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Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka.

"MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said.

The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold.

The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress.&nbsp;

The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress.

The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-2-mlas-withdraw-support-to-congress-jds-govt-190470">two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out</a> of the JD(S)-Congress government.

Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government.

In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80.&nbsp;

It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113.

The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka. "MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said. The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress. The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out of the JD(S)-Congress government. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Congress MLAs in Mumbai unreachable to media, not to me: Kumaraswamy

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would hear a plea by Zakia Jafri, challenging the SIT's clean chit to then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Godhra riots, after four weeks.

Zakia, the wife of ex-MP Ehsan Jafri who was one of the 68 killed in Ahmedabad's Gulberg society, has challenged the Gujarat High Court's October 5, 2017 order rejecting her plea against the SIT's decision.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi.&nbsp;

"You are asking for four weeks and we are giving you four weeks. List the matter after four weeks," the bench said.&nbsp;

The court previously said it will also look into the application by social activist Teesta Setalvad on becoming a co-petitioner in Zakia's plea ahead of hearing the main case.

Jafri's counsel told the apex court that a notice needs to be issued in the plea as it pertains to alleged "larger conspiracy" during February 27, 2002 and May 2002. It also maintained that after the SIT gave a clean chit in its closure report before a trial judge, the petitioner filed a protest which was dismissed by the magistrate without considering "substantiated merits".

On February 8, 2012, the SIT filed a closure report, giving a clean chit to Modi and 63 others, including senior government officials, saying there was "no prosecutable evidence" against them.

Jafri was among the 68 people killed at Gulberg Society on February 28, 2002, a day after the S-6 Coach of the Sabarmati Express was burnt at Godhra, triggering riots in Gujarat.

The plea, filed through advocate Aparna Bhat, further said the high court "failed to appreciate" the petitioner's complaint which was independent of the Gulberg case registered at Meghaninagar Police Station.&nbsp;

The high court in its October 5, 2017, order said the SIT probe was monitored by the Supreme Court. However, it partly allowed Zakia's petition as far as its demand of a further investigation was concerned.

It said the petitioner can approach an appropriate forum, including the magistrate's court, a division bench of the high court or the Supreme Court seeking further investigation.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would hear a plea by Zakia Jafri, challenging the SIT's clean chit to then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Godhra riots, after four weeks.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would hear a plea by Zakia Jafri, challenging the SIT's clean chit to then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Godhra riots, after four weeks. Zakia, the wife of ex-MP Ehsan Jafri who was one of the 68 killed in Ahmedabad's Gulberg society, has challenged the Gujarat High Court's October 5, 2017 order rejecting her plea against the SIT's decision. The matter came up for hearing before a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi. "You are asking for four weeks and we are giving you four weeks. List the matter after four weeks," the bench said. The court previously said it will also look into the application by social activist Teesta Setalvad on becoming a co-petitioner in Zakia's plea ahead of hearing the main case. Jafri's counsel told the apex court that a notice needs to be issued in the plea as it pertains to alleged "larger conspiracy" during February 27, 2002 and May 2002. It also maintained that after the SIT gave a clean chit in its closure report before a trial judge, the petitioner filed a protest which was dismissed by the magistrate without considering "substantiated merits". On February 8, 2012, the SIT filed a closure report, giving a clean chit to Modi and 63 others, including senior government officials, saying there was "no prosecutable evidence" against them. Jafri was among the 68 people killed at Gulberg Society on February 28, 2002, a day after the S-6 Coach of the Sabarmati Express was burnt at Godhra, triggering riots in Gujarat. The plea, filed through advocate Aparna Bhat, further said the high court "failed to appreciate" the petitioner's complaint which was independent of the Gulberg case registered at Meghaninagar Police Station. The high court in its October 5, 2017, order said the SIT probe was monitored by the Supreme Court. However, it partly allowed Zakia's petition as far as its demand of a further investigation was concerned. It said the petitioner can approach an appropriate forum, including the magistrate's court, a division bench of the high court or the Supreme Court seeking further investigation.

Supreme Court to hear Zakia Jafri's plea in Gujarat riots after four weeks

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said on Tuesday.

The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-allow-gay-sex-to-perpetrate-into-the-army-general-bipin-rawat-189374">General Rawat</a> said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said.

He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector.

"We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China.

"Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday. The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, General Rawat said in an obvious reference to Pakistan. "We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi. The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said. He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector. "We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China. "Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.

Army will not hesitate to take strong action against terror activities along Pak border: General Bipin Rawat

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a new train on Balangir-Bichhupali route&nbsp;at the cost of Rs 115 crore&nbsp;in Odisha on Tuesday.

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Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bolangir-Bichhupali railway line in Odisha today. <a href="https://t.co/vyBaeJQ2an">pic.twitter.com/vyBaeJQ2an</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085052470194253824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In addition to the new train route, PM Modi also laid the foundation for the permanent building of Kendriya Vidyalaya at Sonepur at an investment of Rs 15.81 crore.&nbsp;

He also inaugurated renovation and restoration works of Nilamadhav and Siddheswar Temple in Odisha's Boudh district.&nbsp;

Informing about the event, the Prime Minister had tweeted on Monday: "There is something special about Odisha, that draws me to the state so often! Tomorrow I will be in Balangir to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development works, which will have a transformative impact on Odisha's progress."

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There is something special about Odisha, that draws me to the state so often! 
 
Tomorrow I will be in Balangir to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development works, which will have a transformative impact on Odisha’s progress.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1084850349532311552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a new train on Balangir-Bichhupali route at the cost of Rs 115 crore in Odisha on Tuesday. Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bolangir-Bichhupali railway line in Odisha today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a new train on Balangir-Bichhupali route at the cost of Rs 115 crore in Odisha on Tuesday. Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bolangir-Bichhupali railway line in Odisha today. pic.twitter.com/vyBaeJQ2an — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × In addition to the new train route, PM Modi also laid the foundation for the permanent building of Kendriya Vidyalaya at Sonepur at an investment of Rs 15.81 crore. He also inaugurated renovation and restoration works of Nilamadhav and Siddheswar Temple in Odisha's Boudh district. Informing about the event, the Prime Minister had tweeted on Monday: "There is something special about Odisha, that draws me to the state so often! Tomorrow I will be in Balangir to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development works, which will have a transformative impact on Odisha's progress." There is something special about Odisha, that draws me to the state so often! Tomorrow I will be in Balangir to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development works, which will have a transformative impact on Odisha’s progress. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2019 ×

PM Modi flags off new train on Balangir-Bichhupali route in Odisha

A high-level meeting to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor took place in the Home Ministry on Tuesday with the key issues being land acquisition and pilgrims' access to the other side. A high-level meet between Indian and Pakistani officials is expected to take place very soon.&nbsp;

The meeting, which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, was also attended by the Punjab chief secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF RK Mishra, and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.&nbsp;

Land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side was was a key focus area, as was the road network on the Indian side. Bisaria informed the attendees about the progress on the Pakistani side of the corridor which he visited a week ago.

The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry for coordinating with the authorities concerned, including local governments while the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry is the nodal ministry for the building and development of the corridor on the Indian side.

How pilgrims can get across to the Pakistani side with the help of simple procedures was the other key area. The Issues raised during the meeting included biometric records, the online registration of pilgrims, and timings. Sources said it was suggested that the corridor be open only for six hours during the day. It was indicated that as of now, no consensus has been reached with Islamabad on the number of pilgrims to be allowed across a day.&nbsp;

Indo-Pak officials' meet on the anvil 
According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Kartarpur corridor to Pakistan soon. The meeting is expected to take place between the third week of January and the first week of February. The sources said Pakistan will accept the proposal and invite for the meeting, as and when proposed.

