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The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday 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 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.

The bench also refused to tag the matter along with the pending petitions in the Sabarimala case.

It 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.

"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 (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanaka-durga-one-of-the-women-who-entered-sabarimala-temple-allegedly-thrashed-by-mother-in-law-190500">Kanakdurga</a>). Beyond that we don't want to go into any of the issues mentioned in the petition," the bench said.

Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to these women and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple. He said till now 51 female devotees have entered the shrine.

Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow women of all ages to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees has 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.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the women petitioners, said the court should direct tagging of the petitions with the pending matters on the Sabarimala temple issue.

To this, the bench said the prayer for tagging is rejected.

Earlier this month, the two women had stepped into the hallowed precincts guarded by the police, more than three months after the apex court's historic judgment lifting the ban on the entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity.

Following the entry of the women into the shrine, the chief priest had decided to close the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to perform the 'purification' ceremony.

The plea had sought round-the-clock security to both the women due to a threat to their life for entering into the hilltop shrine as one of the women was assaulted by her mother-in-law.

The plea had sought directions declaring all authorities not to conduct the rite of purification or to shut the temple on account of any woman of the age of 10-50 having entered the temple.

It had said that the purification ritual is representative of a cleansing ceremony, signifying the petitioners were impure, which is violative of their dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The petition also sought directions declaring that any form of prevention of women aged between 10 and 50 years from visiting the hilltop shrine is contrary to the September 28, 2018 judgment of the apex court.

On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way the for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

The top court has said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges was on medical leave.

Earlier, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict. Besides Justice Indu Malhotra and the CJI, justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud are part of the five-judge constitution bench.

Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgment in the case.

There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgment and they were filed following violent protests in favour and against the verdict. PTI MNL&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday 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 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.

The Supreme Court directed the Kerala Police on Friday 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 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. The bench also refused to tag the matter along with the pending petitions in the Sabarimala case. It 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. "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. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for the Kerala government, said it was already providing adequate security to these women and other devotees who have entered the Sabarimala temple. He said till now 51 female devotees have entered the shrine. Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara appearing for some petitioners, who have filed a review plea challenging the decision of the top court to allow women of all ages to enter the temple, said that none of the female devotees has 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. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the women petitioners, said the court should direct tagging of the petitions with the pending matters on the Sabarimala temple issue. To this, the bench said the prayer for tagging is rejected. Earlier this month, the two women had stepped into the hallowed precincts guarded by the police, more than three months after the apex court's historic judgment lifting the ban on the entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity. Following the entry of the women into the shrine, the chief priest had decided to close the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to perform the 'purification' ceremony. The plea had sought round-the-clock security to both the women due to a threat to their life for entering into the hilltop shrine as one of the women was assaulted by her mother-in-law. The plea had sought directions declaring all authorities not to conduct the rite of purification or to shut the temple on account of any woman of the age of 10-50 having entered the temple. It had said that the purification ritual is representative of a cleansing ceremony, signifying the petitioners were impure, which is violative of their dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition also sought directions declaring that any form of prevention of women aged between 10 and 50 years from visiting the hilltop shrine is contrary to the September 28, 2018 judgment of the apex court. On September 28 last year, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way the for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. The top court has said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges was on medical leave. Earlier, the apex court had decided to hear in open court the review petitions against the verdict. Besides Justice Indu Malhotra and the CJI, justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud are part of the five-judge constitution bench. Justice Malhotra had delivered the dissenting judgment in the case. There are around 48 petitions seeking review of the judgment and they were filed following violent protests in favour and against the verdict. PTI MNL

Give round-the-clock security to 2 women who entered Sabarimala: Supreme Court to Kerala police

After a National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-green-tribunal-slaps-rs-25-crore-fine-on-delhi-government-over-air-pollution-181132">recommended major fine on Volkswagen</a> for causing "health damages" and air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the tribunal asked the German carmaker to deposit Rs 100 crore&nbsp;in the emission case&nbsp;by 5pm on Friday.

The anti-pollution body said failure to deposit the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-slaps-rs-5-crore-fine-on-west-bengal-government-for-failing-to-curb-air-pollution-179940">amount would result in punitive action</a> including the arrest of carmaker's India Managing Director(MD) and seizure of all properties in India.

On Tuesday, a four-member panel had recommended &nbsp;Rs 171.34 crore fine on German auto major for causing health hazard in Delhi. The expert committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital.

Nitrogen oxide is a smog-forming pollutant linked to heart and lung disease.

The four-member panel comprising of ARAI director Rashmi Urdhwareshe, chief scientist of CSIR-NEERI Dr Nitin Labhsetwar, director of ministry of heavy industries Ramakant Singh and Prashant Gargava, member of CPCB had concluded that the approximate figure of Rs 171.34 crore was a "conservative" estimate due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India.

The panel was formed last year to give expert advice on effect of car emissions on the environment. The committee had told the NGT that cars were a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions with nitrogen dioxide being the most prevalent source form of nitrogen oxide.

In December 2015, Volkswagen India had announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in the country to fix the emission software after ARAI had conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms.

The German company had admitted to the use of 'defeat device' in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe, and other global markets to manipulate emission test results.

Last month as fog conditions escalated in the capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the government would implement the odd-even scheme, to regulate plying of private vehicles in the city.

However, the measure wasn't implemented as pollution levels remained under control in the last week of December and in the new year. 
&nbsp;

After a National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel recommended major fine on Volkswagen for causing "health damages" and air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the tribunal asked the German carmaker to deposit Rs 100 crore in the emission case by 5pm on Friday.

After a National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel recommended major fine on Volkswagen for causing "health damages" and air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the tribunal asked the German carmaker to deposit Rs 100 crore in the emission case by 5pm on Friday. The anti-pollution body said failure to deposit the amount would result in punitive action including the arrest of carmaker's India Managing Director(MD) and seizure of all properties in India. On Tuesday, a four-member panel had recommended Rs 171.34 crore fine on German auto major for causing health hazard in Delhi. The expert committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital. Nitrogen oxide is a smog-forming pollutant linked to heart and lung disease. The four-member panel comprising of ARAI director Rashmi Urdhwareshe, chief scientist of CSIR-NEERI Dr Nitin Labhsetwar, director of ministry of heavy industries Ramakant Singh and Prashant Gargava, member of CPCB had concluded that the approximate figure of Rs 171.34 crore was a "conservative" estimate due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India. The panel was formed last year to give expert advice on effect of car emissions on the environment. The committee had told the NGT that cars were a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions with nitrogen dioxide being the most prevalent source form of nitrogen oxide. In December 2015, Volkswagen India had announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in the country to fix the emission software after ARAI had conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms. The German company had admitted to the use of 'defeat device' in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe, and other global markets to manipulate emission test results. Last month as fog conditions escalated in the capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the government would implement the odd-even scheme, to regulate plying of private vehicles in the city. However, the measure wasn't implemented as pollution levels remained under control in the last week of December and in the new year.

NGT panel orders Volkswagen to pay Rs 100 crore fine in emissions case

The <a href="National Investigation Agency">National Investigation Agency (NIA)</a> Thursday carried out searches at eight places in western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India.

The agency has arrested 12 people in this connection since December 26 last year.

The fresh raids come five days after the NIA&nbsp;arrested Muhammad Absar (24) from Hapur on January 12.

The NIA said that searches were being conducted based on inputs from an interrogation of the people arrested for allegedly being part of 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' module of the global terrorist group ISIS.

The agency had earlier said it had seized a locally made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur.&nbsp;

The group had allegedly purchased remote-controlled cars and wireless doorbells to use their circuits in assembling remote-controlled improvised explosive devices.

Besides, the NIA had also seized steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature during the searches conducted earlier.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Thursday carried out searches at eight places in western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Thursday carried out searches at eight places in western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India. The agency has arrested 12 people in this connection since December 26 last year. The fresh raids come five days after the NIA arrested Muhammad Absar (24) from Hapur on January 12. The NIA said that searches were being conducted based on inputs from an interrogation of the people arrested for allegedly being part of 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' module of the global terrorist group ISIS. The agency had earlier said it had seized a locally made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur. The group had allegedly purchased remote-controlled cars and wireless doorbells to use their circuits in assembling remote-controlled improvised explosive devices. Besides, the NIA had also seized steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature during the searches conducted earlier.

Probe against IS-inspired group: NIA carries out searches in UP, Punjab

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted raids at Sports Authority of India (SAI) office in Delhi following bribery allegations against some officials, news agency ANI reported.

CBI raided SAI premises following complains that some officials were demanding bribes for approving works, the agency reported quoting official sources.

In the wake of complaints, SAI asked the CBI to investigate the matter, the report said quoting sources.&nbsp;

Currently, CBI is questioning some officials in this regard, the source added.

