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A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.&nbsp;

The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues.&nbsp;

The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side.

According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed.&nbsp;

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In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). <a href="https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg">https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085142976622481408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place.&nbsp;

This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara.&nbsp;

The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements.

The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side. 
&nbsp;

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present.

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues. The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side. According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed. In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place. This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara. The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements. The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side.

Meeting on Kartarpur corridor takes place in Home Ministry; diplomats discuss land acquisition 

An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF) was killed in sniper firing by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sc-dismisses-appeal-against-suspension-of-sharifs-sentences-in-graft-case-190305&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj38qaf1O_fAhVGMI8KHZClCyAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw15-bzuEbxImPG2hU86B1CW">Pakistan</a> Rangers along the International Border (IB) in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-poonch-188363&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwikxo730-_fAhUIvo8KHe5-CzIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3HgFZXBtjCAfmqcVjYvXhH">Jammu and Kashmir</a>'s Kathua district Monday morning, officials said.

Pakistan troops also violated the ceasefire and resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district, prompting the Indian Army to retaliate strongly.

The BSF troops were carrying out border domination along the IB, when snipers of Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad succumbed to his injuries in firing from across the border in Hiranagar sector, Kathua. <a href="https://t.co/8Qri93zHBY">https://t.co/8Qri93zHBY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085094521992605696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire and the officer was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom, he said.

The BSF director general and all ranks of the force salute the supreme sacrifice of the martyr. The BSF stands with the family of the bereaved, the officer said.

In another incident, Pakistan troops also resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Sunderbani sector.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations by resorting to firing and shelling along with heavy calibre weapons in Sunderbani sector from 1000 hours," PRO, Defence said.

Indian Army troops guarding the borderline retaliated effectively and strongly. The exchange of fire is still on, he said.

The year 2018 has witnessed the highest number of 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border. On Sunday, an Army jawan was injured in ceasefire violation along the LoC in Rajouri's Keri sector.

On Friday, an Army porter was killed in a ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. On the same day, a Major and a soldier were killed in an IED blast along the LoC in Laam sub-sector of Rajouri.

Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the 2003 ceasefire understanding for maintaining peace and tranquillity at Indo-Pak flag meetings, the truce has been repeatedly violated.

An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF) was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan Rangers along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district Monday morning, officials said.

An assistant commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF) was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan Rangers along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district Monday morning, officials said. Pakistan troops also violated the ceasefire and resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district, prompting the Indian Army to retaliate strongly. The BSF troops were carrying out border domination along the IB, when snipers of Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours in Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua district, a senior BSF officer told PTI. #UPDATE Jammu & Kashmir: Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad succumbed to his injuries in firing from across the border in Hiranagar sector, Kathua. https://t.co/8Qri93zHBY — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire and the officer was rushed to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom, he said. The BSF director general and all ranks of the force salute the supreme sacrifice of the martyr. The BSF stands with the family of the bereaved, the officer said. In another incident, Pakistan troops also resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Sunderbani sector. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations by resorting to firing and shelling along with heavy calibre weapons in Sunderbani sector from 1000 hours," PRO, Defence said. Indian Army troops guarding the borderline retaliated effectively and strongly. The exchange of fire is still on, he said. The year 2018 has witnessed the highest number of 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border. On Sunday, an Army jawan was injured in ceasefire violation along the LoC in Rajouri's Keri sector. On Friday, an Army porter was killed in a ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. On the same day, a Major and a soldier were killed in an IED blast along the LoC in Laam sub-sector of Rajouri. Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the 2003 ceasefire understanding for maintaining peace and tranquillity at Indo-Pak flag meetings, the truce has been repeatedly violated.

J&K: BSF officer killed in Pak sniper fire along International Border in Kathua

Two MLAs in Karnataka have withdrawn support to the Congress-JD(S) government.&nbsp;

Both MLAs — H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) — have joined the BJP. They say they want a change in government.&nbsp;

"Today is Makar Sankranti, on this day we want a change in the government. The govt should be efficient, so I am withdrawing my support (to the Karnataka government) today," ANI quoted Shankar as saying.&nbsp;

"My support to coalition government was to provide good and stable government which utterly failed. There's is no understanding among coalition partners. So, I decided to go with BJP to install stable governmentt and see that government performs better than the coalition," &nbsp;ANI quoted Nagesh as saying.&nbsp;

Karnataka Deputy CM G Parmeswara said the BJP was trying to lure their MLAs away.&nbsp;

He added that the attempt would fail and that "our government is stable".&nbsp;

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G Parameshwara, Deputy Karnataka CM on two independent MLAs withdrawing their support: We have been saying that BJP is luring our MLAs through money and power but their attempts to destabilise the govt will fail. Our govt is stable. <a href="https://t.co/HMZPS9iKN1">pic.twitter.com/HMZPS9iKN1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085112224849498112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy on 2 Independent MLAs withdraw support from Karnataka government: If 2 MLAs withdraw their support, what will be the numbers? I'm totally relaxed. I know my strength. Whatever is going on in media in the past week, I am enjoying <a href="https://t.co/vsmmbdBXSY">pic.twitter.com/vsmmbdBXSY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085119409641975809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy meanwhile said the "numbers" were not yet worrying him.&nbsp;

"I'm totally relaxed. I know my strength," he said.&nbsp;

Two MLAs in Karnataka have withdrawn support to the Congress-JD(S) government. Both MLAs — H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) — have joined the BJP. They say they want a change in government.

Two MLAs in Karnataka have withdrawn support to the Congress-JD(S) government. Both MLAs — H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) — have joined the BJP. They say they want a change in government. "Today is Makar Sankranti, on this day we want a change in the government. The govt should be efficient, so I am withdrawing my support (to the Karnataka government) today," ANI quoted Shankar as saying. "My support to coalition government was to provide good and stable government which utterly failed. There's is no understanding among coalition partners. So, I decided to go with BJP to install stable governmentt and see that government performs better than the coalition," ANI quoted Nagesh as saying. Karnataka Deputy CM G Parmeswara said the BJP was trying to lure their MLAs away. He added that the attempt would fail and that "our government is stable". G Parameshwara, Deputy Karnataka CM on two independent MLAs withdrawing their support: We have been saying that BJP is luring our MLAs through money and power but their attempts to destabilise the govt will fail. Our govt is stable. pic.twitter.com/HMZPS9iKN1 — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy on 2 Independent MLAs withdraw support from Karnataka government: If 2 MLAs withdraw their support, what will be the numbers? I'm totally relaxed. I know my strength. Whatever is going on in media in the past week, I am enjoying pic.twitter.com/vsmmbdBXSY — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy meanwhile said the "numbers" were not yet worrying him. "I'm totally relaxed. I know my strength," he said.

