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Former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and others, named in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-files-sedition-charges-against-jnus-kanhaiya-kumar-umar-khalid-190203">charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in a sedition case Monday</a>, termed the move as "politically motivated" and questioned its timing, ahead of the parliamentary election.

"The charge sheet is politically motivated. However, we want the charges to be framed and a speedy trial in the case so that the truth comes out. We also want to see the videos that have been placed on record as evidence by the police," Kumar told PTI.

He said it was a "diversionary ploy by the Modi government to hide its all-around failures."

"I have not received any summons or information from the court. But if it is true, then we are thankful to the police and (Prime Minister) Modi that finally after three years, when it is time for him and his government to go, the charge sheet has been filed. But what is pertinent is the timing of the charge sheet - just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

"It is evident that there is a political motive behind this. The motive is that the Modi government has been a failure in all aspects, it has not been able to fulfil even a single promise, so it is playing all its cards to divert the attention," Kumar told reporters.

Pointing out that the charge sheet has been filed after three years of the incident, he said the Modi government, just as all its other promises, was "not serious" and using the issue now as a political tool.

"If the government was really serious about the case and maintained that we did indulge in anti-national activities, then why did it take three years to file the charge sheet, that too just before the polls?" Kumar asked.

Delhi Police also charged former students -- Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya -- for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during an event organised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on February 9, 2016, to commemorate the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru.

Khalid, who addressed a student gathering at St. Joseph's College in Bangalore on the "role of youth in safeguarding the Constitution", said, "We reject the allegations. The move to file the charge sheet three years after the alleged incident is an attempt to divert the attention (of the people) right before (parliamentary) elections. We will fight it out in court."

"We congratulate Delhi Police, the Home Ministry and the government for waking up from their deep slumber three years after February 9, 2016, and barely three months before the general elections 2019 and filing a charge sheet against us," Khalid and Bhattacharya said in a joint statement.

"Lying is an art. It's not enough to just lie. One also has to time it well. A sense of timing, of placement, is what makes one a master liar. And of course, one also needs to stage one's own cheerleaders who would celebrate each of one's lies. That is the role of most of the media today under this regime," they added.

Others charged in the case are Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Bashir Bhat and Basharat.

As many as 36 others, including Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja's daughter Aprajita, Shehla Rashid (then vice-president of the JNUSU), Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Banojyotsna Lahiri have been named in column 12 of the charge sheet due to insufficient evidence against them, police sources said.&nbsp;

Former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) leader Shehla Rashid, who had led the campaign for Kumar's release and other students, said, "This is a completely bogus case in which ultimately everyone will be acquitted. The timing of the charge sheet right before the elections just reflects how the BJP wants to reap electoral benefits out of this especially after their defeat in the state elections recently. I was not even on campus on the day of the event."

"Modi government has used this manufactured controversy in instalments. The next instalment would be on the nomination day for 2019 elections," tweeted Rashid with"#JitteryModi".

CPI Leader D Raja said, "It is politically motivated. After three years Delhi Police is filing the charge sheet in the case. We will fight it legally in court and politically outside court."

The current JNUSU expressed solidarity with those named in the charge sheet.&nbsp;

"This submission of the charge sheet after a hiatus of three years is a clear case of vendetta and well-planned instruction from the Prime Minister's Office to whip up a frenzy and browbeat those who have emerged as critical voices to the prime minister," the JNUSU said in a statement.

A case was registered on February 11, 2016, under Sections of 124 A (sedition) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons at Vasant Kunj (North) police station following complaints by BJP MP Maheish Girri and the ABVP.

The February 9 event happened despite the varsity administration having cancelled the permission following a complaint by the ABVP, who had termed it as "anti-national".

ABVP leader Saurabh Sharma, who had opposed the event on campus in 2016, welcomed the charge sheet saying "this decision is the victory of ABVP, it is the victory of the facts which were put in front of everyone by the ABVP at that time itself. Moreover, it is a tight slap to the Congress and all other political people supporting them like Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal".&nbsp;

"We believe in the judiciary and wish that it will act hard on those who attacked the pride and dignity of this nation by shouting 'Bharat tere tukde honge'," he said.

Former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and others, named in a charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in a sedition case Monday, termed the move as "politically motivated" and questioned its timing, ahead of the parliamentary election.

Former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and others, named in a charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in a sedition case Monday, termed the move as "politically motivated" and questioned its timing, ahead of the parliamentary election. "The charge sheet is politically motivated. However, we want the charges to be framed and a speedy trial in the case so that the truth comes out. We also want to see the videos that have been placed on record as evidence by the police," Kumar told PTI. He said it was a "diversionary ploy by the Modi government to hide its all-around failures." "I have not received any summons or information from the court. But if it is true, then we are thankful to the police and (Prime Minister) Modi that finally after three years, when it is time for him and his government to go, the charge sheet has been filed. But what is pertinent is the timing of the charge sheet - just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. "It is evident that there is a political motive behind this. The motive is that the Modi government has been a failure in all aspects, it has not been able to fulfil even a single promise, so it is playing all its cards to divert the attention," Kumar told reporters. Pointing out that the charge sheet has been filed after three years of the incident, he said the Modi government, just as all its other promises, was "not serious" and using the issue now as a political tool. "If the government was really serious about the case and maintained that we did indulge in anti-national activities, then why did it take three years to file the charge sheet, that too just before the polls?" Kumar asked. Delhi Police also charged former students -- Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya -- for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during an event organised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on February 9, 2016, to commemorate the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru. Khalid, who addressed a student gathering at St. Joseph's College in Bangalore on the "role of youth in safeguarding the Constitution", said, "We reject the allegations. The move to file the charge sheet three years after the alleged incident is an attempt to divert the attention (of the people) right before (parliamentary) elections. We will fight it out in court." "We congratulate Delhi Police, the Home Ministry and the government for waking up from their deep slumber three years after February 9, 2016, and barely three months before the general elections 2019 and filing a charge sheet against us," Khalid and Bhattacharya said in a joint statement. "Lying is an art. It's not enough to just lie. One also has to time it well. A sense of timing, of placement, is what makes one a master liar. And of course, one also needs to stage one's own cheerleaders who would celebrate each of one's lies. That is the role of most of the media today under this regime," they added. Others charged in the case are Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Bashir Bhat and Basharat. As many as 36 others, including Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja's daughter Aprajita, Shehla Rashid (then vice-president of the JNUSU), Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Banojyotsna Lahiri have been named in column 12 of the charge sheet due to insufficient evidence against them, police sources said. Former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) leader Shehla Rashid, who had led the campaign for Kumar's release and other students, said, "This is a completely bogus case in which ultimately everyone will be acquitted. The timing of the charge sheet right before the elections just reflects how the BJP wants to reap electoral benefits out of this especially after their defeat in the state elections recently. I was not even on campus on the day of the event." "Modi government has used this manufactured controversy in instalments. The next instalment would be on the nomination day for 2019 elections," tweeted Rashid with"#JitteryModi". CPI Leader D Raja said, "It is politically motivated. After three years Delhi Police is filing the charge sheet in the case. We will fight it legally in court and politically outside court." The current JNUSU expressed solidarity with those named in the charge sheet. "This submission of the charge sheet after a hiatus of three years is a clear case of vendetta and well-planned instruction from the Prime Minister's Office to whip up a frenzy and browbeat those who have emerged as critical voices to the prime minister," the JNUSU said in a statement. A case was registered on February 11, 2016, under Sections of 124 A (sedition) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons at Vasant Kunj (North) police station following complaints by BJP MP Maheish Girri and the ABVP. The February 9 event happened despite the varsity administration having cancelled the permission following a complaint by the ABVP, who had termed it as "anti-national". ABVP leader Saurabh Sharma, who had opposed the event on campus in 2016, welcomed the charge sheet saying "this decision is the victory of ABVP, it is the victory of the facts which were put in front of everyone by the ABVP at that time itself. Moreover, it is a tight slap to the Congress and all other political people supporting them like Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal". "We believe in the judiciary and wish that it will act hard on those who attacked the pride and dignity of this nation by shouting 'Bharat tere tukde honge'," he said.

Charge sheet in sedition case 'politically motivated': Kanhaiya Kumar

The Supreme Court on Monday said a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, could only be taken up after the bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it would keep the plea filed by the "Nagarikatwa Aain Songsudhan Birodhi Mancha" (Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill) and others pending and might hear it only after Parliament took the final view on the bill.

"Having heard the counsel for the petitioners, we are of the view that this matter should remain pending and be taken up only after the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the consideration of which is now stated to be pending before the Rajya Sabha, reaches its finality.

"The petitioners will be at liberty to mention the matter at the appropriate time," the bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul, said. 
The bill has been cleared by the Lok Sabha and it would now be presented in the Upper House of Parliament.

The public interest litigation (PIL) has sought to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as "discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal".

"We can keep this plea pending and if it (bill) is passed in the Rajya Sabha, then the lawyer can mention it for hearing," the bench said.

The bill, passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of the 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

It also seeks to provide relief to the persecuted migrants who have come through the western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh etc., the home minister had said.

The PIL opposed the bill on the ground that it had introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and termed it as "communally motivated humanitarianism".

"Never before has religion been specifically identified in the citizenship law as a ground for distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens. It has introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and can be conveniently branded as 'communally motivated humanitarianism'.

"The illegal immigrants who are to be granted the benefit of this legislation are to qualify for citizenship only on the basis of religion, a requirement that goes against one of the basic tenets of the Indian Constitution, secularism," it said.

It further claimed that the "direct and inevitable" effect of the bill would be the dilution of the Assam Accord inked in 1985, which presently made anyone entering Assam from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971, an "illegal immigrant".

"The amendment defeats the purpose of the accord and opens the floodgates to more illegal immigration and consequently, increases claims on diminishing resources. The transformation of migrants, hitherto perceived as illegal encroachers, into legitimate citizens cannot be justified," it said.

The plea further claimed that the bill had the potential to "derail and nullify" the gains made by updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

"Many persons, who could not otherwise establish their claims and were therefore excluded from the draft NRC published recently, can now take shelter under this and subsequently, become legitimate Indian citizens at the cost of the indigenous people of Assam," it said.

The petition further alleged that Assam had repeatedly witnessed ethnic clashes and violence, which were arising out of existential threat perceptions, fear of being reduced to a minority in one's own homeland and giving up territories to foreigners and imposition of foreign or alien culture.