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Minister of State Youth Affairs&amp;Sports,R Rathore tweets: We're committed to a corruption-free India.That's why when we found out corrupt practices by a few officers in Dept of Sports,Ministry of Youth Affairs&amp;Sports,we gave their info to relevant agencies,who arrested them today. <a href="https://t.co/DtZnzWehFS">pic.twitter.com/DtZnzWehFS</a>
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When asked about the raid, SAI Director General Neelam Kapoor told: ''There is zero tolerance to corruption in SAI and we will extend our support to any action against corruption.''

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted raids at Sports Authority of India (SAI) office in Delhi following bribery allegations against some officials, news agency ANI reported.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted raids at Sports Authority of India (SAI) office in Delhi following bribery allegations against some officials, news agency ANI reported. CBI raided SAI premises following complains that some officials were demanding bribes for approving works, the agency reported quoting official sources. In the wake of complaints, SAI asked the CBI to investigate the matter, the report said quoting sources. Currently, CBI is questioning some officials in this regard, the source added. Minister of State Youth Affairs&Sports,R Rathore tweets: We're committed to a corruption-free India.That's why when we found out corrupt practices by a few officers in Dept of Sports,Ministry of Youth Affairs&Sports,we gave their info to relevant agencies,who arrested them today. pic.twitter.com/DtZnzWehFS — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2019 × When asked about the raid, SAI Director General Neelam Kapoor told: ''There is zero tolerance to corruption in SAI and we will extend our support to any action against corruption.''

CBI conducts raid at Sports Authority of India office in Delhi 

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday.

The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 21 degree Celsius and 5 degree Celsius respectively.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-flights-delayed-due-to-fog-at-delhi-airport-over-10-trains-running-late-188684">Foggy weather in Delhi</a> disrupted the rail traffic as well.

According to the latest report compiled by the Indian Railways, as many as 11 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by an hour.

Jayanagar- New Delhi S Sainani Express, Ghazipur-Anand Vihar Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 1.30-hr, 2 hours and one hour respectively.

Owing to low visibility, Bhubaneswar Duronto Express was delayed by five hours while Poorva Express and Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express were delayed by three hours each.

Fog and chill are likely to persist with little hope for an improvement in the quality of air and visibility, particularly during the morning hours.

Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 346 in the morning with particulate matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 297 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor'&nbsp;category at 355.

AQI between the range of 51 and 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate; 201-300 falls under the category of poor. AQI in the range of 300-400 is considered as 'very poor'&nbsp;and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous.'

AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 346, 357 and 342 respectively.

"The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next couple of days," said the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

"Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," advised SAFAR."If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don`t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," the SAFAR advisory further read.

Delhi, which is home to approximately 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years.

The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools.

Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a "gas chamber" and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency.

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday.

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday. The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 21 degree Celsius and 5 degree Celsius respectively. Foggy weather in Delhi disrupted the rail traffic as well. According to the latest report compiled by the Indian Railways, as many as 11 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by an hour. Jayanagar- New Delhi S Sainani Express, Ghazipur-Anand Vihar Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 1.30-hr, 2 hours and one hour respectively. Owing to low visibility, Bhubaneswar Duronto Express was delayed by five hours while Poorva Express and Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express were delayed by three hours each. Fog and chill are likely to persist with little hope for an improvement in the quality of air and visibility, particularly during the morning hours. Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 346 in the morning with particulate matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 297 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 355. AQI between the range of 51 and 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate; 201-300 falls under the category of poor. AQI in the range of 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous.' AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 346, 357 and 342 respectively. "The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next couple of days," said the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. "Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," advised SAFAR."If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don`t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," the SAFAR advisory further read. Delhi, which is home to approximately 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years. The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools. Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a "gas chamber" and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency.

Delhi's air quality drops to 'very poor' level; fog disrupts train movement

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday.

According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning.&nbsp;

No tsunami warning has been issued by&nbsp;India Meteorological Department.

No report of any casualty or infrastructure&nbsp;damage so far.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the quake had a latitude of &nbsp;7.6 degrees north and longitude of 94.5 degrees east. It was at depth of 84 Kilometre.

More information awaited. 
&nbsp;

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday. According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning.

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday. According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning. No tsunami warning has been issued by India Meteorological Department. No report of any casualty or infrastructure damage so far. According to the India Meteorological Department, the quake had a latitude of 7.6 degrees north and longitude of 94.5 degrees east. It was at depth of 84 Kilometre. More information awaited.

6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Nicobar Islands region; no tsunami warning

With just a day to go for the mega rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said BJP will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“The end of BJP has already begun. Congress, I do not know, but BJP will not get more than 125 seats,” Banerjee said while taking stock of the preparations at the Brigade Parade Grounds which will host the January 19 rally.

Upping its ante against the ruling BJP at the Centre, Banerjee is convening a Mahagathbandhan rally to bring most regional parties together ahead of the next general elections. &nbsp;“This is a Mahagathbandhan of people and the parties are together,” she said.

While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will skip the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. BSP supremo Mayawati will also stay away from the Brigade rally, but has decided to send her party leader Satish Mishra.

A major shot in the arm for the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties as a part of the Mahagathbandhan is rebel BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will also be joining the rally. This apart, two other former union ministers who had served in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet -- Arun Shorie and Yashwant Sinha -- have also confirmed their presence.

Political analysts feel that this will be a major setback for the BJP as three former union ministers have come together with other opposition parties to combat the ruling party at the Centre.

Banerjee is likely to hold a meeting with the twenty opposition leaders after the rally on January 19. "Since they are our state guests, we will be holding a meeting later at 4 pm," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

The twenty leaders who will be attending the rally are HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha.

With just a day to go for the mega rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said BJP will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

With just a day to go for the mega rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said BJP will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “The end of BJP has already begun. Congress, I do not know, but BJP will not get more than 125 seats,” Banerjee said while taking stock of the preparations at the Brigade Parade Grounds which will host the January 19 rally. Upping its ante against the ruling BJP at the Centre, Banerjee is convening a Mahagathbandhan rally to bring most regional parties together ahead of the next general elections. “This is a Mahagathbandhan of people and the parties are together,” she said. While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will skip the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. BSP supremo Mayawati will also stay away from the Brigade rally, but has decided to send her party leader Satish Mishra. A major shot in the arm for the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties as a part of the Mahagathbandhan is rebel BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will also be joining the rally. This apart, two other former union ministers who had served in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet -- Arun Shorie and Yashwant Sinha -- have also confirmed their presence. Political analysts feel that this will be a major setback for the BJP as three former union ministers have come together with other opposition parties to combat the ruling party at the Centre. Banerjee is likely to hold a meeting with the twenty opposition leaders after the rally on January 19. "Since they are our state guests, we will be holding a meeting later at 4 pm," Banerjee said. The twenty leaders who will be attending the rally are HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha.

Ahead of mega rally, Mamata Banerjee says BJP will not get more than 125 seats

The Special Court of CBI here on Thursday will pronounce the quantum of punishment to<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/haryana-cbi-court-convicts-ram-rahim-3-others-in-2002-journalist-murder-case-189605"> Gurmeet Ram Rahim</a>, convicted in the murder of journalist Ramchander Chhatrapati along with three others, through video conference.

Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim will be produced in the court through video conference from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, where he is currently serving 20-year prison term since 2017 for raping two of his women followers.

Three other accused, who were also convicted in the journalist's murder case, will be produced in the court from Ambala jail through video conference.

The CBI Special Court agreed to pronounce the punishment through video conference after Haryana government on Tuesday filed an application in this regard.

The Dera chief has been found guilty of orchestrating the killing of Chhatrapati, a Sirsa-based journalist after the scribe wrote against Ram Rahim in his newspaper titled 'Poora Sach.'&nbsp;

The scribe was shot in 2002, and the case was registered in 2003.

The Special Court of CBI here on Thursday will pronounce the quantum of punishment to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, convicted in the murder of journalist Ramchander Chhatrapati along with three others, through video conference.

The Special Court of CBI here on Thursday will pronounce the quantum of punishment to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, convicted in the murder of journalist Ramchander Chhatrapati along with three others, through video conference. Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim will be produced in the court through video conference from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, where he is currently serving 20-year prison term since 2017 for raping two of his women followers. Three other accused, who were also convicted in the journalist's murder case, will be produced in the court from Ambala jail through video conference. The CBI Special Court agreed to pronounce the punishment through video conference after Haryana government on Tuesday filed an application in this regard. The Dera chief has been found guilty of orchestrating the killing of Chhatrapati, a Sirsa-based journalist after the scribe wrote against Ram Rahim in his newspaper titled 'Poora Sach.' The scribe was shot in 2002, and the case was registered in 2003.