Karnataka: 2 MLAs withdraw support to Congress-JDS govt

Jadavpur University students protested on campus Tuesday saying they wanted the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-professor-says-virgin-girls-are-like-sealed-bottles-faces-backlash-190275">professor who said virgin girls are like "sealed bottles"</a> out.&nbsp;

ANI quoted them as saying he was a "repeat offender".&nbsp;

"We want his expulsion as he is influencing young minds and we don't want misogynistic environment here. He's a repeat offender," they said.&nbsp;

Kanak Sarkar had said on Facebook that "virgin girls" are like "sealed bottles". The post was later deleted.&nbsp;

In his post, Sarkar went on to ask whether men would buy a bottle of water or a packet of biscuits with a broken seal?&nbsp;

Sarkar's post was headlined "Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth."&nbsp;

Sarkar's comments were met by a massive public outcry.&nbsp;

Sarkar defended himself saying his opinions were "personal".&nbsp;

"I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," he wrote in one of his posts.

"It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," Sarkar added.

The National Commission for Women however took suo motu cognisance of his "shocking misogynistic" comments and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action.

 
&nbsp;

Jadavpur University students protested on campus Tuesday saying they wanted the professor who said virgin girls are like "sealed bottles" out. ANI quoted them as saying he was a "repeat offender".

Jadavpur University students protested on campus Tuesday saying they wanted the professor who said virgin girls are like "sealed bottles" out. ANI quoted them as saying he was a "repeat offender". "We want his expulsion as he is influencing young minds and we don't want misogynistic environment here. He's a repeat offender," they said. Kanak Sarkar had said on Facebook that "virgin girls" are like "sealed bottles". The post was later deleted. In his post, Sarkar went on to ask whether men would buy a bottle of water or a packet of biscuits with a broken seal? Sarkar's post was headlined "Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth." Sarkar's comments were met by a massive public outcry. Sarkar defended himself saying his opinions were "personal". "I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," he wrote in one of his posts. "It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," Sarkar added. The National Commission for Women however took suo motu cognisance of his "shocking misogynistic" comments and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action.

Virgin girls are like 'sealed bottles': Students say they want sexist Kolkata professor out

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.&nbsp;

New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured.&nbsp;

The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously."

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MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/jwefErZjsP">https://t.co/jwefErZjsP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085110879115456513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy.

Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-claim-responsibility-for-deadly-kabul-car-bomb-attack-190365">Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack</a> and warned of similar attacks in the future.

The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national. New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured. The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously." MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. https://t.co/jwefErZjsP — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy. Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack and warned of similar attacks in the future. The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.

Indian national killed in Monday's Kabul blast, says Ministry of External Affairs

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies.&nbsp;

The bench said the apprehension of the state government of possible law and order situation cannot be called "unfounded" and BJP will have to take all possible steps to address the apprehension in a reasonable manner.

The apex court added that if the BJP comes out with a revised plan of Yatra, it may be considered it later, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the BJP's West Bengal unit to submit a revised schedule of its proposed 'Rath Yatra' with the authorities and seek necessary approvals.

The bench also comprising Justices L N Rao and SK Kaul asked the West Bengal government to consider the revised schedule of the BJP for 'Rath Yatra' keeping in mind the fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The BJP has now decided to cut short its 40-day programme to 20 and the fresh 'Yatras' would start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North, a lawyer associated with the matter said, adding that the decision was taken in view of the upcoming school examinations and the general elections.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-seeks-west-bengal-governments-response-on-bjp-plea-seeking-permission-for-rath-yatra-188949">West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged</a> the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession.

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SC refused to give a go ahead for the BJP's Yatra in West Bengal. The Apex Court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. SC said, if BJP comes out with a revised plan of fresh Yatra, that may be considered afresh later. <a href="https://t.co/TbvYiRQply">pic.twitter.com/TbvYiRQply</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085109724478128128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15.

The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state.

The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14, PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give a go-ahead to BJP's Rath Yatra in West Bengal. The top court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. The bench said the apprehension of the state government of possible law and order situation cannot be called "unfounded" and BJP will have to take all possible steps to address the apprehension in a reasonable manner. The apex court added that if the BJP comes out with a revised plan of Yatra, it may be considered it later, news agency ANI reported. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the BJP's West Bengal unit to submit a revised schedule of its proposed 'Rath Yatra' with the authorities and seek necessary approvals. The bench also comprising Justices L N Rao and SK Kaul asked the West Bengal government to consider the revised schedule of the BJP for 'Rath Yatra' keeping in mind the fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution, news agency PTI reported. The BJP has now decided to cut short its 40-day programme to 20 and the fresh 'Yatras' would start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North, a lawyer associated with the matter said, adding that the decision was taken in view of the upcoming school examinations and the general elections. The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession. SC refused to give a go ahead for the BJP's Yatra in West Bengal. The Apex Court, however, said that the BJP state unit can conduct meetings and rallies. SC said, if BJP comes out with a revised plan of fresh Yatra, that may be considered afresh later. pic.twitter.com/TbvYiRQply — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government. The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15. The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld, news agency PTI reported. The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state. The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14, PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court refuses to clear BJP's Rath Yatra for now, asks Bengal government to consider revised schedule

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday.

CBI sources said that Gambhir, who was investigating the role of Akhilesh and other bureaucrats in the illegal sand mining scam, has been transferred to anti-corruption ACIII from special crime unit SCII.

Anish Prasad, who was deputy director of CBI, will now be investigating the sand mining scam, said sources.ACIII, where Gambhir has been transferred, is currently investigating Bihar`s Srijan scam and journalist Upendra Rai`s case.

On Saturday, CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur.

During the searches, incriminating material pertaining to illegal sand mining, including huge cash and gold were recovered.

CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons.

Earlier, an inquiry into the alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in district Hamirpur was conducted on the orders the Allahabad High Court.

It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016.

