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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet top 5 right-hand batters with most international runs

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

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

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

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

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state&nbsp;government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state.

BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court.

The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations".

The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part".

"All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned.

"Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added.

The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions.

The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal.

The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'.

The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state.

The West Bengal BJP unit Thursday submitted a letter to the state government, giving details about their 'Save Democracy Rally' in the state. BJP's state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar went to the West Bengal secretariat and submitted the letter which mentioned about holding four yatras in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party requested the state government to consider the programme with "utmost expedition" under the guidelines of the Supreme Court. The BJP said the yatras would be "a political endeavour of connecting with the people in a peaceful manner. It will not sponsor or subscribe any communal message or insinuations". The state BJP unit also described that the four yatras would be aiming "to connect people towards strengthening the democratic as well as secular system and practices of our nation, of which the state is a significant part". "All kinds of law of the land and regulations will be maintained and close coordination with the local administration will be maintained for mutual cooperation," the party's letter mentioned. "Sensitivity of people from different caste, creed and religion will be adhered in an exemplary manner," the letter added. The BJP also urged a meeting between the state government authorities with them in case of any required discussions. The proposed 'Rath Yatras' of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold by the Supreme Court Tuesday, which asked the party to seek fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal. The apex court, however, allowed the West Bengal unit of the BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra'. The court asked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. The top court said the state government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, the use of loudspeakers might be banned.

BJP submits details of 'Save Democracy Rally' to West Bengal government

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's&nbsp;recent order on&nbsp;"Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Calling the order "interference in India’s internal affairs", the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a release said, "Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. Any action to alter the status of these occupied territories by Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever."

Reiterating&nbsp;that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, New Delhi rejected "continued attempts by Pakistan to bring material change in these occupied territories and to camouflage grave human rights violations, exploitation and sufferings of the people living there."

It called on Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.

Pakistan's Supreme Court gave its verdict on Thursday giving so-called more rights to people of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

The region is becoming crucial to Pakistan and China's massive infrastructure programme-- The China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan is keen to declare the strategic region in the PoK as its fifth province.

Earlier this week New Delhi summoned a Pakistan High Commission official after a civilian was killed due to Pakistani ceasefire violation in J&amp;K.

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's recent order on "Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's recent order on "Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Calling the order "interference in India’s internal affairs", the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a release said, "Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. Any action to alter the status of these occupied territories by Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever." Reiterating that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, New Delhi rejected "continued attempts by Pakistan to bring material change in these occupied territories and to camouflage grave human rights violations, exploitation and sufferings of the people living there." It called on Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation. Pakistan's Supreme Court gave its verdict on Thursday giving so-called more rights to people of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The region is becoming crucial to Pakistan and China's massive infrastructure programme-- The China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan is keen to declare the strategic region in the PoK as its fifth province. Earlier this week New Delhi summoned a Pakistan High Commission official after a civilian was killed due to Pakistani ceasefire violation in J&K.

India summons Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to protest SC order on 'Gilgit-Baltistan'

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a&nbsp;government in 2011.&nbsp;

This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP.&nbsp;

She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls.&nbsp;

Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-mega-rally-mamata-banerjee-says-bjp-will-not-get-more-than-125-seats-191068">Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday</a> to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government.&nbsp;

Why Brigade Parade Grounds? 

This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties'&nbsp;annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand.&nbsp;

Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people.&nbsp;

But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally.&nbsp;

While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. &nbsp;

As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up.&nbsp;

This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.&nbsp;

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal.

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed a government in 2011. This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP. She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls. Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government. Why Brigade Parade Grounds? This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties' annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand. Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people. But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally. While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs. As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up. This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.

Stage set for Mamata Bannerjee's grand show at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-win-maiden-odi-series-against-australia-down-under-191245">India win maiden ODI series against Australia Down Under</a>

India on Friday won their maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia down under on Friday.

The win came after the Virat Kohli-led team defeated the host in the third and final one-day international by seven wickets. India won the three-game series 2-1.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-may-announce-lok-sabha-poll-schedule-in-march-first-week-sources-191262">Election Commission may announce Lok Sabha poll schedule in March first week: Sources</a>

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-elections-near-ram-temple-back-as-electoral-agenda-191280">As elections near, Ram temple back as electoral agenda</a>

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore.

Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.”

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aims-top-50-rank-next-year-in-ease-of-doing-business-pm-modi-191242">India aims 'Top 50' rank next year in ease of doing business: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said India is aiming at being in the list of top 50 countries next year in the 'ease of doing business' category.

The country's ranking has jumped 75 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Modi said. India is now ranked 77th in the list.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-grenade-attacks-on-security-forces-in-kashmir-191226">Two grenade attacks on security forces reported in Kashmir</a>

Militants carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir on Friday but there were no reports of any casualty, police said.

The terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) bunker at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk this afternoon, a police official said.

India win maiden ODI series against Australia Down Under India on Friday won their maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia down under on Friday.

India win maiden ODI series against Australia Down Under India on Friday won their maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia down under on Friday. The win came after the Virat Kohli-led team defeated the host in the third and final one-day international by seven wickets. India won the three-game series 2-1. Election Commission may announce Lok Sabha poll schedule in March first week: Sources The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. As elections near, Ram temple back as electoral agenda RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore. Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.” India aims 'Top 50' rank next year in ease of doing business: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said India is aiming at being in the list of top 50 countries next year in the 'ease of doing business' category. The country's ranking has jumped 75 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Modi said. India is now ranked 77th in the list. Two grenade attacks on security forces reported in Kashmir Militants carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir on Friday but there were no reports of any casualty, police said. The terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) bunker at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk this afternoon, a police official said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As cases of swine flu are on the rise in Rajasthan, one person died in Churu and 65 cases of swine flu were found positive across the state on Thursday, said an official statement.

According to Rajasthan Health Department, "A total of 1,036 cases of swine flu have been found positive and 40 deaths have been reported in the state in January so far."

Two cases each in Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, Kota, one each in Nagaur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Dausa, four in Churu, 24 cases in Jaipur, nine in Alwar, three each in Sikar, Barmer, five in Jodhapur, three in Barmer, and six in Udaipur.

Earlier it was reported that a total of 210 people died of swine flu with over 2,192 positive cases reported from across the state in 2018.

The highest number of cases and deaths were reported from Jaipur district followed by Kota and Jodhpur districts respectively. Director, Department of Health, V K Mathur said, "There have been 2,192 cases of swine flu in Rajasthan between January 1 and December 21, 2018. The highest number of deaths and positive cases has been reported from Jaipur, where 38 people died due to swine flu while 884 positive cases were reported. Jaipur is followed by Kota with 29 deaths and 400 positive cases of swine flu being reported."

Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country.

H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as the viral fever. This includes cough, sore throat, and body ache.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As cases of swine flu are on the rise in Rajasthan, one person died in Churu and 65 cases of swine flu were found positive across the state on Thursday, said an official statement.