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, who visited Kartapar Sahib Gurudwara recently, had said "35% of work on the corridor on the Pakistani side has been completed." Qadri had added that work on the corridor on the Pakistani side will be completed before Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary.

Punjab CM writes to Centre on Kartarpur corridor 
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to waive the mandatory condition that devotees will need passports to cross over. This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the gurudwara where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life. He suggested to the Centre that any valid government document such as an Aadhar card be used for identification at the border. The issue of passport-free access was reiterated by the Punjab chief secretary during the meet on the Kartarpur corridor at the home ministry.

A high-level meeting to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor took place in the Home Ministry on Tuesday with the key issues being land acquisition and pilgrims' access to the other side.

A high-level meeting to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor took place in the Home Ministry on Tuesday with the key issues being land acquisition and pilgrims' access to the other side. A high-level meet between Indian and Pakistani officials is expected to take place very soon. The meeting, which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, was also attended by the Punjab chief secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, DG BSF RK Mishra, and officials from the Road and Transport Ministry. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. Land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side was was a key focus area, as was the road network on the Indian side. Bisaria informed the attendees about the progress on the Pakistani side of the corridor which he visited a week ago. The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry for coordinating with the authorities concerned, including local governments while the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry is the nodal ministry for the building and development of the corridor on the Indian side. How pilgrims can get across to the Pakistani side with the help of simple procedures was the other key area. The Issues raised during the meeting included biometric records, the online registration of pilgrims, and timings. Sources said it was suggested that the corridor be open only for six hours during the day. It was indicated that as of now, no consensus has been reached with Islamabad on the number of pilgrims to be allowed across a day. Indo-Pak officials' meet on the anvil According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Kartarpur corridor to Pakistan soon. The meeting is expected to take place between the third week of January and the first week of February. The sources said Pakistan will accept the proposal and invite for the meeting, as and when proposed. Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, who visited Kartapar Sahib Gurudwara recently, had said "35% of work on the corridor on the Pakistani side has been completed." Qadri had added that work on the corridor on the Pakistani side will be completed before Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary. Punjab CM writes to Centre on Kartarpur corridor Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to waive the mandatory condition that devotees will need passports to cross over. This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the gurudwara where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life. He suggested to the Centre that any valid government document such as an Aadhar card be used for identification at the border. The issue of passport-free access was reiterated by the Punjab chief secretary during the meet on the Kartarpur corridor at the home ministry.

Kartarpur corridor: Indian, Pakistani officials to meet soon as Pak says 35% work on its side of border complete

The HRD Ministry announced Tuesday that it will implement 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of the general category from the 2019 academic session and increase around 25 per cent seats in higher educational institutions and universities across the country.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar informed that the decision was taken at a meeting of officials from the ministry, University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).

"The reservation will be implemented from the 2019-2020 academic session itself. Nearly 25 per cent seats will be added to ensure that the reservation does not disturb the existing quota for SC, ST and other categories. There are around 40,000 colleges and 900 universities across the country and supernumerary quota will be provided in these," Javadekar told reporters.

The minister, however, did not specify the number of seats which will be added.

"The modalities are being worked out and within a week's time, we will have the exact number of seats that will be added. The operation manuals about how to implement the quota will be issued soon. The colleges and universities will also be asked to mention the quota in their prospectus as well and make infrastructural arrangements accordingly," he added.

Javadekar also said that the private universities are also ready to implement the quota.

The Rajya Sabha on January 9 approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education, with the government terming the landmark move as "slog over sixes".

The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).&nbsp;

The HRD Ministry announced Tuesday that it will implement 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of the general category from the 2019 academic session and increase around 25 per cent seats in higher educational institutions and universities across the country.

The HRD Ministry announced Tuesday that it will implement 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of the general category from the 2019 academic session and increase around 25 per cent seats in higher educational institutions and universities across the country. Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar informed that the decision was taken at a meeting of officials from the ministry, University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). "The reservation will be implemented from the 2019-2020 academic session itself. Nearly 25 per cent seats will be added to ensure that the reservation does not disturb the existing quota for SC, ST and other categories. There are around 40,000 colleges and 900 universities across the country and supernumerary quota will be provided in these," Javadekar told reporters. The minister, however, did not specify the number of seats which will be added. "The modalities are being worked out and within a week's time, we will have the exact number of seats that will be added. The operation manuals about how to implement the quota will be issued soon. The colleges and universities will also be asked to mention the quota in their prospectus as well and make infrastructural arrangements accordingly," he added. Javadekar also said that the private universities are also ready to implement the quota. The Rajya Sabha on January 9 approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education, with the government terming the landmark move as "slog over sixes". The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

HRD to increase nearly 25% seats in varsities to implement 10% quota for general category

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose.

"This will directly benefit a total of 29,264 teachers and other academic staff of state government funded institutes. Besides, about 3.5 lakh teachers and other academic staff of private colleges or institutions within the purview of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also benefit from the approval," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters.

"The central government will also reimburse 50 per cent of total additional expenditure to be incurred by these institutes for the payment of arrears on account of 7th Central Pay Commission implementation," he added.

The minister said that the move will help technical institutions on attracting and retaining faculty of high academic standards.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose. "This will directly benefit a total of 29,264 teachers and other academic staff of state government funded institutes. Besides, about 3.5 lakh teachers and other academic staff of private colleges or institutions within the purview of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also benefit from the approval," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. "The central government will also reimburse 50 per cent of total additional expenditure to be incurred by these institutes for the payment of arrears on account of 7th Central Pay Commission implementation," he added. The minister said that the move will help technical institutions on attracting and retaining faculty of high academic standards.

Government approves 7th pay commission recommendations for teachers of technical institutions

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-kidnap-your-daughter-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-gets-threat-in-anonymous-email-189908">threatening to abduct his daughter</a>, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, Vikas Rai, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, was preparing for the SSC CGL exams in the national capital, they said, adding that he had been staying in Delhi for over a year now.

He was currently being interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi police, officials said.

After sending the e-mails, Rai had left for his sister's place at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. The police traced him and asked him to join the investigation.

Rai was arrested on Tuesday after the police took permission from the court since the FIR against him was registered for non-cognisable offences, the police said.

The accused, who was undergoing treatment for psychiatric issues at the Safdarjung Hospital here and was declared fit, felt he needed better treatment facilities, a senior police officer said.

"He was undergoing treatment for the last one-and-a-half to two months and the doctor told him that he was a normal person who needed to exercise and relax. He was not satisfied with the doctor's advice and felt that if he did something like this (sending the e-mails), he would be treated as someone with mental problems and would get better treatment," the officer added.

In order to draw the attention of a high-profile person to the issue, he had sent the e-mails to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), allegedly threatening to abduct his daughter.

A second-year B.Sc student, Rai was pursuing his degree through correspondence from a university in Bihar.

The police have seized the phone he allegedly used to send the e-mails.

Rai had sent three e-mails from his ID. The first one threatened to abduct the chief minister's daughter, the second one said the first e-mail was not fake, while the third one said it was a fake e-mail and should not be taken seriously, the officer said.

Rai was traced with the help of Google, which searched for the IP address from which the e-mail was sent.

The accused used to stay with his maternal aunt at Pul Prahladpur in the national capital. His family has also told the police that he was "mentally disturbed".

"He has said that he did not have any intention to harm Kejriwal's daughter and it seems so till now. So far, we have not found any previous criminal record in his name. We are probing further and examining all the aspects," the officer said.

Rai's father works in Mumbai, while his mother stays in Bihar.

The CMO had received the anonymous e-mails on January 9, which were forwarded to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik.

A Protective Service Officer was deployed by the North district police for Kejriwal's daughter's security, officials said. PTI SLB AMP RC 01152050

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office threatening to abduct his daughter, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday.