It was further alleged that they had illegally granted fresh leases for mining of sand, renewed existing leases and permitted obstructed period to the existing leaseholders and thereby caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer and undue gain to themselves.

It was also alleged that other persons were allowed to excavate minor minerals illegally, to commit theft of the minor minerals and to extort money from the leaseholders as well as from the drivers of the vehicles transporting minor minerals.

Government officials, along with private individuals, had allegedly allocated some illegal mining sites by flouting rules and regulations between the year 2012 and 2016.

Mining rights were also given in violation of NGT orders.

Yadav held the charge of Mining Ministry between 2012 to July 2013 and hence can come under scanner in the ongoing probe.

CBI sources also confirmed that all those who held portfolios at the time of the scam will be investigated.

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday.

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday. CBI sources said that Gambhir, who was investigating the role of Akhilesh and other bureaucrats in the illegal sand mining scam, has been transferred to anti-corruption ACIII from special crime unit SCII. Anish Prasad, who was deputy director of CBI, will now be investigating the sand mining scam, said sources.ACIII, where Gambhir has been transferred, is currently investigating Bihar`s Srijan scam and journalist Upendra Rai`s case. On Saturday, CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur. During the searches, incriminating material pertaining to illegal sand mining, including huge cash and gold were recovered. CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons. Earlier, an inquiry into the alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in district Hamirpur was conducted on the orders the Allahabad High Court. It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016. It was further alleged that they had illegally granted fresh leases for mining of sand, renewed existing leases and permitted obstructed period to the existing leaseholders and thereby caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer and undue gain to themselves. It was also alleged that other persons were allowed to excavate minor minerals illegally, to commit theft of the minor minerals and to extort money from the leaseholders as well as from the drivers of the vehicles transporting minor minerals. Government officials, along with private individuals, had allegedly allocated some illegal mining sites by flouting rules and regulations between the year 2012 and 2016. Mining rights were also given in violation of NGT orders. Yadav held the charge of Mining Ministry between 2012 to July 2013 and hence can come under scanner in the ongoing probe. CBI sources also confirmed that all those who held portfolios at the time of the scam will be investigated.

CBI officer probing Akhilesh's role in sand mining scam transferred

All ration cards have been digitised and around 80 per cent of them have been linked with Aadhaar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

"In the last four years, we have cancelled around 6 crore fake ration cards, gas connections and scholarships. We plugged this leakage, saving crores of money," said Prime Minister Modi while addressing a public meeting in Odisha.

"All ration cards have been digitised and around 80 per cent of ration cards have been linked with Aadhaar," he added.

The Prime Minister said that projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore in sectors like education, connectivity, culture and tourism, that were kickstarted today will not only spur the growth of Odisha but entire eastern India."

In a month, more than Rs 20,000 crore of development projects have been either inaugurated or initiated in Odisha," he said.

The Prime Minister also said that Odisha got more than Rs 4000 crore due to Centre's decision to create the District Mineral Fund. He said the amount would help in the development of the tribal areas where mining is carried out.

"Unfortunately the state government has not been able to spend the money for the welfare of tribals," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Balangir-Bichhupali railway line.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a permanent building at the Kendriya Vidyalaya at Sonepur and inaugurated new Passport Sewa Kendras at Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapur, Puri, Phulbani, Bargarh and Balangir.

Apart from inaugurating the railway line, the Prime Minister launched six Ministry of Railways projects, including the launch of 813 kilometres of electrified lines from Jharsuguda to Vizianagaram and from Sambalpur to Angul.

Prime Minister Modi also dedicated a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Jharsuguda, which will facilitate Import/Export and Domestic Cargo, including Private Freight Traffic (PFT).

This is the Prime Minister's third visit to Odisha from the past month.

On his first visit, to Khurdha in December, the Prime Minister launched Rs 14,523 crore worth projects in the state and during his second visit on January 5, he inaugurated projects worth Rs 4,733 crores, taking the total amount of projects in Odisha to Rs. 20,801 crore in the past month.

During Tuesday`s visit, projects worth Rs 1,545 crore were inaugurated by the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

All ration cards have been digitised and around 80 per cent of them have been linked with Aadhaar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. "In the last four years, we have cancelled around 6 crore fake ration cards, gas connections and scholarships.

All ration cards have been digitised and around 80 per cent of them have been linked with Aadhaar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. "In the last four years, we have cancelled around 6 crore fake ration cards, gas connections and scholarships. We plugged this leakage, saving crores of money," said Prime Minister Modi while addressing a public meeting in Odisha. "All ration cards have been digitised and around 80 per cent of ration cards have been linked with Aadhaar," he added. The Prime Minister said that projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore in sectors like education, connectivity, culture and tourism, that were kickstarted today will not only spur the growth of Odisha but entire eastern India." In a month, more than Rs 20,000 crore of development projects have been either inaugurated or initiated in Odisha," he said. The Prime Minister also said that Odisha got more than Rs 4000 crore due to Centre's decision to create the District Mineral Fund. He said the amount would help in the development of the tribal areas where mining is carried out. "Unfortunately the state government has not been able to spend the money for the welfare of tribals," he added. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Balangir-Bichhupali railway line. Furthermore, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a permanent building at the Kendriya Vidyalaya at Sonepur and inaugurated new Passport Sewa Kendras at Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapur, Puri, Phulbani, Bargarh and Balangir. Apart from inaugurating the railway line, the Prime Minister launched six Ministry of Railways projects, including the launch of 813 kilometres of electrified lines from Jharsuguda to Vizianagaram and from Sambalpur to Angul. Prime Minister Modi also dedicated a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Jharsuguda, which will facilitate Import/Export and Domestic Cargo, including Private Freight Traffic (PFT). This is the Prime Minister's third visit to Odisha from the past month. On his first visit, to Khurdha in December, the Prime Minister launched Rs 14,523 crore worth projects in the state and during his second visit on January 5, he inaugurated projects worth Rs 4,733 crores, taking the total amount of projects in Odisha to Rs. 20,801 crore in the past month. During Tuesday`s visit, projects worth Rs 1,545 crore were inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

All ration cards digitised, 80% linked with Aadhaar: PM Modi

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-un-encourages-all-to-respect-rule-of-law-says-antonio-guterres-spokesperson-188383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbjNCdre_fAhUiTY8KHaS-Dus4FBAWCAgwAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WgfWvL7LDftKG4MS7RdIn">Sabarimala</a> verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave "due to some medical reasons".

The bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S K Kaul, said the hearing, which is scheduled to start from January 22, may not take place.

The observation came after lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara mentioned the petition filed by the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA) and sought live streaming of the hearing on the petitions seeking review of the apex court's verdict on January 22.

NADA asked for live streaming and video recording of the court proceedings during the hearing of the review petitions so "justice is made accessible to common man".

If the proceedings are allowed to be telecast, millions of devotees of Lord Ayyappa, not merely in Kerala, but all over the world, will have the opportunity to hear and watch what transpired in the court, it said.

"There cannot be an issue of greater importance of public interest or concern than the Sabarimala case. Video recording of the said case would mean the entire proceeding thereof being perpetually available for posterity," the petition said.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the&nbsp;then chief justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

The temple in Kerala has been witnessing violent protests since the verdict.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave "due to some medical reasons". The bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S K Kaul, said the hearing, which is scheduled to start from January 22, may not take place. The observation came after lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara mentioned the petition filed by the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA) and sought live streaming of the hearing on the petitions seeking review of the apex court's verdict on January 22. NADA asked for live streaming and video recording of the court proceedings during the hearing of the review petitions so "justice is made accessible to common man". If the proceedings are allowed to be telecast, millions of devotees of Lord Ayyappa, not merely in Kerala, but all over the world, will have the opportunity to hear and watch what transpired in the court, it said. "There cannot be an issue of greater importance of public interest or concern than the Sabarimala case. Video recording of the said case would mean the entire proceeding thereof being perpetually available for posterity," the petition said. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. The temple in Kerala has been witnessing violent protests since the verdict.

Judge on medical leave, Supreme Court may not start hearing Sabarimala review pleas from January 22

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has left for the United States for a "regular medical check up", following a kidney transplant last year, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

The minister, 66, is expected to present this government's last budget on February 1 before Prime Minister Narendra seeks re-election in a general election due by May.

A person familiar with Jaitley's medical condition said the minister had "recovered well" from the transplant in New Delhi eight months ago.

A Finance Ministry spokesman declined to comment.

Jaitley is the publicity head of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's election team and often acts as the chief spokesman for the government.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has left for the United States for a "regular medical check up", following a kidney transplant last year, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has left for the United States for a "regular medical check up", following a kidney transplant last year, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The minister, 66, is expected to present this government's last budget on February 1 before Prime Minister Narendra seeks re-election in a general election due by May. A person familiar with Jaitley's medical condition said the minister had "recovered well" from the transplant in New Delhi eight months ago. A Finance Ministry spokesman declined to comment. Jaitley is the publicity head of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's election team and often acts as the chief spokesman for the government.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley goes for 'medical check up' in US: Sources

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape.

The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). They will serve under the command of the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee and work closely with the National Cyber Security Advisor.

“We are alive to the threat on cyber front. To that end, we are thinking of making a cyber agency. It would not be a quite full-fledged command as we have in the army. As conscious of the fact that the threat exists, we are going in for the cyber agency. It will be headed by a two-star rank officer. It will be an inter-service agency, not purely army, functioning under the Integrated Defence Staff. They will be looking after the threats in the cyber domain,” said Lt. General MM Naravane, GOC-in-C, Army Eastern Command.

To begin with, the Defence Cyber Agency will be based out of the IDS Headquarters and later dedicated units will come up with the Army commands.

“The entire proposal is still under the formulation. Of course, units will be spread all over the country. One person sitting in Delhi cannot be expected to do all these jobs. There will be units in every Headquarters with dedicated officers to deal with the cybersecurity,” added Naravane.

Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the formation of three agencies - Defence Cyber Agency is one of them, the two others are - Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division.

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape. The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).

With the threat perception changing from land, sea and air into the cyber world, India's Defence Cyber Agency has started taking shape. The initial proposal of the Defence Cyber Agency will have close to 200-strong staff from the tri-services - Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, to be headed by the Headquarter of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). They will serve under the command of the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee and work closely with the National Cyber Security Advisor. “We are alive to the threat on cyber front. To that end, we are thinking of making a cyber agency. It would not be a quite full-fledged command as we have in the army. As conscious of the fact that the threat exists, we are going in for the cyber agency. It will be headed by a two-star rank officer. It will be an inter-service agency, not purely army, functioning under the Integrated Defence Staff. They will be looking after the threats in the cyber domain,” said Lt. General MM Naravane, GOC-in-C, Army Eastern Command. To begin with, the Defence Cyber Agency will be based out of the IDS Headquarters and later dedicated units will come up with the Army commands. “The entire proposal is still under the formulation. Of course, units will be spread all over the country. One person sitting in Delhi cannot be expected to do all these jobs. There will be units in every Headquarters with dedicated officers to deal with the cybersecurity,” added Naravane. Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the formation of three agencies - Defence Cyber Agency is one of them, the two others are - Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division.

India to come up with Defence Cyber Agency

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/sp-and-bsp-announce-alliance-against-bjp-in-uttar-pradesh-189790">SP-BSP alliance</a>.

The former UP chief minister further said that SP-BSP need to forget past differences after the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/bsp-sp-alliance-returns-after-25-years-will-the-coalition-deliver-in-2019-190124"> tie-up</a>.

The BSP supremo and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had announced the alliance of their parties&nbsp;for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-to-contest-38-seats-each-alliance-will-give-sleepless-nights-to-modi-shah-says-mayawati-189793">joint press conference </a>on Saturday.

The two leaders will contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav greets Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati at her residence, on her birthday today. <a href="https://t.co/COWRKjHkYB">pic.twitter.com/COWRKjHkYB</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1085070570922930176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati had stated.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati also stressed the need for a strong farm loan waiver policy.

"We have always worked for the poor and the downtrodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made, "she said.

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BSP Chief Mayawati in Lucknow: We have always worked for the poor and the down trodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made. <a href="https://t.co/nRvA8K81SD">pic.twitter.com/nRvA8K81SD</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1085051123327819777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of SP-BSP alliance.