As cases of swine flu are on the rise in Rajasthan, one person died in Churu and 65 cases of swine flu were found positive across the state on Thursday, said an official statement. According to Rajasthan Health Department, "A total of 1,036 cases of swine flu have been found positive and 40 deaths have been reported in the state in January so far." Two cases each in Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, Kota, one each in Nagaur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Dausa, four in Churu, 24 cases in Jaipur, nine in Alwar, three each in Sikar, Barmer, five in Jodhapur, three in Barmer, and six in Udaipur. Earlier it was reported that a total of 210 people died of swine flu with over 2,192 positive cases reported from across the state in 2018. The highest number of cases and deaths were reported from Jaipur district followed by Kota and Jodhpur districts respectively. Director, Department of Health, V K Mathur said, "There have been 2,192 cases of swine flu in Rajasthan between January 1 and December 21, 2018. The highest number of deaths and positive cases has been reported from Jaipur, where 38 people died due to swine flu while 884 positive cases were reported. Jaipur is followed by Kota with 29 deaths and 400 positive cases of swine flu being reported." Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air. The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as the viral fever. This includes cough, sore throat, and body ache.

Rajasthan: 1 dead, 65 cases of swine flu found positive

The Rajasthan cabinet approved two amendments bills - Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to end the minimum educational qualification condition for contesting the local body elections in the state.

Both the bills will be introduced in the state assembly during the present session, read a statement.

During her tenure, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had introduced an education criterion in 2015 which required a candidate to pass Class X for contesting municipal, zila parishad or panchayat samiti elections.

The cabinet has also decided to ask the state public service commission to extend the date of the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) main examination.

This came in wake of the agitation by the RAS aspirants, demanding the Congress-led government to extend the examination date.&nbsp;

The Rajasthan cabinet approved two amendments bills - Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to end the minimum educational qualification condition for contesting the local body elections in the state.

The Rajasthan cabinet approved two amendments bills - Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2019, and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to end the minimum educational qualification condition for contesting the local body elections in the state. Both the bills will be introduced in the state assembly during the present session, read a statement. During her tenure, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had introduced an education criterion in 2015 which required a candidate to pass Class X for contesting municipal, zila parishad or panchayat samiti elections. The cabinet has also decided to ask the state public service commission to extend the date of the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) main examination. This came in wake of the agitation by the RAS aspirants, demanding the Congress-led government to extend the examination date.

Rajasthan cabinet approves removal of education criteria for local body polls

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore.

Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.”

The case relating to the Ram temple is still pending in the Supreme Court, which has not bowed to the demand of political parties for day-to-day hearings on the matter.

After its defeat in three north Indian states in recent elections, the BJP has resurrected Ayodhya issue -- which is sub judice -- with much fanfare. It is the clamour for the temple that had pitchforked the BJP to India's political centre-stage in the 1990s.

By 1998, the issue had fizzled out and during the general election of 2014, the Ram temple was not even a core campaign issue for BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to a news agency had scotched speculation of immediate legislative intervention to hasten the building of the Ram temple. He had said that the government will await the supreme court's verdict. As of now, a makeshift structure exists where the deity of Lord Ram stands.

Despite the prime minister's categorical assertion, the RSS and cadres of the BJP have taken a contrarian position with a view to improving their prospects in the coming general election.

In the absence of any wave, the BJP is expected to face strong anti-incumbency in Hindi heartland of the country.

Insiders have told WION that Ram Mandir is an issue which binds BJP workers together. However, no construction can take place until the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the long-pending case. The RSS and seers inclined towards BKP want to keep the issue alive till the parliamentary elections.

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore. Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now.

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore. Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.” The case relating to the Ram temple is still pending in the Supreme Court, which has not bowed to the demand of political parties for day-to-day hearings on the matter. After its defeat in three north Indian states in recent elections, the BJP has resurrected Ayodhya issue -- which is sub judice -- with much fanfare. It is the clamour for the temple that had pitchforked the BJP to India's political centre-stage in the 1990s. By 1998, the issue had fizzled out and during the general election of 2014, the Ram temple was not even a core campaign issue for BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to a news agency had scotched speculation of immediate legislative intervention to hasten the building of the Ram temple. He had said that the government will await the supreme court's verdict. As of now, a makeshift structure exists where the deity of Lord Ram stands. Despite the prime minister's categorical assertion, the RSS and cadres of the BJP have taken a contrarian position with a view to improving their prospects in the coming general election. In the absence of any wave, the BJP is expected to face strong anti-incumbency in Hindi heartland of the country. Insiders have told WION that Ram Mandir is an issue which binds BJP workers together. However, no construction can take place until the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the long-pending case. The RSS and seers inclined towards BKP want to keep the issue alive till the parliamentary elections.

As elections near, Ram temple back as electoral agenda

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The Election Commission is in the process of deciding the number of phases and the months in which polling would be held, they said.

The charting of the phases would also depend on the availability of security forces and other requirements, the sources said, adding the announcement of the mega exercise is likely to be made in first week of March.

There is a possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls.

Since the Jammu and Kashmir assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there within six months.

It was dissolved in November, 2018 and the upper limit ends in May. The poll panel may hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir along with the Lok Sabha polls as well. But it can be held before that also as much depends on the complex security situation there, they said.

In normal circumstances, the J&amp;K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021. The other state assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term.

While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively.

In 2004, the Election Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of poll was April 20, the last date was May 10.

In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.&nbsp;

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The Election Commission is in the process of deciding the number of phases and the months in which polling would be held, they said. The charting of the phases would also depend on the availability of security forces and other requirements, the sources said, adding the announcement of the mega exercise is likely to be made in first week of March. There is a possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there within six months. It was dissolved in November, 2018 and the upper limit ends in May. The poll panel may hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir along with the Lok Sabha polls as well. But it can be held before that also as much depends on the complex security situation there, they said. In normal circumstances, the J&K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021. The other state assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term. While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively. In 2004, the Election Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of poll was April 20, the last date was May 10. In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13. In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

Election Commission may announce Lok Sabha poll schedule in March first week: Sources

Kerala government on Friday told the Supreme Court that since the court's verdict in September last year, 51 women have been able to enter the Sabarimala temple.&nbsp;

The supreme court was hearing pleas filed by 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2.&nbsp;

The petitioners claimed they were constantly being threatened and were scared for their lives and sought police protection. The petitioners also requested the court to declare the purification ceremony as unconstitutional. &nbsp;However, Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to the petitioners and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple.&nbsp;

A bench comprising &nbsp;Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari ordered Kerala government to provide adequate security to the two women and said it was only going into the aspect of the security of the two women and would not like to entertain any other prayer made in the petition.&nbsp;

After the other petitioners' intervention, the top court refused to tag the matter with other petitioners. "We deem it appropriate to entertain this writ petition by directing the Kerala Police to provide adequate security round the clock to petitioner number 1 (Bindu) and petitioner 2 (Kanakdurga). Beyond that we don't want to go into any of the issues mentioned in the petition," the bench said.

Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow menstruating women to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees entered the Sabarimala shrine.

The bench, however, refused to go into all these issues and said that if the Kerala government was already providing security to the female devotees without the court's order then there is no harm if the government continues providing adequate security even after the court's order.

Kerala government on Friday told the Supreme Court that since the court's verdict in September last year, 51 women have been able to enter the Sabarimala temple.

Kerala government on Friday told the Supreme Court that since the court's verdict in September last year, 51 women have been able to enter the Sabarimala temple. The supreme court was hearing pleas filed by 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2. The petitioners claimed they were constantly being threatened and were scared for their lives and sought police protection. The petitioners also requested the court to declare the purification ceremony as unconstitutional. However, Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to the petitioners and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari ordered Kerala government to provide adequate security to the two women and said it was only going into the aspect of the security of the two women and would not like to entertain any other prayer made in the petition. After the other petitioners' intervention, the top court refused to tag the matter with other petitioners. "We deem it appropriate to entertain this writ petition by directing the Kerala Police to provide adequate security round the clock to petitioner number 1 (Bindu) and petitioner 2 (Kanakdurga). Beyond that we don't want to go into any of the issues mentioned in the petition," the bench said. Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow menstruating women to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees entered the Sabarimala shrine. The bench, however, refused to go into all these issues and said that if the Kerala government was already providing security to the female devotees without the court's order then there is no harm if the government continues providing adequate security even after the court's order.

Sabarimala case: Kerala govt says 51 women have entered the temple

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncw-seeks-report-from-tamil-nadu-over-alleged-transfusion-of-hiv-infected-blood-to-women-187542">A 24-year-old woman</a>, who contracted HIV at a government hospital allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood, has given birth to a baby girl here.

The woman had a normal delivery Thursday, Government Rajaji Hospital dean Dr S Shanmughasundaram told PTI, adding that the baby weighed 1.75 kg.

"C-section would have facilitated lesser contact with the mother's blood. But the mother developed labour pain and the delivery happened quickly," he said.

The low birth weight baby is being treated in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and has been administered medicines for prevention of HIV transmission, the dean said.

A healthy baby weighs between 2.5 kg and 3.5 kg at birth.

HIV screening would be conducted on the 45th day to ascertain whether the child has been infected by the virus, he added.

Last month, the pregnant woman contracted HIV at a government hospital in Sattur in Virudhunagar district allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood supplied by a blood bank.

Following this, the state government ordered an examination of stocks in the state's blood banks.

It was later found that a 19-year old blood donor's infected blood was transfused to the woman. On learning that she had contracted the virus, he consumed rat poison and died on December 30.

Services of three lab technicians of the blood bank attached to the government hospital were terminated.

The incident drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties with the DMK lashing out at the ruling AIADMK, saying it showed how state-run hospitals functioned under the "corrupt government."&nbsp;

A 24-year-old woman, who contracted HIV at a government hospital allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood, has given birth to a baby girl here. The woman had a normal delivery Thursday, Government Rajaji Hospital dean Dr S Shanmughasundaram told PTI, adding that the baby weighed 1.

A 24-year-old woman, who contracted HIV at a government hospital allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood, has given birth to a baby girl here. The woman had a normal delivery Thursday, Government Rajaji Hospital dean Dr S Shanmughasundaram told PTI, adding that the baby weighed 1.75 kg. "C-section would have facilitated lesser contact with the mother's blood. But the mother developed labour pain and the delivery happened quickly," he said. The low birth weight baby is being treated in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and has been administered medicines for prevention of HIV transmission, the dean said. A healthy baby weighs between 2.5 kg and 3.5 kg at birth. HIV screening would be conducted on the 45th day to ascertain whether the child has been infected by the virus, he added. Last month, the pregnant woman contracted HIV at a government hospital in Sattur in Virudhunagar district allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood supplied by a blood bank. Following this, the state government ordered an examination of stocks in the state's blood banks. It was later found that a 19-year old blood donor's infected blood was transfused to the woman. On learning that she had contracted the virus, he consumed rat poison and died on December 30. Services of three lab technicians of the blood bank attached to the government hospital were terminated. The incident drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties with the DMK lashing out at the ruling AIADMK, saying it showed how state-run hospitals functioned under the "corrupt government."

Tamil Nadu woman who got HIV after blood transfusion delivers baby girl

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

"In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly.

However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session.

Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter.

He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government.

Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly. "In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly. However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session. Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha. Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter. He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government. Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.

Rajasthan Cabinet decides to pass resolution for 33% reservation for women in assembly

Senior Congress leader&nbsp;BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-will-be-discharged-in-a-day-or-two-191185">BJP president Amit Shah</a> doesn't have any flu.

''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BK Hariprasad, Congress: We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu, we also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), they said he is not admitted because of the flu. Let me get the facts then I will get back to you. <a href="https://t.co/sqg3ZbjYTJ">pic.twitter.com/sqg3ZbjYTJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086215118247981058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

BK&nbsp;Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health&nbsp;saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.

''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday.

''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added.&nbsp;

Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday.

Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said. BK Hariprasad, Congress: We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu, we also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), they said he is not admitted because of the flu. Let me get the facts then I will get back to you. pic.twitter.com/sqg3ZbjYTJ — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × BK Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka. ''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday. ''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added. Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday. Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Amit Shah doesn't have any flu, says Congress leader BK Hariprasad

In pics: Reclusive Naga sadhus a huge draw at Kumbh Mela

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-landed-on-moons-far-side-we-will-aim-for-lunar-south-pole-isro-chief-191189">Indian Space Research Organisation</a> scientists Friday.

"We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan said the Indian Air Force and other agencies will play a major role during the selection of astronauts for the human space mission project.

Another scientist said the Defence Research and Development Organisation too will play a major role in this endeavour.

Addressing a press conference here, Sivan said the first unmanned mission for 'Gaganyaan' has been planned for December 2020, the second unmanned mission for July 2021 and the final manned mission by December 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the 'Gaganyaan' project envisaging sending three humans to space by 2022.&nbsp;

Earlier, K Sivan on Friday shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.&nbsp;

The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted Indian Space Research Organisation scientists Friday. "We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity.

The astronauts on the human space mission 'Gaganyaan' will mostly be pilots, hinted Indian Space Research Organisation scientists Friday. "We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity. ISRO Chairman K Sivan said the Indian Air Force and other agencies will play a major role during the selection of astronauts for the human space mission project. Another scientist said the Defence Research and Development Organisation too will play a major role in this endeavour. Addressing a press conference here, Sivan said the first unmanned mission for 'Gaganyaan' has been planned for December 2020, the second unmanned mission for July 2021 and the final manned mission by December 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the 'Gaganyaan' project envisaging sending three humans to space by 2022. Earlier, K Sivan on Friday shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel. The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon. (With inputs from PTI)

Astronauts on human space mission 'Gaganyaan' mostly to be pilots, hints ISRO

Kerala government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that 51 women devotees between the age group&nbsp;of 10 and 50 entered Sabarimala temple.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said till now 51 female devotees between the age group&nbsp;of 10 and 50 have entered the shrine.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Correction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Correction</a>: In a note, submitted in SC by the Kerala government, it stated that 51 women between the age groups of 10 and 50 years entered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> following SC verdict. (Earlier tweet will be deleted) <a href="https://t.co/DoX2l0HCiT">https://t.co/DoX2l0HCiT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086183452087631872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Supreme Court also directed the Kerala Police to provide round-the-clock security to two women who had entered the Sabarimala temple.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari was hearing the petitions of 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2, according to PTI.