CBI Court to pronounce punishment to Ram Rahim in journalist's murder case today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-all-work-together-for-brexit-theresa-may-after-winning-confidence-vote-190827">We must all work together for Brexit, says PM Theresa May after winning </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-all-work-together-for-brexit-theresa-may-after-winning-confidence-vote-190827">confidence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-all-work-together-for-brexit-theresa-may-after-winning-confidence-vote-190827"> vote</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after narrowly surviving a confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-navy-recovers-one-body-of-trapped-miner-operation-continues-190846">Meghalaya: Navy recovers one body of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-navy-recovers-one-body-of-trapped-miner-operation-continues-190846">trapped</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-navy-recovers-one-body-of-trapped-miner-operation-continues-190846"> miner; operation continues</a>

The Indian navy in Meghalaya recovered a body of a trapped miner from a rat-hole illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district after 34 days of the incident, ANI reported on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/911-american-survivor-killed-in-kenya-hotel-attack-190845">9/11 American survivor killed in Kenya hotel attack</a>

The American man who was among the 21 people killed in an attack on a luxury hotel complex in the Kenyan capital Nairobi was a consultant who survived the 9/11 attacks, and specialised in emerging economies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-always-stand-for-open-indo-pacific-we-have-put-china-on-notice-pence-190830">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-always-stand-for-open-indo-pacific-we-have-put-china-on-notice-pence-190830"> will always stand for open Indo-Pacific, we have put China on notice: Pence</a>

US vice-president Mike Pence has said China is using "debt diplomacy" and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". 
The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-rejects-sanctions-on-russias-aluminium-firm-rusal-tycoon-deripaska-190836">US Senate rejects sanctions on Russia's aluminium firm Rusal, tycoon Deripaska</a>

&nbsp;In a victory for President Donald Trump, the US Senate on Wednesday rejected legislation to keep sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including aluminum firm Rusal.

&nbsp;

We must all work together for Brexit, says PM Theresa May after winning confidence vote British Prime Minister Theresa May reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after narrowly surviving a confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal.

We must all work together for Brexit, says PM Theresa May after winning confidence vote British Prime Minister Theresa May reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after narrowly surviving a confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal. Meghalaya: Navy recovers one body of trapped miner; operation continues The Indian navy in Meghalaya recovered a body of a trapped miner from a rat-hole illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district after 34 days of the incident, ANI reported on Thursday. 9/11 American survivor killed in Kenya hotel attack The American man who was among the 21 people killed in an attack on a luxury hotel complex in the Kenyan capital Nairobi was a consultant who survived the 9/11 attacks, and specialised in emerging economies. US will always stand for open Indo-Pacific, we have put China on notice: Pence US vice-president Mike Pence has said China is using "debt diplomacy" and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday. US Senate rejects sanctions on Russia's aluminium firm Rusal, tycoon Deripaska In a victory for President Donald Trump, the US Senate on Wednesday rejected legislation to keep sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including aluminum firm Rusal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before. In 2018, during the Golden Globe race to circumnavigate the world, he was very badly hurt, his boat was damaged, and he was stuck for three&nbsp;days in the middle of the ocean before being rescued. He spoke to WION about his ordeal, his phone call with the prime minister, and what he plans to do next.&nbsp;

WION: How do you feel now that you are back?

Abhilash Tomy: I feel good. I am really happy how the navy rescued me and whatever injury I had did not become worse. And I got some treatment at a military hospital that despite suffering multiple fractures on the spine I am in a position to walk

WION: What happened at the high seas during your circumnavigation?

Abhilash Tomy: I had 2 fracture in my spine. I had one unstable fracture. There were different kinds of issues. What doctors did is they took 5 vertebrates and they put titanium rods and they screwed the 5 bones into a single piece.

WION: Will you go for such a thing again?

Abhilash Tomy: Yes Ofcource. I am working on my fitness. And if I am better I will, definitely go and do it again.

WION: How do you get this spirit..a spirit of an adventurer?&nbsp;

Abhilash Tomy: I really don't know. But maybe because I am in the navy. We keep doing things nobody else does.

WION: Your message to youngsters?

Abhilash Tomy: Well I hope that they don't take any rash decision. They (should) prepare hard. I prepared for three years before this circumnavigation. I prepared for five years before my last circumnavigation. A lot of time and effort goes into this and I hope they put it before they take the first step and cast off.

WION: what goes into preparation?

Abhilash Tomy: Tremendous amount of preparation goes. The physical part is just one bit out of hundred. I did a course in medicine. I did a course in survival. You need to know how to sail, keep yourself hydrated, how much water to carry, how much to conserve, how much food to carry, how to repair, how to do carpentry work, how to repair the engine and stitch a sail. You need to know a lot of things. Just not one skill. Preparation takes a lot of time. It's not cross country race that you wear shoes and start running. This requires multiple skill set. You need to be able to use the skill in a harsh environment and unstable platform when your boat is moving in all directions-- left and right, up and down, rolling. It is not easy.

WION: Did you give it up anytime?

Abhilash Tomy: Never. That thought never crossed my mind. I never gave up. Always looking at the future with a lot of expectations. I was thinking what all I will do now that I am not part of the race, what all I can do. I was making a mental note of things I will be able to do in case I go for another race. All these thoughts were coming to my mind.... I was looking at the future, the bright one.

WION: Your family's reaction. They must be worried....

Abhilash Tomy: They are always worried whenever I go for a race like this. It is full of risk. Even when this incident happened, it was a period of a struggle for my wife and mother, at the same time my father was giving statements that he will go again. And that is what my mother told me, don't stop, you have to go again. My wife told me if you better you definitely must go back. I'm glad I got a supportive family like this. I am happy I have got really strong women in my family.&nbsp;

WION: PM Modi called you... What all he said?

Abhilash Tomy: The fact that prime minister calls you means he is keeping a tab on things. Means most powerful person in the country wants you back and he will spare no effort to get you back. So that kind of things gives you a lot of confidence. He called me and told me "apko yaad hai ap hamarey ghar aye they milney key liye". It was so fantastic of him to speak so humbly and nicely. During the course of interaction, I told him that I'll definitely go back to sea and he made a mention of it in Mann Ki Baat.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before.

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before. In 2018, during the Golden Globe race to circumnavigate the world, he was very badly hurt, his boat was damaged, and he was stuck for three days in the middle of the ocean before being rescued. He spoke to WION about his ordeal, his phone call with the prime minister, and what he plans to do next. WION: How do you feel now that you are back? Abhilash Tomy: I feel good. I am really happy how the navy rescued me and whatever injury I had did not become worse. And I got some treatment at a military hospital that despite suffering multiple fractures on the spine I am in a position to walk WION: What happened at the high seas during your circumnavigation? Abhilash Tomy: I had 2 fracture in my spine. I had one unstable fracture. There were different kinds of issues. What doctors did is they took 5 vertebrates and they put titanium rods and they screwed the 5 bones into a single piece. WION: Will you go for such a thing again? Abhilash Tomy: Yes Ofcource. I am working on my fitness. And if I am better I will, definitely go and do it again. WION: How do you get this spirit..a spirit of an adventurer? Abhilash Tomy: I really don't know. But maybe because I am in the navy. We keep doing things nobody else does. WION: Your message to youngsters? Abhilash Tomy: Well I hope that they don't take any rash decision. They (should) prepare hard. I prepared for three years before this circumnavigation. I prepared for five years before my last circumnavigation. A lot of time and effort goes into this and I hope they put it before they take the first step and cast off. WION: what goes into preparation? Abhilash Tomy: Tremendous amount of preparation goes. The physical part is just one bit out of hundred. I did a course in medicine. I did a course in survival. You need to know how to sail, keep yourself hydrated, how much water to carry, how much to conserve, how much food to carry, how to repair, how to do carpentry work, how to repair the engine and stitch a sail. You need to know a lot of things. Just not one skill. Preparation takes a lot of time. It's not cross country race that you wear shoes and start running. This requires multiple skill set. You need to be able to use the skill in a harsh environment and unstable platform when your boat is moving in all directions-- left and right, up and down, rolling. It is not easy. WION: Did you give it up anytime? Abhilash Tomy: Never. That thought never crossed my mind. I never gave up. Always looking at the future with a lot of expectations. I was thinking what all I will do now that I am not part of the race, what all I can do. I was making a mental note of things I will be able to do in case I go for another race. All these thoughts were coming to my mind.... I was looking at the future, the bright one. WION: Your family's reaction. They must be worried.... Abhilash Tomy: They are always worried whenever I go for a race like this. It is full of risk. Even when this incident happened, it was a period of a struggle for my wife and mother, at the same time my father was giving statements that he will go again. And that is what my mother told me, don't stop, you have to go again. My wife told me if you better you definitely must go back. I'm glad I got a supportive family like this. I am happy I have got really strong women in my family. WION: PM Modi called you... What all he said? Abhilash Tomy: The fact that prime minister calls you means he is keeping a tab on things. Means most powerful person in the country wants you back and he will spare no effort to get you back. So that kind of things gives you a lot of confidence. He called me and told me "apko yaad hai ap hamarey ghar aye they milney key liye". It was so fantastic of him to speak so humbly and nicely. During the course of interaction, I told him that I'll definitely go back to sea and he made a mention of it in Mann Ki Baat.