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of SP-BSP alliance. The former UP chief minister further said that SP-BSP need to forget past differences after the tie-up. The BSP supremo and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had announced the alliance of their parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in a joint press conference on Saturday. The two leaders will contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties. Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav greets Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati at her residence, on her birthday today. pic.twitter.com/COWRKjHkYB — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 15, 2019 × SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati had stated. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati also stressed the need for a strong farm loan waiver policy. "We have always worked for the poor and the downtrodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made, "she said. BSP Chief Mayawati in Lucknow: We have always worked for the poor and the down trodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made. pic.twitter.com/nRvA8K81SD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 15, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Ideal birthday gift would be victory for BSP-SP candidates: Mayawati

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. The&nbsp;projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION from Kabul, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar said, "These projects will help local communities in education, employment and livelihood generation and capacity building."

These projects are part of 577 development projects being funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million.

To appreciate India's efforts, Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah tweeted in Hindi, thank you India-- "#थैंक यू इंडिया"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Today, together with HE Vinay Kumar <a href="https://twitter.com/vkumar1969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vkumar1969</a>, India’s Ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a>, we signed MoUs for implementing 26 projects worth $9.5 million; part of 577 development projects at total cost of $120 million, funded by India from 2005-2021. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#थैंक</a> यू इंडिया <a href="https://t.co/Oft9LsDYXs">pic.twitter.com/Oft9LsDYXs</a>
— Dr. Abdullah (@afgexecutive) <a href="https://twitter.com/afgexecutive/status/1084773818802016257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The tripartite agreement was signed between the government of India, Afghan ministry of economy and implementing ministries such as education, energy and water, public health, justice, rural rehabilitation and development. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar signed the MoU on behalf of India in the event which was presided over by Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah at the Sapedar palace.

According to a release by the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, "These projects come under the ambit of community-based Small Development Projects (SDP) which are aimed at building capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and institutions for governance and delivery of public service, developing socio-economic infrastructure, securing and promoting livelihood options"&nbsp;

The development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan and questioned the use of "library" India built in the country. US President in the first cabinet meet of 2019 had said, even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but he "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".

India immediately slammed the US with top sources telling WION, "Partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people."

Since 2001, India has undertaken projects worth over $2 billion in Afghanistan. In 2016, India pledged to allocate an additional $1 billion&nbsp;over the next five years as part of its commitment to assist Afghanistan. India's development partnership in the country can be classified into five sectors--infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, human resource development and capacity building, economic development, connectivity.

On the infrastructure front, India has built the Afghan Parliament, the India Afghanistan friendship dam and is currently building Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. On Capacity Building, more than 3500 Afghans undergoing various training programmes in India with New Delhi also offering 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. On, Humanitarian Assistance India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. To connect Afghanistan with India, Direct Air Freight Corridor was established in 2017 and Chabahar provides port connectivity.

ITEM FOR BOX

--India signs 11 MoUs with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth $ 9.5 million

--Projects include construction of classrooms, building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women.

--Projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. &nbsp;--Projects part of 577 development projects funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million

--Development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women.

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. The projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. Speaking to WION from Kabul, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar said, "These projects will help local communities in education, employment and livelihood generation and capacity building." These projects are part of 577 development projects being funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million. To appreciate India's efforts, Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah tweeted in Hindi, thank you India-- "#थैंक यू इंडिया" Today, together with HE Vinay Kumar @vkumar1969, India’s Ambassador to #Afghanistan @IndianEmbKabul, we signed MoUs for implementing 26 projects worth $9.5 million; part of 577 development projects at total cost of $120 million, funded by India from 2005-2021. #थैंक यू इंडिया pic.twitter.com/Oft9LsDYXs — Dr. Abdullah (@afgexecutive) January 14, 2019 × The tripartite agreement was signed between the government of India, Afghan ministry of economy and implementing ministries such as education, energy and water, public health, justice, rural rehabilitation and development. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar signed the MoU on behalf of India in the event which was presided over by Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah at the Sapedar palace. According to a release by the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, "These projects come under the ambit of community-based Small Development Projects (SDP) which are aimed at building capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and institutions for governance and delivery of public service, developing socio-economic infrastructure, securing and promoting livelihood options" The development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan and questioned the use of "library" India built in the country. US President in the first cabinet meet of 2019 had said, even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but he "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India immediately slammed the US with top sources telling WION, "Partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people." Since 2001, India has undertaken projects worth over $2 billion in Afghanistan. In 2016, India pledged to allocate an additional $1 billion over the next five years as part of its commitment to assist Afghanistan. India's development partnership in the country can be classified into five sectors--infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, human resource development and capacity building, economic development, connectivity. On the infrastructure front, India has built the Afghan Parliament, the India Afghanistan friendship dam and is currently building Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. On Capacity Building, more than 3500 Afghans undergoing various training programmes in India with New Delhi also offering 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. On, Humanitarian Assistance India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. To connect Afghanistan with India, Direct Air Freight Corridor was established in 2017 and Chabahar provides port connectivity. ITEM FOR BOX --India signs 11 MoUs with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth $ 9.5 million --Projects include construction of classrooms, building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. --Projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. --Projects part of 577 development projects funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million --Development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan

Days after Trump jibe, India signs MoU with Afghanistan to build classrooms, orphanages

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said.&nbsp;

The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner.

The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law".

He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification.

The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party".

The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state".

However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks. The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said. The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner. The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law". He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification. The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party". The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state". However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

Supreme Court gives Centre six weeks to reply to notice on PIL against 'snooping'

In a court hearing on former Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikh-inmates-to-be-kept-away-from-sajjan-kumars-ward-in-delhis-mandoli-jail-187613">Sajjan Kumar's plea</a> against his conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, the Supreme court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI seeking its reply in the matter.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul also issued notice on Kumar's bail plea.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled after six weeks.

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Supreme Court seeks CBI reply on an appeal filed by Sajjan Kumar challenging Delhi HC verdict convicting &amp; sentencing him to life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, and posts the matter for hearing after six weeks. <a href="https://t.co/xSvbNc9cIS">pic.twitter.com/xSvbNc9cIS</a>
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Kumar, 73, surrendered before a trial court in Delhi on December 31, 2018, to serve his sentence in accordance with the High Court's December 17 judgement, which sentenced him to prison for the "remainder of his natural life".&nbsp;

The case in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-no-ground-for-granting-relief-to-sajjan-kumar-says-high-court-185604">Kumar</a> was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and the burning down of a gurudwara.

The riots broke out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a court hearing on former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar's plea against his conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, the Supreme court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI seeking its reply in the matter.