Sabarimala temple has been in the thick of things since the apex court allowed the women of the menstrual age group to enter the temple and offer prayers thus ending age-old tradition.&nbsp;

Some women who tried to enter the temple faced a huge backlash from the protestors who were opposed to women of menstrual age entering the temple and returned without success while some others between the age group of 10 and 50 managed to enter the temple and offered prayers.

Kerala government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that 51 women devotees between the age group of 10 and 50 entered Sabarimala temple. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said till now 51 female devotees between the age group of 10 and 50 have entered the shrine.

Kerala government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that 51 women devotees between the age group of 10 and 50 entered Sabarimala temple. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said till now 51 female devotees between the age group of 10 and 50 have entered the shrine. #Correction: In a note, submitted in SC by the Kerala government, it stated that 51 women between the age groups of 10 and 50 years entered #SabarimalaTemple following SC verdict. (Earlier tweet will be deleted) https://t.co/DoX2l0HCiT — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × The Supreme Court also directed the Kerala Police to provide round-the-clock security to two women who had entered the Sabarimala temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices L N Rao and Dinesh Maheshwari was hearing the petitions of 42-year-old Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, 44, a civil supplies department employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, who had entered the Sabarimala shrine on January 2, according to PTI. Sabarimala temple has been in the thick of things since the apex court allowed the women of the menstrual age group to enter the temple and offer prayers thus ending age-old tradition. Some women who tried to enter the temple faced a huge backlash from the protestors who were opposed to women of menstrual age entering the temple and returned without success while some others between the age group of 10 and 50 managed to enter the temple and offered prayers.

51 women below 50 have entered Sabarimala temple: Kerala to Supreme Court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-worsens-fog-disrupts-air-and-rail-traffic-191123">Dense fog in several parts of Delhi</a> disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said.

Flight operations were hit between 5.30 am and 1 pm.

"Around 97 per cent of these 450 flights were either departing or arriving beyond their scheduled time due to dense fog that remained till around 10.20 am. Rest were either diverted or cancelled," the official said.

Departures were largely put on hold between 5.30 am and 10.20 am. Arrivals were happening only intermittently between 6 am and 7.20 am, another official said.

Five flights were diverted between 5.30 am and 10.20 am from the airport. One of the flights was coming from Singapore and it was diverted to Kolkata, he said.&nbsp;

Four flights coming from Bangkok, Dubai, Guwahati and Muscat, respectively were diverted to Jaipur between 7.30 am and 10.20 am, he said.

"Very few aircraft are departing and that too on the basis of their size, visibility and ATC (air traffic control) clearance for taking off," the official said.

At the Delhi airport, the minimum runway visibility required to take off is 125 metres.

The airport was facing low visibility conditions since 4 am due to dense fog.

"The visibility significantly improved between 9.20 am and 10.20am. This allowed us to resume departures properly from 10.20 am onward," he said.

Vistara Airlines tweeted at 8.23am, "Due to dense fog and poor visibility in Delhi, delays are expected for both arrivals and departures with likely consequential impact on flights across the network."

"Currently, flight departures from Delhi are on hold and will resume by 0930 hrs subject to weather clearance," it added.

Jet Airways tweeted at 6.33am that some of its flights had been affected due to dense fog at Delhi and Bengaluru airports.

Dense fog in several parts of Delhi disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said. Flight operations were hit between 5.

Dense fog in several parts of Delhi disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said. Flight operations were hit between 5.30 am and 1 pm. "Around 97 per cent of these 450 flights were either departing or arriving beyond their scheduled time due to dense fog that remained till around 10.20 am. Rest were either diverted or cancelled," the official said. Departures were largely put on hold between 5.30 am and 10.20 am. Arrivals were happening only intermittently between 6 am and 7.20 am, another official said. Five flights were diverted between 5.30 am and 10.20 am from the airport. One of the flights was coming from Singapore and it was diverted to Kolkata, he said. Four flights coming from Bangkok, Dubai, Guwahati and Muscat, respectively were diverted to Jaipur between 7.30 am and 10.20 am, he said. "Very few aircraft are departing and that too on the basis of their size, visibility and ATC (air traffic control) clearance for taking off," the official said. At the Delhi airport, the minimum runway visibility required to take off is 125 metres. The airport was facing low visibility conditions since 4 am due to dense fog. "The visibility significantly improved between 9.20 am and 10.20am. This allowed us to resume departures properly from 10.20 am onward," he said. Vistara Airlines tweeted at 8.23am, "Due to dense fog and poor visibility in Delhi, delays are expected for both arrivals and departures with likely consequential impact on flights across the network." "Currently, flight departures from Delhi are on hold and will resume by 0930 hrs subject to weather clearance," it added. Jet Airways tweeted at 6.33am that some of its flights had been affected due to dense fog at Delhi and Bengaluru airports.

Dense fog at Delhi airport affects over 450 flights

Militants carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir on Friday but there were no reports of any casualty, police said.

The terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) bunker at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk this afternoon, a police official said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu and Kashmir: Blast at Ghanta Ghar Chowk in Srinagar. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/fG6a1TRmMT">pic.twitter.com/fG6a1TRmMT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086177487732834304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In another incident, militants lobbed a grenade at security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, the police official said, adding there was no injury to anyone and damage to properties due to the explosion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Terrorists lobbed a grenade on Police camp in Gagran area of South Kashmir's Shopian. No loss of life or injury reported.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086183200953516032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The grenade exploded on the roadside, he said, adding no one was hurt in the attack.

A private car parked on the roadside was partly damaged due to the explosion, the official said.This is the second attack on security forces in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, within 24 hours.

Terrorists hurled a grenade on police personnel at Zero Bridge here on Thursday, resulting in injuries to three policemen.

The attacks come less than 10 days ahead of Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;

Militants carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir on Friday but there were no reports of any casualty, police said. The terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) bunker at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk this afternoon, a police official said.