A 24-year-old man, arrested for allegedly sending e-mails to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office threatening to abduct his daughter, wanted to draw the attention of a high-profile person in order to get better treatment for his psychiatric issues, police said on Tuesday. The accused, Vikas Rai, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, was preparing for the SSC CGL exams in the national capital, they said, adding that he had been staying in Delhi for over a year now. He was currently being interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi police, officials said. After sending the e-mails, Rai had left for his sister's place at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. The police traced him and asked him to join the investigation. Rai was arrested on Tuesday after the police took permission from the court since the FIR against him was registered for non-cognisable offences, the police said. The accused, who was undergoing treatment for psychiatric issues at the Safdarjung Hospital here and was declared fit, felt he needed better treatment facilities, a senior police officer said. "He was undergoing treatment for the last one-and-a-half to two months and the doctor told him that he was a normal person who needed to exercise and relax. He was not satisfied with the doctor's advice and felt that if he did something like this (sending the e-mails), he would be treated as someone with mental problems and would get better treatment," the officer added. In order to draw the attention of a high-profile person to the issue, he had sent the e-mails to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), allegedly threatening to abduct his daughter. A second-year B.Sc student, Rai was pursuing his degree through correspondence from a university in Bihar. The police have seized the phone he allegedly used to send the e-mails. Rai had sent three e-mails from his ID. The first one threatened to abduct the chief minister's daughter, the second one said the first e-mail was not fake, while the third one said it was a fake e-mail and should not be taken seriously, the officer said. Rai was traced with the help of Google, which searched for the IP address from which the e-mail was sent. The accused used to stay with his maternal aunt at Pul Prahladpur in the national capital. His family has also told the police that he was "mentally disturbed". "He has said that he did not have any intention to harm Kejriwal's daughter and it seems so till now. So far, we have not found any previous criminal record in his name. We are probing further and examining all the aspects," the officer said. Rai's father works in Mumbai, while his mother stays in Bihar. The CMO had received the anonymous e-mails on January 9, which were forwarded to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. A Protective Service Officer was deployed by the North district police for Kejriwal's daughter's security, officials said. PTI SLB AMP RC 01152050

Man arrested for allegedly sending e-mails threatening to abduct Kejriwal's daughter 

The Meghalaya government Tuesday ordered implementation of the Supreme Court order banning the transportation of coal with immediate effect, officials said.

Chief Secretary Y Tsering issued the order directing authorities to ensure compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court without fail, they said.

The apex court banned the transportation of coal in the state forthwith until the next hearing on February 19, refusing a plea by the miners to send extracted coal left to transport since the 2014 National Green Tribunal ban on mining.

In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court in its sitting Tuesday as communicated by the learned advocate general, transportation of coal in the state of Meghalaya is hereby stopped with immediate effect, Tsering said in his order.

The ban comes a week after a citizens forum in Meghalaya, in which RTI activists Agnes Kharshiing was part of, demanded the Supreme Court to issue a complete ban on coal mining/transportation in the state citing that there has been absolute loss in terms of revenue from the industry and that all indices in the mining district are down with 76 per cent of people landless.

The forum alleged collusions between the state government and the illegal coal miners wherein the courts and the NGT were misled on several occasions on the total amount of extracted coal waiting to be transported.

The Supreme Court has also rapped the Meghalaya government for failing to curb illegal mining and has asked it to file an affidavit.

Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma hit out at the state government and said the leadership do not have the moral rights to continue to be in office.

This (SC order) shows that for the first time, the court no longer trusts the state government and the leadership has to be held responsible. With this exposure, the leadership does not have the moral and legal rights to continue in office, Mukul said.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Indian Navy carried on with the underwater exploration at the main shaft in search of the miners for 15 hours without any results, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI.

He said the Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL) pumps did not dewater the main shaft in view of the Navy underwater exploration.

Coal India Ltd and Odisha Fire Services, on the other hand, ran their pumps in nearby abandoned shafts in search of any signs of the miners, Susngi said. 
Scientists from Hyderabad and Chennai are surveying the strata of the coal seams and the rocks formation in the area, he said.

As the operations entered its 32nd day Tuesday, the Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), which uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate or detect objects underwater, is expected to arrive at the site anytime soon.

The machines will be used to map the rat holes crisscrossing underneath the earth's crust in the area.&nbsp;

The Meghalaya government Tuesday ordered implementation of the Supreme Court order banning the transportation of coal with immediate effect, officials said. Chief Secretary Y Tsering issued the order directing authorities to ensure compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court without fail, they said.

The Meghalaya government Tuesday ordered implementation of the Supreme Court order banning the transportation of coal with immediate effect, officials said. Chief Secretary Y Tsering issued the order directing authorities to ensure compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court without fail, they said. The apex court banned the transportation of coal in the state forthwith until the next hearing on February 19, refusing a plea by the miners to send extracted coal left to transport since the 2014 National Green Tribunal ban on mining. In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court in its sitting Tuesday as communicated by the learned advocate general, transportation of coal in the state of Meghalaya is hereby stopped with immediate effect, Tsering said in his order. The ban comes a week after a citizens forum in Meghalaya, in which RTI activists Agnes Kharshiing was part of, demanded the Supreme Court to issue a complete ban on coal mining/transportation in the state citing that there has been absolute loss in terms of revenue from the industry and that all indices in the mining district are down with 76 per cent of people landless. The forum alleged collusions between the state government and the illegal coal miners wherein the courts and the NGT were misled on several occasions on the total amount of extracted coal waiting to be transported. The Supreme Court has also rapped the Meghalaya government for failing to curb illegal mining and has asked it to file an affidavit. Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma hit out at the state government and said the leadership do not have the moral rights to continue to be in office. This (SC order) shows that for the first time, the court no longer trusts the state government and the leadership has to be held responsible. With this exposure, the leadership does not have the moral and legal rights to continue in office, Mukul said. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Indian Navy carried on with the underwater exploration at the main shaft in search of the miners for 15 hours without any results, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI. He said the Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL) pumps did not dewater the main shaft in view of the Navy underwater exploration. Coal India Ltd and Odisha Fire Services, on the other hand, ran their pumps in nearby abandoned shafts in search of any signs of the miners, Susngi said. Scientists from Hyderabad and Chennai are surveying the strata of the coal seams and the rocks formation in the area, he said. As the operations entered its 32nd day Tuesday, the Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), which uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate or detect objects underwater, is expected to arrive at the site anytime soon. The machines will be used to map the rat holes crisscrossing underneath the earth's crust in the area.

Meghalaya government orders implementation of Supreme Court order banning coal transportation

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.

As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said.

According to a meteorological department official, humidity was recorded at 92 per cent.

"The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 19 degrees Celsius," the weatherman said.

&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said.

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said. According to a meteorological department official, humidity was recorded at 92 per cent. "The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 19 degrees Celsius," the weatherman said.

Cold morning in Delhi, fog delays 13 trains

Marking the onset of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Tuesday, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the wee hours.

Loud chantings of religious songs were heard as the devotees proceeded towards the bathing site which lit up like Diwali in a hue of multiple colours.

The Kumbh this year is organised at a much wider scale than its previous editions.

Elaborate security arrangements have been organised&nbsp;and pontoon bridges have been constructed to lead the visitors to the 5-km bathing ghat at Sangam.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Varanasi: Devotees take holy dip in river Ganga on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakarSankranti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakarSankranti</a>. <a href="https://t.co/fVeQZE0h51">pic.twitter.com/fVeQZE0h51</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1084987022408769537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Strict security has been deployed at all entry and exit points of these bridges to maintain law and order.

Glorifying the country's culture, PM Modi hoped for huge participation of devotees in the Kumbh Mela.