In a court hearing on former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar's plea against his conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, the Supreme court on Monday issued a notice to the CBI seeking its reply in the matter. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul also issued notice on Kumar's bail plea. The next hearing in the case is scheduled after six weeks. Supreme Court seeks CBI reply on an appeal filed by Sajjan Kumar challenging Delhi HC verdict convicting & sentencing him to life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, and posts the matter for hearing after six weeks. pic.twitter.com/xSvbNc9cIS — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Kumar, 73, surrendered before a trial court in Delhi on December 31, 2018, to serve his sentence in accordance with the High Court's December 17 judgement, which sentenced him to prison for the "remainder of his natural life". The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and the burning down of a gurudwara. The riots broke out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards. (With inputs from agencies)

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Supreme Court issues notice to CBI on Sajjan Kumar's appeal

A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week.&nbsp;

On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-received-money-from-other-defence-deals-as-well-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-188422">consular access to meet Christian Michel</a>.&nbsp;

The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare.

"Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said.

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Alleged <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> middleman Christian Michel has been granted 15- minute time in a week to speak to his family and lawyers by a special CBI Court. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/063fDa7m0j">pic.twitter.com/063fDa7m0j</a>
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Earlier, ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court that Michel had spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.''&nbsp;

Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week. On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel.

A Special CBI Court on Monday allowed alleged AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to speak with his family and lawyers for 15-minutes in a week. On January 11, the Indian government granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel. The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare. "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said. Alleged #AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel has been granted 15- minute time in a week to speak to his family and lawyers by a special CBI Court. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/063fDa7m0j — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Earlier, ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court that Michel had spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.'' Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland, news agency PTI reported. The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. (With inputs from agencies)

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel gets 15 minutes a week to speak to family, lawyers

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles."

As per media reports, Sarkar in his post asked if men would buy a packet of biscuit or a bottle of water or cola with a broken seal, drawing an analogy to female virginity.&nbsp;

The post was titled 'Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth.'

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While Sarkar continues to face a backlash for his comments, he is reported to have been defending his remarks under the garb of 'freedom of expression.'

Sarkar, on his Facebook account, has been highlighting his comments and remarks previously made in favour for women.&nbsp;

"I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," Sarkar noted in one of his social posts.

"It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," he added.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has asked the West Bengal DGP to probe and take appropriate action in the alleged case of a Jadavpur University professor, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking misogynistic" lessons and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles.

A social media post by a professor in Kolkata has angered people. In his Facebook post, which has now been deleted, Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar compared "virgin girls" to "sealed bottles." As per media reports, Sarkar in his post asked if men would buy a packet of biscuit or a bottle of water or cola with a broken seal, drawing an analogy to female virginity. The post was titled 'Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth.' × While Sarkar continues to face a backlash for his comments, he is reported to have been defending his remarks under the garb of 'freedom of expression.' Sarkar, on his Facebook account, has been highlighting his comments and remarks previously made in favour for women. "I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," Sarkar noted in one of his social posts. "It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," he added. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has asked the West Bengal DGP to probe and take appropriate action in the alleged case of a Jadavpur University professor, news agency PTI reported. The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the professor's "shocking misogynistic" lessons and asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the matter and take appropriate action in the case and apprise the commission of it. (With inputs from PTI)

Kolkata professor says virgin girls are like 'sealed bottles', gets slammed

The Bulandshahr district administration on Monday invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against seven people arrested in connection with the alleged cow slaughtering incident in Siyana tehsil last month, officials said.

Cattle carcasses were found strewn in the fields outside village Mahaw in Siyana on December 3 after which a mob went on the rampage, attacking the local Chingrawathi police post.&nbsp;

Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, 44, and civilian Sumit Kumar, 20, of Chingrawathi village were killed of gunshot injuries in the ensuing violence.

Two separate FIRs were registered, one for the violence in which nearly 80 people including 27 named and the other for cow slaughter, at the Siyana police station.

"Yes,"&nbsp;District Magistrate Anuj Jha said in response to a PTI query on whether the stringent NSA was invoked against those arrested in the cow slaughter case.&nbsp;

The Bulandshahr district administration on Monday invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against seven people arrested in connection with the alleged cow slaughtering incident in Siyana tehsil last month, officials said.

The Bulandshahr district administration on Monday invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against seven people arrested in connection with the alleged cow slaughtering incident in Siyana tehsil last month, officials said. Cattle carcasses were found strewn in the fields outside village Mahaw in Siyana on December 3 after which a mob went on the rampage, attacking the local Chingrawathi police post. Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, 44, and civilian Sumit Kumar, 20, of Chingrawathi village were killed of gunshot injuries in the ensuing violence. Two separate FIRs were registered, one for the violence in which nearly 80 people including 27 named and the other for cow slaughter, at the Siyana police station. "Yes," District Magistrate Anuj Jha said in response to a PTI query on whether the stringent NSA was invoked against those arrested in the cow slaughter case.

Bulandshahr violence: National Security Act invoked against those arrested

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday further adjourned Sunanda Pushkar death case till January 21.

Earlier, the court had deferred hearing in the case till January 14. Previously the hearing had been deferred under Section 207 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as some of the digital documents supplied to Tharoor were not accessible.

Section 207 of the CrPC says that the police complaint, statements of all witnesses and all other relevant documents relating to the case should be furnished to the accused.

In December last year, the court had directed the Delhi Police to hand over certain documents to Tharoor in connection with the case in which he is named as an accused.

Pushkar was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a Delhi hotel on the night of January 17, 2014.

The couple was staying in the hotel as their house was undergoing renovation.

Tharoor was charged under Sections 306 (abatement of suicide) and 498A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He, however, has dismissed the charge sheet and termed it as "preposterous.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday further adjourned Sunanda Pushkar death case till January 21. Earlier, the court had deferred hearing in the case till January 14.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday further adjourned Sunanda Pushkar death case till January 21. Earlier, the court had deferred hearing in the case till January 14. Previously the hearing had been deferred under Section 207 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as some of the digital documents supplied to Tharoor were not accessible. Section 207 of the CrPC says that the police complaint, statements of all witnesses and all other relevant documents relating to the case should be furnished to the accused. In December last year, the court had directed the Delhi Police to hand over certain documents to Tharoor in connection with the case in which he is named as an accused. Pushkar was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a Delhi hotel on the night of January 17, 2014. The couple was staying in the hotel as their house was undergoing renovation. Tharoor was charged under Sections 306 (abatement of suicide) and 498A (husband or his relative subjecting a woman to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He, however, has dismissed the charge sheet and termed it as "preposterous.