Militants carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir on Friday but there were no reports of any casualty, police said. The terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) bunker at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Lal Chowk this afternoon, a police official said. Jammu and Kashmir: Blast at Ghanta Ghar Chowk in Srinagar. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/fG6a1TRmMT — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × In another incident, militants lobbed a grenade at security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, the police official said, adding there was no injury to anyone and damage to properties due to the explosion. Terrorists lobbed a grenade on Police camp in Gagran area of South Kashmir's Shopian. No loss of life or injury reported. — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × The grenade exploded on the roadside, he said, adding no one was hurt in the attack. A private car parked on the roadside was partly damaged due to the explosion, the official said.This is the second attack on security forces in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, within 24 hours. Terrorists hurled a grenade on police personnel at Zero Bridge here on Thursday, resulting in injuries to three policemen. The attacks come less than 10 days ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Two grenade attacks on security forces reported in Kashmir

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-modi-to-unveil-national-film-museum-in-mumbai-191225">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>Friday said India is aiming at being in the list of top 50 countries next year in the 'ease of doing business' category.

The country's ranking has jumped 75 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Modi said. India is now ranked 77th in the list.

"I have asked my team to work harder so that India is in the 'Top 50' list in ease of doing business next year. I want our regulations and processes to compare with the best in the world. We have also made doing business cheaper," Modi said in his inaugural address at the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here.

Modi said his government is focused on removing the barriers which were preventing the country from achieving its potential and will continue with the pace of reforms and deregulation.

Implementation of Goods and Services Tax and measures of simplification and consolidation of taxes have reduced transaction costs and made processes efficient, he said.

Digital processes, online transactions and single- point interfaces have also helped in doing business faster, he said.

Modi said doing business smarter has also been the focus of his government. IT-based transactions in procurement and purchases by the government and digital payments have been steps in this direction. He added.

Addressing the gathering in the presence of political and business leaders from different countries, Modi said Indian administration has worked with a focus to reduce government and enhance governance, with the mantra of 'reform, perform, transform and further perform'.

He said the change in terms of direction and intensity has been quite visible since the last four years after his government came to power.

Modi said his government has taken several drastic steps and deeper structural reforms adding to the strength of India and its economy.

Among these reforms was removing the barriers that prevented India from&nbsp; 
achieving full potential, he said.

This has led major global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF as well as agencies like Moodys to express confidence in India's economic journey, he said.

We will continue the pace and process of reforms and deregulation, he said.

Modi said his governments' policies have helped bring in a foreign direct investment worth USD 263 billion in the last four years, which he said is 45 per cent of the FDI received in the last 18 years.

"Most sectors of our economy are now open for FDI. More than 90 per cent approvals have been put on the automatic route. Such measures have propelled our economy to a high growth path, he said.

With an average growth rate at 7.3 per cent per year in the last four years, GDP expansion has been the highest since 1991, Modi said.

He said that challenge for India remains the need to grow horizontally as well as vertically.

Horizontally, we have to spread the benefits of development to regions and communities that have lagged behind. Vertically, we have to meet enhanced expectations in terms of quality of life, quality of services and quality of infrastructure," he said.

Expressing the need to create job opportunities for the young population, Modi said his governments' decisions have been directed not just for doing business but also for ease of life of our people.

"We also understand that being a young nation, we need to create job opportunities and better infrastructure. Both are linked with investments. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an unprecedented focus on manufacturing and infrastructure, he said.

Modi said his government is keen to raise investment in next-generation infrastructure in roads, ports, railways, airports, telecom, digital networks and energy to help a 'New India' take shape that will be modern and competitive and yet caring and compassionate.

The Vibrant Gujarat Summit was conceptualised in 2003 by Modi who was then Gujarat chief minister to re-establish the state as a preferred investment destination within India.

The event has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to being a facilitator for knowledge sharing and forging effective partnerships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said India is aiming at being in the list of top 50 countries next year in the 'ease of doing business' category. The country's ranking has jumped 75 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said India is aiming at being in the list of top 50 countries next year in the 'ease of doing business' category. The country's ranking has jumped 75 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Modi said. India is now ranked 77th in the list. "I have asked my team to work harder so that India is in the 'Top 50' list in ease of doing business next year. I want our regulations and processes to compare with the best in the world. We have also made doing business cheaper," Modi said in his inaugural address at the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here. Modi said his government is focused on removing the barriers which were preventing the country from achieving its potential and will continue with the pace of reforms and deregulation. Implementation of Goods and Services Tax and measures of simplification and consolidation of taxes have reduced transaction costs and made processes efficient, he said. Digital processes, online transactions and single- point interfaces have also helped in doing business faster, he said. Modi said doing business smarter has also been the focus of his government. IT-based transactions in procurement and purchases by the government and digital payments have been steps in this direction. He added. Addressing the gathering in the presence of political and business leaders from different countries, Modi said Indian administration has worked with a focus to reduce government and enhance governance, with the mantra of 'reform, perform, transform and further perform'. He said the change in terms of direction and intensity has been quite visible since the last four years after his government came to power. Modi said his government has taken several drastic steps and deeper structural reforms adding to the strength of India and its economy. Among these reforms was removing the barriers that prevented India from achieving full potential, he said. This has led major global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF as well as agencies like Moodys to express confidence in India's economic journey, he said. We will continue the pace and process of reforms and deregulation, he said. Modi said his governments' policies have helped bring in a foreign direct investment worth USD 263 billion in the last four years, which he said is 45 per cent of the FDI received in the last 18 years. "Most sectors of our economy are now open for FDI. More than 90 per cent approvals have been put on the automatic route. Such measures have propelled our economy to a high growth path, he said. With an average growth rate at 7.3 per cent per year in the last four years, GDP expansion has been the highest since 1991, Modi said. He said that challenge for India remains the need to grow horizontally as well as vertically. Horizontally, we have to spread the benefits of development to regions and communities that have lagged behind. Vertically, we have to meet enhanced expectations in terms of quality of life, quality of services and quality of infrastructure," he said. Expressing the need to create job opportunities for the young population, Modi said his governments' decisions have been directed not just for doing business but also for ease of life of our people. "We also understand that being a young nation, we need to create job opportunities and better infrastructure. Both are linked with investments. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an unprecedented focus on manufacturing and infrastructure, he said. Modi said his government is keen to raise investment in next-generation infrastructure in roads, ports, railways, airports, telecom, digital networks and energy to help a 'New India' take shape that will be modern and competitive and yet caring and compassionate. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit was conceptualised in 2003 by Modi who was then Gujarat chief minister to re-establish the state as a preferred investment destination within India. The event has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to being a facilitator for knowledge sharing and forging effective partnerships.

India aims 'Top 50' rank next year in ease of doing business: PM Modi

India will host the 14th session of the Conference of Parties to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) this year to address the issue of land degradation and desertification.

A source close to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change said Friday the conference of the UNCCD, which has participation from over 100 countries, is likely to be held in October.

The UNCCD, established in 1994, has 197 parties working towards maintaining and restoring land and soil productivity and mitigating the effects of drought.

Gaurav Khare, the ministry spokesperson, said hosting this conference will be a "prestigious moment for the country".

"Hosting UNCCD COP-14 will be a prestigious moment for the country. India's commitment to SDG 15 (life on land) is incoherence to the prime minister's vision for doubling the income of farmers by 2022.

"SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 15 addressing land issues is concomitant to climate change, poverty, food security, clean water and sanitation and gender equality, livelihood," Khare said.

