head covering.&nbsp;

He was also charged with assault in the fourth degree, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespass.

Hate crimes increased by 40 per cent in Oregon from 2016 to 2017, according to the FBI.

In August 2018, in about a week, two Sikh men were brutally assaulted in the US State of California that raised concerns over increasing incidents of hate crimes in the country.

Last year, the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) published a report documenting a 45 per cent increase in hate violence and rhetoric against Indians, Sikhs, and South Asian Americans from the year prior.

Harwinder Singh Dodd, who was working at a convenience store in the US State of Oregon, was racially targeted on Monday by a 24-year-old Andrew Ramsey.

A Sikh man has been brutally assaulted in an alleged hate crime by a white man who pulled his beard, kicked and punched him in the face at a store in the US, the latest such incident in the country. Harwinder Singh Dodd, who was working at a convenience store in the US State of Oregon, was racially targeted on Monday by a 24-year-old Andrew Ramsey. Ramsey targeted Dodd because of his perception of the employee's religion, FOX 12 TV news reported, citing a court document. Ramsey wanted rolling papers for cigarettes but did not have an ID and the clerk would not sell them to him, Justin Brecht, a legislative policy adviser in the Oregon State Capitol and a former combat Marine, was quoted as saying by the report. When Dodd asked Ramsey to leave, he attacked him by pulling his beard, punching him in the face, pulling him to the ground and kicking him, Brecht said, adding that they held Ramsey down until officers got there, the report said. "He was bleeding, he had gotten punched quite a bit in the face, and kicked on the ground and thrown to the ground very brutally. It was very serious." Ramsey has been charged with a hate crime, assault, police said, adding that he threw his shoe at Dodd and tried to steal his head covering. He was also charged with assault in the fourth degree, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespass. Hate crimes increased by 40 per cent in Oregon from 2016 to 2017, according to the FBI. In August 2018, in about a week, two Sikh men were brutally assaulted in the US State of California that raised concerns over increasing incidents of hate crimes in the country. Last year, the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) published a report documenting a 45 per cent increase in hate violence and rhetoric against Indians, Sikhs, and South Asian Americans from the year prior.

Sikh man attacked in hate crime in US

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509">Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509"> wall, Democrats say no</a>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pms-office-says-reports-of-parliament-seizing-control-from-govt-over-brexit-extremely-concerning-191516">UK PM's office says reports of parliament seizing control from govt over Brexit 'extremely concerning'</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said Sunday that reported plots about parliament seizing control from the government over Brexit were "extremely concerning".

Downing Street blasted reported moves by lawmakers seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans.

Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, newspapers reported Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">Those stopped from looting public money are forming '</a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">mahagathbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-stopped-from-looting-public-money-are-forming-mahagathbandhan-pm-modi-191517">': PM Modi</a>

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-fuel-pipeline-blast-death-toll-rises-to-73-191521">Mexico fuel pipeline blast: Death toll rises to 73</a>

At least 73 people were killed after a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico, authorities said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the army despite its failure to clear the site before the blast.

Forensic experts filled body bags with charred human remains in the field where the explosion occurred on Friday evening by the town of Tlahuelilpan in the state of Hidalgo, in one of the deadliest incidents to hit Mexico's troubled oil infrastructure in years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-philip-back-driving-after-car-crash-without-seatbelt-191512">Britain's Prince Philip back to driving after car crash — without </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-philip-back-driving-after-car-crash-without-seatbelt-191512">seatbelt</a>

Britain's Prince Philip has been spoken to by the police for driving without a seatbelt — just two days after the 97-year-old survived a car crash.

Images published in newspapers on Sunday appeared to show Queen Elizabeth II's husband behind the wheel of his replacement sport utility vehicle.

The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured driving the new Land Rover Freelander on his wife's private Sandringham estate on Saturday.

Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for border wall, Democrats say no US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on.

Trump offers temporary protection to immigrants in return for border wall, Democrats say no US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered to temporarily shield a million immigrants from deportation if Congress authorizes funding for his Mexican border wall -- an idea Democrats rejected, making the US government shutdown likely to grind on. UK PM's office says reports of parliament seizing control from govt over Brexit 'extremely concerning' British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said Sunday that reported plots about parliament seizing control from the government over Brexit were "extremely concerning". Downing Street blasted reported moves by lawmakers seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans. Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, newspapers reported Sunday. Those stopped from looting public money are forming 'mahagathbandhan': PM Modi On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at their proposed 'mahagathbandhan' or grand alliance, saying it is a combination of those who are angry at his stringent action against corruption as they have been stopped from looting public money. Mexico fuel pipeline blast: Death toll rises to 73 At least 73 people were killed after a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico, authorities said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the army despite its failure to clear the site before the blast. Forensic experts filled body bags with charred human remains in the field where the explosion occurred on Friday evening by the town of Tlahuelilpan in the state of Hidalgo, in one of the deadliest incidents to hit Mexico's troubled oil infrastructure in years. Britain's Prince Philip back to driving after car crash — without seatbelt Britain's Prince Philip has been spoken to by the police for driving without a seatbelt — just two days after the 97-year-old survived a car crash. Images published in newspapers on Sunday appeared to show Queen Elizabeth II's husband behind the wheel of his replacement sport utility vehicle. The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured driving the new Land Rover Freelander on his wife's private Sandringham estate on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, on Sunday appreciated India's trade strategy and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, adding that Czech companies should now consider investing in India.

While speaking at the inaugural event of a Center for European Studies at Symbiosis University in western India's Pune, Babiš said, "to make better relations, we need Czech companies to coming here (in India) and invest."

Babiš is on an official visit to India, wherein he and Modi earlier met on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 event and have had talks on enhancing bilateral relations.

Babiš also remarked jokingly about the meeting, saying he asked the Indian Prime Minister on how did he manage a country of 1.3 billion people with a cabinet of nearly 70 ministers, while he has a hard time with his own smaller fraction.

Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, on Sunday appreciated India's trade strategy and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, adding that Czech companies should now consider investing in India.

Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, on Sunday appreciated India's trade strategy and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, adding that Czech companies should now consider investing in India. While speaking at the inaugural event of a Center for European Studies at Symbiosis University in western India's Pune, Babiš said, "to make better relations, we need Czech companies to coming here (in India) and invest." Babiš is on an official visit to India, wherein he and Modi earlier met on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 event and have had talks on enhancing bilateral relations. Babiš also remarked jokingly about the meeting, saying he asked the Indian Prime Minister on how did he manage a country of 1.3 billion people with a cabinet of nearly 70 ministers, while he has a hard time with his own smaller fraction.

Czech PM wants home companies to invest in India

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