Thought of giving up never crossed my mind: Commander Abhilash Tomy to WION

The tenure of CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/cbi-vs-cbi-cleaning-the-rot-within-176144">who was sent on forced leave by the government</a>, has been curtailed with immediate effect, according to an official order issued Thursday.

The tenures of three more officers -- Joint Director Arun Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General Manish Kumar Sinha and Superintendent of Police Jayant J Naiknavare -- have also been curtailed, it said.

The development comes days after Alok Verma was shunted out of the post of CBI director and appointed Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards.

Verma had refused to take up the new post, saying he had already superannuated from the police service.&nbsp;

The tenure of CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was sent on forced leave by the government, has been curtailed with immediate effect, according to an official order issued Thursday.

The tenure of CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was sent on forced leave by the government, has been curtailed with immediate effect, according to an official order issued Thursday. The tenures of three more officers -- Joint Director Arun Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General Manish Kumar Sinha and Superintendent of Police Jayant J Naiknavare -- have also been curtailed, it said. The development comes days after Alok Verma was shunted out of the post of CBI director and appointed Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards. Verma had refused to take up the new post, saying he had already superannuated from the police service.

Govt ends Rakesh Asthana's tenure in CBI with immediate effect

An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a $464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting $7 million bond.

Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padmashri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged $464 million healthcare fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic.

US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the government's concern that the doctor has hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India.

Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit news reported.

Being the lead defendant in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a $8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported.

His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July.

Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings.

He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George H W Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers.

Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India.

For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expenses to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction.

He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse.

The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra after a severe earthquake.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothra's net worth, which could be as high as $35 million.

Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owns a real-estate company that owns 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including $2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak.

Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors will meet and decide whether to appeal the bond.

Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nation's opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections.

An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a $464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting $7 million bond.

An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a $464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting $7 million bond. Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padmashri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged $464 million healthcare fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic. US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the government's concern that the doctor has hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India. Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit news reported. Being the lead defendant in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a $8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported. His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July. Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings. He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George H W Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expenses to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse. The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra after a severe earthquake. Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothra's net worth, which could be as high as $35 million. Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owns a real-estate company that owns 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including $2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak. Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors will meet and decide whether to appeal the bond. Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nation's opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections.

US: Indian-origin doctor charged in healthcare fraud freed on record $7 million bond

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday.

The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions.

In its May 2018 report, the institute expressed "grave concerns" on the management of 17 shelter homes, including 'Balika grih' in Muzzafarpur where 34 girls had reported abuse at the hands of office-bearers and outsiders.

The audit report was submitted to the state government and later became the basis of a Supreme Court order directing a CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case.

The apex court later handed over the remaining 16 cases to the agency too.

The CBI, which had on Wednesday booked two shelter homes in Bhagalpur and Gaya, registered six new cases against Novelty Welfare Society, which ran a short-stay home in Munger district; Panaah shelter home, also in same district; Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan which ran a short-stay home in Kaimur; Om Sai Foundation which ran sewa kutir in Muzzafarpur; and short-stay home run by Ikard and Kaushal Kutir run by Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna.

It is alleged that the Director of Novelty Welfare Society and others used to lock the room of a mentally-sick woman inmate causing wrongful restraint and confinement and ill-treated other inmates.

It also sublet a portion of the shelter home for a rent of Rs 10,000 and did not provide proper ventilation or sanitation facilities for the inmates, the FIR alleged.

In the case of 'Panaah', it is alleged that office-bearers of the home "physically exploited" the inmates forcing them to do manual work including cooking and cleaning, the FIR stated.

It said the shelter home was being run from a building meant for an observation home and was not "livable" for young children.

The CBI has booked Sudarshan Ram, Pintu Pal and Tara Devi, all office-bearers of Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan, which ran the short-stay home at Lalpur in Kaimur district.

It is alleged that the security guard was sexally abusive, passing lewd comments and physically assaulting women and girls inmates. He managed day-to-day affairs of the home giving him undue power and authority over residents.

The director of Om Sai Foundation has also been booked by the agency for allegedly subjecting inmates to physical assault and verbal abuse.

The short-stay home in Patna run by Ikard reported repeated violence, according to the agency FIR.

It is alleged several girl inmates who lost their way were kept there. In spite of providing addresses and phone numbers of their homes, they were not put in touch with their families.

A girl had committed suicide nearly a year ago as she could not cope with the violent atmosphere, while another girl lost her mental balance, it alleged.

It was reported that they got no clothes, medicines, toiletries with a very poor quality of food being served to the inmates.

The CBI has also booked the caretaker of Kaushal Kutir run by NGO Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna, for alleged abusive behaviour.

Male and female inmates were not allowed to speak or even look at each other, the FIR alleged. The open space was not accessible for inmates of the shelter home, it said.&nbsp;

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday. The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions.

The CBI has registered six new cases related to alleged abuse of inmates in shelter homes in Bihar, taking the tally to nine, officials said Thursday. The cases have been registered on the basis of details given in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) audit report of shelter homes in Bihar, which brought to fore sordid stories of mismanagement, abuse and unlivable conditions. In its May 2018 report, the institute expressed "grave concerns" on the management of 17 shelter homes, including 'Balika grih' in Muzzafarpur where 34 girls had reported abuse at the hands of office-bearers and outsiders. The audit report was submitted to the state government and later became the basis of a Supreme Court order directing a CBI probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The apex court later handed over the remaining 16 cases to the agency too. The CBI, which had on Wednesday booked two shelter homes in Bhagalpur and Gaya, registered six new cases against Novelty Welfare Society, which ran a short-stay home in Munger district; Panaah shelter home, also in same district; Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan which ran a short-stay home in Kaimur; Om Sai Foundation which ran sewa kutir in Muzzafarpur; and short-stay home run by Ikard and Kaushal Kutir run by Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna. It is alleged that the Director of Novelty Welfare Society and others used to lock the room of a mentally-sick woman inmate causing wrongful restraint and confinement and ill-treated other inmates. It also sublet a portion of the shelter home for a rent of Rs 10,000 and did not provide proper ventilation or sanitation facilities for the inmates, the FIR alleged. In the case of 'Panaah', it is alleged that office-bearers of the home "physically exploited" the inmates forcing them to do manual work including cooking and cleaning, the FIR stated. It said the shelter home was being run from a building meant for an observation home and was not "livable" for young children. The CBI has booked Sudarshan Ram, Pintu Pal and Tara Devi, all office-bearers of Gram Swaraj Sewa Sansthan, which ran the short-stay home at Lalpur in Kaimur district. It is alleged that the security guard was sexally abusive, passing lewd comments and physically assaulting women and girls inmates. He managed day-to-day affairs of the home giving him undue power and authority over residents. The director of Om Sai Foundation has also been booked by the agency for allegedly subjecting inmates to physical assault and verbal abuse. The short-stay home in Patna run by Ikard reported repeated violence, according to the agency FIR. It is alleged several girl inmates who lost their way were kept there. In spite of providing addresses and phone numbers of their homes, they were not put in touch with their families. A girl had committed suicide nearly a year ago as she could not cope with the violent atmosphere, while another girl lost her mental balance, it alleged. It was reported that they got no clothes, medicines, toiletries with a very poor quality of food being served to the inmates. The CBI has also booked the caretaker of Kaushal Kutir run by NGO Don Bosco Tech Society in Patna, for alleged abusive behaviour. Male and female inmates were not allowed to speak or even look at each other, the FIR alleged. The open space was not accessible for inmates of the shelter home, it said.

CBI registers cases against 6 more shelter homes in Bihar for abuse of inmates 

Netflix Inc and home-grown rival Hotstar plan to adopt self-regulation guidelines for content streamed on their platforms in India in an effort to prevent potential government censorship, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

India has film and TV certification bodies that moderate public content but the country's laws currently do not mandate any censorship of content on online streaming platforms.

But global video streaming market leader, Netflix, was drawn into a legal battle last year after a complaint that its first Indian original series "Sacred Games" insulted former prime minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi.

The battle raised concerns in the industry that the government could, at some point, look at regulating content on online streaming platforms.

A draft of an unofficial code that will be adopted by Netflix, Hotstar and other local players, seen by Reuters, said that the platforms would prohibit content that shows a child "engaged in real or simulated sexual activities", is disrespectful of India's national flag or encourages "terrorism".