The PIL sought directions to the Centre, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Assam government to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as "discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal".

It further sought directions to the Centre to constitute a National Immigration Commission or any other appropriate body to frame a National Immigration Policy and a National Refugee Policy.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday said a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, could only be taken up after the bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Supreme Court on Monday said a plea challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, could only be taken up after the bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it would keep the plea filed by the "Nagarikatwa Aain Songsudhan Birodhi Mancha" (Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill) and others pending and might hear it only after Parliament took the final view on the bill. "Having heard the counsel for the petitioners, we are of the view that this matter should remain pending and be taken up only after the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the consideration of which is now stated to be pending before the Rajya Sabha, reaches its finality. "The petitioners will be at liberty to mention the matter at the appropriate time," the bench, also comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul, said. The bill has been cleared by the Lok Sabha and it would now be presented in the Upper House of Parliament. The public interest litigation (PIL) has sought to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as "discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal". "We can keep this plea pending and if it (bill) is passed in the Rajya Sabha, then the lawyer can mention it for hearing," the bench said. The bill, passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of the 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document. It also seeks to provide relief to the persecuted migrants who have come through the western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh etc., the home minister had said. The PIL opposed the bill on the ground that it had introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and termed it as "communally motivated humanitarianism". "Never before has religion been specifically identified in the citizenship law as a ground for distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens. It has introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law and can be conveniently branded as 'communally motivated humanitarianism'. "The illegal immigrants who are to be granted the benefit of this legislation are to qualify for citizenship only on the basis of religion, a requirement that goes against one of the basic tenets of the Indian Constitution, secularism," it said. It further claimed that the "direct and inevitable" effect of the bill would be the dilution of the Assam Accord inked in 1985, which presently made anyone entering Assam from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971, an "illegal immigrant". "The amendment defeats the purpose of the accord and opens the floodgates to more illegal immigration and consequently, increases claims on diminishing resources. The transformation of migrants, hitherto perceived as illegal encroachers, into legitimate citizens cannot be justified," it said. The plea further claimed that the bill had the potential to "derail and nullify" the gains made by updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. "Many persons, who could not otherwise establish their claims and were therefore excluded from the draft NRC published recently, can now take shelter under this and subsequently, become legitimate Indian citizens at the cost of the indigenous people of Assam," it said. The petition further alleged that Assam had repeatedly witnessed ethnic clashes and violence, which were arising out of existential threat perceptions, fear of being reduced to a minority in one's own homeland and giving up territories to foreigners and imposition of foreign or alien culture. The PIL sought directions to the Centre, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Assam government to declare the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and the Foreigners (Amendment) Order as "discriminatory, arbitrary and illegal". It further sought directions to the Centre to constitute a National Immigration Commission or any other appropriate body to frame a National Immigration Policy and a National Refugee Policy.

Supreme Court to hear plea against Citizenship Amendment Bill after Rajya Sabha clears it

Amidst the Citizenship Amendment Bill controversy, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of protection of rights and interests of the people of Manipur.

N Biren Singh called on Rajnath Singh along with Manipur BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Ksh. Bhabananda Singh on Saturday.

They discussed issues related to the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Manipur.

Rajnath Singh assured that interests of all North Eastern states, including Manipur, and their culture and heritage will be fully protected.

He promised to call for a meeting of all concerned state chief ministers to discuss requisite safeguards in this regard.

The Manipur chief minister also submitted a memorandum urging for Presidential assent to Manipur People's Protection Bill 2018. The Home Minister assured that the ministry will examine the Bill.

Amidst the Citizenship Amendment Bill controversy, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of protection of rights and interests of the people of Manipur.

Amidst the Citizenship Amendment Bill controversy, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of protection of rights and interests of the people of Manipur. N Biren Singh called on Rajnath Singh along with Manipur BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Ksh. Bhabananda Singh on Saturday. They discussed issues related to the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Manipur. Rajnath Singh assured that interests of all North Eastern states, including Manipur, and their culture and heritage will be fully protected. He promised to call for a meeting of all concerned state chief ministers to discuss requisite safeguards in this regard. The Manipur chief minister also submitted a memorandum urging for Presidential assent to Manipur People's Protection Bill 2018. The Home Minister assured that the ministry will examine the Bill.

Citizenship Amendment Bill: Rajnath Singh assures Manipur CM protection of rights

Alleging that the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition was trying to lure its MLAs in Karnataka, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa Monday said its 104 legislators are "united" and will camp in the national capital.

Yeddyurappa assertion comes hours after Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy stuck to his allegation that the BJP was trying to lure MLAs of the ruling combine and expressed confidence that none of them would switch sides.

"It is not us, but they (JDS-Congress) have started horse trading. We will stay in Delhi one or two days because Kumaraswamy is trying his level best to contact our MLAs and horse-trading has started," Yeddyurappa told reporters after meeting state BJP MLAs and MPs here.

The BJP is "alert and careful" as the chief minister is trying to lure our MLAs using "power and money", he said.

"Kumaraswamy is trying to contact BJP MLAs and has offered a ministerial post to a Kalburgi MLA," he alleged and said the ruling combine is luring BJP state legislators despite having majority numbers.

The Karnataka MLAs had come to attend the two-day BJP national convention that concluded Saturday. They stayed back to discuss separately the state developments.&nbsp;

Asserting that the BJP's house was in order, Yeddyurappa said, "Our MLAs are united and intact. We do not have any problem at all. Our MLAs are saying let us stay here for 2-3 days and then go to our constituencies."

There will not be any "resort politics" and all the Bharatiya Janata Party state legislators will stay together at the Karnataka Bhavan and some may visit Gurgaon and come back, he added.

Stating that the ruling coalition government lacks unity, Yeddyurappa said, "They (JDS-Congress) are worried themselves. Three days back, the chief minister had said he does not have any power and cannot transfer a single official."

The present government is not functioning at all in the state, which is facing drought in 160 tehsils and there are reports of farmers' suicides, he alleged.

"There is no development in the state. They have wasted time in the last nine months. None of the departments are functioning properly. There is no unity among them," he said.

Asked if he was desperate to become a chief minister, the state BJP chief said that the question does not arise as the party is more focused about the general elections and is in the process of finalising candidates at the earliest for 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

"Now, we are worried about Parliament elections. We must win at least 20 seats...We have started our campaign. We are going to finalise the candidates as early as possible," he added.

The state BJP chief said that the issues related to the Lok Sabha elections were discussed in detail since yesterday.

"We have received several suggestions. In a day or two, we will go to the state and begin the work in constituencies. We have got a direction from the BJP national president and we will implement it at the ground level," Yeddyurappa added.&nbsp;

Alleging that the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition was trying to lure its MLAs in Karnataka, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa Monday said its 104 legislators are "united" and will camp in the national capital.

Alleging that the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition was trying to lure its MLAs in Karnataka, state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa Monday said its 104 legislators are "united" and will camp in the national capital. Yeddyurappa assertion comes hours after Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy stuck to his allegation that the BJP was trying to lure MLAs of the ruling combine and expressed confidence that none of them would switch sides. "It is not us, but they (JDS-Congress) have started horse trading. We will stay in Delhi one or two days because Kumaraswamy is trying his level best to contact our MLAs and horse-trading has started," Yeddyurappa told reporters after meeting state BJP MLAs and MPs here. The BJP is "alert and careful" as the chief minister is trying to lure our MLAs using "power and money", he said. "Kumaraswamy is trying to contact BJP MLAs and has offered a ministerial post to a Kalburgi MLA," he alleged and said the ruling combine is luring BJP state legislators despite having majority numbers. The Karnataka MLAs had come to attend the two-day BJP national convention that concluded Saturday. They stayed back to discuss separately the state developments. Asserting that the BJP's house was in order, Yeddyurappa said, "Our MLAs are united and intact. We do not have any problem at all. Our MLAs are saying let us stay here for 2-3 days and then go to our constituencies." There will not be any "resort politics" and all the Bharatiya Janata Party state legislators will stay together at the Karnataka Bhavan and some may visit Gurgaon and come back, he added. Stating that the ruling coalition government lacks unity, Yeddyurappa said, "They (JDS-Congress) are worried themselves. Three days back, the chief minister had said he does not have any power and cannot transfer a single official." The present government is not functioning at all in the state, which is facing drought in 160 tehsils and there are reports of farmers' suicides, he alleged. "There is no development in the state. They have wasted time in the last nine months. None of the departments are functioning properly. There is no unity among them," he said. Asked if he was desperate to become a chief minister, the state BJP chief said that the question does not arise as the party is more focused about the general elections and is in the process of finalising candidates at the earliest for 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. "Now, we are worried about Parliament elections. We must win at least 20 seats...We have started our campaign. We are going to finalise the candidates as early as possible," he added. The state BJP chief said that the issues related to the Lok Sabha elections were discussed in detail since yesterday. "We have received several suggestions. In a day or two, we will go to the state and begin the work in constituencies. We have got a direction from the BJP national president and we will implement it at the ground level," Yeddyurappa added.

JD(S)-Congress trying to lure BJP MLAs, will camp in Delhi: Yeddyurappa

There is a "strong possibility" of Tahawwur Hussain Rana - currently serving a 14-year jail term in the US for plotting the 2008 Mumbai terror attack - being extradited to India, an informed source said.&nbsp;

The Indian government, with "full co-operation" from the Trump administration, is currently working on completing the necessary paperwork to ensure the extradition of the Pakistani-Canadian national before his current jail term ends in December 2021.

Rana was arrested in 2009 on the charges of plotting the 26/11 terror attack. Some 166 people, including US nationals, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.&nbsp;

According to the US officials, he is set to be released in December 2021.

"There is a strong possibility of extradition of Rana to India on completion of his jail term here. We (US and India) are working on this," a source told PTI. 
But the "challenge" is to complete the necessary paperwork during this period and overcome the cumbersome bureaucracy of the two countries and the independent judiciary, the source said.

India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law and Justice and the US' State Department and the Department of Justice, each of them has their own extradition procedure in place.

And they are unwilling to cut down or speed up their own process when it comes to extradition, it added.

Following a recent visit to the US by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, officials from both sides have agreed to cut down on the bureaucratic procedures so that all the necessary paperwork is ready before the current jail term of Rana ends in December 2021.&nbsp;

From now on, the NIA is expected to have direct communication with their US counterparts to cut short the timeframe and bureaucratic formalities.