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प्रयागराज में आरंभ हो रहे पवित्र कुम्भ मेले की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। 
 
मुझे आशा है कि इस अवसर पर देश-विदेश के श्रद्धालुओं को भारत की आध्यात्मिक, सांस्कृतिक एवं सामाजिक विविधताओं के दर्शन होंगे। 
 
मेरी कामना है कि अधिक से अधिक लोग इस दिव्य और भव्य आयोजन का हिस्सा बनें। <a href="https://t.co/qAxJtNrUPn">pic.twitter.com/qAxJtNrUPn</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1084975311043710976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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About 13 'akharas'&nbsp;will be participating in the "Shahi Snan", the ceremonial bath on Tuesday with each being allocated about 45 minutes by the Kumbh authorities.&nbsp;

The "Shahi Snan" is considered among the most significant components of the Kumbh Mela, and is supposed to begin at a certain hour.

The Kumbh Mela is held every six years, while the Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years.

The Kumbh Mela will reach its culmination on March 4, which also marks the Maha Shivratri, the last of the six dates for "Shahi Snan".

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Hindu seers and saints head towards Sangam Ghat for a holy dip in river Ganga on the occasion of first ‘Shahi Snan’ at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KumbhMela2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KumbhMela2019</a> in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj (Early morning visuals) <a href="https://t.co/9PBx4yBODE">pic.twitter.com/9PBx4yBODE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085001016708349952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Marking the onset of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Tuesday, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the wee hours. Loud chantings of religious songs were heard as the devotees proceeded towards the bathing site which lit up like Diwali in a hue of multiple colours.

Marking the onset of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Tuesday, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the wee hours. Loud chantings of religious songs were heard as the devotees proceeded towards the bathing site which lit up like Diwali in a hue of multiple colours. The Kumbh this year is organised at a much wider scale than its previous editions. Elaborate security arrangements have been organised and pontoon bridges have been constructed to lead the visitors to the 5-km bathing ghat at Sangam. Varanasi: Devotees take holy dip in river Ganga on #MakarSankranti. pic.twitter.com/fVeQZE0h51 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 15, 2019 × Strict security has been deployed at all entry and exit points of these bridges to maintain law and order. Glorifying the country's culture, PM Modi hoped for huge participation of devotees in the Kumbh Mela. प्रयागराज में आरंभ हो रहे पवित्र कुम्भ मेले की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। मुझे आशा है कि इस अवसर पर देश-विदेश के श्रद्धालुओं को भारत की आध्यात्मिक, सांस्कृतिक एवं सामाजिक विविधताओं के दर्शन होंगे। मेरी कामना है कि अधिक से अधिक लोग इस दिव्य और भव्य आयोजन का हिस्सा बनें। pic.twitter.com/qAxJtNrUPn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2019 × About 13 'akharas' will be participating in the "Shahi Snan", the ceremonial bath on Tuesday with each being allocated about 45 minutes by the Kumbh authorities. The "Shahi Snan" is considered among the most significant components of the Kumbh Mela, and is supposed to begin at a certain hour. The Kumbh Mela is held every six years, while the Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. The Kumbh Mela will reach its culmination on March 4, which also marks the Maha Shivratri, the last of the six dates for "Shahi Snan". #WATCH Hindu seers and saints head towards Sangam Ghat for a holy dip in river Ganga on the occasion of first ‘Shahi Snan’ at #KumbhMela2019 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj (Early morning visuals) pic.twitter.com/9PBx4yBODE — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 ×

Thousands throng to the Sangam in Prayagraj as Kumbh Mela opens

The sacred baths began at break of dawn as the sun rose faintly over the horizon and went on through the day till the last rays set over the Sangam, the chants of "Har Har Gange" reaching a crescendo as lakhs of people took a dip to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday.

By end of day, about 1.4 crore people had taken the ritual bath in the holy waters of the Sangam here, administration officials estimated.&nbsp;

Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the festival, is one of the sacred days of the 50-day Kumbh Mela.

The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati has called out to the religious for centuries and Tuesday was a continuation of an ancient ritual that has stood the test of time, history and modernisation.&nbsp;

Undeterred by the cold, a couple with their hands held tight stood waist deep in the river, a woman, her hands cupped, offered water to the rising sun, an ascetic took a dip with his eyes closed in veneration while a group of children frolicked nearby.

It was about religious fervour, spirituality, love and even fun at the 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) on Makar Sakranti as devotees, ascetics and religious leaders of various orders gathered for the largest congregation in the world.&nbsp;

People from lands near and far braved the cold weather to take a dip in the icy waters, reaching the makeshift township of Kumbh Nagari, touted to be the world's biggest temporary city, as early as 4 am.&nbsp;

Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh) who have traditionally participated in the Kumbh Mela were the first to take the holy bath.

They marched in a procession, dancing and singing devotional songs, all the way to the waters. Each akhara, the term for an organisation of sadhus, was allocated 45 minutes to participate in the ritual bath by the Kumbh administration.&nbsp;

The order in which the holy dip is performed by various akharas is pre-determined. It started with Mahanirvani along with the Atal akhara, the Niranjani along with the Ananada Akhara, and the Juna along with the Avahana and Agni akharas.

They were followed by the Nirvani akhara, Digambara akhara, Nirmohi akhara, Bada Udasin akhara, Naya Udasin akhara and last, the lone Sikh Nirmal akhara.

Attracting eyeballs of one and all, especially foreigners, was the march of the Naga sadhus, a martial order of ascetics who roam naked with ash smeared on their bodies.

"It is surreal. I had always heard about them. In fact, one of the reasons we wanted to come to the Kumbh was to see them in real as we are told that this is the only festival in which they arrive in numbers," said Manuel Matthaus, who had come from Germany.

"Yes, I did plan to take the bath. But I guess the water now is too freezing for my liking. Maybe later," as his girlfriend captured the spectacle on her camera.

More than 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and Maha Shivratri on March 4.

It is traditionally called 'Ardh Kumbh' as it takes place twice in 12 years. But the present Uttar Pradesh government recently renamed it 'Kumbh'.

In 2013, according to a recent book 'Kumbha: The Traditionally Modern Mela', one in 10 Indians attended the grand religious event. The state government expects the number to be higher this time.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela, which is more than thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever.

"The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal told PTI.

The auspicious bathing days of the 2019 Kumbh Mela include Paush Poornima (January 21), Mauni Amawasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Poornima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4).&nbsp;

The sacred baths began at break of dawn as the sun rose faintly over the horizon and went on through the day till the last rays set over the Sangam, the chants of "Har Har Gange" reaching a crescendo as lakhs of people took a dip to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday.