Amazon Inc's Prime Video will not sign the code, though it helped draft it, as the company does not want to act in the absence of government-mandated regulation, one of the sources said.

Subho Ray, President of the Internet and Mobile Association of India, which drafted the code with industry consultation, said it would be made public on Thursday, and the final version would include changes when compared to the draft.

Amazon Prime Video said in a statement it is assessing the situation but believes "the current laws are adequate". Netflix and Star India, the parent of Hotstar, did not respond to requests for comment.

The draft code also said that companies which sign it will bar content "which deliberately and maliciously intends to outrage religious sentiments of any class, section or community."

The companies will also internally appoint a person, team or department to receive and address any "consumer-related concerns and complaints", the draft document added.

"It is a welcome move to form guidelines but in no manner should they be restrictive to expression or creative freedom," said Vikram Malhotra of production house Abundantia Entertainment, which has worked on an Amazon Prime show.

The companies continue to face legal challenges. A local non-profit group, Justice For Rights Foundation, late last year filed a case against Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Hotstar for showing sexually explicit content and demanding a regulator for online content, its founder Satyam Singh told Reuters.

Netflix Inc and home-grown rival Hotstar plan to adopt self-regulation guidelines for content streamed on their platforms in India in an effort to prevent potential government censorship, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Netflix Inc and home-grown rival Hotstar plan to adopt self-regulation guidelines for content streamed on their platforms in India in an effort to prevent potential government censorship, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. India has film and TV certification bodies that moderate public content but the country's laws currently do not mandate any censorship of content on online streaming platforms. But global video streaming market leader, Netflix, was drawn into a legal battle last year after a complaint that its first Indian original series "Sacred Games" insulted former prime minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi. The battle raised concerns in the industry that the government could, at some point, look at regulating content on online streaming platforms. A draft of an unofficial code that will be adopted by Netflix, Hotstar and other local players, seen by Reuters, said that the platforms would prohibit content that shows a child "engaged in real or simulated sexual activities", is disrespectful of India's national flag or encourages "terrorism". Amazon Inc's Prime Video will not sign the code, though it helped draft it, as the company does not want to act in the absence of government-mandated regulation, one of the sources said. Subho Ray, President of the Internet and Mobile Association of India, which drafted the code with industry consultation, said it would be made public on Thursday, and the final version would include changes when compared to the draft. Amazon Prime Video said in a statement it is assessing the situation but believes "the current laws are adequate". Netflix and Star India, the parent of Hotstar, did not respond to requests for comment. The draft code also said that companies which sign it will bar content "which deliberately and maliciously intends to outrage religious sentiments of any class, section or community." The companies will also internally appoint a person, team or department to receive and address any "consumer-related concerns and complaints", the draft document added. "It is a welcome move to form guidelines but in no manner should they be restrictive to expression or creative freedom," said Vikram Malhotra of production house Abundantia Entertainment, which has worked on an Amazon Prime show. The companies continue to face legal challenges. A local non-profit group, Justice For Rights Foundation, late last year filed a case against Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Hotstar for showing sexually explicit content and demanding a regulator for online content, its founder Satyam Singh told Reuters.

Netflix, Hotstar to censor content in India: Report

The CBI Special Court in Panchkula on Thursday awarded life imprisonment to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in Sirsa-based journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder in 2002.

Three other convicts -- Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh and Krishan Lal -- have also been awarded life imprisonment. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each one of the accused.

The CBI court on January 11 convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief for the murder of the journalist.

Three others, who reportedly were close aides of Gurmeet were also convicted in the case.

The 51-year-old Godman is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers.

Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati was shot at after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.

The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.&nbsp;

The CBI Special Court in Panchkula on Thursday awarded life imprisonment to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in Sirsa-based journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder in 2002.

The CBI Special Court in Panchkula on Thursday awarded life imprisonment to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in Sirsa-based journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder in 2002. Three other convicts -- Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh and Krishan Lal -- have also been awarded life imprisonment. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each one of the accused. The CBI court on January 11 convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief for the murder of the journalist. Three others, who reportedly were close aides of Gurmeet were also convicted in the case. The 51-year-old Godman is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers. Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati was shot at after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of journalist

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/exclusive-indias-e-commerce-curbs-could-hit-online-sales-by-46-billion-by-2022-pwc-draft-analysis-190994">India's curbs on e-commerce could hit online sales by $46 billion by 2022: PwC draft analysis</a>

India's new foreign investment restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart, could reduce online sales by $46 billion by 2022, according to a draft analysis from global consultants PwC seen by Reuters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-navy-divers-are-seeing-skeletons-say-sources-191021">Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy divers are seeing skeletons, say sources</a>

The navy divers helping in the Meghalaya mine rescue are reportedly seeing skeletons through their remotely-operated vehicles, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/volkswagen-india-says-it-will-pay-rs-100-crore-fine-it-was-ordered-to-cough-up-within-24-hours-191039">Volkswagen India says it will pay Rs 100 crore fine it was ordered to cough up within 24 hours</a>

Volkswagen India said Thursday that its cars are compliant with Indian emission norms but that it would still pay the Rs 100 crore fine the National Green Tribunal had ordered it to.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-accuses-compulsive-contrarians-of-subverting-democracy-190979">Jaitley, in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-accuses-compulsive-contrarians-of-subverting-democracy-190979">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-accuses-compulsive-contrarians-of-subverting-democracy-190979"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-accuses-compulsive-contrarians-of-subverting-democracy-190979">medical</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-accuses-compulsive-contrarians-of-subverting-democracy-190979"> check-up, says 'Compulsive Contrarians' subverting democracy</a>

Terming opposition parties as 'Compulsive Contrarians', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused them of manufacturing falsehood and subverting democracy by weakening an elected government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-pakistanis-killed-in-retaliatory-fire-across-loc-in-last-few-days-indian-army-190995">5 Pakistanis killed in retaliatory fire across LoC in last few days: Indian Army</a>

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply".

India's curbs on e-commerce could hit online sales by $46 billion by 2022: PwC draft analysis India's new foreign investment restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.

India's curbs on e-commerce could hit online sales by $46 billion by 2022: PwC draft analysis India's new foreign investment restrictions for its e-commerce sector, which includes giants such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart, could reduce online sales by $46 billion by 2022, according to a draft analysis from global consultants PwC seen by Reuters. Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy divers are seeing skeletons, say sources The navy divers helping in the Meghalaya mine rescue are reportedly seeing skeletons through their remotely-operated vehicles, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying on Thursday. Volkswagen India says it will pay Rs 100 crore fine it was ordered to cough up within 24 hours Volkswagen India said Thursday that its cars are compliant with Indian emission norms but that it would still pay the Rs 100 crore fine the National Green Tribunal had ordered it to. Jaitley, in US for medical check-up, says 'Compulsive Contrarians' subverting democracy Terming opposition parties as 'Compulsive Contrarians', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused them of manufacturing falsehood and subverting democracy by weakening an elected government. 5 Pakistanis killed in retaliatory fire across LoC in last few days: Indian Army The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control. Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply".

Shares of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-fall-further-plunge-over-5-190956&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjxysS08vTfAhVQ-2EKHSw1Dq8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw27JMTSDbEvEEEVIeVY35-N">Jet Airways</a> erased early losses and ended over 5 per cent higher Thursday after Chairman Naresh Goyal offered to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the airline on the condition that his stake does not fall below 25 per cent.

The scrip bounced back and ended 5.09 per cent higher at Rs 284.80 on the BSE. During the day, the stock had plunged 5.31 per cent to Rs 256.60.

At NSE, shares of the company soared 5.28 per cent to close at Rs 283.95.

In terms of equity volume, 48.12 lakh shares of the company were traded on BSE and over 6 crore shares changed hands at NSE during the day. 
Goyal said he is committed to an "infusion of funds into the company to the extent of Rs 700 crore" and pledging all his shares.

This is subject to the condition that his shareholding post such infusion is at least 25 per cent, he said in the letter which was seen by PTI.

Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal has told the State Bank of India (SBI) that he is ready to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the airline on the condition that his stake does not fall below 25 per cent.

Goyal's offer comes against the backdrop of strategic partner Etihad reportedly putting forward strict conditions, including that Goyal should give up control, for infusing funds into the crisis-hit carrier.

In a letter to SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar, Goyal said he is writing with reference to the resolution plan under discussion and in view of Etihad's position, "despite the significant cash crunch and imminent grounding, which the airline is facing".

According to Jet Airways' shareholding pattern on BSE, as of the quarter ending December 2018, Goyal owns 5,79,33,665 shares, amounting to 51 per cent stake in the company

Shares of Jet Airways erased early losses and ended over 5 per cent higher Thursday after Chairman Naresh Goyal offered to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the airline on the condition that his stake does not fall below 25 per cent.