In case, the US government in co-operation with the Indian government is unable to complete the necessary paperwork before that, officials here said it would become very tough to ensure a smooth extradition of Rana once he is released from the jail in Chicago, where he is currently serving his sentence.

As per the existing US law, Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, would most probably be deported to Canada if India and the US are unable to complete the cumbersome extradition process before his release.

However, people familiar with the matter told PTI, that there is a "desire" so there is assurance from the highest level in the Trump administration that all necessary steps would be taken in a timely fashion to ensure extradition of Rana before his release.

According to the US officials, the extradition of Rana would help in cementing the relationship between the two countries, boost up the counter-terrorism co-operation and enhance America's image among Indians.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, in November 2018, the Trump administration had reiterated its resolve to bring to justice those involved in it.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence had raised this issue during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November.

During their recent visit, the NIA team also received guidance from their US counterparts on the paperwork which India needs to complete to meet the requirements of the American judiciary system and their standards.&nbsp;

India would not seek extradition of Rana on the charges for which he is already serving his jail sentence, as officials pointed out that the "double jeopardy" clause in the US justice system prohibits to punish a person twice for the same crime.

India is seeking extradition of Rana on the ground that he was actively involved in planning an attack on the New Delhi-based National Defense College and Chabad Houses in several cities. There is also forgery case registered against him in India.

Citing the partial government shutdown, the State Department and the Department of Justice expressed their inability to respond to the questions related to the extradition of Rana.&nbsp;

The Indian Embassy here and the attorney of Rana did not respond to a question on this issue.&nbsp;

There is a "strong possibility" of Tahawwur Hussain Rana - currently serving a 14-year jail term in the US for plotting the 2008 Mumbai terror attack - being extradited to India, an informed source said.

There is a "strong possibility" of Tahawwur Hussain Rana - currently serving a 14-year jail term in the US for plotting the 2008 Mumbai terror attack - being extradited to India, an informed source said. The Indian government, with "full co-operation" from the Trump administration, is currently working on completing the necessary paperwork to ensure the extradition of the Pakistani-Canadian national before his current jail term ends in December 2021. Rana was arrested in 2009 on the charges of plotting the 26/11 terror attack. Some 166 people, including US nationals, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. According to the US officials, he is set to be released in December 2021. "There is a strong possibility of extradition of Rana to India on completion of his jail term here. We (US and India) are working on this," a source told PTI. But the "challenge" is to complete the necessary paperwork during this period and overcome the cumbersome bureaucracy of the two countries and the independent judiciary, the source said. India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law and Justice and the US' State Department and the Department of Justice, each of them has their own extradition procedure in place. And they are unwilling to cut down or speed up their own process when it comes to extradition, it added. Following a recent visit to the US by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, officials from both sides have agreed to cut down on the bureaucratic procedures so that all the necessary paperwork is ready before the current jail term of Rana ends in December 2021. From now on, the NIA is expected to have direct communication with their US counterparts to cut short the timeframe and bureaucratic formalities. In case, the US government in co-operation with the Indian government is unable to complete the necessary paperwork before that, officials here said it would become very tough to ensure a smooth extradition of Rana once he is released from the jail in Chicago, where he is currently serving his sentence. As per the existing US law, Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, would most probably be deported to Canada if India and the US are unable to complete the cumbersome extradition process before his release. However, people familiar with the matter told PTI, that there is a "desire" so there is assurance from the highest level in the Trump administration that all necessary steps would be taken in a timely fashion to ensure extradition of Rana before his release. According to the US officials, the extradition of Rana would help in cementing the relationship between the two countries, boost up the counter-terrorism co-operation and enhance America's image among Indians. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, in November 2018, the Trump administration had reiterated its resolve to bring to justice those involved in it. Vice President Mike Pence had raised this issue during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November. During their recent visit, the NIA team also received guidance from their US counterparts on the paperwork which India needs to complete to meet the requirements of the American judiciary system and their standards. India would not seek extradition of Rana on the charges for which he is already serving his jail sentence, as officials pointed out that the "double jeopardy" clause in the US justice system prohibits to punish a person twice for the same crime. India is seeking extradition of Rana on the ground that he was actively involved in planning an attack on the New Delhi-based National Defense College and Chabad Houses in several cities. There is also forgery case registered against him in India. Citing the partial government shutdown, the State Department and the Department of Justice expressed their inability to respond to the questions related to the extradition of Rana. The Indian Embassy here and the attorney of Rana did not respond to a question on this issue.

'Strong possibility' of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana to be extradited to India: Sources

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours.

"This shows the air quality here. It took six days for the lungs to turn black in Delhi, 18 days in Bengaluru," said Ekta Shekhar, Director, Climate Agenda.

She added, "In Lucknow, the lungs turned black by the very next day of the installation, within 24 hours."

"We had used HEPA filters. There are loopholes in the National Clean Air Programme of the government. Till the time they are not addressed, the situation won't be better in the state," Shekhar said.

Besides UP, the overall air quality index (AQI) again deteriorated to 'very poor' category on Sunday in the national capital after the level of harmful pollutants shot up.

According to Centre-run SAFAR, Delhi's AQI was docking at 382 in the morning.&nbsp;

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours.

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours. "This shows the air quality here. It took six days for the lungs to turn black in Delhi, 18 days in Bengaluru," said Ekta Shekhar, Director, Climate Agenda. She added, "In Lucknow, the lungs turned black by the very next day of the installation, within 24 hours." "We had used HEPA filters. There are loopholes in the National Clean Air Programme of the government. Till the time they are not addressed, the situation won't be better in the state," Shekhar said. Besides UP, the overall air quality index (AQI) again deteriorated to 'very poor' category on Sunday in the national capital after the level of harmful pollutants shot up. According to Centre-run SAFAR, Delhi's AQI was docking at 382 in the morning.

UP air quality: Artificial lungs turn black within 24 hours

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-turkey-of-economic-devastation-if-it-hits-kurds-190087">Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump</a>

President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the&nbsp;US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095">Fuel prices continue to rise on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095">fifth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095"> consecutive day, petrol crosses Rs 70 in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-maria-sharapova-hands-harriet-dart-a-double-bagel-in-campaign-opener-190097">Australia Open: Maria Sharapova hands Harriet Dart a double bagel in campaign opener</a>

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098">Theresa May heads to Brexit-backing city to make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098">last-ditch</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098"> plea to rebel MPs</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday repeat weekend&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/theresa-may-requests-mps-to-back-brexit-deal-190017">warnings to MPs</a>poised to reject her EU divorce deal that failing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-dates-from-leave-shock-to-no-confidence-vote-183632">Brexit&nbsp;</a>would be "catastrophic" for British democracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-republicans-oppose-border-emergency-as-shutdown-drags-on-190088">Top Republicans oppose border 'emergency' as shutdown drags on</a>

Top Republican lawmakers on Sunday warned against Donald&nbsp;Trump declaring a national emergency&nbsp;to secure funds for a border wall, signalling doubts within the president's party as a government shutdown was set to enter the fourth workweek.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara. Fuel prices continue to rise on fifth consecutive day, petrol crosses Rs 70 in Delhi Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai. Australia Open: Maria Sharapova hands Harriet Dart a double bagel in campaign opener Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday. Theresa May heads to Brexit-backing city to make last-ditch plea to rebel MPs Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday repeat weekend warnings to MPspoised to reject her EU divorce deal that failing to deliver Brexit would be "catastrophic" for British democracy. Top Republicans oppose border 'emergency' as shutdown drags on Top Republican lawmakers on Sunday warned against Donald Trump declaring a national emergency to secure funds for a border wall, signalling doubts within the president's party as a government shutdown was set to enter the fourth workweek.

News brief: Big stories of the day

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's wholehearted support to the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 general election drew snide remarks on Monday from the ruling NDA in Bihar which wondered whether it was part of "strong-arm tactics" against the Congress, its ally in the 'mahagathbandhan'.

The NDA's reaction came after Tejashwi Yadav greeted Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav for forging an alliance and dumping the Congress out of it.

"This step of the BSP and the SP is going to be hailed in later stages," Tejashwi Yadav said in Lucknow Monday.

A mortified Congress evaded a direct reply when it was asked about Yadav's Lucknow visit, where he touched Mayawati's feet and declared the RJD's full support to the alliance at a press conference he jointly addressed with Akhilesh Yadav.

BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand asserted it is actually a "posturing, a strong arm tactic by the RJD" which, he added, has an inflated sense of its importance and treats its alliance partners with contempt.

"Tejashwi Yadav is indirectly trying to show his party's alliance in Bihar that the RJD will dictate the terms in the alliance here," Anand said.

"Whatever Tejashwi Yadav's Lucknow tour may mean for UP politics, in Bihar it is clearly indicative of the clash of egos that the Grand Alliance is witnessing. The clash of egos has come in the way of finalising a seat-sharing arrangement among its too many constituents. We are looking at a situation where they would not be able to reach any understanding till the date of voting and end up fighting each other," he claimed.

Media reports suggest that the Congress is demanding a large number of seats out of the total 40 in Bihar to be a part of the 'mahagathbandhan.'&nbsp;It has cited its recent victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to assert its claim, but the RJD, the main force behind the anti-NDA coalition, is unwilling to accept the demand.

Reacting to the developments, LJP leader Chirag Paswan said, "We wonder what type of Grand Alliance the opposition in Bihar had been talking about. In UP, the Congress, which was supposed to lead the so-called 'mahagathbandhan', has been left out".

"Tejashwi Yadav and his party are in dire straits so, maybe, he is on an expedition to make as many political friends as possible... The SP-BSP alliance may be a strong one, but there is nothing grand about it," Paswan, son of LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan and chairman of the party's parliamentary board, said.

Similar views were expressed by JD(U) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar who questioned whether Tejashwi Yadav had no concern for the "insult" meted out to the Congress by the formation of SP-BSP alliance.

Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra tried to side-step a question on the alliance, saying Tejashwi Yadav has family relations with Akhilesh Yadav. "Maybe he has gone there in a personal capacity, to celebrate Makar Sankranti."

However, when the queries persisted, he said until and unless the RJD comes out with a statement explaining why it is lending support to a formation which has not taken the Congress on board, "we would not like to say anything on the matter".