The sacred baths began at break of dawn as the sun rose faintly over the horizon and went on through the day till the last rays set over the Sangam, the chants of "Har Har Gange" reaching a crescendo as lakhs of people took a dip to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday. By end of day, about 1.4 crore people had taken the ritual bath in the holy waters of the Sangam here, administration officials estimated. Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the festival, is one of the sacred days of the 50-day Kumbh Mela. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati has called out to the religious for centuries and Tuesday was a continuation of an ancient ritual that has stood the test of time, history and modernisation. Undeterred by the cold, a couple with their hands held tight stood waist deep in the river, a woman, her hands cupped, offered water to the rising sun, an ascetic took a dip with his eyes closed in veneration while a group of children frolicked nearby. It was about religious fervour, spirituality, love and even fun at the 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath) on Makar Sakranti as devotees, ascetics and religious leaders of various orders gathered for the largest congregation in the world. People from lands near and far braved the cold weather to take a dip in the icy waters, reaching the makeshift township of Kumbh Nagari, touted to be the world's biggest temporary city, as early as 4 am. Sadhus of 13 akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh) who have traditionally participated in the Kumbh Mela were the first to take the holy bath. They marched in a procession, dancing and singing devotional songs, all the way to the waters. Each akhara, the term for an organisation of sadhus, was allocated 45 minutes to participate in the ritual bath by the Kumbh administration. The order in which the holy dip is performed by various akharas is pre-determined. It started with Mahanirvani along with the Atal akhara, the Niranjani along with the Ananada Akhara, and the Juna along with the Avahana and Agni akharas. They were followed by the Nirvani akhara, Digambara akhara, Nirmohi akhara, Bada Udasin akhara, Naya Udasin akhara and last, the lone Sikh Nirmal akhara. Attracting eyeballs of one and all, especially foreigners, was the march of the Naga sadhus, a martial order of ascetics who roam naked with ash smeared on their bodies. "It is surreal. I had always heard about them. In fact, one of the reasons we wanted to come to the Kumbh was to see them in real as we are told that this is the only festival in which they arrive in numbers," said Manuel Matthaus, who had come from Germany. "Yes, I did plan to take the bath. But I guess the water now is too freezing for my liking. Maybe later," as his girlfriend captured the spectacle on her camera. More than 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between now and Maha Shivratri on March 4. It is traditionally called 'Ardh Kumbh' as it takes place twice in 12 years. But the present Uttar Pradesh government recently renamed it 'Kumbh'. In 2013, according to a recent book 'Kumbha: The Traditionally Modern Mela', one in 10 Indians attended the grand religious event. The state government expects the number to be higher this time. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela, which is more than thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever. "The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal told PTI. The auspicious bathing days of the 2019 Kumbh Mela include Paush Poornima (January 21), Mauni Amawasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Poornima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4).

1.4 crore people take dip as Kumbh Mela begins in Prayagraj

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virgin-girls-are-like-sealed-bottles-students-say-they-want-sexist-kolkata-professor-out-190486">"misogynistic" social media post</a>.

The professor had written a post on Facebook on the virginity of women which he deleted later.&nbsp;

In the post, the professor rhetorically asked whether his readers "would be willing to buy a cold drink or a packet of biscuits, if its seal was broken?"

Strongly objecting his comments, Sharma Thursday wrote to Jadavpur University VC Suranjan Das and said the NCW is seriously concerned over the matter.

She said that she will meet Das during her upcoming visit to Kolkata on Friday.

The NCW also took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking, misogynistic" lessons. It asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.&nbsp;

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a "misogynistic" social media post.

National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma will meet Jadavpur University's vice chancellor on Friday to discuss the matter involving a professor who allegedly wrote a "misogynistic" social media post. The professor had written a post on Facebook on the virginity of women which he deleted later. In the post, the professor rhetorically asked whether his readers "would be willing to buy a cold drink or a packet of biscuits, if its seal was broken?" Strongly objecting his comments, Sharma Thursday wrote to Jadavpur University VC Suranjan Das and said the NCW is seriously concerned over the matter. She said that she will meet Das during her upcoming visit to Kolkata on Friday. The NCW also took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking, misogynistic" lessons. It asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.

NCW chief to meet Jadavpur University VC to discuss 'misogynistic' comments of professor

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture".

"Right now, talks should be held with Pakistan and separatists. Similarly, the militant leadership should also be talked to as it is they who have the guns and only they can end the gun culture," she told reporters in Anantnag after a party function.

"I believe at some stage, talks will have to be held with Hurriyat Conference and militants as well," she said.

The former chief minister, however, said it was "too early (for talks with militants)".&nbsp;

Mehbooba said local militants should be prevented from walking on the path of violence.&nbsp;

"Right from the time I came into politics in 1996, I have been saying that local militants are sons of the soil and our maximum efforts should be to save them because they are assets.&nbsp;

"If an encounter breaks out, the two people (militants and security forces) come face to face and no one can do anything about it then," she said.&nbsp;

The PDP president had on Monday questioned the timing of filing of charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case, in which seven Kashmiris have been named, saying the students were being used to score political points ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

"No surprises here. We are months away from the 2019 general election and like always, using Kashmiris to score extra political points with the Indian electorate has become somewhat of a pre-requisite," she had said in a series of tweets.

"Timing of the charge sheet couldn't be any more suspicious. When UPA was in power, it decided to send Afzal Guru to the gallows and to this day, J&amp;K is paying a price," she said. 
&nbsp;

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture".

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture". "Right now, talks should be held with Pakistan and separatists. Similarly, the militant leadership should also be talked to as it is they who have the guns and only they can end the gun culture," she told reporters in Anantnag after a party function. "I believe at some stage, talks will have to be held with Hurriyat Conference and militants as well," she said. The former chief minister, however, said it was "too early (for talks with militants)". Mehbooba said local militants should be prevented from walking on the path of violence. "Right from the time I came into politics in 1996, I have been saying that local militants are sons of the soil and our maximum efforts should be to save them because they are assets. "If an encounter breaks out, the two people (militants and security forces) come face to face and no one can do anything about it then," she said. The PDP president had on Monday questioned the timing of filing of charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case, in which seven Kashmiris have been named, saying the students were being used to score political points ahead of Lok Sabha elections. "No surprises here. We are months away from the 2019 general election and like always, using Kashmiris to score extra political points with the Indian electorate has become somewhat of a pre-requisite," she had said in a series of tweets. "Timing of the charge sheet couldn't be any more suspicious. When UPA was in power, it decided to send Afzal Guru to the gallows and to this day, J&K is paying a price," she said.

Mehbooba asks Centre to engage J&K militant leadership

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-canadian-to-death-as-diplomatic-row-deepens-190320">China court sentences Canadian to death as diplomatic row deepens</a>

A&nbsp;Chinese court&nbsp;on Monday sentenced a Canadian man to be executed for drug smuggling, prompting Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of using the death penalty arbitrarily.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-policies-working-india-morocco-have-opened-markets-to-our-poultry-exports-trump-190334">Tariff policies working, India, Morocco have opened markets to our poultry exports: Trump</a>

US President &nbsp;Trump has said that his&nbsp;trade and tariff policies have started working and many countries, including India, have opened up their markets for American poultry and agricultural products that were not allowed previously.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-price-continue-to-increase-on-sixth-day-petrol-up-by-28-paise-in-delhi-mumbai-190330">Fuel price continue to increase on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-price-continue-to-increase-on-sixth-day-petrol-up-by-28-paise-in-delhi-mumbai-190330">sixth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-price-continue-to-increase-on-sixth-day-petrol-up-by-28-paise-in-delhi-mumbai-190330"> day, petrol up by 28 paise in Delhi, Mumbai</a>

The petrol prices on Tuesday were revised to Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-troop-deployment-at-mexico-border-extended-till-september-pentagon-190329">US troop deployment at Mexico border extended till September: Pentagon</a>

The United States is extending until&nbsp;September 30 the deployment of&nbsp;active duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the border with Mexico, officials said Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-brexit-vote-how-many-lawmakers-are-backing-pm-may-190324">Britain's Brexit vote: How many lawmakers are backing PM May?</a>

Britain's parliament is debating whether to support Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a decision which will define Britain`s departure from the European Union and set the course for the country`s economy.

China court sentences Canadian to death as diplomatic row deepens A Chinese court on Monday sentenced a Canadian man to be executed for drug smuggling, prompting Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of using the death penalty arbitrarily.