Khare said the government is committed to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 and by hosting the COP-14 it aims to showcase its role as a leader in addressing the land agenda.

The government is also in the process of launching transformative projects, policy formulation, research and development in the area of sustainable land management to address the issues of land degradation, desertification, drought and dust storms, the source said.&nbsp;

India will host the 14th session of the Conference of Parties to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) this year to address the issue of land degradation and desertification.

India will host the 14th session of the Conference of Parties to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) this year to address the issue of land degradation and desertification. A source close to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change said Friday the conference of the UNCCD, which has participation from over 100 countries, is likely to be held in October. The UNCCD, established in 1994, has 197 parties working towards maintaining and restoring land and soil productivity and mitigating the effects of drought. Gaurav Khare, the ministry spokesperson, said hosting this conference will be a "prestigious moment for the country". "Hosting UNCCD COP-14 will be a prestigious moment for the country. India's commitment to SDG 15 (life on land) is incoherence to the prime minister's vision for doubling the income of farmers by 2022. "SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 15 addressing land issues is concomitant to climate change, poverty, food security, clean water and sanitation and gender equality, livelihood," Khare said. Khare said the government is committed to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 and by hosting the COP-14 it aims to showcase its role as a leader in addressing the land agenda. The government is also in the process of launching transformative projects, policy formulation, research and development in the area of sustainable land management to address the issues of land degradation, desertification, drought and dust storms, the source said.

India to host UN conference on land degradation, desertification this year

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year.&nbsp;

Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added.&nbsp;

Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms.&nbsp;

Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector.&nbsp;

The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

Meanwhile, as per reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-to-get-satellite-from-isro-to-strengthen-border-security-191102">a satellite for exclusive use by the Ministry of Home Affairs</a> (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development, new agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year. Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan held a media briefing on Friday and shared some of the key missions of the year. Sivan started off by stating that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added. Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms. Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector. The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said. Meanwhile, as per reports, a satellite for exclusive use by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development, new agency ANI reported. The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas.

Ready to send humanoid for Gaganyaan mission: ISRO chief 

ISRO chief K&nbsp;Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.&nbsp;

"Our PM said we should call it innovation TV," Sivan said.&nbsp;

The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon.&nbsp;

"We are going to land on the south pole of the moon, unlike the Chinese who landed on the dark side," he stated.&nbsp;

Giving details about various ISRO missions planned this year, Sivan noted that Chandrayaan-2 launch window is set between March 25 and April 30.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ISRO Chief K Sivan: We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086144688229441536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"ISRO will launch 32 planned missions this year. 14 launch vehicles and 18 satellites including Chandrayaan 2 mission. 1st student satellite to be launched and will be called Kalam 1," Sivan told media.&nbsp;

"We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore," he said.&nbsp;

Sivan further noted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-send-humanoid-for-gaganyaan-mission-isro-chief-191176">Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year</a>. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added.&nbsp;

Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms.&nbsp;Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector.&nbsp;

The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

ISRO chief K Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel.

ISRO chief K Sivan on Friday briefed media about the upcoming missions and projects of the year. He shared that the national space research body is soon to come out with a television channel. "Our PM said we should call it innovation TV," Sivan said. The ISRO chief reacted to the Chinese rover's landing on the far side of the moon claiming that the Indian mission will aim to land on the south pole of the moon. "We are going to land on the south pole of the moon, unlike the Chinese who landed on the dark side," he stated. Giving details about various ISRO missions planned this year, Sivan noted that Chandrayaan-2 launch window is set between March 25 and April 30. ISRO Chief K Sivan: We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × "ISRO will launch 32 planned missions this year. 14 launch vehicles and 18 satellites including Chandrayaan 2 mission. 1st student satellite to be launched and will be called Kalam 1," Sivan told media. "We have developed an incubation centre at Tripura and four more will be created at Trichy, Nagpur, Rourkela and Indore," he said. Sivan further noted that Gaganyaan will be the top focus of the year. ISRO has planned a manned mission wherein a humanoid will be sent for the Gaganyaan space project, he added. Sivan added that first flight will take off in July this year with a payload up to 500 kilograms. Besides this satellite, GSAT-6A will be launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Sivan also noted that ISRO wants the private sector to step in. To begin with, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be taken to the private sector. The design for the crew module and crew service module for Gaganyaan - India's first manned space mission set to launch in 2022 - is nearing finalisation, he said.

Chinese landed on moon's far side, we will aim for lunar south pole: ISRO chief

NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan (NSS) has set up a spiritual and surgical camp at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, along with an artificial limb development unit.

Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, speaking to reporters here Thursday said senior surgeon Amar Singh Chundawat's team will be measuring differently-abled individuals for making customised limbs for them, which will then be installed and donated to the beneficiaries.

"We will conduct surgeries free of cost," he said.

The NGO has set up a 100-bed hospital at the fair site at the sacred&nbsp;confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.&nbsp;

Agarwal said the NGO has invited volunteers from all across the country and divided them in three groups -- for cleanliness, operation of wheelchairs, and foot massage of devotees.

"The 'Swachh Army' deals with cleanliness in the mela. The 'Wheelchair Army' will help the elderly, who are unable to walk, or disabled. They provide wheelchair and help them to enjoy the Kumbh Mela. The 'Foot Massage Army' will help pilgrim and saints by giving them a massage," the president of the Udaipur-based NGO said.

He said the NSS had operated on 3.7 lakh patients in the past 33 years and has provided them socio-economic support by making available best of medical services, medicines and technologies free of cost.

"Out of 3.7 lakh patients, around 2 lakh patients were from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," he said.

The 2019 Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti and will come to an end on Mahashivratri on March 4. More than 12 crore people are expected to take part in the festival over the next 50 days.&nbsp;

NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan (NSS) has set up a spiritual and surgical camp at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, along with an artificial limb development unit. Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, speaking to reporters here Thursday said senior surgeon Amar Singh Chundawat's team will be measuring differently-abled individuals for making customised limbs for them, which will then be installed and donated to the beneficiaries.

NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan (NSS) has set up a spiritual and surgical camp at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, along with an artificial limb development unit. Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, speaking to reporters here Thursday said senior surgeon Amar Singh Chundawat's team will be measuring differently-abled individuals for making customised limbs for them, which will then be installed and donated to the beneficiaries. "We will conduct surgeries free of cost," he said. The NGO has set up a 100-bed hospital at the fair site at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Agarwal said the NGO has invited volunteers from all across the country and divided them in three groups -- for cleanliness, operation of wheelchairs, and foot massage of devotees. "The 'Swachh Army' deals with cleanliness in the mela. The 'Wheelchair Army' will help the elderly, who are unable to walk, or disabled. They provide wheelchair and help them to enjoy the Kumbh Mela. The 'Foot Massage Army' will help pilgrim and saints by giving them a massage," the president of the Udaipur-based NGO said. He said the NSS had operated on 3.7 lakh patients in the past 33 years and has provided them socio-economic support by making available best of medical services, medicines and technologies free of cost. "Out of 3.7 lakh patients, around 2 lakh patients were from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," he said. The 2019 Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti and will come to an end on Mahashivratri on March 4. More than 12 crore people are expected to take part in the festival over the next 50 days.