At his Lucknow press conference, Tejashwi Yadav, who has emerged as the de facto leader of his party in the absence of his father and RJD supremo

Lalu Prasad claimed even Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said that it does not matter who is in an alliance as long as it serves the purpose of defeating the BJP.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's wholehearted support to the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 general election drew snide remarks on Monday from the ruling NDA in Bihar which wondered whether it was part of "strong-arm tactics" against the Congress, its ally in the 'mahagathbandhan'.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's wholehearted support to the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 general election drew snide remarks on Monday from the ruling NDA in Bihar which wondered whether it was part of "strong-arm tactics" against the Congress, its ally in the 'mahagathbandhan'. The NDA's reaction came after Tejashwi Yadav greeted Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav for forging an alliance and dumping the Congress out of it. "This step of the BSP and the SP is going to be hailed in later stages," Tejashwi Yadav said in Lucknow Monday. A mortified Congress evaded a direct reply when it was asked about Yadav's Lucknow visit, where he touched Mayawati's feet and declared the RJD's full support to the alliance at a press conference he jointly addressed with Akhilesh Yadav. BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand asserted it is actually a "posturing, a strong arm tactic by the RJD" which, he added, has an inflated sense of its importance and treats its alliance partners with contempt. "Tejashwi Yadav is indirectly trying to show his party's alliance in Bihar that the RJD will dictate the terms in the alliance here," Anand said. "Whatever Tejashwi Yadav's Lucknow tour may mean for UP politics, in Bihar it is clearly indicative of the clash of egos that the Grand Alliance is witnessing. The clash of egos has come in the way of finalising a seat-sharing arrangement among its too many constituents. We are looking at a situation where they would not be able to reach any understanding till the date of voting and end up fighting each other," he claimed. Media reports suggest that the Congress is demanding a large number of seats out of the total 40 in Bihar to be a part of the 'mahagathbandhan.' It has cited its recent victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to assert its claim, but the RJD, the main force behind the anti-NDA coalition, is unwilling to accept the demand. Reacting to the developments, LJP leader Chirag Paswan said, "We wonder what type of Grand Alliance the opposition in Bihar had been talking about. In UP, the Congress, which was supposed to lead the so-called 'mahagathbandhan', has been left out". "Tejashwi Yadav and his party are in dire straits so, maybe, he is on an expedition to make as many political friends as possible... The SP-BSP alliance may be a strong one, but there is nothing grand about it," Paswan, son of LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan and chairman of the party's parliamentary board, said. Similar views were expressed by JD(U) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar who questioned whether Tejashwi Yadav had no concern for the "insult" meted out to the Congress by the formation of SP-BSP alliance. Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra tried to side-step a question on the alliance, saying Tejashwi Yadav has family relations with Akhilesh Yadav. "Maybe he has gone there in a personal capacity, to celebrate Makar Sankranti." However, when the queries persisted, he said until and unless the RJD comes out with a statement explaining why it is lending support to a formation which has not taken the Congress on board, "we would not like to say anything on the matter". At his Lucknow press conference, Tejashwi Yadav, who has emerged as the de facto leader of his party in the absence of his father and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad claimed even Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said that it does not matter who is in an alliance as long as it serves the purpose of defeating the BJP.

Tejashwi Yadav extends support to SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh

Two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Balangir district, a row surfaced on Sunday over alleged cutting of trees to prepare a temporary helipad.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Balangir, Sameer Satpathy said several trees were felled near the railway station ground in the district to prepare a temporary helipad without obtaining prior permission.

Satpathy added that an inquiry in this regard has been ordered.

Union Petroleum Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, however, claimed that people who are "afraid" of the prime minister's visit are trying to spread a false campaign by "misusing" forest officials.

"Following the direction of the DFO, a team will visit the site in order to ascertain the number of trees felled in the area," said Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Babaji Charan Raul.

Since the area happens to be under the jurisdiction of the railways, an official of the East Coast Railways (ECoR) said they are also conducting an inquiry into the matter.

"We are doing our own enquiry on the subject," Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECoR, J P Mishra said, adding, preparation of such a helipad is the task of the public works department (PWD) of the state government.

Pradhan added: "It is the local administration which decides as to where the prime minister's helicopter will land."

Modi is slated to attend an official function where he will launch a host of projects, besides addressing a BJP rally in the western Odisha town during his visit.

Two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Balangir district, a row surfaced on Sunday over alleged cutting of trees to prepare a temporary helipad.

Two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Balangir district, a row surfaced on Sunday over alleged cutting of trees to prepare a temporary helipad. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Balangir, Sameer Satpathy said several trees were felled near the railway station ground in the district to prepare a temporary helipad without obtaining prior permission. Satpathy added that an inquiry in this regard has been ordered. Union Petroleum Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan, however, claimed that people who are "afraid" of the prime minister's visit are trying to spread a false campaign by "misusing" forest officials. "Following the direction of the DFO, a team will visit the site in order to ascertain the number of trees felled in the area," said Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Babaji Charan Raul. Since the area happens to be under the jurisdiction of the railways, an official of the East Coast Railways (ECoR) said they are also conducting an inquiry into the matter. "We are doing our own enquiry on the subject," Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECoR, J P Mishra said, adding, preparation of such a helipad is the task of the public works department (PWD) of the state government. Pradhan added: "It is the local administration which decides as to where the prime minister's helicopter will land." Modi is slated to attend an official function where he will launch a host of projects, besides addressing a BJP rally in the western Odisha town during his visit.

Felling of trees for PM's helipad sparks row in Odisha

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars.

Central Railway has installed a blue light visual indicator just above the entrance of one EMU coach for guiding the commuters not to board the running train, at the last moment.

The indicator flashes when to stop boarding the train before it becomes unsafe and draws a boundary on the platform which is the minimum clearance level for commuters to avoid accidents while the train is in motion.

The device will definitely act as a psychological barrier from boarding the moving train and also as a deterrent to the people.

The work of installing the blue light visual indicator was carried out in Kurla car-shed of Central Railway under the guidance of DK Sharma, General Manager, Central Railway.

Central Railway would monitor the performance of the new blue light visual indicator and based on the outcome and commuter feedback, a decision would be taken on the installation of visual indicators on more coaches and rakes of Mumbai suburban locals.&nbsp;

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars.

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars. Central Railway has installed a blue light visual indicator just above the entrance of one EMU coach for guiding the commuters not to board the running train, at the last moment. The indicator flashes when to stop boarding the train before it becomes unsafe and draws a boundary on the platform which is the minimum clearance level for commuters to avoid accidents while the train is in motion. The device will definitely act as a psychological barrier from boarding the moving train and also as a deterrent to the people. The work of installing the blue light visual indicator was carried out in Kurla car-shed of Central Railway under the guidance of DK Sharma, General Manager, Central Railway. Central Railway would monitor the performance of the new blue light visual indicator and based on the outcome and commuter feedback, a decision would be taken on the installation of visual indicators on more coaches and rakes of Mumbai suburban locals.

Mumbai: Blue light warning signal to passengers travelling by local trains

A plea was filed in the Supreme Court on Monday seeking a direction to quash the January 10 order of the government appointing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nageswara-rao-again-takes-over-cbi-directors-duties-189578">IPS officer M Nageswara Rao</a> as an interim director of the CBI.

CBI's Additional Director Rao was given the charge of CBI interim chief on January till the appointment of a new director after a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma as the chief of the probe agency on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.

The petition, filed by NGO Common Cause and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj, has sought the laying down of specific mechanisms to ensure transparency in the process of appointment of CBI director.

It alleged that Rao's appointment was not made on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee, comprising the prime minister, the leader of the single largest opposition party and the chief justice of India or a judge of the apex court nominated by him.

"In fact, it appears that the committee was completely bypassed and had no role in the appointment of Nageswara Rao, thereby rendering the appointment illegal as it is in violation of the procedure for appointment of Director, CBI laid down in the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act," the plea, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said.

It stated that the order of October 23 last year appointing Rao as the interim CBI director was quashed by the top court on January 8 but the government has "acted in a completely mala fide, arbitrary and illegal manner" to appoint him again in "complete contravention" of the DSPE Act.

The plea also sought a direction to the Centre to appoint a regular CBI director forthwith by following the procedure laid down in accordance with the provision of DSPE Act, as amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Besides this, the petition has sought a direction to the government to ensure that "all records of deliberations and rational criteria related to short-listing and selection of the director, CBI, be properly recorded and made available to citizens in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act".

It said the government should ensure transparency in short-listing, election and appointment process of CBI director by publicly disclosing, including through the website, the procedure and rational criteria for short-listing candidates, if any short-listing is done.

The plea sought a direction to the Centre that the process of selecting CBI director, including composition, mandate and minutes of the meetings of the search committee, should be disclosed publicly along with names of short-listed candidates so that people can inform the panel of any significant adverse information they may have about any such candidate.

It said that the minutes of the meetings of the selection committee should be publicly disclosed and recording of facts to indicate how the selected candidates are best suited for the post, disclosure of this information according to the provisions of the RTI Act after the appointment has been made should be there.

"In so far as the appointment of the Director, CBI is concerned, the Government of India has failed to adopt proper procedures to ensure transparency in the short-listing, selection and appointment," the plea said.&nbsp;

It claimed that lack of transparency in appointment of CBI director prevents any public scrutiny of the process and allows the "government to exercise undue influence" in the appointment process especially at the stage of short-listing of candidates.

Detailing the sequence of events relating to the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI director, the plea alleged that the entire process was "mala fide" as the government wanted to "appoint its own choice as CBI Director in the interim".

It said that independence and insulation of the CBI from government influence was key to ensuring its proper functioning.

"The Government of India has attempted to stifle the independence of the institution of the CBI by appointing the Director of the CBI in an arbitrary and illegal manner," the plea claimed.

The apex court had on January 8 allowed Alok Kumar Verma to return as the CBI director, albeit with his wings clipped, by setting aside the Centre and the CVC's orders divesting him of his powers and sending him on leave.

However, the top court had said it was "still open" for the high-powered committee, which selects the CBI chief, to consider the matter within a week since the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is probing the charges of corruption against Verma.

It had set aside October 23, 2018, orders of the CVC and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) divesting Verma of his powers and asking Rao to look after the duties and functions of the agency's Director.

On January 10, the high-powered committee removed Verma as the CBI Director. The same day, an order was issued by the government giving Rao the charge of interim CBI director.

It alleged that Rao's appointment was not made on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee.