China court sentences Canadian to death as diplomatic row deepens A Chinese court on Monday sentenced a Canadian man to be executed for drug smuggling, prompting Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of using the death penalty arbitrarily. Tariff policies working, India, Morocco have opened markets to our poultry exports: Trump US President Trump has said that his trade and tariff policies have started working and many countries, including India, have opened up their markets for American poultry and agricultural products that were not allowed previously. Fuel price continue to increase on sixth day, petrol up by 28 paise in Delhi, Mumbai The petrol prices on Tuesday were revised to Rs 70.41 per litre in Delhi, Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 72.52 per litre in Kolkata and 73.08 in Chennai. US troop deployment at Mexico border extended till September: Pentagon The United States is extending until September 30 the deployment of active duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the border with Mexico, officials said Monday. Britain's Brexit vote: How many lawmakers are backing PM May? Britain's parliament is debating whether to support Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a decision which will define Britain`s departure from the European Union and set the course for the country`s economy.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.&nbsp;

"We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat.&nbsp;

According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited.&nbsp;

Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead.&nbsp;

Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally.&nbsp;

The leaders include 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.&nbsp;

The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. "We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat. According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited. Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead. Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party. On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally. The leaders include 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. The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati to skip Mamata Banerjee's Mahagathbandhan meet on January 19

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a&nbsp;response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here.

The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision.

The lawyer representing BEST also said that BEST is ready to give 10 step increments to employees which will be implemented from February 2019.

Mumbai's civic transport, comprising a workforce of 32,000 people, has been demanding the merger of BEST budget with 'A'&nbsp;budget of BMC.

They are also seeking resolution of the issue of employee service residences and recruitment. When the talks with the authorities failed, the employees resorted to the strike.

In the wake of the ongoing strike, locals in Mumbai are forced to bear the brunt of higher fares as they now have to opt for a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw to commute.

Moreover, rides to busy areas such as Churchgate, Lower Parel, BKC, Andheri, and Goregaon are costing more than the rest of the places.

BEST, the lifeline of Mumbai has a fleet size of as many as 3,200 buses. It the second largest transport system in the metropolis after local trains which ferry more than 70 lakh commuters on a daily basis.

 
&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here. The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here. The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision. The lawyer representing BEST also said that BEST is ready to give 10 step increments to employees which will be implemented from February 2019. Mumbai's civic transport, comprising a workforce of 32,000 people, has been demanding the merger of BEST budget with 'A' budget of BMC. They are also seeking resolution of the issue of employee service residences and recruitment. When the talks with the authorities failed, the employees resorted to the strike. In the wake of the ongoing strike, locals in Mumbai are forced to bear the brunt of higher fares as they now have to opt for a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw to commute. Moreover, rides to busy areas such as Churchgate, Lower Parel, BKC, Andheri, and Goregaon are costing more than the rest of the places. BEST, the lifeline of Mumbai has a fleet size of as many as 3,200 buses. It the second largest transport system in the metropolis after local trains which ferry more than 70 lakh commuters on a daily basis.

BEST strike: Bombay High Court seeks response from all parties

India's air passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to 1.1 billion and the number of operational airports increases to around 200 in 2040, according to Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision document released Tuesday.

India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18.

The 'Vision 2040 for the Civil Aviation Industry in India' document released at a summit here also said that the country would have its own aircraft leasing industry, with tax structure and repossession processes" being "equally or more attractive than those in leading global jurisdictions".

"The passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to around 1.1 billion.&nbsp; 
India has one of the largest aircraft order books currently with pending deliveries of over 1,000 aircraft," the document from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said.

The fleet of commercial planes is likely to rise to 2,359 in March 2040 from 622 in March 2018.

"India may have around 190-200 operational airports in 2040. Its top 31 cities may have two airports, and the cities of Delhi and Mumbai three each.

"The incremental land requirement is expected to be around 1,50,000 acre and the capital investment (not including the cost of acquiring land) is expected to be around $ 40-50 billion," the document said.

As per the document, the government may consider establishing a Nabh Nirman Fund (NNF) with a starting corpus of around $2 billion to support low traffic airports in their initial phases.

The concept of land pooling may be used to keep land acquisition costs low and to provide landowners with high value developed plots in the vicinity of the airport, it added.

India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18.

India's air passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to 1.1 billion and the number of operational airports increases to around 200 in 2040, according to Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision document released Tuesday. India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18. The 'Vision 2040 for the Civil Aviation Industry in India' document released at a summit here also said that the country would have its own aircraft leasing industry, with tax structure and repossession processes" being "equally or more attractive than those in leading global jurisdictions". "The passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to around 1.1 billion. India has one of the largest aircraft order books currently with pending deliveries of over 1,000 aircraft," the document from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said. The fleet of commercial planes is likely to rise to 2,359 in March 2040 from 622 in March 2018. "India may have around 190-200 operational airports in 2040. Its top 31 cities may have two airports, and the cities of Delhi and Mumbai three each. "The incremental land requirement is expected to be around 1,50,000 acre and the capital investment (not including the cost of acquiring land) is expected to be around $ 40-50 billion," the document said. As per the document, the government may consider establishing a Nabh Nirman Fund (NNF) with a starting corpus of around $2 billion to support low traffic airports in their initial phases. The concept of land pooling may be used to keep land acquisition costs low and to provide landowners with high value developed plots in the vicinity of the airport, it added.

India's air passenger traffic to touch 1.1 billion in 2040: Civil Aviation Ministry

A four-member committee formed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-green-tribunal-slaps-rs-25-crore-fine-on-delhi-government-over-air-pollution-181132">the National Green Tribunal</a> has recommended Rs 171.34 crore fine on German auto major Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The expert committee in its report has estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital.

"Estimated cost of heath damage due to additional NOx emissions from the Volkswagen group vehicles is approximately Rs 171.34 crore using a metro city i.E Delhi as a base. The value may be considered conservative due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India and hence only health damages are valued."

"Further the valuation is for Delhi city considering that the value of NOx is 435 tonnes is released in the city. This is assumed because lack of data on the geographical locations and plying regions of Volkswagen vehicles which have caused the damage and for all the years which have been considered for damage," the committee has said in its report.

Nitrogen oxide is a smog-forming pollutant linked to heart and lung disease.

The four-member panel comprised ARAI director Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Dr Nitin Labhsetwar, who is chief scientist of CSIR-NEERI, Ramakant Singh director, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Prashant Gargava, member secretary of CPCB.

The panel was formed by the NGT on November 16 last year to give its expert opinion on the subject whether the manufacturer has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment.

The committee has told the NGT that automobiles are a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions and nitrogen dioxide is the most prevalent source form of nitrogen oxide.

It said that longer exposures to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and nitrogen oxide gases react to form smog and acid rain and are central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground-level ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects.

The panel calculated the morbidity by using the estimates of the cost of treatment and related expenses under the heading of the cost of illness and the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) from the WHO database.

"The valuation is based on per capita income of the individuals in the city. For mortality, value of statistical life is used for monetary estimation," it said.

The penalty was determined on the basis of the 3.27 lakh Volkswagen cars in India that had deceit software installed.

"The total health damage due to air pollution in city is around Rs 157.80 crore. Further, if this cost was to be charged bin 2018, an average inflation of 4.2 per cent is to be applied for two years (after 2016), which comes out to be Rs 171.34 crore," the committee said in its report.

The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on January 17 before a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel.

The green panel had earlier said the use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to an inference of environmental damage and asked the German car maker to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board.

The NGT said that even though the standards may be stricter in other countries, "the very fact of deceit devices being installed by the manufacturers calls for an inference of prima-facie violation of environment".

It had said that even if there is 100 per cent recall, for the past violation of norms, the auto manufacturer cannot avoid its responsibility.

The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.

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 'defeat device' 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;

The expert committee in its report has estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital.