Sunanda Pushkar death case hearing adjourned till January 21

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.&nbsp;

With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides.

In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly.&nbsp;

"Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail.

He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them.&nbsp;

"They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations.

In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats.

Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs.

Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month.

"Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said.&nbsp;

Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition.

Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict.

"Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs.&nbsp;

"I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said.

Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh.

He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time.&nbsp;

Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties".&nbsp;

Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board".&nbsp;

"I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP. With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides. In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi. As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly. "Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail. He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states. "...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them. "They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said. The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations. In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats. Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs. Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month. "Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said. Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition. Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict. "Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs. "I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said. Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time. Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties". Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board". "I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said. Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.

Congress shouldn't treat JD(S) as 'third-grade citizen' in seat sharing: Kumaraswamy 

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account.

In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account.

India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018."

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Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner&amp; Dy high commissioner being closely followed&amp;aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/UqR7Fs0evQ">pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084791158776053760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment</a> since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>A Timeline of Harassment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 4</td>
			<td>Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 10</td>
			<td>Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 21&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 25</td>
			<td>Electricity cut to diplomat's house&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat.&nbsp;

WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement.&nbsp;

The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992.

The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account. In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account. India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018." Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner& Dy high commissioner being closely followed&aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. A Timeline of Harassment Dec 4 Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on Dec 10 Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house Dec 21 Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar Dec 25 Electricity cut to diplomat's house On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat. WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement. The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992. The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

Attempts made to hack diplomats' social media accounts, India takes up matter with Pak

Finance Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha has been given one-month extension in service and appointed as the member of the 15th Finance Commission, according to a Personnel Ministry order.

He is a 1982 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Manipur cadre.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in service of Jha, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Expenditure, for a period of one month beyond his superannuation, i.e. January 31 this year, the order said.&nbsp;

Barely two-months ahead of his retirement, Jha was in December appointed as the Finance secretary in place of Hasmukh Adhia, who superannuated on November 30.&nbsp;

Senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer G C Murmu had been appointed Secretary, Department of Expenditure. Murmu, who has already joined the department as the Officer on Special Duty, will take over the new charge from Jha in March now.

Jha has also been named as the member, 15th Finance Commission vice Shaktikanta Das, with effect from March 1 this year, the Personnel Ministry order said.

Das has taken over as the Reserve Bank of India governor.

The 15th Finance Commission, headed by former Planning Commission member N K Singh, is mandated to recommend distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the states among others.&nbsp;

In another order, the Personnel Ministry said Ansuly Arya has been appointed Administrator, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications.

Arya, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, has been appointed to the post in place of Sanjay Kumar Singh.

"Orders regarding further posting of Singh (a 1989 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre) are being issued separately," it said.&nbsp;

Finance Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha has been given one-month extension in service and appointed as the member of the 15th Finance Commission, according to a Personnel Ministry order.

Finance Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha has been given one-month extension in service and appointed as the member of the 15th Finance Commission, according to a Personnel Ministry order. He is a 1982 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Manipur cadre. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in service of Jha, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Expenditure, for a period of one month beyond his superannuation, i.e. January 31 this year, the order said. Barely two-months ahead of his retirement, Jha was in December appointed as the Finance secretary in place of Hasmukh Adhia, who superannuated on November 30. Senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer G C Murmu had been appointed Secretary, Department of Expenditure. Murmu, who has already joined the department as the Officer on Special Duty, will take over the new charge from Jha in March now. Jha has also been named as the member, 15th Finance Commission vice Shaktikanta Das, with effect from March 1 this year, the Personnel Ministry order said. Das has taken over as the Reserve Bank of India governor. The 15th Finance Commission, headed by former Planning Commission member N K Singh, is mandated to recommend distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the states among others. In another order, the Personnel Ministry said Ansuly Arya has been appointed Administrator, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications. Arya, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, has been appointed to the post in place of Sanjay Kumar Singh. "Orders regarding further posting of Singh (a 1989 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre) are being issued separately," it said.

Finance Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha gets one-month extension

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning under clear skies with the minimum temperature settling at 8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average.

The humidity was recorded at 77 per cent at 8.30 AM, said a Met department official.

Visibility was recorded at 3,000 metres both at 5.30 AM and 8.30 AM.

The Met office has forecast clear skies for the day ahead.

"The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees," the weatherman said.

On Sunday, the maximum and minimum temperatures settled at 23.5 and 8.5 degrees respectively.

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning under clear skies with the minimum temperature settling at 8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. The humidity was recorded at 77 per cent at 8.

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning under clear skies with the minimum temperature settling at 8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. The humidity was recorded at 77 per cent at 8.30 AM, said a Met department official. Visibility was recorded at 3,000 metres both at 5.30 AM and 8.30 AM. The Met office has forecast clear skies for the day ahead. "The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees," the weatherman said. On Sunday, the maximum and minimum temperatures settled at 23.5 and 8.5 degrees respectively.

Cold morning in Delhi, minimum temperature at 8 degrees Celsius

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language.

India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages.&nbsp;

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations.&nbsp;

A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week. The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language. India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations. A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.

In first, United Nations launches Hindi website 

Scores of devotees from across the country took a holy dip at Sangam Ghat on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday.

Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya.

The day marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

According to local authorities, approximately 1 lakh 17 thousand people offered prayers to Akshay Vat, a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology in Prayagraj.

In the wake of Kumbh Mela, the local police is keeping a strong vigil and monitoring the regions adjoining the banks of river Ganga and its tributaries.

They have also restricted vehicular movement in Prayagraj roads due to a large footfall of tourists.

Moreover, the administration has taken the help of Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and citizens in maintaining law and order.

"As per the order by the Director General of Police (DGP) to all the senior police officials in all the districts, it has been instructed to ensure that any sort of illegal industrial activity or waste should not be discharged into the Ganges and its tributaries including the Yamuna," Praveen Kumar, Inspector General (Law &amp; Order), Uttar-Pradesh Police had stated on January 10.

Kumbh is the largest human congregation in the world, with lakhs of pilgrims participating in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins.