A plea was filed in the Supreme Court on Monday seeking a direction to quash the January 10 order of the government appointing IPS officer M Nageswara Rao as an interim director of the CBI. CBI's Additional Director Rao was given the charge of CBI interim chief on January till the appointment of a new director after a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma as the chief of the probe agency on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. The petition, filed by NGO Common Cause and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj, has sought the laying down of specific mechanisms to ensure transparency in the process of appointment of CBI director. It alleged that Rao's appointment was not made on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee, comprising the prime minister, the leader of the single largest opposition party and the chief justice of India or a judge of the apex court nominated by him. "In fact, it appears that the committee was completely bypassed and had no role in the appointment of Nageswara Rao, thereby rendering the appointment illegal as it is in violation of the procedure for appointment of Director, CBI laid down in the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act," the plea, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said. It stated that the order of October 23 last year appointing Rao as the interim CBI director was quashed by the top court on January 8 but the government has "acted in a completely mala fide, arbitrary and illegal manner" to appoint him again in "complete contravention" of the DSPE Act. The plea also sought a direction to the Centre to appoint a regular CBI director forthwith by following the procedure laid down in accordance with the provision of DSPE Act, as amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Besides this, the petition has sought a direction to the government to ensure that "all records of deliberations and rational criteria related to short-listing and selection of the director, CBI, be properly recorded and made available to citizens in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act". It said the government should ensure transparency in short-listing, election and appointment process of CBI director by publicly disclosing, including through the website, the procedure and rational criteria for short-listing candidates, if any short-listing is done. The plea sought a direction to the Centre that the process of selecting CBI director, including composition, mandate and minutes of the meetings of the search committee, should be disclosed publicly along with names of short-listed candidates so that people can inform the panel of any significant adverse information they may have about any such candidate. It said that the minutes of the meetings of the selection committee should be publicly disclosed and recording of facts to indicate how the selected candidates are best suited for the post, disclosure of this information according to the provisions of the RTI Act after the appointment has been made should be there. "In so far as the appointment of the Director, CBI is concerned, the Government of India has failed to adopt proper procedures to ensure transparency in the short-listing, selection and appointment," the plea said. It claimed that lack of transparency in appointment of CBI director prevents any public scrutiny of the process and allows the "government to exercise undue influence" in the appointment process especially at the stage of short-listing of candidates. Detailing the sequence of events relating to the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI director, the plea alleged that the entire process was "mala fide" as the government wanted to "appoint its own choice as CBI Director in the interim". It said that independence and insulation of the CBI from government influence was key to ensuring its proper functioning. "The Government of India has attempted to stifle the independence of the institution of the CBI by appointing the Director of the CBI in an arbitrary and illegal manner," the plea claimed. The apex court had on January 8 allowed Alok Kumar Verma to return as the CBI director, albeit with his wings clipped, by setting aside the Centre and the CVC's orders divesting him of his powers and sending him on leave. However, the top court had said it was "still open" for the high-powered committee, which selects the CBI chief, to consider the matter within a week since the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is probing the charges of corruption against Verma. It had set aside October 23, 2018, orders of the CVC and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) divesting Verma of his powers and asking Rao to look after the duties and functions of the agency's Director. On January 10, the high-powered committee removed Verma as the CBI Director. The same day, an order was issued by the government giving Rao the charge of interim CBI director.

RTI activist challenges appointment of Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director in Supreme Court

Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-ready-to-hold-assembly-polls-in-jammu-kashmir-rajnath-singh-186991">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> said here on Monday.

He was talking to media persons after inaugurating the administrative building, residential block and officers' mess at the SSB sector headquarters here.

"Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&amp;K police, and intelligence bureau men are acting in better coordination," he said.

Speaking about Naxal incidents, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajanath-singh-inaugurates-over-150-projects-in-lucknow-186494">the home minister said</a> they had dropped by 50 per cent during the last four years.

Extremist violence in northeastern areas saw a decline of 80 per cent, Singh said.

Lauding improvements made on the internal security front, he said, "No major terrorist incident had taken place in India during the last four-and-a-half years (of the Narendra Modi government)."

Singh said the country's economy today was counted as the world's fastest growing.

"By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world," he said.

"The Modi government has launched the world's largest universal health care scheme Ayushmaan Bharat which has benefitted 7.5 lakh people so far," Singh said.&nbsp;

'By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world,' Rajnath Singh said.

Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Monday. He was talking to media persons after inaugurating the administrative building, residential block and officers' mess at the SSB sector headquarters here. "Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&K police, and intelligence bureau men are acting in better coordination," he said. Speaking about Naxal incidents, the home minister said they had dropped by 50 per cent during the last four years. Extremist violence in northeastern areas saw a decline of 80 per cent, Singh said. Lauding improvements made on the internal security front, he said, "No major terrorist incident had taken place in India during the last four-and-a-half years (of the Narendra Modi government)." Singh said the country's economy today was counted as the world's fastest growing. "By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world," he said. "The Modi government has launched the world's largest universal health care scheme Ayushmaan Bharat which has benefitted 7.5 lakh people so far," Singh said.

Kashmir still a challenge due to Pakistan's destabilising activities: Rajnath Singh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-want-to-build-their-own-empire-but-we-want-to-empower-people-pm-modis-dig-at-opposition-190047">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Monday received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award.&nbsp;

The award focuses on the triple-bottom-line of 'people, profit and planet'. It will be offered annually to the leader of a nation, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said.

According to the award citation, PM&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikhs-will-be-able-to-visit-kartarpur-gurudwara-without-visas-soon-pm-modi-189983">Modi was selected</a> for his "outstanding leadership for the nation".&nbsp;

"His selfless service towards India, combined with his tireless energy has resulted in extraordinary economic, social and technological advances in the country," it read.

The citation also states that under his leadership, India is now identified as the centre for innovation and value-added manufacturing (Make in India), as well as a global hub for professional services such as information technology, accounting, and finance.

The statement quoted the citation as saying Modi's visionary leadership has also resulted in the digital revolution (Digital India), including the Unique Identification Number, Aadhaar, for social benefits and financial inclusion.&nbsp;

The citation, the statement said, mentions initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat, "which have positioned India as one of the most lucrative manufacturing and business destinations in the world".&nbsp;

Philip Kotler is a professor of marketing at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Owing to his ill health, Jagdish Sheth of EMORY University, Georgia was deputed to confer the award on Modi.&nbsp;

According to the award citation, Modi was selected for his 'outstanding leadership for the nation'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award. The award focuses on the triple-bottom-line of 'people, profit and planet'. It will be offered annually to the leader of a nation, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said. According to the award citation, PM Modi was selected for his "outstanding leadership for the nation". "His selfless service towards India, combined with his tireless energy has resulted in extraordinary economic, social and technological advances in the country," it read. The citation also states that under his leadership, India is now identified as the centre for innovation and value-added manufacturing (Make in India), as well as a global hub for professional services such as information technology, accounting, and finance. The statement quoted the citation as saying Modi's visionary leadership has also resulted in the digital revolution (Digital India), including the Unique Identification Number, Aadhaar, for social benefits and financial inclusion. The citation, the statement said, mentions initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat, "which have positioned India as one of the most lucrative manufacturing and business destinations in the world". Philip Kotler is a professor of marketing at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Owing to his ill health, Jagdish Sheth of EMORY University, Georgia was deputed to confer the award on Modi.

PM Modi receives first-ever Philip Kotler award

Delhi Police on Monday filed a 12-page charge sheet in connection with the 2016 JNU sedition case. According to reports, the charge sheet has been filed at Delhi's Patiala House Court and names former student union leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnus-order-against-kanhaiya-kumar-illegal-irrational-and-irregular-delhi-hc-153243">Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid</a>&nbsp;for allegedly holding an anti-national&nbsp;event at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2016. The Court will consider the charge sheet on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Eight others have also been named in the charge sheet. Anirban Bhattacharya, Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rasool, Bashir Bhat are among others named in the case.

CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja has also been named in the charge sheet. D Raja called the move politically motivated stating that there is nothing to prove in the case and that they will fight the case in the Court.&nbsp;

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Shehla Rashid and CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja have also been named in the chargesheet filed in JNU sedition case along with Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and others. <a href="https://t.co/K0AdUlWNE0">https://t.co/K0AdUlWNE0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084750676012556290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"After 3 years Delhi Police has filed a charge sheet and slapped sedition charges against some students that include the leader of All India Students Federation (AISF) Kanhaiya Kumar and some other students who belong to our student organisation," Raja told media.&nbsp;

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D Raja: Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges&amp;nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove,our students can't indulge in such activities&amp;govt can't slap sedition charges on them.We'll fight the case in the Court.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084759598182084609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Even at that time, we said that these are politically motivated charges and nobody can accuse AISF of any activity against the nation. There's nothing to prove, our students can't indulge in such activities and the government can't slap sedition charges on them. We'll fight the case in the Court," he added.&nbsp;

Shehla Rashid, vice president of JNU students union 2015-16, has also been named in the charge sheet.&nbsp;

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Patiala House Court will consider tomorrow the charge sheet filed by police in 2016 JNU sedition case. <a href="https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7">https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084742531395526656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The charge sheet has been filed under IPC section 124A &nbsp;(sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine, forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147(rioting), &amp; 120B (criminal conspiracy), news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The JNU panel had in 2016 recommended rustication of Khalid and two other students and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Kumar, the then students' union president, in connection with the campus event against Afzal Guru's hanging during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

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The chargesheet has been filed under IPC section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine, forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147(rioting), &amp; 120B (criminal conspiracy) <a href="https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7">https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084744807581396992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The five-member panel had also imposed a financial penalty on 13 other students for violation of disciplinary norms.

The students had then moved the Delhi High Court, which had directed the university to place the matter before an appellate authority to review the panel's decision.

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Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rasool, Bashir Bhat, among others named in the chargesheet filed in JNU sedition case.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084746491447730177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In July 2018, the Delhi High Court described JNU's order against Kanhaiya Kumar as illegal, irrational and irregular.&nbsp;

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Delhi Police statement on 2016 JNU sedition case: Charge sheet filed. Names of 10 persons have been sent to court, requesting to initiate a trial. Names of 36 persons have been put in the list of persons against whom sufficient evidence hasn't come on file so far to launch trial. <a href="https://t.co/DM0z5RZXag">pic.twitter.com/DM0z5RZXag</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084785016545181696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Setting aside the JNU's move to penalise Kanhaiya Kumar for breach of discipline, the court asked JNU to decide the matter after a proper hearing.