Shares of Jet Airways erased early losses and ended over 5 per cent higher Thursday after Chairman Naresh Goyal offered to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the airline on the condition that his stake does not fall below 25 per cent. The scrip bounced back and ended 5.09 per cent higher at Rs 284.80 on the BSE. During the day, the stock had plunged 5.31 per cent to Rs 256.60. At NSE, shares of the company soared 5.28 per cent to close at Rs 283.95. In terms of equity volume, 48.12 lakh shares of the company were traded on BSE and over 6 crore shares changed hands at NSE during the day. Goyal said he is committed to an "infusion of funds into the company to the extent of Rs 700 crore" and pledging all his shares. This is subject to the condition that his shareholding post such infusion is at least 25 per cent, he said in the letter which was seen by PTI. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal has told the State Bank of India (SBI) that he is ready to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the airline on the condition that his stake does not fall below 25 per cent. Goyal's offer comes against the backdrop of strategic partner Etihad reportedly putting forward strict conditions, including that Goyal should give up control, for infusing funds into the crisis-hit carrier. In a letter to SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar, Goyal said he is writing with reference to the resolution plan under discussion and in view of Etihad's position, "despite the significant cash crunch and imminent grounding, which the airline is facing". According to Jet Airways' shareholding pattern on BSE, as of the quarter ending December 2018, Goyal owns 5,79,33,665 shares, amounting to 51 per cent stake in the company

Jet Airways shares bounce back; settle with over 5 per cent gain

Volkswagen India said Thursday that its cars are compliant with Indian emission norms but that it would still pay the Rs 100 crore fine the National Green Tribunal had ordered it to.&nbsp;

The NGT had on Thursday ordered Volkswagen to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-panel-orders-volkswagen-to-pay-rs-100-crore-fine-in-emissions-case-190884">pay the Rs 100 crore fine within 24 hours</a>, failing which its directors would be arrested and its properties seized.&nbsp;

‘The Volkswagen Group reiterates that all cars from the Group are compliant with the emission norms in India. The order of the Honourable NGT is already under challenge before the Honourable Supreme Court. However, The Volkswagen Group India will comply with the order of Honourable National Green Tribunal (NGT) and deposit the money, as directed,” Volkswagen said in a statement on Thursday.&nbsp;

The NGT had on Thursday slammed Volkswagen for not depositing the Rs 100 crore imposed on the German auto major for damaging the environment through the use of a "cheat device" in its diesel cars, and directed it to submit the amount within 24 hours failing which its directors would be sent to jail.

The green panel had on November 16, 2018&nbsp;said that the use of the "cheat device" by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to inference of environmental damage and directed it to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

It had also stated the deposit was only an interim measure and constituted a joint team of representatives of the CPCB, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

The four-member committee has also recommended Rs 171.34-crore fine on Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

On Thursday, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel took strong exception to the non-compliance of its order by the automobile giant and asked it to give an undertaking that it will submit the amount by 5PM Friday.

"Why have you not complied with our order when there is no stay. We will not give you any further time. You are in default. If you do not deposit the amount, we will order arrest and detention of your directors," the bench, comprising Justice SP Wangdi, said while asking Volkswagen to submit an affidavit of compliance after depositing the amount.&nbsp;

A "cheat" or "defeat device" is a software in diesel engines to manipulate emission tests by changing the performance of the cars globally.

Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in India to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms.

The automobile giant had admitted to the use of "cheat devices" in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets to manipulate emission test results.

After the tests by ARAI, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms.

The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India, unlike in the US.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Volkswagen India said Thursday that its cars are compliant with Indian emission norms but that it would still pay the Rs 100 crore fine the National Green Tribunal had ordered it to.

Volkswagen India said Thursday that its cars are compliant with Indian emission norms but that it would still pay the Rs 100 crore fine the National Green Tribunal had ordered it to. The NGT had on Thursday ordered Volkswagen to pay the Rs 100 crore fine within 24 hours, failing which its directors would be arrested and its properties seized. ‘The Volkswagen Group reiterates that all cars from the Group are compliant with the emission norms in India. The order of the Honourable NGT is already under challenge before the Honourable Supreme Court. However, The Volkswagen Group India will comply with the order of Honourable National Green Tribunal (NGT) and deposit the money, as directed,” Volkswagen said in a statement on Thursday. The NGT had on Thursday slammed Volkswagen for not depositing the Rs 100 crore imposed on the German auto major for damaging the environment through the use of a "cheat device" in its diesel cars, and directed it to submit the amount within 24 hours failing which its directors would be sent to jail. The green panel had on November 16, 2018 said that the use of the "cheat device" by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to inference of environmental damage and directed it to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It had also stated the deposit was only an interim measure and constituted a joint team of representatives of the CPCB, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The four-member committee has also recommended Rs 171.34-crore fine on Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. On Thursday, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel took strong exception to the non-compliance of its order by the automobile giant and asked it to give an undertaking that it will submit the amount by 5PM Friday. "Why have you not complied with our order when there is no stay. We will not give you any further time. You are in default. If you do not deposit the amount, we will order arrest and detention of your directors," the bench, comprising Justice SP Wangdi, said while asking Volkswagen to submit an affidavit of compliance after depositing the amount. A "cheat" or "defeat device" is a software in diesel engines to manipulate emission tests by changing the performance of the cars globally. Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced the recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles in India to fix the emission software after ARAI conducted tests on some models and found that their on-road emissions were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than the applicable BS-IV norms. The automobile giant had admitted to the use of "cheat devices" in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets to manipulate emission test results. After the tests by ARAI, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms. The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India, unlike in the US. (With inputs from PTI)

Volkswagen India says it will pay Rs 100 crore fine it was ordered to cough up within 24 hours

Terming opposition parties as '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-attacks-rahul-gandhi-in-blog-post-says-ignorance-with-anti-modism-is-common-thread-144187">Compulsive Contrarians</a>', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused them of manufacturing falsehood and subverting democracy by weakening an elected government.

Nations are built by those with positive mindsets and a national vigour, not by the 'Compulsive Contrarians', he said in a Facebook blog without naming Congress or other opposition parties.

Jaitley, according to sources, is in the US for a medical checkup.

"The Compulsive Contrarians had no qualms about manufacturing falsehood. They could concoct arguments even if they went against the general interest of the country. They could masquerade corruption as crusade. They could adopt double standards whenever it suited them,'' he said in a Facebook post titled 'The Compulsive Contrarian and his Manufactured Logic'.

Citing the tirade mounted by political parties on host of issues including 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections and the Rafale defence deal, Jaitley said that the 'Compulsive Contrarians' believe that this Government can do no good and hence its every act must be opposed.

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"Nations are built by those with positive mindsets and a national vigour, not by the Compulsive Contrarians. Didn't left-liberals find fault with the various actions that Gandhiji took during the freedom movement. Weakening a Sovereign Elected Government and strengthening the unelectable is only a subversion of democracy,'' he wrote.

Terming opposition parties as 'Compulsive Contrarians', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused them of manufacturing falsehood and subverting democracy by weakening an elected government.

Terming opposition parties as 'Compulsive Contrarians', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused them of manufacturing falsehood and subverting democracy by weakening an elected government. Nations are built by those with positive mindsets and a national vigour, not by the 'Compulsive Contrarians', he said in a Facebook blog without naming Congress or other opposition parties. Jaitley, according to sources, is in the US for a medical checkup. "The Compulsive Contrarians had no qualms about manufacturing falsehood. They could concoct arguments even if they went against the general interest of the country. They could masquerade corruption as crusade. They could adopt double standards whenever it suited them,'' he said in a Facebook post titled 'The Compulsive Contrarian and his Manufactured Logic'. Citing the tirade mounted by political parties on host of issues including 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections and the Rafale defence deal, Jaitley said that the 'Compulsive Contrarians' believe that this Government can do no good and hence its every act must be opposed. × "Nations are built by those with positive mindsets and a national vigour, not by the Compulsive Contrarians. Didn't left-liberals find fault with the various actions that Gandhiji took during the freedom movement. Weakening a Sovereign Elected Government and strengthening the unelectable is only a subversion of democracy,'' he wrote.

Jaitley, in US for medical check-up, says 'Compulsive Contrarians' subverting democracy

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Thursday said that she will make her nephew Akash join the BSP "movement" and give him a chance to learn, reported news agency PTI.

Reacting to allegations of nepotism levelled against her in a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati announced that she will make her nephew Akash join the BSP "movement" and give him a chance to learn.&nbsp;

She said the rise in the BSP's popularity after its alliance with the Samajwadi Party has created unrest among some parties and leaders.&nbsp;

"Rise in the popularity of BSP and its alliance with SP has created unrest among parties and leaders who are anti-Dalits and casteist, she said added that ''instead of fighting us fair and square they are making absurd remarks against us and conspiring with some casteist and anti-Dalit TV channels''.