NGO sets up 100-bed hospital at Kumbh Mela site

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come&nbsp;days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019.

WION: What will be your focus this year?

K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the&nbsp;young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year.&nbsp;

WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-landed-on-moons-far-side-we-will-aim-for-lunar-south-pole-isro-chief-191189">China landed Rover</a> on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference?

K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-launches-rover-for-first-far-side-of-the-moon-landing-182334">dark side of the moon</a>. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that.

WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate?

K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them.

WION: How are we helping the South Asian region?

K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives&nbsp;are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country

WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries?&nbsp;

K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year. Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019. WION: What will be your focus this year? K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year. WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago China landed Rover on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference? K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the dark side of the moon. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that. WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate? K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them. WION: How are we helping the South Asian region? K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries? K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

We are at par with China: ISRO chairman on space race

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-anil-ambanis-rcom-over-contempt-petition-by-ericsson-188738&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi_lcjT9fbfAhVMro8KHUzxBX0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3R549pm0LLcBn7jPZabuIW">Ambani</a> Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps against 'data colonisation', especially by global corporations, stating that Indian data must be owned by Indians.&nbsp;

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's movement against political colonisation, Ambani said India now needs a new movement against data colonisation.&nbsp;

"Gandhiji led India's movement against political colonisation. Today, we have to collectively launch a new movement against data colonisation," he said here at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

Stressing that, in this new world, data is new wealth, Ambani said, "India's data must be controlled and owned by Indian people and not by corporates, especially global corporations."&nbsp;

He further said, "For India to succeed in this data-driven revolution, we will have to migrate the control and ownership of Indian data back to India. In other words, give Indian wealth back to every Indian."

Stating that the "entire world has come to recognise" Modi "as a man of action", Ambani said, "Honorable Prime Minister, am sure you will make this one of the principal goals of your digital India mission."&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps against 'data colonisation', especially by global corporations, stating that Indian data must be owned by Indians.

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps against 'data colonisation', especially by global corporations, stating that Indian data must be owned by Indians. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's movement against political colonisation, Ambani said India now needs a new movement against data colonisation. "Gandhiji led India's movement against political colonisation. Today, we have to collectively launch a new movement against data colonisation," he said here at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Stressing that, in this new world, data is new wealth, Ambani said, "India's data must be controlled and owned by Indian people and not by corporates, especially global corporations." He further said, "For India to succeed in this data-driven revolution, we will have to migrate the control and ownership of Indian data back to India. In other words, give Indian wealth back to every Indian." Stating that the "entire world has come to recognise" Modi "as a man of action", Ambani said, "Honorable Prime Minister, am sure you will make this one of the principal goals of your digital India mission."

Mukesh Ambani urges PM to take steps against data colonisation

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-alliance-will-get-its-math-right-in-lok-sabha-polls-akhilesh-yadav-189652&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi1rsP07fbfAhWGdH0KHZRHCAEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UdWN6UZbG6_1ecZ1iQ225">party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress.

"Our alliance with the BSP, the RLD and smaller parties like the Nishad Party is final and seat-sharing will not be a problem. It will be worked out soon. We have emerged as a strong force in the state, which has changed the tone and tenor of the BJP, whose leaders have started using foul language against us," the SP national president told PTI.

"Uttar Pradesh has always acted as a catalyst for change. This time, the people of the state will change the prime minister. Our fight is with the BJP and the people are supporting us," Yadav said in an interview at the SP headquarters here.

He, however, ducked the question as to who would be his choice as the next prime minister.

Maintaining that the SP will only "concentrate" in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav ruled out any understanding with the Congress in the state in the Lok Sabha polls.

"How can we have an understanding with it (Congress)? It is a national party. We have given them two seats (Amethi and Raebareli), which the SP had been leaving for them. Presently, my focus is on Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand also, the SP will field one or two candidates who are strong and we will explore (the possibility of an) alliance with others," he said.

Reminded about his friendship with Congress president Rahul Gandhi (48), with whom he had given the "UP ke ladke" (boys from UP) slogan in the 2017 state Assembly polls, Yadav, who is three years younger to Gandhi, said, "I will not like to talk about the Congress as of now."

Asked about his recent meeting with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chowdhury, he said, "Our alliance is final. In Kairana, we had fielded RLD leader Tabassum Hasan on an SP ticket. We will give Mathura and Baghpat to them, which they want. There is no problem in the alliance now."

Asked about Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's charge that his uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Yadav was being financed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav preferred not to speak.

"I will not say anything on this," he said.

Announcing the SP-BSP tie-up at a press conference last week, Mayawati had claimed that the BJP had funded Shivpal's party and said the entire money would go down the drain as there would be no split in the SP-BSP votes.

On the BJP, Yadav said, "It had promised many things, but those were never met. The common people are fed up with it and are looking at an alternative. They have only hope, which is the SP-BSP alliance."

Attacking the saffron party, he said it had changed its Uttar Pradesh in-charge only to save one seat (of Prime Minister Narendra Modi).

"The BJP MPs did not work on the ground. They never visited their areas. Now it is being said that they are going to change 60 per cent of their candidates. But such tricks will not work now," Yadav said.

In a lighter vein, he added, "If only they can manage to control the stray cattle, they can get some votes of the farmers."

On the claim of JP Nadda, the BJP's poll in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, that the saffron party would win 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Yadav said, "They can claim of winning even 82 seats, despite the fact that Uttar Pradesh has only 80 seats."

Nadda, the Union health minister, during his visit here this week had asserted that the BJP and its allies would bag at least 74 Lok Sabha seats -- one more than the NDA tally in 2014 — in Uttar Pradesh.

On reports of a slew of poll sops the Centre was planning to announce in its Budget, Yadav said, "All the major steps of the Centre like demonetisation, GST and claims of good governance have failed. They cannot be trusted. I want to alert my party workers that the BJP cannot be trusted. They can resort to any conspiracy or gimmick for political gains."

On the ongoing Kumbh at Allahabad, the SP chief said, "They (BJP) have renamed the Ardh-Kumbh as Kumbh. At Kumbh, people are not invited. People themselves come to attend it to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). Are they calling people for Moksha?"

Asked about state Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh's claim that the crime rate was witnessing a downward trend in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav questioned the data.

"The Centre's data claims to have given jobs to the youth. Did they get those jobs? The law-and-order situation of the state is known to all. The lie will not work any longer," he said.

On reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might quiz him in connection with a mining scam, Yadav said, "I will answer them. These are the BJP's tactics ahead of the polls."

On the possibility of his wife and Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav contesting the Lok Sabha polls, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "I do not want her to contest this time. However, the decision is hers. We have to bring up three children. The house is now far from the children's school. How to manage their tuitions etc. Needs to be seen."