The Supreme Court earlier, while pointing to the rise in the number of sedition case being filed, stated that all authorities across the country would be bound by the Kedar Nath judgment which states that Section 124A (sedition) is only applicable where an alleged act of sedition involves violence or incitement to violence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi Police on Monday filed a 12-page charge sheet in connection with the 2016 JNU sedition case. According to reports, the charge sheet has been filed at Delhi's Patiala House Court and names former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid for allegedly holding an anti-national event at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2016.

Delhi Police on Monday filed a 12-page charge sheet in connection with the 2016 JNU sedition case. According to reports, the charge sheet has been filed at Delhi's Patiala House Court and names former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid for allegedly holding an anti-national event at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2016. The Court will consider the charge sheet on Tuesday. Eight others have also been named in the charge sheet. Anirban Bhattacharya, Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rasool, Bashir Bhat are among others named in the case. CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja has also been named in the charge sheet. D Raja called the move politically motivated stating that there is nothing to prove in the case and that they will fight the case in the Court. Shehla Rashid and CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja have also been named in the chargesheet filed in JNU sedition case along with Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and others. https://t.co/K0AdUlWNE0 — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × "After 3 years Delhi Police has filed a charge sheet and slapped sedition charges against some students that include the leader of All India Students Federation (AISF) Kanhaiya Kumar and some other students who belong to our student organisation," Raja told media. D Raja: Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges&nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove,our students can't indulge in such activities&govt can't slap sedition charges on them.We'll fight the case in the Court. — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × "Even at that time, we said that these are politically motivated charges and nobody can accuse AISF of any activity against the nation. There's nothing to prove, our students can't indulge in such activities and the government can't slap sedition charges on them. We'll fight the case in the Court," he added. Shehla Rashid, vice president of JNU students union 2015-16, has also been named in the charge sheet. Patiala House Court will consider tomorrow the charge sheet filed by police in 2016 JNU sedition case. https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7 — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × The charge sheet has been filed under IPC section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine, forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147(rioting), & 120B (criminal conspiracy), news agency ANI reported. The JNU panel had in 2016 recommended rustication of Khalid and two other students and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Kumar, the then students' union president, in connection with the campus event against Afzal Guru's hanging during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. The chargesheet has been filed under IPC section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine, forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147(rioting), & 120B (criminal conspiracy) https://t.co/WFxRIb3Sk7 — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × The five-member panel had also imposed a financial penalty on 13 other students for violation of disciplinary norms. The students had then moved the Delhi High Court, which had directed the university to place the matter before an appellate authority to review the panel's decision. Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rasool, Bashir Bhat, among others named in the chargesheet filed in JNU sedition case. — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × In July 2018, the Delhi High Court described JNU's order against Kanhaiya Kumar as illegal, irrational and irregular. Delhi Police statement on 2016 JNU sedition case: Charge sheet filed. Names of 10 persons have been sent to court, requesting to initiate a trial. Names of 36 persons have been put in the list of persons against whom sufficient evidence hasn't come on file so far to launch trial. pic.twitter.com/DM0z5RZXag — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Setting aside the JNU's move to penalise Kanhaiya Kumar for breach of discipline, the court asked JNU to decide the matter after a proper hearing. The Supreme Court earlier, while pointing to the rise in the number of sedition case being filed, stated that all authorities across the country would be bound by the Kedar Nath judgment which states that Section 124A (sedition) is only applicable where an alleged act of sedition involves violence or incitement to violence. (With inputs from agencies)

JNU case: Delhi Police charge Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others with sedition

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Turkey said Monday it would not be intimidated by threats after US President Donald Trump warned the country of economic devastation if it attacked Kurdish forces.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-files-sedition-charges-against-jnus-kanhaiya-kumar-umar-khalid-190203">JNU case: Delhi Police charge Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others with sedition</a>

Delhi Police on Monday filed a 12-page charge sheet in connection with the 2016 JNU sedition case. According to reports, the charge sheet has been filed at Delhi's Patiala House Court and names former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid for allegedly holding an anti-national event at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2016. The Court will consider the charge sheet on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Turkey says it will not be 'intimidated' by Trump's threats Turkey said Monday it would not be intimidated by threats after US President Donald Trump warned the country of economic devastation if it attacked Kurdish forces.

Turkey says it will not be 'intimidated' by Trump's threats Turkey said Monday it would not be intimidated by threats after US President Donald Trump warned the country of economic devastation if it attacked Kurdish forces. JNU case: Delhi Police charge Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others with sedition Delhi Police on Monday filed a 12-page charge sheet in connection with the 2016 JNU sedition case. According to reports, the charge sheet has been filed at Delhi's Patiala House Court and names former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid for allegedly holding an anti-national event at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2016. The Court will consider the charge sheet on Tuesday. Fifteen dead in cargo plane crash: Iran Army A military cargo plane overshot a runway, crashed and caught fire during a botched landing near the Iranian capital Tehran, killing 13 people, the army said Monday. Bangladesh garment workers reject wage hike, walk off job Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers downed tools and walked out of clothing factories Monday, refusing to end a week-long strike over wages and rejecting government efforts to end the standoff. Andy Murray out of Australian Open after five-set thriller Britain's Andy Murray lost to Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2 in the first round of Australian Open 2019.

Delhi Police filed sedition charges against former JNU student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Shehla Rashid, seven students from Jammu and Kashmir, and CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, D Raja said they "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-files-sedition-charges-against-jnus-kanhaiya-kumar-umar-khalid-190203">will fight the case in court</a>".&nbsp;

"After three years, Delhi Police has filed charge sheet and slapped sedition charges against some students that includes the leader of All India Students Federation (AISF), Kanhaiya Kumar and some other students who belong to our student organisation," Raja said.&nbsp;

"Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges and nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove, our students can't indulge in such activities and government can't slap sedition charges on them. We'll fight the case in the court," he added.&nbsp;

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D Raja: Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges&amp;nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove,our students can't indulge in such activities&amp;govt can't slap sedition charges on them.We'll fight the case in the Court.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084759598182084609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The students have been accused of organising an event — where "anti-national"&nbsp;slogans were allegedly raised — at JNU in February 2016 to mark the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru.&nbsp;

The charge sheet filed by Delhi Police on Monday is 1,200 pages long. A Patiala House court will consider the charge sheet tomorrow.&nbsp;

The chargesheet has been filed under IPC section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147 (rioting), &nbsp;and1 20B (criminal conspiracy).&nbsp;

Delhi Police filed sedition charges against former JNU student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Shehla Rashid, seven students from Jammu and Kashmir, and CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja.

Delhi Police filed sedition charges against former JNU student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Shehla Rashid, seven students from Jammu and Kashmir, and CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja. Speaking to ANI, D Raja said they "will fight the case in court". "After three years, Delhi Police has filed charge sheet and slapped sedition charges against some students that includes the leader of All India Students Federation (AISF), Kanhaiya Kumar and some other students who belong to our student organisation," Raja said. "Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges and nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove, our students can't indulge in such activities and government can't slap sedition charges on them. We'll fight the case in the court," he added. D Raja: Even at that time we said that these are politically motivated charges&nobody can accuse AISF for any activity against nation.There's nothing to prove,our students can't indulge in such activities&govt can't slap sedition charges on them.We'll fight the case in the Court. — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × The students have been accused of organising an event — where "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised — at JNU in February 2016 to mark the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru. The charge sheet filed by Delhi Police on Monday is 1,200 pages long. A Patiala House court will consider the charge sheet tomorrow. The chargesheet has been filed under IPC section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147 (rioting), and1 20B (criminal conspiracy).

'Will fight case in court,' says CPI's D Raja after his daughter is charged in JNU sedition case

A gas cylinder exploded in a tent at the Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj on Monday. The Kumbh begins on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The explosion led to a fire. There were however no injuries.

The explosion and the ensuing fire broke out at Digambar Ani Akhara.&nbsp;

Akhara police station inspector Bhaskar Mishra said there were no immediate reports of anyone being injured.

Firefighters were rushed to the spot.

Two vehicles and some other materials kept at the site were damaged in the fire, Mishra said.

The head of the Digambar Ani Akhada said the fire began in an adjoining tent and spread to their camp's kitchen, triggering the cylinder blast.

The police meanwhile have said they have put up "innovative technologies" for security.

"This Kumbh will witness the use of innovative technologies for security," Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh said.

(With inputs from PTI)

A gas cylinder exploded in a tent at the Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj on Monday. The Kumbh begins on Tuesday. The explosion led to a fire. There were however no injuries.

A gas cylinder exploded in a tent at the Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj on Monday. The Kumbh begins on Tuesday. The explosion led to a fire. There were however no injuries. The explosion and the ensuing fire broke out at Digambar Ani Akhara. Akhara police station inspector Bhaskar Mishra said there were no immediate reports of anyone being injured. Firefighters were rushed to the spot. Two vehicles and some other materials kept at the site were damaged in the fire, Mishra said. The head of the Digambar Ani Akhada said the fire began in an adjoining tent and spread to their camp's kitchen, triggering the cylinder blast. The police meanwhile have said they have put up "innovative technologies" for security. "This Kumbh will witness the use of innovative technologies for security," Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh said. (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: Day before it starts, fire breaks out at Kumbh Mela site

India prepares for Kumbh Mela, over 100 million devotees expected

Fire breaks out at Kumbh Mela, no casualties reported

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash Pune Police's FIR against civil rights activist Anand Teltumbde for his alleged role in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima violence and for his alleged Maoist links.

The apex court also refused to interfere with the ongoing investigation in the case.

However, a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul extended by four weeks the interim protection from arrest granted to him by the Bombay High Court.

The apex court said Teltumbde can seek regular bail from the competent trial court in this time.

On December 21, the Bombay High Court dismissed the petition filed by Teltumbde seeking the quashing of the FIR and granted interim protection from arrest for three weeks.

At the Elgar Parishad event at Shaniwarwada in Pune, held a day before the January 1 caste clashes at Koregaon-Bhima, located near Pune, several activists allegedly made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the violence, police said.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash Pune Police's FIR against civil rights activist Anand Teltumbde for his alleged role in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima violence and for his alleged Maoist links.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash Pune Police's FIR against civil rights activist Anand Teltumbde for his alleged role in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima violence and for his alleged Maoist links. The apex court also refused to interfere with the ongoing investigation in the case. However, a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul extended by four weeks the interim protection from arrest granted to him by the Bombay High Court. The apex court said Teltumbde can seek regular bail from the competent trial court in this time. On December 21, the Bombay High Court dismissed the petition filed by Teltumbde seeking the quashing of the FIR and granted interim protection from arrest for three weeks. At the Elgar Parishad event at Shaniwarwada in Pune, held a day before the January 1 caste clashes at Koregaon-Bhima, located near Pune, several activists allegedly made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the violence, police said.