Her comments follow reports in a section of the media that her nephew would be her heir apparent.

Accusing the "casteist and anti-Dalit" media of raising issues of nepotism, she said she was a disciple of Kanshi Ram and would give them a befitting reply.&nbsp;

If anyone has problems with that, so be it, her party does not care, Mayawati said.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Thursday said that she will make her nephew Akash join the BSP "movement" and give him a chance to learn, reported news agency PTI.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Thursday said that she will make her nephew Akash join the BSP "movement" and give him a chance to learn, reported news agency PTI. Reacting to allegations of nepotism levelled against her in a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati announced that she will make her nephew Akash join the BSP "movement" and give him a chance to learn. She said the rise in the BSP's popularity after its alliance with the Samajwadi Party has created unrest among some parties and leaders. "Rise in the popularity of BSP and its alliance with SP has created unrest among parties and leaders who are anti-Dalits and casteist, she said added that ''instead of fighting us fair and square they are making absurd remarks against us and conspiring with some casteist and anti-Dalit TV channels''. Her comments follow reports in a section of the media that her nephew would be her heir apparent. Accusing the "casteist and anti-Dalit" media of raising issues of nepotism, she said she was a disciple of Kanshi Ram and would give them a befitting reply. If anyone has problems with that, so be it, her party does not care, Mayawati said.

Will make nephew join BSP movement, give him chance to learn: Mayawati

The navy divers helping in the Meghalaya mine rescue are reportedly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-navy-divers-pull-out-body-of-meghalaya-miner-as-search-operations-continue-190869">seeing skeletons</a> through their remotely-operated vehicles, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

The water in the mines has a high sulphur content which can decompose bodies quickly, ANI reported, adding that forensic experts would reach the spot by Thursday evening and suggest a future course of action.&nbsp;

The 15 miners have been stuck in their illegal "rat hole" coal mine for 35 days now. The five miners who made it out alive have said one of the miners might have punctured an adjacent, flooded mine.&nbsp;

Rescuers have been struggling since December 13 — when the men got stuck in the mine — to pump water out of the 370-foot-deep mine.&nbsp;

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Sources: Naval divers are seeing skeletons inside mines of Meghalaya through their remotely operated vehicles. Water inside mines has high sulphur content which can decompose bodies very fast. By evening, forensics experts would reach the spot&amp;suggest the future course of action.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085837965744660480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, navy divers found the body of one of the miners.&nbsp;

The navy divers detected the body using "underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicles) at a depth of approximately 160 feet and 210 feet" inside the rat-hole mine, a navy spokesperson said on Twitter and attached video grabs of the operation.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghalayaMineTragedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghalayaMineTragedy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flash</a> One body detected by Indian Navy Divers using Underwater ROV at a depth of approx 60 feet and 210 feet inside a rat-hole mine <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/sP1sv6ikRn">pic.twitter.com/sP1sv6ikRn</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1085737702941544449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghalayaMineTragedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghalayaMineTragedy</a> The depth is 160 feet (and not 60 feet) and the body has been pulled upto the mouth of Rat-hole mine and shall be extracted out of the mine under the supervision of Doctors
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1085743023957323777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The body has been pulled up to the mouth of the 370-foot-deep rat-hole mine and would be extricated under the supervision of doctors, the spokesperson said.

A team of doctors has been rushed to the site to advise the rescuers on how to pull the body out safely, they added.

Several agencies including the navy, the National Disaster Response Force, and the air force are involved in the rescue operation.

The Supreme Court had earlier rapped the Meghalaya government over the slow progress of the search operation.

(With inputs from PTI)

The navy divers helping in the Meghalaya mine rescue are reportedly seeing skeletons through their remotely-operated vehicles, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying on Thursday.

The navy divers helping in the Meghalaya mine rescue are reportedly seeing skeletons through their remotely-operated vehicles, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying on Thursday. The water in the mines has a high sulphur content which can decompose bodies quickly, ANI reported, adding that forensic experts would reach the spot by Thursday evening and suggest a future course of action. The 15 miners have been stuck in their illegal "rat hole" coal mine for 35 days now. The five miners who made it out alive have said one of the miners might have punctured an adjacent, flooded mine. Rescuers have been struggling since December 13 — when the men got stuck in the mine — to pump water out of the 370-foot-deep mine. Sources: Naval divers are seeing skeletons inside mines of Meghalaya through their remotely operated vehicles. Water inside mines has high sulphur content which can decompose bodies very fast. By evening, forensics experts would reach the spot&suggest the future course of action. — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2019 × On Thursday, navy divers found the body of one of the miners. The navy divers detected the body using "underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicles) at a depth of approximately 160 feet and 210 feet" inside the rat-hole mine, a navy spokesperson said on Twitter and attached video grabs of the operation. #MeghalayaMineTragedy #Flash One body detected by Indian Navy Divers using Underwater ROV at a depth of approx 60 feet and 210 feet inside a rat-hole mine @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/sP1sv6ikRn — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 17, 2019 × #MeghalayaMineTragedy The depth is 160 feet (and not 60 feet) and the body has been pulled upto the mouth of Rat-hole mine and shall be extracted out of the mine under the supervision of Doctors — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 17, 2019 × The body has been pulled up to the mouth of the 370-foot-deep rat-hole mine and would be extricated under the supervision of doctors, the spokesperson said. A team of doctors has been rushed to the site to advise the rescuers on how to pull the body out safely, they added. Several agencies including the navy, the National Disaster Response Force, and the air force are involved in the rescue operation. The Supreme Court had earlier rapped the Meghalaya government over the slow progress of the search operation. (With inputs from PTI)

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy divers are seeing skeletons, say sources

The public sector entity Hindustan Aeronautics Limited designed and developed light combat helicopter (LCH) has successfully carried out air-to-air missile firing on a moving aerial target.

"This is the first time in the country that a helicopter has carried out air-to-air missile engagement. None of the helicopters with the military services in the country has demonstrated such a capability. With this, LCH has successfully completed all weapon integration tests and is ready for operational induction," chief R Madhavan said.

"During the tests conducted at integrated test range, Chandipur Odisha recently, Wg Cdr Subash P John, VM (Retd), test pilot, Col Ranjit Chitale, (Retd), Flight Test Engineer from and Gp Capt Rajeev Dubey, test pilot from the IAF, executed a flawless mission and achieved a direct hit on the aerial target, destroying it completely," said spokesperson Gopal Sutar in a press release.

Other weapons on the LCH include a 20mm Turret gun and 70 mm Rockets, the firing trials of which have already been completed last year. LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of operating at altitudes as high as Siachen glacier.&nbsp;

Designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research &amp; Design Centre (RWRDC) in response to the operational needs of the IAF, its capabilities far exceed that of contemporary attack helicopters of its class.

Equipped with Helmet mounted sight and a forward-looking infrared sighting system, LCH pilots can now detect and destroy any target on the ground or in the air.

Using these sights, pilots can now launch a missile onto any target without having to turn the helicopter. The fire and forget missile is effective against all types of aerial threat including UAVs and microlight aircraft.

Capable of operating from dispersed locations and flying at ultra-low levels, LCH can now effectively provide a protective umbrella from all aerial threats. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded approval for procurement of initial batch of 15 LCHs, 10 for IAF and 5 for the Army.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The public sector entity Hindustan Aeronautics Limited designed and developed light combat helicopter (LCH) has successfully carried out air-to-air missile firing on a moving aerial target.

The public sector entity Hindustan Aeronautics Limited designed and developed light combat helicopter (LCH) has successfully carried out air-to-air missile firing on a moving aerial target. "This is the first time in the country that a helicopter has carried out air-to-air missile engagement. None of the helicopters with the military services in the country has demonstrated such a capability. With this, LCH has successfully completed all weapon integration tests and is ready for operational induction," chief R Madhavan said. "During the tests conducted at integrated test range, Chandipur Odisha recently, Wg Cdr Subash P John, VM (Retd), test pilot, Col Ranjit Chitale, (Retd), Flight Test Engineer from and Gp Capt Rajeev Dubey, test pilot from the IAF, executed a flawless mission and achieved a direct hit on the aerial target, destroying it completely," said spokesperson Gopal Sutar in a press release. Other weapons on the LCH include a 20mm Turret gun and 70 mm Rockets, the firing trials of which have already been completed last year. LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of operating at altitudes as high as Siachen glacier. Designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre (RWRDC) in response to the operational needs of the IAF, its capabilities far exceed that of contemporary attack helicopters of its class. Equipped with Helmet mounted sight and a forward-looking infrared sighting system, LCH pilots can now detect and destroy any target on the ground or in the air. Using these sights, pilots can now launch a missile onto any target without having to turn the helicopter. The fire and forget missile is effective against all types of aerial threat including UAVs and microlight aircraft. Capable of operating from dispersed locations and flying at ultra-low levels, LCH can now effectively provide a protective umbrella from all aerial threats. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded approval for procurement of initial batch of 15 LCHs, 10 for IAF and 5 for the Army.