A four-member committee formed by the National Green Tribunal has recommended Rs 171.34 crore fine on German auto major Volkswagen as "health damages" for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The expert committee in its report has estimated that Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 in the national capital. "Estimated cost of heath damage due to additional NOx emissions from the Volkswagen group vehicles is approximately Rs 171.34 crore using a metro city i.E Delhi as a base. The value may be considered conservative due to lack of methodologies for calculating the overall impact of nitrogen oxide on the environment in India and hence only health damages are valued." "Further the valuation is for Delhi city considering that the value of NOx is 435 tonnes is released in the city. This is assumed because lack of data on the geographical locations and plying regions of Volkswagen vehicles which have caused the damage and for all the years which have been considered for damage," the committee has said in its report. Nitrogen oxide is a smog-forming pollutant linked to heart and lung disease. The four-member panel comprised ARAI director Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Dr Nitin Labhsetwar, who is chief scientist of CSIR-NEERI, Ramakant Singh director, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Prashant Gargava, member secretary of CPCB. The panel was formed by the NGT on November 16 last year to give its expert opinion on the subject whether the manufacturer has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment. The committee has told the NGT that automobiles are a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions and nitrogen dioxide is the most prevalent source form of nitrogen oxide. It said that longer exposures to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and nitrogen oxide gases react to form smog and acid rain and are central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground-level ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects. The panel calculated the morbidity by using the estimates of the cost of treatment and related expenses under the heading of the cost of illness and the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) from the WHO database. "The valuation is based on per capita income of the individuals in the city. For mortality, value of statistical life is used for monetary estimation," it said. The penalty was determined on the basis of the 3.27 lakh Volkswagen cars in India that had deceit software installed. "The total health damage due to air pollution in city is around Rs 157.80 crore. Further, if this cost was to be charged bin 2018, an average inflation of 4.2 per cent is to be applied for two years (after 2016), which comes out to be Rs 171.34 crore," the committee said in its report. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on January 17 before a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. The green panel had earlier said the use of 'cheat device' by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to an inference of environmental damage and asked the German car maker to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board. The NGT said that even though the standards may be stricter in other countries, "the very fact of deceit devices being installed by the manufacturers calls for an inference of prima-facie violation of environment". It had said that even if there is 100 per cent recall, for the past violation of norms, the auto manufacturer cannot avoid its responsibility. The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms. 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 'defeat device' 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.

NGT panel recommends Rs 171.34 crore fine on Volkswagen for causing air pollution in Delhi

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-cm-confirms-entry-of-2-women-tdp-board-denies-temple-shut-for-purification-187821">who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month</a>, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. &nbsp;

Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said.

She claims she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by conservative Hindu groups, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

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Kerala: Kanaka Durga, who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has complained to Perinthalmanna police alleging that she has been thrashed by her mother-in-law. Case has been registered.
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"We received a complaint from Kanaka Durga alleging that she was attacked by family members of her husband when she returned home after entering the temple," said Jaya Mani, the officer in charge of Perinthalmanna police station in Malappuram district.

Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

The incident was confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple."

(With inputs from agencies)

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said. She claims she was attacked only minutes after she returned home. She had before that spent a month at undisclosed locations fearing attacks by conservative Hindu groups, news agency Reuters reported. Kerala: Kanaka Durga, who had entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month, has complained to Perinthalmanna police alleging that she has been thrashed by her mother-in-law. Case has been registered. — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × "We received a complaint from Kanaka Durga alleging that she was attacked by family members of her husband when she returned home after entering the temple," said Jaya Mani, the officer in charge of Perinthalmanna police station in Malappuram district. Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Durga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am. The incident was confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple." (With inputs from agencies)

One of 2 women who entered Sabarimala temple allegedly thrashed by mother-in-law, hospitalised

The Delhi High Court Tuesday extended till January 24 the interim protection from arrest granted to senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-p-chidambaram-files-anticipatory-bail-in-delhi-high-court--140930">Congress leader P Chidambaram on his pleas</a> seeking anticipatory bail in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-former-finance-minister-m-p-chidambaram-appears-before-enforcement-directorate-185283">the INX Media case</a> lodged by the ED and CBI.

Justice Sunil Gaur listed the matter for hearing on January 24 after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed his inability to argue during the day.&nbsp;

Chidambaram was represented in the hearing through advocates Pramod Kumar Dubey and Arshdeep Singh.

On July 25, 2018, the high court had granted interim protection to Chidambaram from arrest and directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to take any coercive step against him till August 1 that year in the INX Media money laundering case.

Prior to that on May 31 last year, the court had protected him from arrest in the case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On August 1, 2018, the court had extended the interim protection to September 28 and then to October 25 in both the cases.

On October 25, the interim relief was extended till November 29, 2018.

On November 29, 2018, the court extended the relief till January 15.&nbsp;

The court had also directed Chidambaram to cooperate with the investigation in both the cases as and when required.

The senior Congress leader's role had come under the scanner of various investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

It was during his tenure as Union finance minister in the UPA-I government that clearances from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) were given to the two ventures.

In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister.

Thereafter, the ED had last year lodged the money laundering case in this regard.

A trial court here had also granted protection from arrest till August 7, 2018, to Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case in which he and his son Karti are named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI.

Chidambaram's petition had said that though no summons had ever been served on him by the ED in this case, he had an apprehension of arrest in view of the summons issued to him by the CBI, which was investigating the scheduled offence.&nbsp;

Justice Sunil Gaur listed the matter for hearing on January 24 after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed his inability to argue during the day.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday extended till January 24 the interim protection from arrest granted to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on his pleas seeking anticipatory bail in the INX Media case lodged by the ED and CBI. Justice Sunil Gaur listed the matter for hearing on January 24 after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed his inability to argue during the day. Chidambaram was represented in the hearing through advocates Pramod Kumar Dubey and Arshdeep Singh. On July 25, 2018, the high court had granted interim protection to Chidambaram from arrest and directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to take any coercive step against him till August 1 that year in the INX Media money laundering case. Prior to that on May 31 last year, the court had protected him from arrest in the case lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On August 1, 2018, the court had extended the interim protection to September 28 and then to October 25 in both the cases. On October 25, the interim relief was extended till November 29, 2018. On November 29, 2018, the court extended the relief till January 15. The court had also directed Chidambaram to cooperate with the investigation in both the cases as and when required. The senior Congress leader's role had come under the scanner of various investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. It was during his tenure as Union finance minister in the UPA-I government that clearances from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) were given to the two ventures. In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Thereafter, the ED had last year lodged the money laundering case in this regard. A trial court here had also granted protection from arrest till August 7, 2018, to Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case in which he and his son Karti are named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI. Chidambaram's petition had said that though no summons had ever been served on him by the ED in this case, he had an apprehension of arrest in view of the summons issued to him by the CBI, which was investigating the scheduled offence.

INX media case: High Court extends Chidambaram's interim protection from arrest till January 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in <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">the Sabarimala issue</a> will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history. Modi was speaking in Kollam, Kerala.&nbsp;

"The conduct of Kerala LDF government on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful behaviour by any party and government. We knew that communists do not respect Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined that they will have such hatred," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi added that the Congress was "no better".&nbsp;

"UDF is no better. Congress has multiple stands — they say one thing in Parliament but a different thing in Pathanamthitta," he said.&nbsp;

"Our stand on this issue has always been clear. And, the actions of our party match our words," he added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court decreed in September 2018 that women should be allowed to visit Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The temple had until then been off-limits to women between the ages of 10 and 50.&nbsp;

The reason for the ban is that it is believed that the temple deity, Lord Ayappa, has vowed to stay celibate. And that he will look at a woman only when he is ready to marry her.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court decree was met by massive resistance, with both the BJP and Congress mobilising people against it.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan on the other hand has said repeatedly that the Supreme Court order has to be enforced.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Modi said the Left and Congress work against gender and social justice.&nbsp;

"Left and Congress make tall claims about respect to gender justice and social justice but their actions are exactly the opposite. NDA Government has been working towards abolishing Triple Talaq," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Who is opposing us on this?" he asked. "Communists and the Congress," he answered.&nbsp;