Koregaon-Bhima case: Supreme Court refuses to quash FIR against activist Anand Teltumbde

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine in detail a plea seeking a court-monitored CBI or SIT probe into incidents of alleged police encounters and killings in Uttar Pradesh.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul perused the material on record and said issues raised in the petition by the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) required "serious consideration" and fixed the hearing on February 12.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, however, claimed all norms and procedures were followed by the state administration.

Earlier, the apex court had sought a response from the state government on the PIL filed by the NGO, alleging that there were about 1,100 encounters in 2017 in which 49 people were killed and 370 injured.

The NGO, in its plea, referred to news reports quoting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and ADG (law and order) Anand Kumar justifying encounter killings of criminals in the state.

It sought a probe into the encounters by an independent agency -- the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team comprising police officers of "integrity and who have not served in the state of Uttar Pradesh".

Quoting the figure provided by the state to the NHRC, it said 45 persons died between January 1, 2017 till March 31, 2018.

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine in detail a plea seeking a court-monitored CBI or SIT probe into incidents of alleged police encounters and killings in Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine in detail a plea seeking a court-monitored CBI or SIT probe into incidents of alleged police encounters and killings in Uttar Pradesh. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S K Kaul perused the material on record and said issues raised in the petition by the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) required "serious consideration" and fixed the hearing on February 12. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, however, claimed all norms and procedures were followed by the state administration. Earlier, the apex court had sought a response from the state government on the PIL filed by the NGO, alleging that there were about 1,100 encounters in 2017 in which 49 people were killed and 370 injured. The NGO, in its plea, referred to news reports quoting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and ADG (law and order) Anand Kumar justifying encounter killings of criminals in the state. It sought a probe into the encounters by an independent agency -- the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team comprising police officers of "integrity and who have not served in the state of Uttar Pradesh". Quoting the figure provided by the state to the NHRC, it said 45 persons died between January 1, 2017 till March 31, 2018.

Supreme Court to examine plea alleging encounter killings in Uttar Pradesh

Terming the Modi government's decision to provide 10-per cent reservation for the economically backward section in general category a move towards social justice, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said thousands of seats will be there in higher education institutions under the new category from the next academic session.

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the constitutional provision to provide 10-per cent reservation in government jobs and education to economically backward section in the general category. The bill was passed by Parliament on January 9.

"This is a revolutionary decision to deliver economic justice. This is a decision of social justice and my preparation has started. In June, when institutions opens (for next session), thousands of seats will be there under ten per cent reservation in institutions like IIT, IIIT, NIT, central universities and others,"&nbsp;Javadekar said at a function here on Sunday evening.

He said that no one's reservation was abolished and an additional 10 per cent reservation was given to economically backward sections of general category. 
Javadekar said Congress and other left parties had also promised such steps in their election manifestos but they did not take decision for providing reservation to economically backward people.

Attacking Congress, the minister said corruption was rampant in Congress led former UPA government and claimed that no scam took place in the BJP government's rule.&nbsp;

He also highlighted the achievements of the NDA government.&nbsp;

The party's national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi also targeted the Congress president Rahul Gandhi in the intellectuals' meeting here, that was also attended by the party's state president Madan Saini and others.

Terming the Modi government's decision to provide 10-per cent reservation for the economically backward section in general category a move towards social justice, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said thousands of seats will be there in higher education institutions under the new category from the next academic session.

Terming the Modi government's decision to provide 10-per cent reservation for the economically backward section in general category a move towards social justice, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said thousands of seats will be there in higher education institutions under the new category from the next academic session. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the constitutional provision to provide 10-per cent reservation in government jobs and education to economically backward section in the general category. The bill was passed by Parliament on January 9. "This is a revolutionary decision to deliver economic justice. This is a decision of social justice and my preparation has started. In June, when institutions opens (for next session), thousands of seats will be there under ten per cent reservation in institutions like IIT, IIIT, NIT, central universities and others," Javadekar said at a function here on Sunday evening. He said that no one's reservation was abolished and an additional 10 per cent reservation was given to economically backward sections of general category. Javadekar said Congress and other left parties had also promised such steps in their election manifestos but they did not take decision for providing reservation to economically backward people. Attacking Congress, the minister said corruption was rampant in Congress led former UPA government and claimed that no scam took place in the BJP government's rule. He also highlighted the achievements of the NDA government. The party's national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi also targeted the Congress president Rahul Gandhi in the intellectuals' meeting here, that was also attended by the party's state president Madan Saini and others.

10% reservation for economically weaker sections a revolutionary move towards social justice: Prakash Javadekar

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance.

Rajbhar who is a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has always been very critical of the BJP government.

In an interview to news agency ANI, Rajbhar said his party has given 100 days to the Bhartiya Janata Party to respond and if they do not wish to align, they (SBSP) will contest on all the 80 seat solo.

"We are with the BJP if the BJP wants to keep us then we will stay with them, if they don't want us, then we have given them 100 days, 12 days have already passed. We will fight on 80 seats after 100 days, "he said.

The comments have come at a time when the BSP and the SP announced their coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The SP and the BSP will contest on 38 seats each while the other two seats will be left for other parties.&nbsp;

Both the parties have also decided not to field any candidates from the Gandhi family stronghold - Amethi and Raebareli.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance.

Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP) President, OP Rajbhar said on Saturday that his party will break the alliance with the NDA if BJP does not want to continue with the alliance. Rajbhar who is a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has always been very critical of the BJP government. In an interview to news agency ANI, Rajbhar said his party has given 100 days to the Bhartiya Janata Party to respond and if they do not wish to align, they (SBSP) will contest on all the 80 seat solo. "We are with the BJP if the BJP wants to keep us then we will stay with them, if they don't want us, then we have given them 100 days, 12 days have already passed. We will fight on 80 seats after 100 days, "he said. The comments have come at a time when the BSP and the SP announced their coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The SP and the BSP will contest on 38 seats each while the other two seats will be left for other parties. Both the parties have also decided not to field any candidates from the Gandhi family stronghold - Amethi and Raebareli. (With inputs from ANI)

Will leave NDA if BJP is not interested: OP Rajbhar

Too much of social media such as Facebook makes people envious and creates bad mood that can accumulate over time into a general dissatisfaction with life, claims a new book.

Online social networks have made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family around the world, but a worrying factor is that they can easily become a "den of comparisons," says Ashesh Mukherjee in his book "The Internet Trap".

Mukherjee, a professor of marketing at the McGill University in Canada, says as social animals, people are hardwired to compare themselves with others, with the social media magnifying this "inherent aspect" of human nature.

With people now using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope and YouTube to interact, he says compared to face-to-face communication, online communication prompts users to talk more about unusual and desirable products they own, citing research findings.

"This is because online communication is usually in written form while face to face communication is in oral form. Writing gives people the time to construct and refine what they want to say and, during this time, the self-enhancement motive drives people to come up with interesting things to post.

"And once people start posting interesting information, others are likely to follow suit in a bid to keep up with the Joneses. This creates an arms race of one-upmanship, leading to ever more upward comparisons on the Internet," he says.

Mukherjee says he co-conducted a study in 2014 to analyse the psychological effects of "upward social comparisons" where participants were asked to browse social media such as Facebook and some other website, like CNN, for some time and then fill up a questionnaire measuring emotions such as pride, anger, joy, and envy.

"Of all the emotions measured, I found that envy was the most strongly associated with browsing social networks such as Facebook. Since envy is created by upward social comparisons, this study suggests that browsing social networks often makes us envious," he says in the book published by Rupa.

Envy could be either good or bad as on the positive side it can motivate people to work hard to advance their social standing, says Mukherjee, whose researches have focussed on marketing communications, word-of-mouth, online behaviour, and pro-social behaviour, among others.

"On the other hand, people experiencing envy are often ashamed and spend their mental energy trying to conceal their feelings from others," he says, adding that expanding mental energy "reduces self-control, which often leads to decisions we regret later."

"Another negative effect of envy is that it creates a bad mood that can accumulate over time into a general dissatisfaction with life," Mukherjee says.

Analysing the perils of comparisons on social, he cites another study of his to say that a vast majority of the pictures posted on Facebook were of people having a "good time".

In fact, he says, people even risk life and limb in pursuit of the perfect picture to post on social media as it has been reported that 57 people have been killed in India since 2014 while taking dangerous selfies on top of buildings, on train tracks, and on the beach.

"These 'selfie deaths' are a testament to the power of the social image: people like to show off, and social media has given us a bigger stage and a brighter spotlight than ever before to flaunt our stuff," Mukherjee says.

In "The Internet Trap", Mukherjee uses the latest research in consumer psychology to highlight the pros and cons of a more internet-dependent lifestyle and offers solutions to online problems including privacy issues.&nbsp;

Too much of social media such as Facebook makes people envious and creates bad mood that can accumulate over time into a general dissatisfaction with life, claims a new book.