HAL successfully conducts missile firing on moving aerial target

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-officer-killed-in-pak-sniper-fire-along-ib-in-jks-kathua-190480">Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply</a>".

Singh added that "2018 has been a great year for the security forces: more than 250 terrorists were killed, 54 were caught alive, and four surrendered to the forces".

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Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh: In the last few days, as you mentioned in your question, 5 Pakistanis were killed, it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply. <a href="https://t.co/YU74PrMFoD">pic.twitter.com/YU74PrMFoD</a>
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Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the Kalai Bridge in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

2018 has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/analysis-ceasefire-agreement-between-india-and-pakistan-is-as-good-as-dead-139471">one of the bloodiest years along the Line of Control</a> with the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan being broken incessantly.&nbsp;

An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force was on Monday killed along the International Border by sniper fire.&nbsp;

The BSF troops were carrying out a border domination exercise along the IB when snipers of the Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in the Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI.

The officer told PTI that Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire. He was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he died from his injuries.

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control. Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply".

The Indian Army said Thursday that five Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the last few days in retaliatory fire across the Line of Control. Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said "it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply". Singh added that "2018 has been a great year for the security forces: more than 250 terrorists were killed, 54 were caught alive, and four surrendered to the forces". Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh: In the last few days, as you mentioned in your question, 5 Pakistanis were killed, it shows that Indian Army is always ready to give them a befitting reply. pic.twitter.com/YU74PrMFoD — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2019 × Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the Kalai Bridge in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. 2018 has been one of the bloodiest years along the Line of Control with the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan being broken incessantly. An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force was on Monday killed along the International Border by sniper fire. The BSF troops were carrying out a border domination exercise along the IB when snipers of the Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in the Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI. The officer told PTI that Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire. He was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he died from his injuries.

5 Pakistanis killed in retaliatory fire across LoC in last few days: Indian Army

Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Justice Dinesh Maheswari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of Delhi High Court will be sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court on Friday, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The government had notified Wednesday the appointment of Justices Maheswari and Khanna as judges of the apex court.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will administer the Oath of Office to the two judges on Friday, PTI reported quoting official circular.

Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Justice Dinesh Maheswari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of Delhi High Court will be sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Justice Dinesh Maheswari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of Delhi High Court will be sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The government had notified Wednesday the appointment of Justices Maheswari and Khanna as judges of the apex court. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will administer the Oath of Office to the two judges on Friday, PTI reported quoting official circular.

Justice Dinesh Maheswari, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as SC judges on Friday

Stating that there can be "regulations" but not "total prohibition", the Supreme Court on Thursday paved the way for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-supreme-court-allows-dance-bars-to-function-without-cctv-cameras-6617">the reopening of dance bars in Maharashtra</a> by setting aside some provisions of a 2016 law imposing restrictions on their licensing and functioning.

Clearing the path for licences allowing dance bars to operate, an apex court bench headed by Justice AK Sikri permitted them to be located a kilometre away from religious places and educational institutions.

The court allowed tips to performers but disallowed showering of currency on them.

The apex court quashed the provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016, like the mandatory installations of CCTV cameras in the dance bars saying they violated privacy.

The bench, however, upheld the provision restricting the timing of operation of dance bars from 6 pm to 11.30 pm.

"From 2005 till date, not a single person has been given licence (for dance bars). It cannot be done. There can be regulations but it cannot amount to total prohibition," the bench said while pronouncing the judgement.

The apex court said the provision which mandated that dance bars should be located one kilometre away from religious places and educations institutions is "unconstitutional".

It also quashed the provision of the 2016 law which mandated that there must be a partition between barrooms and the dance floor.

In August last year, the court reserved its verdict on the pleas of hotel and restaurant owners challenging the 2016 Maharashtra law.

Earlier, the petitioners told the bench that the state government tried to circumvent a previous order of the apex court by bringing in the new 2016 law on conditions for operation of dance bars.

Hotel and restaurant owners argued that the state government adopted an attitude that it will not permit operations of dance bars irrespective of orders passed by the apex court.

On January 11, 2017, the apex court directed the Maharashtra government to expeditiously decide the pending applications for licences to open dance bars under the old rules and the directions issued by the court from time to time.

The Maharashtra government, in an affidavit filed before the court, defended the operation of a new law meant to regulate licensing and functioning of dance bars in the state.

"It was observed that such dances were derogatory to the dignity of women and were likely to deprave, corrupt or injure public morality," the state government said.

"It was also brought to the notice of the state government that the places where such dances were staged were used as places for immoral activities and also as a place for solicitation for the purpose of prostitution," it said.

The state government said the prevention of obscenity in public places is a part of public policy in India and was reflected in the provision of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working therein) Act, 2016 gives effect to such Public Policy," it said.&nbsp;

Stating that there can be "regulations" but not "total prohibition", the Supreme Court on Thursday paved the way for the reopening of dance bars in Maharashtra by setting aside some provisions of a 2016 law imposing restrictions on their licensing and functioning.

Stating that there can be "regulations" but not "total prohibition", the Supreme Court on Thursday paved the way for the reopening of dance bars in Maharashtra by setting aside some provisions of a 2016 law imposing restrictions on their licensing and functioning. Clearing the path for licences allowing dance bars to operate, an apex court bench headed by Justice AK Sikri permitted them to be located a kilometre away from religious places and educational institutions. The court allowed tips to performers but disallowed showering of currency on them. The apex court quashed the provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016, like the mandatory installations of CCTV cameras in the dance bars saying they violated privacy. The bench, however, upheld the provision restricting the timing of operation of dance bars from 6 pm to 11.30 pm. "From 2005 till date, not a single person has been given licence (for dance bars). It cannot be done. There can be regulations but it cannot amount to total prohibition," the bench said while pronouncing the judgement. The apex court said the provision which mandated that dance bars should be located one kilometre away from religious places and educations institutions is "unconstitutional". It also quashed the provision of the 2016 law which mandated that there must be a partition between barrooms and the dance floor. In August last year, the court reserved its verdict on the pleas of hotel and restaurant owners challenging the 2016 Maharashtra law. Earlier, the petitioners told the bench that the state government tried to circumvent a previous order of the apex court by bringing in the new 2016 law on conditions for operation of dance bars. Hotel and restaurant owners argued that the state government adopted an attitude that it will not permit operations of dance bars irrespective of orders passed by the apex court. On January 11, 2017, the apex court directed the Maharashtra government to expeditiously decide the pending applications for licences to open dance bars under the old rules and the directions issued by the court from time to time. The Maharashtra government, in an affidavit filed before the court, defended the operation of a new law meant to regulate licensing and functioning of dance bars in the state. "It was observed that such dances were derogatory to the dignity of women and were likely to deprave, corrupt or injure public morality," the state government said. "It was also brought to the notice of the state government that the places where such dances were staged were used as places for immoral activities and also as a place for solicitation for the purpose of prostitution," it said. The state government said the prevention of obscenity in public places is a part of public policy in India and was reflected in the provision of Indian Penal Code (IPC). "Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working therein) Act, 2016 gives effect to such Public Policy," it said.

Supreme Court paves way for reopening of Maharashtra's dance bars

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu.

BJP took to Twitter to share the news and thank people for their wishes for the president, and tweeted, "Update: BJP President Shri @AmitShah is doing well. Doctors, post check up this morning, have opined that he is recovering well and would soon be discharged. Thank you all for your kind wishes and several messages. We are overwhelmed by your affection."

Shah was diagnosed with swine flu on Wednesday and is being treated under the supervision of AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria.

Shah also took to Twitter to inform the countrymen about his ailment and wrote, "I have been affected by swine flu disease and the treatment for the same is going on. With the blessings of God and love and good wishes of all of you, I shall be healthy soon."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu. BJP took to Twitter to share the news and thank people for their wishes for the president, and tweeted, "Update: BJP President Shri @AmitShah is doing well. Doctors, post check up this morning, have opined that he is recovering well and would soon be discharged. Thank you all for your kind wishes and several messages. We are overwhelmed by your affection." Shah was diagnosed with swine flu on Wednesday and is being treated under the supervision of AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria. Shah also took to Twitter to inform the countrymen about his ailment and wrote, "I have been affected by swine flu disease and the treatment for the same is going on. With the blessings of God and love and good wishes of all of you, I shall be healthy soon."

Amit Shah to be discharged soon: BJP

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