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PM in Kollam, Kerala: UDF and LDF are different in name but in neglecting Kerala's yuva shakti, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in ignoring the poor, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in cheating the people of Kerala, they are same. <a href="https://t.co/bbNuse17uV">pic.twitter.com/bbNuse17uV</a>
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PM Modi in Kerala: UDF &amp; LDF are two sides of the same old coin. Different in name, but in corruption, casteism &amp; communalism, they are same. Different in name, but in damaging Kerala's cultural fabric, they are same. Different in name, but in political violence, they are same. <a href="https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW">https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW</a>
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Modi on Tuesday also referred to his government's recent 10% quota for the upper castes saying his government believed every Indian, irrespective of caste, deserved "equal opportunity".&nbsp;

And he mentioned India's upward movement in the ease of doing business rankings.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back did anyone think that India could be the fastest growing economy? In 4 years, we have made the transition from being one of the fragile five nations to the fastest growing economy. <a href="https://t.co/MxAktXE7s0">pic.twitter.com/MxAktXE7s0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085153663214063616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back, did anyone even think of improving Ease of Doing Business rankings? In fact, this term was missing from the dictionary of policymakers. In 4 years, we have moved up from rank 142 to rank 77, one of the fastest improvements in the world. <a href="https://t.co/VlHfXxAp8h">pic.twitter.com/VlHfXxAp8h</a>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that the conduct of the Kerala government in the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the "most shameful" in history. Modi was speaking in Kollam, Kerala. "The conduct of Kerala LDF government on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful behaviour by any party and government. We knew that communists do not respect Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined that they will have such hatred," Modi said. Modi added that the Congress was "no better". "UDF is no better. Congress has multiple stands — they say one thing in Parliament but a different thing in Pathanamthitta," he said. "Our stand on this issue has always been clear. And, the actions of our party match our words," he added. The Supreme Court decreed in September 2018 that women should be allowed to visit Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The temple had until then been off-limits to women between the ages of 10 and 50. The reason for the ban is that it is believed that the temple deity, Lord Ayappa, has vowed to stay celibate. And that he will look at a woman only when he is ready to marry her. The Supreme Court decree was met by massive resistance, with both the BJP and Congress mobilising people against it. Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan on the other hand has said repeatedly that the Supreme Court order has to be enforced. On Tuesday, Modi said the Left and Congress work against gender and social justice. "Left and Congress make tall claims about respect to gender justice and social justice but their actions are exactly the opposite. NDA Government has been working towards abolishing Triple Talaq," Modi said. "Who is opposing us on this?" he asked. "Communists and the Congress," he answered. PM in Kollam, Kerala: UDF and LDF are different in name but in neglecting Kerala's yuva shakti, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in ignoring the poor, they are same. UDF and LDF are different in name but in cheating the people of Kerala, they are same. pic.twitter.com/bbNuse17uV — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × PM Modi in Kerala: UDF & LDF are two sides of the same old coin. Different in name, but in corruption, casteism & communalism, they are same. Different in name, but in damaging Kerala's cultural fabric, they are same. Different in name, but in political violence, they are same. https://t.co/rAbyxgb3UW — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Modi on Tuesday also referred to his government's recent 10% quota for the upper castes saying his government believed every Indian, irrespective of caste, deserved "equal opportunity". And he mentioned India's upward movement in the ease of doing business rankings. PM Narendra Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back did anyone think that India could be the fastest growing economy? In 4 years, we have made the transition from being one of the fragile five nations to the fastest growing economy. pic.twitter.com/MxAktXE7s0 — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × PM Modi in Kollam, Kerala: 4 years back, did anyone even think of improving Ease of Doing Business rankings? In fact, this term was missing from the dictionary of policymakers. In 4 years, we have moved up from rank 142 to rank 77, one of the fastest improvements in the world. pic.twitter.com/VlHfXxAp8h — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 ×

Conduct of Kerala govt on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as 'most shameful': Modi

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-obstructing-justice-in-ayodhya-case-pm-modi-189898&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiKuqTr1-_fAhVMro8KHY5CBvcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pTRffKL1LYNhw0EIJG6Lj"> prime minister</a> and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

"It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said.

His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

Both the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-trying-to-lure-bjp-mlas-will-camp-in-delhi-yeddyurappa-190284&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHisCv1-_fAhVYWX0KHY65B-MQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20VwXgZAaJzv-j99QZZecv">Congress</a> and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators.

The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday.

On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai.

Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble.

He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion".

"You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said.

Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP.

"Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said.

"All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added.

Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried.

"(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.&nbsp;

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy. "It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said. His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators. The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday. On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai. Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble. He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion". "You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said. Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP. "Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said. "All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added. Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried. "(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.

No threat to Congress-JD(S) government: Deve Gowda

The Russian Premier League is set to restart on June 21, the country’s football association announced on Friday. The Russian Premier League, like every other major European league, was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has disrupted the entire sporting calendar.

"The Russian Premier League season will resume on June 21," a statement said following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Russian football association.

The final eight games of the remainder of the season will be played between June 21 to July 22 with four of the scheduled round of matches taking place in the midweek.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-accepts-risk-of-possible-la-liga-return-298869" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi accepts 'risk' of possible La Liga return</a>

Matches will be played behind closed doors without spectators with the new rules of five substitutions coming into play in every match.&nbsp;

Along with Russian Premier League, the Olympic Russian Cup is also set for a restart with the final scheduled to take place on July 25.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-sport-edges-back-from-virus-shutdown-with-golf-auto-events-298814" hreflang="en">US sport edges back from virus shutdown with golf, auto events</a>

As things stand, Russia are atop the league standings with 50 points off 22 matches whereas Lokomotiv Moscow are second with 41 points to their name. Krasnodar are sitting third with 41 points with FK Rostov and CSKA Moscow sitting fifth and sixth respectively. Orenburg, Rubin Kazan, FK Krylya Sovetov Samara and Akhmat Grozny are involved in a tight relegation battle, and it would be interesting to see how things pan out once the league is brought back to life again.

<h2>The preliminary fixture schedule</h2>

23rd round: 21 June

Cup QF: 24 June

24th round: 28 June

25th round: 1 July

26th round: 5 July

27th round: 8 July

28th round: 12 July

29th round: 15 July

Cup SF: 18-19 July

30th round: 22 July

Cup Final: 25 July 25

The Russian Premier League is set to restart on June 21, the country’s football association announced on Friday. The Russian Premier League, like every other major European league, was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has disrupted the entire sporting calendar.

The Russian Premier League is set to restart on June 21, the country’s football association announced on Friday. The Russian Premier League, like every other major European league, was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has disrupted the entire sporting calendar. "The Russian Premier League season will resume on June 21," a statement said following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Russian football association. The final eight games of the remainder of the season will be played between June 21 to July 22 with four of the scheduled round of matches taking place in the midweek. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi accepts 'risk' of possible La Liga return Matches will be played behind closed doors without spectators with the new rules of five substitutions coming into play in every match. Along with Russian Premier League, the Olympic Russian Cup is also set for a restart with the final scheduled to take place on July 25. ALSO READ: US sport edges back from virus shutdown with golf, auto events As things stand, Russia are atop the league standings with 50 points off 22 matches whereas Lokomotiv Moscow are second with 41 points to their name. Krasnodar are sitting third with 41 points with FK Rostov and CSKA Moscow sitting fifth and sixth respectively. Orenburg, Rubin Kazan, FK Krylya Sovetov Samara and Akhmat Grozny are involved in a tight relegation battle, and it would be interesting to see how things pan out once the league is brought back to life again. The preliminary fixture schedule 23rd round: 21 June Cup QF: 24 June 24th round: 28 June 25th round: 1 July 26th round: 5 July 27th round: 8 July 28th round: 12 July 29th round: 15 July Cup SF: 18-19 July 30th round: 22 July Cup Final: 25 July 25

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