Too much of social media such as Facebook makes people envious and creates bad mood that can accumulate over time into a general dissatisfaction with life, claims a new book. Online social networks have made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family around the world, but a worrying factor is that they can easily become a "den of comparisons," says Ashesh Mukherjee in his book "The Internet Trap". Mukherjee, a professor of marketing at the McGill University in Canada, says as social animals, people are hardwired to compare themselves with others, with the social media magnifying this "inherent aspect" of human nature. With people now using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope and YouTube to interact, he says compared to face-to-face communication, online communication prompts users to talk more about unusual and desirable products they own, citing research findings. "This is because online communication is usually in written form while face to face communication is in oral form. Writing gives people the time to construct and refine what they want to say and, during this time, the self-enhancement motive drives people to come up with interesting things to post. "And once people start posting interesting information, others are likely to follow suit in a bid to keep up with the Joneses. This creates an arms race of one-upmanship, leading to ever more upward comparisons on the Internet," he says. Mukherjee says he co-conducted a study in 2014 to analyse the psychological effects of "upward social comparisons" where participants were asked to browse social media such as Facebook and some other website, like CNN, for some time and then fill up a questionnaire measuring emotions such as pride, anger, joy, and envy. "Of all the emotions measured, I found that envy was the most strongly associated with browsing social networks such as Facebook. Since envy is created by upward social comparisons, this study suggests that browsing social networks often makes us envious," he says in the book published by Rupa. Envy could be either good or bad as on the positive side it can motivate people to work hard to advance their social standing, says Mukherjee, whose researches have focussed on marketing communications, word-of-mouth, online behaviour, and pro-social behaviour, among others. "On the other hand, people experiencing envy are often ashamed and spend their mental energy trying to conceal their feelings from others," he says, adding that expanding mental energy "reduces self-control, which often leads to decisions we regret later." "Another negative effect of envy is that it creates a bad mood that can accumulate over time into a general dissatisfaction with life," Mukherjee says. Analysing the perils of comparisons on social, he cites another study of his to say that a vast majority of the pictures posted on Facebook were of people having a "good time". In fact, he says, people even risk life and limb in pursuit of the perfect picture to post on social media as it has been reported that 57 people have been killed in India since 2014 while taking dangerous selfies on top of buildings, on train tracks, and on the beach. "These 'selfie deaths' are a testament to the power of the social image: people like to show off, and social media has given us a bigger stage and a brighter spotlight than ever before to flaunt our stuff," Mukherjee says. In "The Internet Trap", Mukherjee uses the latest research in consumer psychology to highlight the pros and cons of a more internet-dependent lifestyle and offers solutions to online problems including privacy issues.

Social media makes us envious, leads to dissatisfaction with life, says book

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a&nbsp;market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the&nbsp;police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.&nbsp;

As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest.&nbsp;Pak&nbsp;government sources, on the other hand, claim&nbsp;that the officer was arrested.

Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond.

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady. As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest. Pak government sources, on the other hand, claim that the officer was arrested. Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

Pak official gets into altercation with Delhi woman, let off after apology

It is exactly a month after 15 miners have been trapped in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. The chances of their rescue continue to remain bleak as dewatering the mine has so far been a futile effort.&nbsp;

Scientists and top notch agencies, known for their work in underground mines of the country, Sunday arrived in the East Jaintia Hills to step up efforts to rescue the miners in what is perhaps the country's longest rescue mission.

Operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI that a team headed by a scientist and comprising experts from Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (NGIR-CSIR) and Gravity and Magnetic Group, was at the spot.

Besides, a team each from the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Chennai-based Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) have arrived to step up the mission, he said.

Till date, the dewatering of the 370-foot-deep mine where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/submersible-robotic-inspection-firm-joins-meghalaya-mine-rescue-operation-190011">the miners are trapped</a> has proved futile as over 1 crore litres of water has been pumped out of the main shaft in the past one month, but there has been no visible change in the water level, the official said.

Another 2 crore plus litres of water was pumped out from the nearby abandoned mines suspected to be connected to the mine where the miners are trapped, but the rescuers are clueless 'how' and 'where' the water is coming from, he said.

In the Khloo-Ryngksan area, where the ill-fated mine is located at the western side of a small hillock, the Lytein river crisscrosses the valley for over 2 km.

Experts have been visiting the spot since December 20 for rescuing the miners after the news broke out at the national level, but the huge water level inside has foiled all their efforts.

Susngi said senior scientist of CSIR-NGRI Devashish Kumar and his team have arrived for the operation. Another scientist from the Gravity and Magnetic Group, Niraj Kumar and his team too arrived as have Jayanti Gogoi of GPR and Vineet Upadhyay, who is heading the team of operators of the ROV from Chennai.

A team from Pune-based KSB has also arrived at the site and work is in progress to instal another high power pump at the site, he said.

The teams have been joined by about 200 people from different agencies of the Government of India, including Indian Navy and NDRF, besides Coal India Ltd and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd.

The Supreme Court which is monitoring the rescue efforts has directed the authorities to step up their efforts and bring out the miners 'dead or alive'.&nbsp;

A citizens forum here associated with RTI activist Agnes Kharshiinz has approached the Supreme Court for a complete ban on coal mining in the state, saying there has been an "absolute" loss in terms of revenue from the industry and that all indices in the mining district are down with 76 per cent of people being landless.

Forum leader Angela Rangad said Sunday there were 24,626 coal mines in the district - about 52 mines/sq km at different stages of mining.

The forum alleged collusion between the state government and the illegal coal miners wherein the courts and the NGT were misled on several occasions on the total amount of extracted coal waiting to be transported.

"This is evident from the fact that out of the 57 months (since May 2014 when the ban was enforced), the NGT and the Supreme Court has allowed 32 months of transportation. Where did so much untransported coal come from?" Rangad said.

"We have requested the court to issue a direction to the state government to confiscate all untransported coal and use it in public undertaking factories," she said.

The report has been submitted to the Supreme Court for its perusal in Tuesday's hearing, the forum leader said and hoped that the judiciary would take cognisance of the evidence put forth in the 600-page report of the citizen's forum.

The National Green Tribunal had put a blanket ban on this type of mining since May 2014 as it said it was unscientific and put the life of miners at risk.

An interim relief of Rs 1 lakh has been offered to the family members of the trapped miners, officials said.

The mine owner, Krip Chullet, was arrested on December 14 while two of his accomplices are still on the run, Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger said.&nbsp;

Kharshiing, who narrowly escaped attempts on her life by coal mafia on November 8 last, Sunday demanded that the attack case be handed over to the CBI.

Eight out of the nine persons involved in masterminding the attack have been arrested so far, police said.

The arrested include Nidamon Chullet, the district leader of the ruling National Peoples Party, they added. 
&nbsp;

It is exactly a month after 15 miners have been trapped in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. The chances of their rescue continue to remain bleak as dewatering the mine has so far been a futile effort.

It is exactly a month after 15 miners have been trapped in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. The chances of their rescue continue to remain bleak as dewatering the mine has so far been a futile effort. Scientists and top notch agencies, known for their work in underground mines of the country, Sunday arrived in the East Jaintia Hills to step up efforts to rescue the miners in what is perhaps the country's longest rescue mission. Operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI that a team headed by a scientist and comprising experts from Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (NGIR-CSIR) and Gravity and Magnetic Group, was at the spot. Besides, a team each from the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Chennai-based Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) have arrived to step up the mission, he said. Till date, the dewatering of the 370-foot-deep mine where the miners are trapped has proved futile as over 1 crore litres of water has been pumped out of the main shaft in the past one month, but there has been no visible change in the water level, the official said. Another 2 crore plus litres of water was pumped out from the nearby abandoned mines suspected to be connected to the mine where the miners are trapped, but the rescuers are clueless 'how' and 'where' the water is coming from, he said. In the Khloo-Ryngksan area, where the ill-fated mine is located at the western side of a small hillock, the Lytein river crisscrosses the valley for over 2 km. Experts have been visiting the spot since December 20 for rescuing the miners after the news broke out at the national level, but the huge water level inside has foiled all their efforts. Susngi said senior scientist of CSIR-NGRI Devashish Kumar and his team have arrived for the operation. Another scientist from the Gravity and Magnetic Group, Niraj Kumar and his team too arrived as have Jayanti Gogoi of GPR and Vineet Upadhyay, who is heading the team of operators of the ROV from Chennai. A team from Pune-based KSB has also arrived at the site and work is in progress to instal another high power pump at the site, he said. The teams have been joined by about 200 people from different agencies of the Government of India, including Indian Navy and NDRF, besides Coal India Ltd and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. The Supreme Court which is monitoring the rescue efforts has directed the authorities to step up their efforts and bring out the miners 'dead or alive'. A citizens forum here associated with RTI activist Agnes Kharshiinz has approached the Supreme Court for a complete ban on coal mining in the state, saying there has been an "absolute" loss in terms of revenue from the industry and that all indices in the mining district are down with 76 per cent of people being landless. Forum leader Angela Rangad said Sunday there were 24,626 coal mines in the district - about 52 mines/sq km at different stages of mining. The forum alleged collusion between the state government and the illegal coal miners wherein the courts and the NGT were misled on several occasions on the total amount of extracted coal waiting to be transported. "This is evident from the fact that out of the 57 months (since May 2014 when the ban was enforced), the NGT and the Supreme Court has allowed 32 months of transportation. Where did so much untransported coal come from?" Rangad said. "We have requested the court to issue a direction to the state government to confiscate all untransported coal and use it in public undertaking factories," she said. The report has been submitted to the Supreme Court for its perusal in Tuesday's hearing, the forum leader said and hoped that the judiciary would take cognisance of the evidence put forth in the 600-page report of the citizen's forum. The National Green Tribunal had put a blanket ban on this type of mining since May 2014 as it said it was unscientific and put the life of miners at risk. An interim relief of Rs 1 lakh has been offered to the family members of the trapped miners, officials said. The mine owner, Krip Chullet, was arrested on December 14 while two of his accomplices are still on the run, Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger said. Kharshiing, who narrowly escaped attempts on her life by coal mafia on November 8 last, Sunday demanded that the attack case be handed over to the CBI. Eight out of the nine persons involved in masterminding the attack have been arrested so far, police said. The arrested include Nidamon Chullet, the district leader of the ruling National Peoples Party, they added.

One month on, chances of rescue for trapped Meghalaya miners continue to remain bleak

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Felling of trees for PM's helipad sparks row in Odisha

Mumbai: Blue light warning signal to passengers travelling by local trains

RTI activist challenges appointment of Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director in Supreme Court

Kashmir still a challenge due to Pakistan's destabilising activities: Rajnath Singh

PM Modi receives first-ever Philip Kotler award

JNU case: Delhi Police charge Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others with sedition

News brief: Big stories of the day

'Will fight case in court,' says CPI's D Raja after his daughter is charged in JNU sedition case

Watch: Day before it starts, fire breaks out at Kumbh Mela site

India prepares for Kumbh Mela, over 100 million devotees expected

Fire breaks out at Kumbh Mela, no casualties reported

Koregaon-Bhima case: Supreme Court refuses to quash FIR against activist Anand Teltumbde

Supreme Court to examine plea alleging encounter killings in Uttar Pradesh

10% reservation for economically weaker sections a revolutionary move towards social justice: Prakash Javadekar

Will leave NDA if BJP is not interested: OP Rajbhar

Social media makes us envious, leads to dissatisfaction with life, says book

Pak official gets into altercation with Delhi woman, let off after apology

One month on, chances of rescue for trapped Meghalaya miners continue to remain bleak