Scores of devotees from across the country took a holy dip at Sangam Ghat on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday. Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya.

Scores of devotees from across the country took a holy dip at Sangam Ghat on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday. Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya. The day marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. According to local authorities, approximately 1 lakh 17 thousand people offered prayers to Akshay Vat, a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology in Prayagraj. In the wake of Kumbh Mela, the local police is keeping a strong vigil and monitoring the regions adjoining the banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. They have also restricted vehicular movement in Prayagraj roads due to a large footfall of tourists. Moreover, the administration has taken the help of Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and citizens in maintaining law and order. "As per the order by the Director General of Police (DGP) to all the senior police officials in all the districts, it has been instructed to ensure that any sort of illegal industrial activity or waste should not be discharged into the Ganges and its tributaries including the Yamuna," Praveen Kumar, Inspector General (Law & Order), Uttar-Pradesh Police had stated on January 10. Kumbh is the largest human congregation in the world, with lakhs of pilgrims participating in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins.

Kumbh 2019: Devotees throng Sangam ghat in Prayagraj, security tightened

Justice A K Sikri of the Supreme Court wants the controversy, over his proposed post-retirement assignment and nomination on the PM-led panel which removed Alok Verma as CBI chief, to "die" even as some senior advocates Monday termed the incident mischievous and aimed at targeting him.

"See I don't want the controversy to be dragged. I want it to die," Justice Sikri told PTI on the sidelines of a private function relating to the release of a book on the life of former Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal.

He refrained from making any further comments on the episode.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sikri-whose-vote-helped-remove-cbi-chief-withdraws-consent-to-government-offer-190072">A controversy broke out on Sunday</a> over Justice Sikri getting a government offer last year for a post-retirement assignment at the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT), three days after his vote, as a representative of CJI Ranjan Gogoi on the panel, helped decide the removal of Verma as CBI director.

Apparently stung by the controversy, Justice Sikri withdrew his consent to the government offer.

On Monday, Justice Sikri, the senior-most judge after Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, maintained a safe distance from scribes but former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said he has been "unfairly targeted" by some political leaders and activist-lawyers.

"There is no connection between the two issues and people who don't know the facts and circumstances under which the two things happened, giving consent for assignment at London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal and his nomination by the CJI in the Prime Minister-led panel on the former CBI chief issue, are instrumental in making allegations which are utterly false and malicious," Rohatgi said.

Criticising some activist-lawyers who had used social media to allegedly "malign" the judge, Rohatgi said "such people only want publicity without knowing the facts about the person whom they are speaking."

"The issue was raised completely with mischievous intent to malign the judge. It is scandalous," he said.

His view was shared by former high court judge Ajit Kumar Sinha and senior advocate Vikas Singh, who said it was "unfortunate" that some persons and activist-lawyers "mischievously" linked the two incidents.

They said Justice Sikri had given oral consent in December 2018 to the government offer to nominate him for president/member of the CSAT and the CJI nominated him in the PM-led panel after judgment in the Verma case in January 2019.

Singh said the lawyers have to make comments sensibly but these activist-lawyers are "loose cannon" and "I think it was mischievous on part of the activist-lawyers to create an unnecessary controversy".

Sinha said creating controversy like this only denigrate an institution from where both the bar and the bench derive privilege.

He also said people who have created the controversy have been earlier praising the CJI but now criticising him for nominating Justice Sikri on the high-level panel.

A senior advocate, who recently resigned as Additional Solicitor General, and knows Justice Sikri for three decades, said,&nbsp;"some people are only trying to malign the judge".

He said it has become a routine for some activist-lawyers to target judges who take a decision contrary to their wishes.

Justice A K Sikri of the Supreme Court wants the controversy, over his proposed post-retirement assignment and nomination on the PM-led panel which removed Alok Verma as CBI chief, to "die" even as some senior advocates Monday termed the incident mischievous and aimed at targeting him.

Justice A K Sikri of the Supreme Court wants the controversy, over his proposed post-retirement assignment and nomination on the PM-led panel which removed Alok Verma as CBI chief, to "die" even as some senior advocates Monday termed the incident mischievous and aimed at targeting him. "See I don't want the controversy to be dragged. I want it to die," Justice Sikri told PTI on the sidelines of a private function relating to the release of a book on the life of former Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal. He refrained from making any further comments on the episode. A controversy broke out on Sunday over Justice Sikri getting a government offer last year for a post-retirement assignment at the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT), three days after his vote, as a representative of CJI Ranjan Gogoi on the panel, helped decide the removal of Verma as CBI director. Apparently stung by the controversy, Justice Sikri withdrew his consent to the government offer. On Monday, Justice Sikri, the senior-most judge after Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, maintained a safe distance from scribes but former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said he has been "unfairly targeted" by some political leaders and activist-lawyers. "There is no connection between the two issues and people who don't know the facts and circumstances under which the two things happened, giving consent for assignment at London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal and his nomination by the CJI in the Prime Minister-led panel on the former CBI chief issue, are instrumental in making allegations which are utterly false and malicious," Rohatgi said. Criticising some activist-lawyers who had used social media to allegedly "malign" the judge, Rohatgi said "such people only want publicity without knowing the facts about the person whom they are speaking." "The issue was raised completely with mischievous intent to malign the judge. It is scandalous," he said. His view was shared by former high court judge Ajit Kumar Sinha and senior advocate Vikas Singh, who said it was "unfortunate" that some persons and activist-lawyers "mischievously" linked the two incidents. They said Justice Sikri had given oral consent in December 2018 to the government offer to nominate him for president/member of the CSAT and the CJI nominated him in the PM-led panel after judgment in the Verma case in January 2019. Singh said the lawyers have to make comments sensibly but these activist-lawyers are "loose cannon" and "I think it was mischievous on part of the activist-lawyers to create an unnecessary controversy". Sinha said creating controversy like this only denigrate an institution from where both the bar and the bench derive privilege. He also said people who have created the controversy have been earlier praising the CJI but now criticising him for nominating Justice Sikri on the high-level panel. A senior advocate, who recently resigned as Additional Solicitor General, and knows Justice Sikri for three decades, said, "some people are only trying to malign the judge". He said it has become a routine for some activist-lawyers to target judges who take a decision contrary to their wishes.

Justice Sikri wants controversy to 'die', senior lawyers say unfair to target him

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