"They (the BJP government) have not approved the map for our house construction. They do not understand the responsibilities of a family as they do not have one," Yadav said.

 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress.

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress. "Our alliance with the BSP, the RLD and smaller parties like the Nishad Party is final and seat-sharing will not be a problem. It will be worked out soon. We have emerged as a strong force in the state, which has changed the tone and tenor of the BJP, whose leaders have started using foul language against us," the SP national president told PTI. "Uttar Pradesh has always acted as a catalyst for change. This time, the people of the state will change the prime minister. Our fight is with the BJP and the people are supporting us," Yadav said in an interview at the SP headquarters here. He, however, ducked the question as to who would be his choice as the next prime minister. Maintaining that the SP will only "concentrate" in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav ruled out any understanding with the Congress in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. "How can we have an understanding with it (Congress)? It is a national party. We have given them two seats (Amethi and Raebareli), which the SP had been leaving for them. Presently, my focus is on Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand also, the SP will field one or two candidates who are strong and we will explore (the possibility of an) alliance with others," he said. Reminded about his friendship with Congress president Rahul Gandhi (48), with whom he had given the "UP ke ladke" (boys from UP) slogan in the 2017 state Assembly polls, Yadav, who is three years younger to Gandhi, said, "I will not like to talk about the Congress as of now." Asked about his recent meeting with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chowdhury, he said, "Our alliance is final. In Kairana, we had fielded RLD leader Tabassum Hasan on an SP ticket. We will give Mathura and Baghpat to them, which they want. There is no problem in the alliance now." Asked about Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's charge that his uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Yadav was being financed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav preferred not to speak. "I will not say anything on this," he said. Announcing the SP-BSP tie-up at a press conference last week, Mayawati had claimed that the BJP had funded Shivpal's party and said the entire money would go down the drain as there would be no split in the SP-BSP votes. On the BJP, Yadav said, "It had promised many things, but those were never met. The common people are fed up with it and are looking at an alternative. They have only hope, which is the SP-BSP alliance." Attacking the saffron party, he said it had changed its Uttar Pradesh in-charge only to save one seat (of Prime Minister Narendra Modi). "The BJP MPs did not work on the ground. They never visited their areas. Now it is being said that they are going to change 60 per cent of their candidates. But such tricks will not work now," Yadav said. In a lighter vein, he added, "If only they can manage to control the stray cattle, they can get some votes of the farmers." On the claim of JP Nadda, the BJP's poll in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, that the saffron party would win 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Yadav said, "They can claim of winning even 82 seats, despite the fact that Uttar Pradesh has only 80 seats." Nadda, the Union health minister, during his visit here this week had asserted that the BJP and its allies would bag at least 74 Lok Sabha seats -- one more than the NDA tally in 2014 — in Uttar Pradesh. On reports of a slew of poll sops the Centre was planning to announce in its Budget, Yadav said, "All the major steps of the Centre like demonetisation, GST and claims of good governance have failed. They cannot be trusted. I want to alert my party workers that the BJP cannot be trusted. They can resort to any conspiracy or gimmick for political gains." On the ongoing Kumbh at Allahabad, the SP chief said, "They (BJP) have renamed the Ardh-Kumbh as Kumbh. At Kumbh, people are not invited. People themselves come to attend it to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). Are they calling people for Moksha?" Asked about state Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh's claim that the crime rate was witnessing a downward trend in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav questioned the data. "The Centre's data claims to have given jobs to the youth. Did they get those jobs? The law-and-order situation of the state is known to all. The lie will not work any longer," he said. On reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might quiz him in connection with a mining scam, Yadav said, "I will answer them. These are the BJP's tactics ahead of the polls." On the possibility of his wife and Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav contesting the Lok Sabha polls, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "I do not want her to contest this time. However, the decision is hers. We have to bring up three children. The house is now far from the children's school. How to manage their tuitions etc. Needs to be seen." "They (the BJP government) have not approved the map for our house construction. They do not understand the responsibilities of a family as they do not have one," Yadav said.

Alliance with BSP, RLD final; seat-sharing no problem: Akhilesh Yadav

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-shows-slight-improvement-with-increased-wind-speed-188257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjkn5TO8vbfAhUMvY8KHbhRA6IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0HBuHcjn0QzgcA7ptciQMX">Central Pollution Control Board</a> has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations.

The CPCB had earlier slapped a fine of Rs 1 crore each on three public sector oil companies for their failure to install VRS systems at fuel stations.

The CPCB said that the National Green Tribunal had on September 28 directed oil companies to ensure installation of VRS in petrol pumps selling more than 300 kilolitres per month (KL/M) but the Reliance industries informed that there is no such retail outlet. It also said that there are two retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/M and VRS will be installed by December 31, 2018.

In a letter dated January 8, the CPCB said Reliance industries informed it that installation of VRS stage II at retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/month has been completed but no compliance status was submitted with respect to installation of VRS IB at these stations.

Vapour recovery system IB is used to control the vapour released during the offloading of fuel at distribution centres. Vapour recovery system Stage 2 is used to control the vapour while the fuel is transferred from holding tanks to vehicles.

"The above status indicates non-compliance of NGT order and therefore, in view of above, a notice is hereby served to show cause as to why environment compensation of Rs one crore shall not be levied and prosecution not initiated against Reliance industries for non-compliance of NGT order," CPCB chairperson S P S Parihar said in the notice.

Vapour recovery device is an instrument to capture displaced vapours that emerge from inside a vehicle's fuel tank while filling petrol or diesel in it. 
&nbsp; 
In December, the CPCB had imposed fine on public sector oil firms Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Central Pollution Control Board has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations.

The Central Pollution Control Board has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations. The CPCB had earlier slapped a fine of Rs 1 crore each on three public sector oil companies for their failure to install VRS systems at fuel stations. The CPCB said that the National Green Tribunal had on September 28 directed oil companies to ensure installation of VRS in petrol pumps selling more than 300 kilolitres per month (KL/M) but the Reliance industries informed that there is no such retail outlet. It also said that there are two retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/M and VRS will be installed by December 31, 2018. In a letter dated January 8, the CPCB said Reliance industries informed it that installation of VRS stage II at retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/month has been completed but no compliance status was submitted with respect to installation of VRS IB at these stations. Vapour recovery system IB is used to control the vapour released during the offloading of fuel at distribution centres. Vapour recovery system Stage 2 is used to control the vapour while the fuel is transferred from holding tanks to vehicles. "The above status indicates non-compliance of NGT order and therefore, in view of above, a notice is hereby served to show cause as to why environment compensation of Rs one crore shall not be levied and prosecution not initiated against Reliance industries for non-compliance of NGT order," CPCB chairperson S P S Parihar said in the notice. Vapour recovery device is an instrument to capture displaced vapours that emerge from inside a vehicle's fuel tank while filling petrol or diesel in it. In December, the CPCB had imposed fine on public sector oil firms Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Why Rs 1 crore fine not be slapped over non-compliance of NGT order: CPCB to Reliance industries

india-news

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

india news